Ion binding polymers and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising potassium binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hyperkalemia, such as hyperkalemia caused by renal failure and/or the use of hyperkalemia causing drugs.

1 .- 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A method for treating hyperkalemia in a patient in need thereof comprising:
 administering to the patient a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and a crosslinked polymer comprising at least one monomeric unit having at least one cation exchange moiety selected from   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       in the form of a bead. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the patient suffers from hyperkalemia resulting from renal insufficiency caused by treatment with a potassium-sparing diuretic, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, an angiotensin receptor blocker, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, heparin, or trimethoprim. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the patient is co-administered a potassium-sparing diuretic, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, an angiotensin receptor blocker, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, heparin, or trimethoprim. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the bead form results from a heterogeneous polymerization process. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37  wherein the heterogeneous polymerization process is suspension polymerization. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the bead form results from a heterogeneous polymerization process. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39  wherein the heterogeneous polymerization process is suspension polymerization. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the crosslinked polymer comprises an alpha-fluoroacrylate polymer. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the polymer comprises methyl 2-fluoroacrylate monomeric units. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 37  wherein the polymer is produced from a polymerization mixture comprising a free radical initiator. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43  wherein the polymer is produced from a polymerization mixture further comprising a water-soluble salt. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the crosslinked polymer comprises a cationic counterion of Ca 2+ . 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the crosslinked polymer comprises a cationic counterion of Ca 2+ . 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the acid group of the cation exchange moiety is in its protonated, ionized or anhydride form. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the acid group of the cation exchange moiety is in its protonated, ionized or anhydride form. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the polymer is an alpha-fluoroacrylic acid polymer crosslinked with divinylbenzene, ethylene bisacrylamide, N,N′-bis(vinylsulfonylacetyl)ethylene diamine, 1,3-bis(vinylsulfonyl) 2-propanol, vinylsulfone, N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide polyvinyl ether, polyallylether, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49  wherein the alpha-fluoroacrylic acid polymer is crosslinked with divinylbenzene. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the polymer is an alpha-fluoroacrylic acid polymer crosslinked with divinylbenzene, ethylene bisacrylamide, N,N′-bis(vinylsulfonylacetyl)ethylene diamine, 1,3-bis(vinylsulfonyl)2-propanol, vinylsulfone, N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide polyvinyl ether, polyallylether, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51  wherein the alpha-fluoroacrylic acid polymer is crosslinked with divinylbenzene.