Indian Patents. 228339:"A RETRIEVABLE INTRAUTERINE DEVICE"

Title of Invention	"A RETRIEVABLE INTRAUTERINE DEVICE"
Abstract	A retrievable intrauterine device for placing within the uterine cavity one or more encapsulated elements (1) capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising an intrauterine device loaded with said encapsulated elements (1).

Full Text	INTRAUTERINE DEVICE, METHOD OF MAKING SUCH A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PUTTING ACTIVE ELEMENTS WITHIN THE UTERINE CAVITY The present invention relates generally to intrauterine devices and to method for placing elements into the uterine cavity notably for therapeutic purposes. The uterine cavity is an anatomical location which the direct access is not easy and until now, the intrauterine devices are only used in the art of contraceptive methods. However, the uterine cavity may be used for several other purposes with an appropriate intrauterine device, notably for treating directly the uterine wall (endometrium and/or myometrium), for temporary in vivo embryo/egg incubation and as an appropriate administration way to reach the general blood system. The present invention provides with means in this connection. The present invention relates to a retrievable intrauterine (uterine cavity or Fallopian tube) device notably for implantation of gametes or embryos into the uterus (or tube) allowing to perform in vivo and in utero (or intraFallopian tube) fertilization and/or preimplantatory development in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The invention also relates to a similar ,intrautetine deyice for implantation of genetically modified cell lines by genes transfection into the uterus in order to deliver molecules near the endometrium without systemic effect and permitting to modify and prepare more specifically the endometrium before embryo transfer after ART or natural conception, or in contrary to avoid any pregnancy (contraception) as standard IntraUterine Device (IUD). The invention also relates to a similar intrauterine device allowing the delivery of various active elements within the uterine cavity. In particular, said active elements can be both gametes/embryos and genetically modified cell lines by genes transfection for bioactive factors secretion in order to improve the uterine environment for in vivo incubated gametes/embryos (embryos possibly resulting from cloning or any other technique). The present invention can be applied to any mammalian species. According to a first aspect, the invention concerns reproductive medecine in particular the in vitro fertilization (IVF) in assisted reproductive technology and drug delivery from the uterus using an intrauterine device associated to cell encapsulation technology. Since the introduction in 1978, IVF has become the preferred procedure for addressing most causes of infertility in humans. As a part of the IVF process, the reproductive cells (oocytes and spermatozoa) and the resulting fertilized oocytes (zygotes, embryos) are treated according to specified procedures using in vitro culture media adapted to each specific step in the procedure. A standard in-vitro fertilization (IVF) comprises the following steps: - Maturation (Oocyte recruitment) To ensure maturation of more than one oocyte, the women are treated with hormones prior to the actual fertilization procedure. Usually the woman is treated for 14-21 days with a element (GnRH agonist) which will disrupt then normal hormonal control signals between the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary) and the ovary. Thereafter relatively large doses of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) are administered for 10-20 days depending on ovarian response. FSH will stimulate to maturation of many follicles each containing an oocyte. When the oocytes are ready for ovulation, human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) is administered to finalize oocyte maturation. - Aspiration of oocytes After maturation in vivo, the oocytes are collected from the woman's ovaries using ultrasound guided follicular puncture. - Fertilization and embryo culture In vitro fertilization is obtained by adding spermatozoa to the oocytes (In vitro fertilization «IVF») or by microinjecting one spermatozoon into each mature oocyte (Intracytoplasmatic sperm injection-ICSI). The fertilized oocytes are cultivated in IVF media outside the genital tract for two to five days. - Embryo transfer After two to five days of embryo in vitro culture a few embryos are selected and transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter. The ultimate goal of in vitro fertilization and embryo culture is to provide high quality embryos that are capable of continuing normal development and results in live births. - In vitro culture for preimplantatory embryo development Despite nearly 20 years of treating patients with IVF and more recently intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), implantation rates per embryo transferred remain low, on average about 20%. Most IVF centers around the world perform the embryo transfer at day 2 or 3 which means 3 or 2 days before the physiological implantation time. Recent development in the field of embryo physiology and metabolism have led to the formation of new sequential serum-free culture medk designed to simulate the dynamic environment as the embryo travel along the reproductive tract (Gardner et al., 1996). Sequential culture media systems (G1.2/G2.2) have the highest rate of blastocyst formation which remains low at 50% (Gardner et al., 1998). The rationale for culturing embryos to the blastocyst stage is that it allows selection for transfer of embryos with proven developmental capacity. Furthermore, the transfer of a blastocyst into the uterus is physiologically closer to the in vivo situation than transferring an early cleaving embryo that would normally be present in the Fallopian tube and has less risk to be expulsed from the uterus because of a reduced time before embryo implantation. Most recent papers have shown the beneficial effect of in vitro coculture of the zygote with human endometrial epithelial (Simon et al., 1999) and/or stromal (Barmat et al., 1998) cells on the number of blastomeres per preembryo, the rate of development to the morula-blastocyst stage, the rate of spontaneous hatching and the percentage of cytoplasmic fragments, and implantation rate as recently described by Spandorfer et al., 2002. In the report of the year 1994 of assisted reproductive technology activities in the United States and Canada, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) have the higher rate of clinical pregnancy compared to in vitro fertilization. More recently, Levran et al., in 2002 demonstrate