ProGel delivers meds for long-term local effect

ProGel is a platform technology with a diverse spectrum of drug payloads, such as steroids, statins, antioxidants, opioids, chemotherapeutics, and hormones.  Ensign Pharmaceutical’s initial product focuses on managing osteoarthritis pain, incorporating a potent steroid, dexamethasone, into the formulation.

When injected into a joint, dexamethasone provides temporary relief of debilitating pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis, a chronic condition that slowly erodes the protective cartilage at the end of bones.

While effective for pain relief, the benefit of dexamethasone is unfortunately short-lived, usually lasting only a few days. However, when formulated with ProGel, dexamethasone has the potential to remain active much longer, potentially providing relief for months. In addition to providing a more sustained and stable local release of medication, the hydrogel also has the benefit of limiting potential harmful side effects, including weight gain, increased blood sugar, insomnia and osteoporosis.

A liquid at lower temperatures, ProGel transforms into a gel-like substance as it reaches body temperature. The gel is then more likely to linger in the affected area, concentrating the pharmaceutical payload exactly where it needs to be.

Any number of pharmaceuticals can combine with ProGel, for localized and sustained delivery of a variety of therapeutic agents. For example, ProGel could help treat other musculoskeletal disorders such as chronic back pain, tendonitis, bursitis, fracture repair, spinal fusion, and periodontal bone regeneration.

It may also serve as a depot for sustained drug delivery in a broad spectrum of disorders, including hormone therapy for high-risk pregnancy, and localized chemotherapy.

Learn more at www.ensignpharmaceutical.com.