Other researchers have used polymers as carriers to deliver drugs into the body, but Rutgers says this is the first time a polymer has been used as an actual drug. The drug is made up of about 100 individual molecules of aspirin strung together in a chain to form an elastic compound, or polymer. The active ingredient, salicylic acid, is also what causes stomach irritation. The structure of PolyAspirin allows the molecule to break down into salicylic acid in the intestine rather than the stomach, which avoids the irritation. The mice treated with PolyAspirin also grew 37 percent more new bone than the control group, which indicates its use could affect treatments of gum disease and the use of orthopedic pins, as well as aid healing after hip surgery.
Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in many acne treatments, and it also reduces inflammation.
Therefore, both cosmetic and dental product companies have come calling as well. Another benefit is that PolyAspirin could be delivered to the site of the pain or inflammation, avoiding ingestion altogether. Although human trials are most likely still two years away, Uhrich says the results of the mouse study were encouraging. Based on this, we're confident it will work well in people. Wired Digital Inc. All rights reserved.