that zygote intrafallopian tube transfer improve the outcome in repeated implantation failure compared to a tranfer of blastocysts after standard IVF. These findings would suggest that the presence of zygote into the upper genital tract may be important for the embryo development profiting of all known and unknown growth factors present in the uterine fluid and its potentiality to invade the endometrium during the implantation process. Furthermore, in bovine studies have recently demonstrated that in vivo produced embryos were less alterated compared 'to in vitro ones; with more intercellular communication devices (Boni et al., 1999) and more mature mitochondria in particular (Crosier et al., 2000). All the above mentionhed studies confirm that in vitro embryo preimplantatory development is far to be optimal instead of all efforts to optimize culture media by mimic uterine fluid characteristics. The present invention provides with a novel method in ART using the cell encapsulation technology in order to notably permit to gametes and/or preimplantatory zygotes/embryos in IVF programmes (or cloning for all other mammalian species) to benefit from a temporary natural incubation into the uterus. Furthermore, a controlled in time of the intrauterine incubation may lead to a better quality of embryo development and consequently to a higher implantation rate, and it may have an economical advantage with a lower cost/benefit to the standard IVF procedure above all if blastocyst transfer is generalized in ART units. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to the in utero delivery of active elements by the implantation of tissues, cells or cell lines, possibly genetically modified, notably for cellular therapy. In all mammallian species the success of implantation is related to a perfect crosstalk between a good quality embryo and a receptive endometrium. In the domain of assisted reproductive technology (ART), clinicians are limited in the control of the complex events of endometrium receptivity by endocrinological treatment by the administration of 17beta estradiol and progesterone to mimic the physiological sequential follicular and luteal phases. In the basic science literature, most studies are now focusing on the paracrinology of periimplantation between the embryo and the endometrium using in vitro and in vivo models as knock-out mouses lacking the interest molecule. For instance, it has been shown that in integrin betal-deficient mice (Fassler and Meyer, 1995) and female mice with a null' mutation of interleukin-11 receptor alpha chain (Robb et ah, 1998) embryos failed to implant. However, in rodents it is establihed that direct contact between the embryo and the endometrium is not necessary (Shiotani et ah, 1993).Whereas embryo implantation rate is remained stable and low since two decade we can say that endocrine manipulation with vaginal progesterone and hCG systemic administration and finally 17beta oestradiol are far to be optimal and quite far to the complexe paraprinology of embryo implantation processes. The present invention provides a novel concept in ART using the cell encapsulation technology in order to implant cell lines genetically modified secreting a molecule of interest near the endometrium temporary before embryo transfer in IVF programmes. Such an intrauterine molecule(s) or "drug" delivery, closer to the target tissue permits a better and more selectively preparation of the endometrium and a use of small molecules with short half time or molecules with secondary effects forbidden in systemic administration. According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an implantable/insertable device to deliver agents capable of preparing the uterus before receiving embryo(s) before implantation into the wall of the uterus or for treating the uterus. With respect to this embodiment, certain or most drugs, nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, peptides, proteins and the like capable of stimulating the uterus specifically with respect to preparation of embryo implantation, or any other therapeutical agent can also be easily delivered by the device of the invention containing polymers or cells releasing these agents. In fact, the retrievable intrauterine device of the invention for drug delivery has specific advantages for women who can not receive drugs normally given by injection or other delivery routes. In addition, delivery of agents through the uterine wall may be an optimal means for treating forms ef reprbductiye system cancers and/or other reproductive diseases, as well as any uterine diseases. The invention notably provides a cell encapsulation intrauterine device for in vivo and in utero gametes fertilization and/or embryo preimplantatory development with a control of time (from several minutes to 48, 72 h) where the uterus play a role of "natural incubator" before the definitive embryo transfer in IVF programmes. Thus, the cell encapsulation intrauterine device of the invention is a novel and modified intrauterine device, similar to contraceptive IUD as described in US patent No 3,628,530 by Jerome Schwarz in 1969 and in US patent No 3,516,403 by Rene" Cournut in 1967, which has, according to the present invention, to permit a temporary introduction of gametes or embryos associated or not to other somatic cells (in vivo coculture) into the uterine cavity and its retrieval after a defined time by using a cell encapsulation technology as described in WO 91/00119 by Thomas Mandel et al. in 1989, WO 01/64185 A2 by Newman and Kram in 2000 and in US patents No 5,158,881 by Aebischer et al. in 1990 and No 6,054,142 by Li et al. in 1996. In fact, the present invention concerns a retrievable intrauterine device for placing within the uterine cavity one or more encapsulated element(s) capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising an intrauterine device loaded with encapsulated elements. According to the present invention, the term "element(s)" means any organic or inorganic, cellular or molecular, natural or synthetic compound(s) or substance(s). The term "loaded" encompasses not only the case where the intrauterine device of the invention is the support of said encapsulated element which can be for example be adsorbed on the surface of said device, but also the case where said elements are contained within the device of the invention. According to a preferred embodiment, the retrievable intrauterine device of the invention is provided with at least one housing in which said encapsulated element(s) is/are loaded. Different elements may be mixed in the same housing or placed in separate housings. The expression "capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid" encompasses not only the case where