Polymers in Human and Veterinary Pharmaceuticals: A Journey into Biodegradability

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At Sorensis, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for animals by providing
innovative solutions to unmet needs. One of the key players in this endeavor is the
fascinating world of polymers. These versatile materials have significantly impacted both human and veterinary medicine. In this series of articles, we will delve into the origins, functions, and future prospects of polymers in therapeutic applications.

What Are Polymers?

Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating subunits called monomers.
They form the backbone of various materials, from plastics to biological structures.
In our context, we focus on biodegradable and biocompatible polymers—those that
play essential roles in health and healing.

What about the Origin Story: Natural vs. Synthetic Polymers

Natural Polymers

  • Collagen:
    • Abundant in skin, bones, and tendons.
    • Used for wound healing, tissue repair, and cosmetic surgery in animals.
    • Nature’s building block.
  • Gelatin:
    • Derived from collagen.
    • Applied in veterinary medicine for wound care.
    • A tasty band-aid for our furry friends.
  • Chitosan:
    • Derived from crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and fungal cell walls.
    • Serves as a scaffold for tissue regeneration.
    • Eco-friendly and versatile.

Synthetic Polymers

  • PLGA: Poly lactide co Poly glycolide
    • A fundamental polymer used for therapeutic developments.
    • Derived from lactic acid and glycolic acid which are sourced from sugarcane, beet and corn.
    • Used for tailored degradation profiles for drug delivery.
    • Eco-conscious and adaptable.

Crafting Therapeutic Solutions: How Polymers Work Their Magic

  • Drug Delivery: Imagine PLGA nanoparticles releasing medicine gradually, like a tiny time-release capsule. Polymers make it happen.
  • Tissue Engineering: Collagen scaffolds support tissue regeneration. It’s like giving nature a blueprint for healing.

What Lies Ahead: The Next Gen Polymers

  • Uniform Degradation: Scientists aim to fine-tune polymer breakdown to reduce unwanted therapeutic surprises!
  • Custom Polymers: Imagine tailor-made polymers for specific therapies to solve unmet therapeutic needs. The future is exciting and this is central to the decision of Sorensis to collaborate with Pendant Biosciences.
  • Teamwork: Polymers teaming up with active pharmaceutical actives and other materials — synergy at its finest.


Conclusion: Polymers— A solution for unmet therapeutic needs

Next time you hear about PLGA, collagen or next generation polymers, remember
they could be the unsung heroes making a difference in healthcare

References

  1. Ponnusamy, P.G.; Mani, S. Material and Environmental Properties of Natural Polymers and
    Their Composites for Packaging Applications—A Review. Polymers 2022, 14, 4033.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194033
  2. Brostow, W., Datashvili, T. (2016). Environmental Impact of Natural Polymers.
    In: Olatunji, O. (eds) Natural Polymers. Springer, Cham.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26414-1_10