CMTI Seminar Series: Weiliam Chen, Ph.D.

Rapid in situ Gelable Hydrogels Composed of Natural Carbohydrates

Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, New York University

Abstract

This seminar describes the development of a class of in situ gelable hydrogel composed of chitosan and dextran which does not require extraneous physical/chemical enablement. The original goal was to optimize the hydrogel and formulate an embolic agent medical device as a minimally invasive endovascular approach to address cerebral aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation. Product conceptualization, design, revision/improvement, in vitro testing and pre-clinical studies will be discussed to reflect the technology development process and the proof-of-concept of the proposed therapy; some emphases will be placed on various technical aspects of the embolic agent. The second part of the seminar will focus the commercialization of the hydrogel technology; this will include the formation of a business entity and its initial development and evolution. The subsequent economic downturn had prompted the company to implement adaptations and eventually, the complete revision of the original business strategy leading to developing a different medical device product.