said elements are delivered by the device of the invention in the uterine fluid in order to produce an effect on the wall (endometrium and/or myometrium) of the uterine cavity (first case), but also the case where said elements are staying within the device and have known or unknown exchanges or interactions with the uterine fluid and/or with the uterine wall (endometrium and/or myometrium) (second case). According to a first aspect of the "first case", said elements may be not only agent(s) capable of treating the uterus but also agent(s) capable of treating any pathology. In fact, agent(s) capable of treating the uterus will be delivered from the device of the invention into the uterine fluid and will have an effect directly on the wall of the uterine cavity. This kind of agent is selected from the group comprising agent(s) capable of preparing the uterine wall for optimal embryo implantation, agent(s) capable of preparing the uterine wall for optimal egg culture, agent(s) capable of therapeutically treating the uterus and contraceptive agent(s). The advantage of such a system allows using agents capable of having a direct effect of the target organ in avoiding the systemic way. Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the "first case", the device of the invention can allow the delivery of agents capable of treating any pathology by the in utero administration. In other words, this kind of agent will be delivered in the uterine fluid, will then enter into contact with the wall of the uterine cavity and will pass through the venous system of the endometrium before passing through the general blood system. In other words, the in utero administration is a possible way of administration of any drug likely to treat any pathology in connection with any organ. Among the elements likely to be loaded in the retrievable intrauterine device of the invention, one must also cite tissues, cells or cell lines secreting one or more agent(s) (for cellular therapy), somatic cells, stem cells (totipotent cells), recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle (for gene therapy); sens or antisens mRNA sequences, male and/or female gametes, fertilized oocyte (two pronuclei cell), unfertilized egg and any combination of the above elements. The above "second case" concerns fertilized oocyte (two pronuclei cell) and unfertilized egg where the uterus plays the role of a natural incubator allowing the culture of said embryo or egg in a natural medium in lieu of an in vitro medium. In this case, no element loaded in the intrauterine device of the invention is delivered into the uterine fluid and the expression "having interactions with the uterine fluid" encompasses the situation where the embryo or the egg has exchanges or interactions with the environmental medium constituted by the uterine fluid and the uterine wall. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one agent secreted by tissues, cells or cell lines is selected from the group comprising drugs, hormones, nutrients, peptides, proteins, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics, neuro-transmitters, neuromodulators. In this connection, the present invention encompasses the case where tissues, cells or cell lines secreting agents likely to be loaded in the device of the invention can be genetically modified in order to obtain the secretion of the desired product. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the agent capable of therapeutically treated the uterus is selected from the group comprising anti-inflammatory agents, arnino acids, fatty acids, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, proteins, peptides, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antibiotics, sens or anti-sens mRNA sequences, recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the element loaded in the retrievable intrauterine device of the invention is capable of treating cancers, forms of reproductive system cancers, reproductive diseases and uterine diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, bleeding disorders and various infections (non limitative list). In fact, the device of the invention presents a number of advantages: said device is not likely to cause any trouble to the uterus due to the fact that it is not implanted within the uterine wall, it does not require surgery or anesthesia to be inserted and it can be inserted in a completely ambulatory fashion. Furthermore, elements may be delivered in phase with the natural menstrual cycle and in association with hormone dependent gene expression systems controlling drug delivery from the device. It is also very important to note that, as the percutaneous way of administration, the in utero administration allows to avoid the first hepatic passage of the administered element(s). This causes less toxicity and said element(s) present(s) a better bio availability. Finally, said device can be rapidly retrieved with surgical intervention. Figure 1 illustrates an example of device according to the present invention (with 1: capsule, 2: support zone A-distal part- and support zone B-proximal part, 3: plunger, 4: protective tube, 5: membrane or valve for disclosure, 6: wings, 7: removal, 8: silicone tether). As example, the device of the invention comprises: 1.a capsule • non-biodegradable • semi permeable • polymeric material (i.e. polyethersulfone or PES. Source = Akzo Nobel Faser AG, Wuppertal, Germany) hollow fibers such as polyacrylates (including copolymers), polyvinylidienes, polyurethanes • pores: has to be adapted for an optimal environment quality with a permeability from small to large molecules present into the uterine fluid • Pore-size: from 0.005 µm = molecular weight cutoff of 150 kDa to 280 kDa • Pore-structure: microporous or any adapted structure • Outer diameter = adapted to the optimal size to go through the cervix into the uterine catheter (i.e. 700µm) • inner diameter = adapted to the size of egg or embryo (i.e. 500 µn), around 5 times the egg or embryo size (egg size with the corona radiata = 200 µm in human), or adapted to the size of the molecules to be delivered, • length adapted to the uterine cavity avoiding endometrial lesions and any deleterious factor by uterine distension and finally its expulsion (i.e. about 1.5cm) • cylindric shape or any adapted shapes for the uterine cavity taking into account the above-mentionned point. 