Polyester Amide

Sustained release drug delivery solutions for multi-month release

Our polymeric drug delivery solutions enable you to create sustained release patient therapies that can lower the dosing frequency for patients.

We work with partners worldwide across the continuum of healthcare to create innovative medical devices and therapies that bring progress to life for patients everywhere

6 Months

Up to 6 months of controlled linear drug release

2030+

Broad IP lasting into the mid 2030's

30 Years

Of experience in materials for biomedical applications

Life is a Verb Drug Delivery
Why our polyester amide?

TheraPEA™ has excellent biocompatibility proven in multiple settings including ophthalmic1, intravascular2, and intra-articular3 applications. This biodegradable hybrid material has been developed to leverage desired physicochemical properties of Polyesters and Polyamides, in effect unlocking novel extended-release solutions.

How can our polyester amide be used?

TheraPEA™ polymer technology can be formulated with broad range of active molecules and processed into various forms including injectables, implants and drug eluting coatings.

Portfolio overview

Discover our solutions for sustained release drug delivery

TheraPEA™ biodegradable polyester amides

This highly degradable polymer enables you to create formulations with near-linear sustained release rates - from weeks to six months-plus - thus unlocking the potential for lower dosing frequency in patients. 

  • TheraPEA™ is a highly biocompatible polymer, proven in ophthalmic, intravascular, and intra-articular applications. 
  • It enables controlled degradation kinetics without acidification of the microenvironment – making it highly compatible with pH sensitive Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.

 

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Application spotlight: A Shared Vision for Next-Generation Solutions for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

As a world leader in eye care, our partner is currently focusing their efforts on long-acting therapies that improve the treatment landscape for patients living with wet AMD through small-molecule kinase inhibitors. 

Due to the challenging nature of delivery to the back of the eye with these types of molecules, this treatment requires a delivery system that enables sustained release.

Our partner developed their state-of-the-art delivery technology using our TheraPEA™ material as the delivery vehicle. As a result, they continue to make advancements in therapies based on proven molecules using our delivery platform to develop next-generation solutions for wet AMD patients across the globe4.

Frequently asked questions

Here are common questions that our experts get asked. If you have a different question, please contact us.

  • Significantly less frequent dosing
  • Better adherence to therapy, potentially leading to fewer side effects and complications

  • Hot melt extrusion, injection molding, or via solutions processing
  • Potential for injectable microparticle formulations or as an implantable delivery form (fibers, larger rods, coating or films)
  • Please contact us regarding any specific processing guidelines

  • Compatible with challenging Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (biologics, free amine small molecules, pH sensitive APIs)
  • Controlled degradation – no pH drop (no acidification)
  • Linear release of synthetic polymers - from multiple weeks to multiple months (>six-month data available for selected applications)
  • Polyester amides and polyurethanes from DSM Biomedical have a long and proven clinical history

  • Small molecules (hydrophilic, hydrophobic, salts, anti-inflammatory, steroids, anti-cancer, anaesthetics, prostaglandin analogs, kinase inhibitors)
  • Biologics (peptides, proteins, and antibodies)

Pain management, metabolic disease management (Type II diabetes, obesity), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), oncology, women’s health, cardiovascular, anti-psychotics, viral disease management (HIV, Hepatitis C); with others evaluated on a case-per-case basis.

We take different approaches, depending on the case (therapeutic area, type of partner).
Please contact us to learn more.

Yes, we do. Over the years we have accrued an enormous amount of knowledge and IP covering both the biocompatible polymers and processes used to create sustained release drug delivery solutions. For more information, contact us.

Technical resources

Looking for more information on how our sustained drug delivery solutions can help you tackle unmet needs?

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TheraPEA™ Biodegradable Polyester Amide Platform Brochure                                   

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Changing the Therapeutic Landscape for Pain Associated with Knee Osteoarthritis

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An Elegant Solution for Delivery of Acid Sensitive Pharmaceuticals                           

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New Sustained Release Solutions for Pain Management                                              

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Overcoming Limitations in Sustained Release Drug Delivery

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Enabling Long-Lasting Outcomes in Coronary Stenting

We understand that medical product development can be a long, winding - and occasionally bumpy road. Rest assured that at dsm-firmenich Biomedical, we have the proven experience, capabilities, and knowledge to support you every step of the way. 

It starts with using a form-fit-function approach based on a comprehensive understanding of how the human body reacts to biomaterials following implantation. This in turn enables us to design materials that are compatible with the body’s physiology and help you develop finished products that can sustain, restore, and repair – all supported by applicable regulatory requirements. 

Get in touch

Bring your idea to life. Our knowledgeable biomaterials team is here to assist you. Explore how we can collaborate to develop cutting-edge regenerative medicine and devices.
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  1. Polymers 2014, 6, 243
  2. Expert Review of Medical Devices 2017, 14, (9), 669
  3. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(3), 372
  4. Mihov G. Overcoming challenges with formulation of nucleophilic APIs in the development of long-acting therapies. dsm-firmenich.