Patent ID: 6322804
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: A61K,A61P,C12N,Y10S

Abstract:
An implantable immunoisolatory vehicle for providing a biologically active product or function to an individual, the immunoisolatory vehicle comprising:(a) a core comprising at least 10.sup.4 living cells, said cells being capable of secreting a selected biologically active product or of providing a selected biological function to an individual, wherein said core is designed to maintain the viability and function of the living cells and said cells within said core having a maximum depth-to-surface distance of 2 mm in at least one dimension; and(b) an external diffusional surface jacket having a thickness of 5 to 200 microns surrounding said core formed of a biocompatible material free of said cells projecting externally thereof, said jacket having a molecular weight cutoff below the molecular weight of substances essential for immunological rejection of the cells but permitting passage of substances between the individual and core through said jacket required to provide said biological product or function.