2. two supports, zones A (distal) and B (proximal) as described for IUD in US patent 3,628,530 by Schwarz with the following modification: • distal part (A) closed by acrylate-based glue, Luxtrack LCM 23 (Ablestik, USA) or any other system as cap, proximal part (B), hollow and openable with a one sens direction (on the inside) valve. • zone A support comprises two wings or any other devices (it can comprises asymetrical wings in a similar material than the support covered by a thin hydrophilic material which becomes thicker at fluid contact) in a similar material or others than the support permitting a stable position of the device into the uterus. • zone B support comprises a silicone tether to attach the removing thread in order to retrieve the device 3. a plunger 4. an operating handle being coupled with the plunger 5. a removing fiber for removing the intrauterine encapsulating device 6. an attachement device for attaching the removing fiber ensuring immovable position of the intrauterine encapsulating device with respect to the plunger 7. a protective tube encompassing the plunger as described by Lehtinen Matti et al. in 1994 (patent number CZ 286820), but with a plunger permitting the loading of gametes; embryos, drugs or any other element with a standard pipette by the IVF biologist. The present cell encapsulation intrauterine device may take any shape which will accommodate gametes and/or embryos or any other above mentioned element to be encapsulated using an adapted micropipette for loading. A preferable implantable embryo culture device is a tubular, selectively permeable membrane with an adapted pore size in order to permit adequate nutrients transfer to the embryo such as O2, proteines, growth factors and other known and unknown factors released from the endometrium, having one end through which gametes or embryos are loaded into cell compartment. The controlateral end may then be permanently occluded with caps or alternatively with an epoxy glue or sutures of a biocompatible and non resorbable material like polypropylene. Concerning the structure of the retrievable intrauterine device according to the present invention, a retrievable hollow fiber device with internal diameter, dimensions ranging from 100-10,000 microns and having a suitable means for attachment of the device to uterine cavity (wall) is ideal as an egg/embryo chamber for inter uterine incubation. The current device design employed in connection with the present invention is a Polyethersulfone membrane with MW cutoff of approximately 240,000 daltons, wall diameter of 100 microns and inner diameter of 472 microns. Wall thickness can range from 50-500 microns depending on the composition, porosity, hydraulic permeability, pore size and strength of the encapsulating material. Molecular weight cutoffs can vary'from 50,000 to > 1 million molecular weight. Furthermore, the encapsulating material can be composed of any biocompatible material including Polyethersulfone, Pan-PVC or expanded PTFE and formulated with laminated or single membrane structures. The encapsulating device may or may not contain a matrix or internal lining material. The length can range from 0.5 cm-5 cm or what ever will fit comfortably within the uterus. As indicated above, one of the most important considerations for this device are that it be capable of holding an embryo without damage for incubation directly in the uterus to be fully retrievable. In addition, the device has been designed with little or no tissue reaction, with smooth surfaces such that it will be implantable/insertable and retrievable without inducing inflammatory or fibrotic reactions and or inappropriate uterine wall tissue damage or scarring. Finally, the device has been designed such that it has a means of remaining within the uterus (i.e. small suture thread glued into the tip of the. device for attachment inside or outside the uterus) and that can be easily retrieved (attached suture thread) at any time after uterine implantation. Devices similar in composition to those used currently by Modex Therapeutics (PES 5, PES 1, PES 10/10) hollow fiber device and used in the past by Cytotherapeutics (Pan-PVC) are ideal for such applications although any device, which meets this general description will be appropriate for the contemplated uses, The device of the invention can be surgically implanted passing through the cervix as a standard IUD for contraception into the uterus and removed after a defined time of incubation. However, the present invention may use as implantation site the Fallopian tube permitted by a modification of the present cell encapsulation intrauterine device for instance without the distal part with the two wings. This implantation is more difficult in access and need to use a surgical procedure as coelioscopy with general anesthesia or culdoscopy with local anaesthesia. Such in vivo intra Fallopian embryo culture is similar to GIFT or ZIFT except the fact that using the cell encapsulation device of the invention the incubation time is under control and an unlimited number of embryos can be loaded which were retrieved and selected for transfer after a simple flushing procedure. Thus, zygotes or embryos at different stages (day 2 to 5) can be loaded with a standard micropipette into the capsule of the cell encapsulation intrauterine device of the invention after standard IVF with or without ICSI. The invention,also relates to a method of preparing a retrievable intrauterine device for placing one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising the steps of: providing said element under the appropriate form to be encapsulated, providing a retrievable intrauterine device suitable for receiving encapsulated elements), loading said device with said element(s). The invention also relates to a method for placing one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interaction with the uterine fluid comprising the steps of: providing a retrievable intrauterine device, implanting said device within the uterus cavity for a determined duration. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the above method is carried out in the uterine cavity of a mammal preferably selected from the group comprising bovine, ovine, porcine and humans, More particularly, the present invention may be carried out according to the following process: A. In vivo fertilization Injection of prepared sperm and retrieval oocytes in the encapsulating device for implanting into the uterus. After a defined and controlled incubation time (2 hours par exemple) of in vivo and in utero culture, encapsulated sperm and oocytes are retrieved and zygotes and/or non fertilized oocytes are Collected after a simple flushing procedure. Selection of zygotes for cryopreservation or in vitro culture of the remaining embryos to be transfered at day 3. B. In vivo preimplantatory embryo development Conventional in vitro fertilization of prepared sperm and retrieved oocytes. Injection of several embryos at different stage of developement (i.e 6-8 cells) in the cell encapsulation device permitting the implantation into the uterine cavity during a