Robert Langer

2020-10-27 Assigned to THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, INC. reassignment THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ALEXIS, FRANK, FAROKHZAD, OMID C.

Improvements in ingestible electronics with the capacity to sense physiological and pathophysiological states have transformed the standard of care for patients. Yet, despite advances in device development, significant risks associated with solid, non-flexible gastrointestinal transiting systems remain. Here, we report the design and use of an ingestible, flexible piezoelectric device that senses mechanical deformation within the gastric cavity. We demonstrate the capabilities of the sensor in both in vitro and ex vivo simulated gastric models, quantify its key behaviours in the gastrointestinal tract using computational modelling and validate its functionality in awake and ambulating swine. Our proof-of-concept device may lead to the development of ingestible piezoelectric devices that might safely sense mechanical variations and harvest mechanical energy inside the gastrointestinal tract for the diagnosis and treatment …

A method for the systemic delivery of a polypeptide within a subject is provided by creating genetically modified skin cells via topical introduction of a genetically engineered virus which delivers a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic polypeptide for expression by the skin cells, wherein the expressed therapeutic polypeptide is secreted by the skin cells and is introduced into the circulatory system of the subject.

(63) Continuation of application No. 15/484,892, filed on A23L 33/10 (201608); 461 K 31/593 Apr. 11, 2017, now Pat. No. 11,541,017, which is a (2013 01); 461 K 31/23 (201301); 461 K continuation of application No. 14/572,346, filed on 31/875 (2013 01); 461 K 33/18 (201301); Dec. 16, 2014, now Pat. No. 9,649.279. A6IK 33/26 (201301); 461 K 45/06 (201301);

Residence devices for long term delivery of therapeutic compounds and/or for sensing one or more relevant parameters in vivo are disclosed. In one embodiment, a residence device may include a plurality of links interconnected by a corresponding plurality of flexible hinges to permit the residence device to be deformed into a contracted configuration and subsequently permitted to return to an expanded configuration once positioned in a desired location, such as the stomach, of a subject. In some instances, at least a portion of the interconnected links may include a first link segment, a second link segment, and a coupling that selectively connects the first link segment to the second link segment. The coupling may be configured to weaken or decouple a connection between the first link segment and the second link segment when exposed to a temperature greater than a threshold temperature to selectively weaken …

Drug delivery articles, resident articles, and retrieval systems eg, for gram-level dosing, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the articles are configured for transesophageal administration, transesophageal retrieval, and/or gastric retention to/in a subject. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal administration with a gastric resident system. In some cases, the article may be configured to control drug release eg, with zero-order drug kinetics with no potential for burst release for weeks to months. In some embodiments, the articles described herein comprise biocompatible materials and/or are safe for gastric retention. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal retrieval. In some cases, the articles described herein may comprise relatively large doses of drug (eg, greater than or equal to 1 gram).

2018-01-30 Assigned to NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), US DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS), US GOVERNMENT reassignment NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), US DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS), US GOVERNMENT CONFIRMATORY LICENSE (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Bioplastics — typically plastics manufactured from bio-based polymers — stand to contribute to more sustainable commercial plastic life cycles as part of a circular economy, in which virgin polymers are made from renewable or recycled raw materials. Carbon-neutral energy is used for production and products are reused or recycled at their end of life (EOL). In this Review, we assess the advantages and challenges of bioplastics in transitioning towards a circular economy. Compared with fossil-based plastics, bio-based plastics can have a lower carbon footprint and exhibit advantageous materials properties; moreover, they can be compatible with existing recycling streams and some offer biodegradation as an EOL scenario if performed in controlled or predictable environments. However, these benefits can have trade-offs, including negative agricultural impacts, competition with food production, unclear EOL …