Versatile Tissue-Injectable Hydrogels with Extended Hydrolytic Release of Bioactive Protein Therapeutics.

We developed injectable hydrogels that provide loco-regional, controlled release of protein therapeutics. Local delivery is especially suitable for potent, protein-based drugs like chemokines and monoclonal antibodies whose systemic toxicities can be life threatening. Our hydrogel is equipped with slowly hydrolyzing linkers for transient payload coupling, prolonging its therapeutic window and minimizing the need for repeat surgeries in a clinical setting. A range of release profiles, spanning days to over a month, and a broad compatibility to therapeutically relevant, recombinant proteins provide clinicians with flexible therapeutic options to suit a variety of circumstances.