controlled time (i.e 48 hours). After removal from the uterus the encapsulating system device embryos at the blastocyst stage are flushed from the device and transfered into the uterine cavity using a conventional transfer catheter or delayed in a further cycle after freezing. C. In vivo embryo assisted hatching Recently, it has been demonstrated that the process of blastocyst hatching as well studied and described in in vitro programmes has been erroneously accepted in rodents as representing a natural event (Gorizates et al., 2001). Indeed, it seems in hamster species that the uterine contribution in vivo to blastocyst escape from the zona pellucida, consisting of proteinases secreted from the uterus, is the primary mechanism for zona loss in ittero, whereas the in vitro lytic activity is secondary to the invasive behavior of trophectoderm. Taking into account such surprising results, the present invention using the intrauterine cell encapsulation device of the invention to incubate temporary embryos can be used to perform a novel method for assisted hatching: the in vivo embryo assisted hatching. On this basis, in vivo and in utero culture of the gametes and/or preimplantatory embryos with a time control using the cell encapsulation device of the invention will permit a real dialogue at the embryo-maternal interface with a paracrine action of several known but also unknown factors from endometrium (or from the tube in case of intraFallopian implantation) and embryos important for the optimal embryo development which will lead to a bettef success of implantation process in ART programmes. Other scientists have described gametes of embryos encapsulation (Loi et al., 1992; Nebel et al., 1993). However, they all used biodegradable materials (sodium alginate) and have as objectives to eliminate several problems associated with the procedure of embryo transfer (trauma) and to improve embryo protection before implantation and to protect the free zona pellucida of the embryo (Cosby et al., 1990 ; Adaniya et al., 1993). To the best of the knowledge of the inventor, the novel concept described in the present invention permitting a natural incubation of gametes and/or embryo by using the cell encapsulation device of the invention has never been published or proposed by scientists. The invention also provides with a method using a cell encapsulation device with genetically cell lines by genes transfection as described in US patents No 4,686,098 by Kopchick et al. in 1984 and No 4,892,538 by Aebischer et al. in 1987 modified in order to be implanted into the uterine cavity which has never been published by scientists before the present invention. This novel device as mentionned above permits a novel method to deliver from the uterine cavity molecules near the endometrium without systemic effect and permit to modify and prepare more specifically the endometrium before embryo transfer after in vitro fertilization in ART or natural conception, or in contrary to avoid any pregnancy (anti-implantatory, anti-fertilization) as standard IUD. This novel concept of bioactive factors delivery into the uterine cavity may lead to a better understanding of the specific paracrine effect on the endometrium tissue and may permit in the near future the development of a novel and complementary cellular therapy approach to modulate and prepare the endometrium for embryo implantation in ART. EXAMPLE 1: In vivo and in utero embryos culture in a mouse model The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the ability to perform in vivo and in utero preimplantatory embryo development using a modified semi-permeable hollow fiber as a capsule in a mouse model. Zygotes were obtained using a standard ovarian stimulation protocol in 4- to 5-week old prepubertal females using 5 IU PMSG, which corresponds to day 1 of the procedure (Folligon, Veterinaria) and 5 IU human chorionic gonadotropin, i.p. (Choluron, Veterinaria), day 3, at 17:00, 48 h apart, in order to induce superovulation. Females were caged with CBAxC57Bl males at the time of the HCG injection (day 3). Embryos at 6-8 cells were collected at day 5 after caging males and females and cultured either in vivo (group 1) or in vitro using a sequential medium culture (group 2). Only two female with a copulation plug were operated and used for this experiment. Females were killed by cervical dislocation and laparotomy was performed to exteriorize the uterine horn and the tube in order to collect embryos. Transfer of 6-8 cells embryos into the right or the left horn were performed at day 3 of two pseudopregnant females (recipients). Group 1 embryos (in vivo culture) were loaded into a modified hollow fiber device according to the invention (semi permeable polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fibers, Source - Akzo Nobel Faser AG, Wuppertal, Germany) with an outer diameter = 680um and inner diameter - 480 um of 0.5 cm length, attached to a 6.0 sterilized and non resorbable surgical thread by using a fine glass pipette under microscopic visualization. A dorsal laparotomy was performed under ether anaesthesia according a standard procedure in order to exteriorize the right or the left horn and implant the intrauterine device with encapsulated zygotes into the lumen of right or left horn. After fixing surgically the intrauterine device with encapsulated zygotes the horn was replaced in its anatomical position and hooks were used to close the skin. After a period of 48 h transferred females were killed by cervical dislocation and laparotomy was performed to exteriorize the left or right horn containing the intrauterine device and to retrieve it. Embryos were collected after cutting both distal part of the device and a capsule cavity flushing with culture medium. Table 1 shows the results of two experiments comparing the in vivo and in vitro (as control) development of 6-8 cells embryos after 48 h culture. In group 1, all encapsulated 6-8 cells embryos continued their development into the uterus similar to the control group. However, a delay was noted in development compared to the in vitro embryos culture. This example shows for the first time that intrauterine device with encapsulated embryos may allow their natural incubation into the uterus with a possible development at least similar to the conventional in vitro culture. From the available literature, IUD has ever been considered as hostile to fertility and always related to contraception. The presence of a foreign body in the uterine cavity is known to interfere with reproduction in all species. However, the affected steps of reproductive processes are far to be clear in literature. It appears that it may vary according to species. It is generally accepted that IUD induce a local