In-situ forming gels are innovative polymer hydrogel systems that transition from liquid to gel upon administration, triggered by factors like temperature, pH, light, or ions. One of the significant applications of this technology is the development of embolic agents, which are used to occlude blood vessels in the management of tumors and vascular disorders.
In-situ forming solution is designed to be injected as a liquid and rapidly transforms into a gel in response to body temperature.
Embolization therapy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat conditions such as hypervascular tumors by severing their "lifeline." By obstructing the tumor's blood supply, we effectively deprive it of the oxygen and nutrients essential for its growth, which can lead to tumor shrinkage or even necrosis.
During the procedure, a catheter is carefully guided to the specific blood vessel supplying the tumor. An embolic agent is then injected to block blood flow or deliver targeted treatment directly to the affected area. This powerful technique is employed for both primary and metastatic tumors, helping to alleviate symptoms, reduce tumor size, and enhance the safety of future surgeries by minimizing the risk of significant bleeding.
While embolization has become an accepted modality of cancer treatment, the procedure still has a number of limitations and challenges:
Failure to deeply and comprehensively penetrate the tumor vascular bed, allowing for continued tumor blood flow
Inadvertent delivery into healthy vessels leading to non-target embolization and healthy tissue injury
Dependence on blood coagulation to complete embolization, potentially delaying occlusion in patients with compromised blood clotting
Inefficient embolic preparations
Procedural complexity from compromised visibility and nuanced applications that require rigorous training and expertise
Controlled, precise, deep delivery for complete occlusion
Biodegradable, biocompatible, solvent- and heavy metal-free
Simple, ready-to-use radiopaque solution
NovaSeal™ is composed of a biocompatible polymer mixture preloaded with a contrast agent that transitions from a liquid to a gel state at a critical temperature.
Packaged in a sterile syringe with a standard Luer lock tip, it is injected into a target vessel via intravascular catheters under real-time imaging guidance.
Upon injection, NovaSeal™ forms a hydrogel embolus, creating a mechanical barrier that occludes blood flow to the target area.
The formed hydrogel creates a precise mechanical barrier that effectively blocks blood supply to hypervascular tumors, starving cancer cells of oxygen and nutrients.
Demonstrated rapid and robust gelation, enhanced mechanical stability, and excellent biocompatibility with minimal tissue irritation.
Ideal composite structure for radiopaque agent loading and potential for real-time image monitoring.
Our team is now focused on executing animal studies, which will lay the groundwork for first-in-human trials in the near term.