Singapore researchers develope gel that can make drugs last longer

Last edited Thu Jun 25, 2015, 03:51 PM - Edit history (1)

SINGAPORE: Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can deliver drugs to the body with long-term efficacy, which will prove useful for patients suffering from chronic diseases such as hepatitis C (Hep C), said the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR on Thursday (Jun 25).

In a press release, IBN said that the standard treatment for chronic Hep C includes a weekly injection of a protein drug called PEGylated interferon. These frequent injections increase patient discomfort, are time-consuming and can cause depression and fatigue.

With the new hydrogel, Hep C patients might face less injections - and less discomfort.

IBN’s research team, led by principal research scientist Motoichi Kurisawa, has created a gel with 3D microscopic structures of a polymer compound called polyethylene glycol (PEG), which resemble “reservoirs”.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-researchers/1940780.html