inflammatory reaction in the endometrium. Whereas in mouse and rat this chronic infiltration of polymorphonuclear seems to be related to bacterial infection and to transforms the uterine endometrium in an hostile environment with embryo toxic secreted factors (Parr et al., 1967), 20 years after, Alvarez et al. (1988) showed in women that IUD may affect the fertilization before that the blastocyst enters the uterine cavity. The above results demonstrating a mouse embryo "development without degeneration are against the generally accepted scientific opinion that in animal models the uterus itself kills embryos by releasing several toxic factors. The delay in development as shown in in vivo encapsulated embryos may be explained to the unoptimal size of pores or inner lumen diameter leading to a lower concentration of nutrients around it. Furthermore, the time itself which was sometimes several minutes in room temperature to implant the IUD with encapsulated embryos into the uterus before in vivo culture may explain thermic and gazous shockes with deleterious effect on preimplanted embryo. EXAMPLE 2: intrauterine erythropoietin delivery Intrauterine erythropoietin (Epo) delivery using a.modified and invented encapsulated mouse Epo secreting mouse C2C12 cells decrease apopotosis in endometrium and increase blood hematocrit suggesting a direct effect of EPO on nearby endometrium tissue and systemic effect of Epo delivred from the uterus . Erythropoietin is produced by the kidney in adults and the liver in fetuses. It is a key factor for regulating erythropoiesis by stimulating proliferation and differentiation of late erythroid precursor cells. It has been shown recently that the brain has a paracrine Epo/EpoR and that Epo may prevent neuronal apopotosis after cerebral ischemia (Siren et al., 2001). Interestingly, Epo seems to be implicated in uterine angiogenesis. Taking into account the above mentioned physiological effect of Epo, the evaluation of the effect of Epo on endometrium by delivering Epo from the uterus using the cell encapsulation device of the invention and the evaluation of the cell viability in this new implantation site for a device the uterine cavity by measuring the blood hematocrit have been made. Mouse C2C12 myoblast cells were transfected with a plasmid containing the mouse Epo cDNA and a mutated dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene for gene amplification upon administration of increasing; doses' of metKotrexate; Epo secreting cell lines were loaded into polyethersulfone microporus hollow fibers in order to be implanted into the uterine cavity. Characteristics of this novel invented cell encapsulation device are similar to the description in example 1. A total of 14 devices were used implanted in a blinded fashion in the present experiment, group 1: mEpo-C2C12 (n=7) with Epo secretion and group 2: mEpo-C2C12 control cells (n=7) without Epo secretion. At day 14, according to a standard accepted protocole for animal sacrifice, the uterus was removed and capsule retrieved in order to be pulsed for mEPO output. The uterus was fixed in 10% formol for immunohistochemistery and TUNEL assay to test apoptosis. A significant increase blood hematocrite in group 1 with intrauterine Epo delivery (59.4 +/-6.8) compared to group 2 without Epo delivery (45.7 +/-2.P), p It is noted that Epo, similar to its effect recently described in neuronal cells, decrease apoptosis in endometrium tissue. The endometrium is thus a new target of Epo with a modulation of apoptosis. Transfected cell line encapsulated in microporous hollow fiber are viable after 14 days of intrauterine incubation which has never been tested as implantation site for cell encapsulation device before. Epo secreted by transfected cell line go across the microporous wall of the device and is resorbed through the endometrium and through the systemic circulation according to the significant increase of blood hematocrit intreated animals. These results confirm that i) the uterus may be an excellent natural incubator confirming the results of example Nol for embryo development and ii) drug delivery may use in woman or female animals the uterine cavity as implantation site of a cell encapsulation system. Table 1 (Table Removed)* early blastocysts, no retrieval after capsule flushing of 2 embryos * 1 early blastocyst, 1 embryo lasted REFERENCES: . Adaniya GK, Rawlins RG, Quigg JM, Roblero L, Miller IF, Zaneveld First pregnancies and livebirths from transfer of sodium alginate encapsulated embryos in a rodent model. L J Fertil Steril 1993 59:652-6. . Alvarez F, Brache V, Fernandez E, Guerrero B, Guiloff E, Hess R New insights on the mode of action of intrauterine contraceptive devices in women Fertil Steril 198849:768-773 . Barmat LI, Liu HC, Spandorfer SD, Xu K, Veeck L, Damario MA, Rosenwaks Z Human preembryo development on autologous endometrial coculture versus conventional medium. Fertil Steril 1998 70:1109-13 . Boni R, Tosti E, Roviello S, Dale B. Intercellular communication in in vivo- and in vitro- produced bovine embryos Biol Reprod 1999 61: 1050-1055 . Cosby NC, Dukelow WR Microencapsulation of single, multiple, and zona pellucida-free mouse preimplantation embryos in sodium alginate and their development in vitro. J Reprod Fertil 1990 90:19-24 . Crosier A, Farin P, Dykstra M, Alexander J, Farin C. Ultrastructural morphometry of bovine compact morulae produced in vivo or in vitro Biol Reprod 2000 62: 1459-1465 . Fassler R and Meyer M Consequences of lack of ßi integrin gene expression in mice. Genes and Development 1995 9:1876-1908 . Fazleabas A, Donnelly KM, Srinivasan S, Fortman JD, Miller JB. Modulation of the baboon (papio anubis) uterine endometrium by chorionic gonadotrophin during the period of uterine receptivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1999 96:2543-8 . Gardner DK, Lane M, Calderone I and Leeton J. Environnement of the preimplantation human embryo in vivo: metabolite analysis of oviduct and uterine fluids and metabolism of cumulus cells Fertil Steril 1996 65: 349-353 . Gardner DK, Schoolcraft WB, Wagley L, Schlenker T, Stevens J and Hesla J. A prospective randomized trial of blastocyst culture and transfer in in vitro fertilization Hum Reprod 1998 13: 3434-3440 . Gonzales D, Bavister B, Mese S. In utero and in vitro proteinase activity during the Mesocricetus auratus embryo zona escape time window Biol Reprod 2001 64: 222-230 . Levran D, Farhi J, Nahum H, Royburt M, Glezerman M, Weissman A. Prospective evaluation of blastocyst stage transfer vs. zygote intrafallopian tube transfer in patients with repeated implantation failure Fertil Steril 2002 77: 971- 977 . Loi P, Ledda S, Gallus M, Filia F, Cappai P, Naitana S. Microencapsulation in Na-alginate and in vitro development of sheep blastomeres. