Degradable biocompatible block copolymer

Abstract

Disclosed is a biocompatible block copolymer containing the polycondensation product of a diol and an additional component selected from the group of the same diol, an α,ω-dihydroxy-polyester or an α,ω-dihydroxy-polyether. Also disclosed are a medical implant containing the block copolymer, the use of said block copolymer for the production of a medical implant, a diol and a method for the production thereof. The diol may be obtained by transesterification of α,ω-dihydroxy-[oligo(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)-ethylene-oligo-(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)] with diglycolide. Transesterification is carried out, preferably, in the presence of a catalyst.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
     
     
         19 . A biocompatible block copolymer having at least two chemically different block units obtainable by linear polycondensation of (1) a diol with (2) a component selected from the group consisting of the same diol, an α,ω-dihydroxypolyester and an α,ω-dihydroxypolyether, (3) in the presence of an additional compound selected from the group consisting of a diisocyanate, a diacid halide and a phosgene, 
 wherein the diol is obtainable by transesterification of α,ω-dihydroxy-[oligo(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)-ethylene-oligo-3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate) with a compound selected from the group consisting of a diglycolide, a dilactide, a caprolactone and mixtures thereof,    the α,ω-dihydroxypolyester is obtainable by transesterification of poly-(R)-hydroxyvaleric acid or copolymers thereof with 3-hydroxyvaleric acid with ethylene glycol,    the α,ω-dihydroxypolyether is selected from the group consisting of α,ω-dihydroxypoly(oxytetramethylene), α,ω-dihydroxypoly(oxyethylene) and copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.    
     
     
         20 . The biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the block copolymer is poly[poly[α,ω-dihydroxy-[oligo(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)-stat-glycolide)-ethylene-oligo-(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate-stat-glycolide)]alt-2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate]]-co-poly[dihydroxy[oligo-glycolide-ran-ε-caprolactone)-ethylene-(oligo-glycolide-ran-ε-caprolactone)]alt-2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate].  
     
     
         21 . The biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the block copolymer is biodegradable.  
     
     
         22 . The biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the block copolymer is degradable in human and animal bodies.  
     
     
         23 . The biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the block copolymer is melt-processible.  
     
     
         24 . The biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the block copolymer is obtainable by linear co-condensation with further low molecular weight compounds having additional functional groups.  
     
     
         25 . The biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 24 , further comprising chemically bonded pharmaceutically active substances or diagnostics.  
     
     
         26 . A shaped article comprising the biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 19 .  
     
     
         27 . A medical or veterinary medical implant comprising the biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 19 .  
     
     
         28 . An implant as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the implant has a porous structure.  
     
     
         29 . The implant as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the implant is in the form of a tube having one or more channels.  
     
     
         30 . The implant as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the implant is in the form of a heart valve.  
     
     
         31 . A surgical aid intended to be fixed in and/or on a human and/or animal body, comprising the biocompatible block copolymer as claimed in  claim 19 .  
     
     
         32 . A diol obtainable by transesterification of α,ω-dihydroxy-[oligo(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)-ethylene-oligo-(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)] with a diglycolide.  
     
     
         33 . The diol as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein the diol is α,ω-dihydroxy-[oligo(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)-stat-glycolide)-ethylene-oligo-(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate-stat-glycolide)].  
     
     
         34 . A process for preparing a diol, comprising reacting α,ω-dihydroxy-[oligo(3-R-hydroxybutyrate)-ethylene-oligo-3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)] with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of diglycolides, dilactides, caprolactones and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         35 . The process as claimed in  claim 34 , wherein the reacting is carried out in the presence of a catalyst.  
     
     
         36 . The process as claimed in  claim 34 , further comprising dissolving the diol is in methylene chloride for purification, and removing impurities.