Supramolecular Hydrogels Containing Angiotensin Receptor Blockers for Targeted Treatment of Diabetic Wounds

Unmet Need: Dysregulation in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been increasingly implicated in abnormal diabetic wound healing. The effect of angiotensin receptor blockers in a wounded subject can be harmful during the early stages of wound healing; however, use of angiotensin receptor blockers during the later proliferative and remodeling stages of wound healing ) can significantly enhance wound healing rate and improve scar quality. This narrow margin between harm and benefit as well as need for frequent drug administration are major obstacles impeding the therapeutic use of angiotensin receptor blockers in wound healing. Advantages of the invention described herein include:

• Self-assembling hydrogels maintain moist environment needed for wound healing
• Biocompatibility and non-adherent nature reduces discomfort
• Greatly simplified and extended usage due to healing and anti-inflammatory properties

 
Technical Background: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed novel amphiphilic compounds that self-assemble into a hydrogel composition useful for treating wounds, including chronic wounds and diabetic wounds. The compounds of the invention have structural characteristics, such as hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, that enable self-assembly into discrete nanostructures, which then entangle to form the hydrogel. The hydrogel comprises a plurality of compounds that contain a therapeutic agent moiety and hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements that give structure to the composition. Exemplary amphiphiles enriched with valsartan significantly enhanced would healing in wound closure studies in vivo.

Patent Status: Pending US application 15/765,357

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