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 199268:311-4 . Nebel RL, Vishwanath R, McMillan WH, Saacke RG Microencapsulation of bovine spermatozoa for use in artificial insemination : a review. Reprod Fertil Dev 1993 :701-12 . Parr E, Schlaedler R, Hirsch J. The relationship of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to infertility in uteri containing foreign bodies JExpM'ed 1967 126: 523-535 . Robb L, Li R, Hartley L, Nandurkar HH, Koentgen K, Begley CG Infertility in female mice lacking the receptor for interleukin 11 is due to a defective uterine response to implantation. Nature Medicine 1998 4:303-308 . Simon C, Mercader A, Garcia-Velasco J, Nikas G, Moreno C, Remohi J, Pellicer A Coculture of human embryos with autologous human endometrial epithelial cells in patients with implantation failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999 84:2638-46 . Siren A-L, Fratelli M, Brines M et al. Erythropoietin prevents neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischemia and metabolic stress Proc Natl Acad Sci 2001 98:4044- 4049 . Shiotani M, Noda Y, Mori T. Embryo-dependent induction of uterine receptivity assessed by an in vitro model of implantation in mice. Biol Reprod 1993 49:794- 801 . Spandorfer SD, Barmat LI, Navarro J, Liu HC, Veeck L, Rosenwaks Z Importance of the biopsy date in autologous endometrial cocultures for patients with multiple implantation failures Fertil Steril 2002 77:1209-1213 CLAIMS 1. A retrievable intrauterine device for placing within the uterine cavity one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising an intrauterine device loaded with said encapsulated elements. 2. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 1, wherein said device is provided with at least one housing in which said encapsulated element(s) is/are loaded. 3. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said element is selected from the group comprising: - agent capable of treating the uterus, agent capable of treating any pathology, - tissues, cells or cell line secreting one or more agents, somatic cells, stem cells, recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle, sens or antisens mRNA sequences, male and/or female gametes, fertilized oocyte, - unfertilized egg, and any combination thereof. 4. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 3, wherein the agent capable of treating the uterus is selected from the group comprising: agent capable of preparing the uterine wall for optimal embryo implantation, - agent capable of preparing the uterine wall for optimal egg culture, agent capable of therapeutically treating the uterus, - contraceptive agent. 5. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one agent secreted by tissues, cells or cell line is selected from the group comprising drugs, hormones, nutrients, peptides, proteins, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators. 6. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 4, wherein the agent capable of therapeutically treating the uterus is selected from the group comprising anti-inflammatory agents, amino acids, fatty acids, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, proteins, peptides, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, anxiolytics, antidepressant, antibiotics, sens or antisens mRNA sequences, recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle. 7. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one agent is secreted by genetically modified tissues, cells or cell line. 8. The retrievable intrauterine device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said element is capable of treating cancers, forms of reproductive system cancers, reproductive diseases and uterine diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, bleeding disorders and various infections. 9. A method of preparing a retrievable intrauterine device for placing within the uterine cavity one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising the steps of: providing said element under the appropriate form to be encapsulated, - providing a retrievable intrauterine device suitable for receiving encapsulated element(s), loading said device with element(s). 10. A method for placing with the uterine cavity one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising the steps of: - providing a retrievable intrauterine device as defined in one of claims 1 to 6, - loading said retrievable intrauterine device with said one or more encapsulated elements, implanting said device within the uterus cavity for a determined duration. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one encapsulated element is placed within the uterine cavity of a mammal. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the mammal is selected from the group comprising: bovine, ovine, porcine, horses and humans. 13. Use of a retrievable intra uterine device for placing within a uterine cavity element(s) selected in the group comprising: - tissue(s), cell(s) or cell line(s), - recombinant virus(es) as gene transfer vehicle(s), or - sense or antisense mRNA sequence(s), or any combination thereof, capable of delivering one or more agent(s) within the uterine cavity for therapeutic or preimplantatory purposes. 14. Use of a retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one agent is secreted by tissue(s), cell(s) or cell line(s) genetically modified. 15. Use of a retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the element(s) are placed within the intrauterine cavity of a mammal. 16. Use of a retrievable intrauterine device according to anyone of claims 13 to 15, wherein the mammal is selected from the group comprising: bovine, ovine, porcine, horses and humans. 17. Method for incubating encapsulated element(s), wherein said element is selected in the group comprising: embryo(s), fertilized oocyte(s), - unfertilized egg(s), male and/or female gamete(s), or any combination thereof, within a uterine cavity, comprising the steps of: - providing with said encapsulated element(s), - loading a retrievable intrauterine device suitable for receiving encapsulated element(s), - implanting said device within a uterine cavity for a determined duration. 18. Method according to claim 17 wherein said device is implanted within the uterine cavity of a mammal. 19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the mammal is selected from the group comprising: bovine, ovine, porcine, horses and humans. 20. Method of treating any pathology comprising placing in utero a retrievable intrauterine device delivering an agent capable of treating said pathology passing through the general blood system. 21. Method according to claim 20, wherein said pathology is selected from the group comprising cancer, form of reproductive system cancer and reproductive disease. 