Excessive activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) occurs in many diseases; however, the systemic administration of MMP inhibitors can cause undesirable, off-target effects and hence, clinical translation has been hampered. Now, injectable polysaccharide-based hydrogels are shown to enable the localized delivery of an inhibitor of MMP following the hydrogels’ degradation in response to MMP activity. This targeted approach shows efficacy in a myocardial infarction model in large animals.
- Brendan P. Purcell
- David Lobb
- Jason A. Burdick
