Patent ID: 6878758
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: A61K,A61L,C08G,C08J,C08K,C12N,C12P

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing a biocompatible biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate composition that has a controlled degradation rate under physiological conditions, wherein the mass loss, as measured bvxas chromatography, is greater than 5% over a six week period in vivo, or wherein the average molecular mass loss, as measured by gel permeation chromatography, decreases 20% to 50% over a ten week period in vivo, comprising (a) incorporating monomeric units as chemical linkages into the polymer backbone which alter the chemical stability of the polymer backbone; (b) replacing linkages in said polymer backbone which alter the chemical stability of the polymer backbone; (c) incorporating pendant groups into the polymer which alter the chemical stability of the polymer backbone; (d) incorporating additives which alter the chemical stability of the polymer; or (e) combinations thereof.