Mechanical properties and degradation process of biliary self-expandable biodegradable stents.

Objectives: The clinical outcomes and prevalence of adverse events associated with biliary biodegradable stents (BS) can differ according to degradation process and time. The aim of this study was to observe the degradation process and time of different BS prototypes, and to evaluate sequential changes in their mechanical properties.

Methods: Using an in vitro bile flow phantom model, we compared degradation time, radial force changes, and morphologic changes among four different BS prototypes: polydioxanone (PDO) BS, polyglycolide (PGA) BS, polydioxanone/poly-l-lactic acid (PDO/PLLA) sheath-core BS, and polydioxaone/magnesium (PDO/Mg) sheath-core BS.

Development of an oral bentonite-based modified-release freeze-dried powder of vactosertib: Pharmacokinetics and anti-colitis activity in rodent models of ulcerative colitis.

Vactosertib is a novel inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β signaling. Clinical applications of vactosertib have been challenging since conventional oral formulations such as immediate-release tablets demonstrate a rapid rise and fast decline in plasma concentrations. In this study, a novel bentonite-based, modified-release, freeze-dried powder of vactosertib was developed and evaluated to determine its potential in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.