| abstract |
The invention is concerned with novel ingestible cross-linked homopolymers having functional groups consisting of linear or branched amines, of the formula: P[NR(CH2)n]mN(R)2or (Ia) <IMAGE> (Ib) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the formulae: P[N+(R)2(CH2)n]mN+(R)3.(m + 1)X-and (Ic) <IMAGE> (Id) wherein P(or POLYMER PARALLEL -) represents a hydrophobic, cross-linked and non-digestible homopolymer backbone; R is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl radical; X- is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion; m is an integer varying from 1 to 6 inclusive; and n, o and p are, independently, integers varying from 2 to 12 inclusive. The amine functionalized and cross-linked homopolymers of the invention are highly efficient adsorbents for bile acids and salts and can thus be used for reducing hypercholesterolemia in affected humans. |