Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

The discovery/invention that is the subject of this NSERC I2I Market assessment proposal is a novel syntheticx000D
polymer referred to as pro-healing polymer (PHP) (Univ.Toronto Disclosure No. 10002755, US provisionalx000D
application No.x000D
62/037,359, PCT No. PCT/CA2015/000461). PHP has the ability to reduce implant device-associatedx000D
inflammation by influencing initial adsorbed protein immediately following implantation. A majorx000D
complication associated with implanted devices is the formation of a fibrotic capsule as a result of a chronicx000D
inflammatory response that in many instances can impede the device's performance. This chronic inflammatoryx000D
response is mediated by white blood cells, particularly monocytes and derived macrophages. Following thex000D
surgical implantation of a biomaterial, whether it is part of a biomedical device or tissue engineered product,x000D
the first biological event that occurs is the adsorption of proteins from protein-rich bodily fluids (e.g. blood,x000D
interstitial fluid). Blood monocytes and macrophages that adhere to the implants thus interact with thex000D
biomaterial-associated adsorbed protein layer, rather than directly with the device itself. PHP is prepared usingx000D
three monomers which can be selected to (1) provide desirable mechanical properties depending on thex000D
requirements of a proposed application, (2) exhibit biodegradable/bioresorbable or substantiallyx000D
non-degradable properties, and (3) be manufactured through both heat and light curing methods. A commonx000D
feature of PHP is the ability to modulate the pro-inflammatory serum protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) to limitx000D
exposure of pro-inflammatory domains, thus reducing activation of adherent monocytes and macrophages thatx000D
can damage the implant. The main aim of the proposed market assessment is to assess the market potential ofx000D
the proposed product through assessment of market size, competitive landscape, barriers to entry, and marketx000D
trends. Analysis will also be performed to assess potential factors affecting the commercialization of thex000D
technology, including issues regarding product adoption by end-users, product positioning, potential