Heparin is the most effective and widely used drug clinically for anticoagulation and prophylaxis of thromboembolism, and shows promise for several other applications. Because the oral bioavailability of heparin is essentially zero, low-dose regimens are given by deep subcutaneous injection, while full-dose therapy is administered by continuous infusion intravenously, due to heparin's short half-life and the risk of bleeding complications. Heparin administration is further complicated by difficulty to titrate heparin and the requirement to frequently monitor and individualize heparin doses. We propose a more convenient and patient- friendly method of continuous heparin administration as well as monitoring by transdermal delivery of heparin using ultrasound. We have recently shown that application of ultrasound and electric fields individually enhances skin permeability, thus allowing delivery of complex macromolecules like heparin. The specific goals of this project are to combine the effects of ultrasound and electric fields in order to develop an effective and practical method for l) delivery of therapeutic doses of heparin, and 2) monitor plasma levels of heparin. The overall goal of this project is in the eventual development of a technology that combines heparin delivery and monitoring system into a self-regulated heparin delivery system.Proposed commercial application:The potential commercial application of the proposed project is a novel and a safe method to monitor and deliver heparin. Heparin is a widely used drug for blood anti-coagulation for numerous clinical applications and has the potential for use in several other applications. A efficacious method to monitor and deliver heparin will not only be cost-effective but also safe and patient-friendly. The eventual commercial goal of this proposal is in the development of a technology that combines heparin delivery and monitoring system into a self-regulated heparin delivery system.National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
