An assessment of market opportunities for pro-healing polymer (PHP) technology

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The discovery/invention that is the subject of this NSERC I2I Market assessment proposal is a novel syntheticpolymer referred to as pro-healing polymer (PHP) (Univ.Toronto Disclosure No. 10002755, US provisionalapplication No.62/037,359, PCT No. PCT/CA2015/000461). PHP has the ability to reduce implant device-associatedinflammation by influencing initial adsorbed protein immediately following implantation. A majorcomplication associated with implanted devices is the formation of a fibrotic capsule as a result of a chronicinflammatory response that in many instances can impede the device's performance. This chronic inflammatoryresponse is mediated by white blood cells, particularly monocytes and derived macrophages. Following thesurgical implantation of a biomaterial, whether it is part of a biomedical device or tissue engineered product,the first biological event that occurs is the adsorption of proteins from protein-rich bodily fluids (e.g. blood,interstitial fluid). Blood monocytes and macrophages that adhere to the implants thus interact with thebiomaterial-associated adsorbed protein layer, rather than directly with the device itself. PHP is prepared usingthree monomers which can be selected to (1) provide desirable mechanical properties depending on therequirements of a proposed application, (2) exhibit biodegradable/bioresorbable or substantiallynon-degradable properties, and (3) be manufactured through both heat and light curing methods. A commonfeature of PHP is the ability to modulate the pro-inflammatory serum protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) to limitexposure of pro-inflammatory domains, thus reducing activation of adherent monocytes and macrophages thatcan damage the implant. The main aim of the proposed market assessment is to assess the market potential ofthe proposed product through assessment of market size, competitive landscape, barriers to entry, and markettrends. Analysis will also be performed to assess potential factors affecting the commercialization of thetechnology, including issues regarding product adoption by end-users, product positioning, potential