22. Method of treating any uterine disease comprising placing in utero a retrievable intrauterine device delivering an agent capable of treating said disease. 23. Method according to claim 22, wherein said uterine disease is selected from the group comprising endometriosis, adenomyosis, bleeding disorders and infections. 24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein said agent is selected from the group comprising anti-inflammatory agents, amino acids, fatty acids, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, proteins, peptides, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antibiotics, sens or anti-sens mRNA sequences, recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle. 25. Method of preparing an uterus before the in utero embryo(s) implantation comprising placing in utero a retrievable intrauterine device delivering one or more agent(s) capable to prepare the uterine wall for receiving embryo(s). 26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the at least agent is selected from the group comprising: drugs, nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acides, peptides, proteins or is secreted by encapsulated tissues, cells or cell lines loaded in/on the uterine device. 27. Method according to claim 26, wherein the at least agent secreted by tissues, cells or cell lines is selected from the group comprising anti-inflammatory agents, amino acids, fatty acids, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, proteins, peptides, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antibiotics, sens or anti-sens mRNA sequences, recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle. 28. Method of increasing the hematocrite in patient in need thereof comprising placing in utero a retrievable intrauterine device delivering erythropoietin. 29. Method according to claim 28, wherein said erythropoietin is secreted by a cell line loaded under encapsulated form in/on said retrievable intrauterine device.

Full Text

INTRAUTERINE DEVICE, METHOD OF MAKING SUCH A DEVICE
AND METHOD FOR PUTTING ACTIVE ELEMENTS
WITHIN THE UTERINE CAVITY
The present invention relates generally to intrauterine devices and to method for placing elements into the uterine cavity notably for therapeutic purposes. The uterine cavity is an anatomical location which the direct access is not easy and until now, the intrauterine devices are only used in the art of contraceptive methods. However, the uterine cavity may be used for several other purposes with an appropriate intrauterine device, notably for treating directly the uterine wall (endometrium and/or myometrium), for temporary in vivo embryo/egg incubation and as an appropriate administration way to reach the general blood system. The present invention provides with means in this connection.
The present invention relates to a retrievable intrauterine (uterine cavity or Fallopian tube) device notably for implantation of gametes or embryos into the uterus (or tube) allowing to perform in vivo and in utero (or intraFallopian tube) fertilization and/or preimplantatory development in assisted reproductive technology (ART).
The invention also relates to a similar ,intrautetine deyice for implantation of genetically modified cell lines by genes transfection into the uterus in order to deliver molecules near the endometrium without systemic effect and permitting to modify and prepare more specifically the endometrium before embryo transfer after ART or natural conception, or in contrary to avoid any pregnancy (contraception) as standard IntraUterine Device (IUD).
The invention also relates to a similar intrauterine device allowing the delivery of various active elements within the uterine cavity.
In particular, said active elements can be both gametes/embryos and genetically modified cell lines by genes transfection for bioactive factors secretion
in order to improve the uterine environment for in vivo incubated gametes/embryos (embryos possibly resulting from cloning or any other technique).
The present invention can be applied to any mammalian species.
According to a first aspect, the invention concerns reproductive medecine in particular the in vitro fertilization (IVF) in assisted reproductive technology and drug delivery from the uterus using an intrauterine device associated to cell encapsulation technology.
Since the introduction in 1978, IVF has become the preferred procedure for addressing most causes of infertility in humans. As a part of the IVF process, the reproductive cells (oocytes and spermatozoa) and the resulting fertilized oocytes (zygotes, embryos) are treated according to specified procedures using in vitro culture media adapted to each specific step in the procedure.
A standard in-vitro fertilization (IVF) comprises the following steps:
- Maturation (Oocyte recruitment)
To ensure maturation of more than one oocyte, the women are treated with hormones prior to the actual fertilization procedure. Usually the woman is treated for 14-21 days with a element (GnRH agonist) which will disrupt then normal hormonal control signals between the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary) and the ovary. Thereafter relatively large doses of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) are administered for 10-20 days depending on ovarian response. FSH will stimulate to maturation of many follicles each containing an oocyte.
When the oocytes are ready for ovulation, human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) is administered to finalize oocyte maturation.
- Aspiration of oocytes
After maturation in vivo, the oocytes are collected from the woman's ovaries using ultrasound guided follicular puncture.
- Fertilization and embryo culture In vitro fertilization is obtained by adding spermatozoa to the oocytes (In vitro fertilization «IVF») or by microinjecting one spermatozoon into each mature oocyte (Intracytoplasmatic sperm injection-ICSI). The fertilized oocytes are cultivated in IVF media outside the genital tract for two to five days.
- Embryo transfer
After two to five days of embryo in vitro culture a few embryos are selected and transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter.
The ultimate goal of in vitro fertilization and embryo culture is to provide high quality embryos that are capable of continuing normal development and results in live births.
- In vitro culture for preimplantatory embryo development
Despite nearly 20 years of treating patients with IVF and more recently intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), implantation rates per embryo transferred remain low, on average about 20%.
Most IVF centers around the world perform the embryo transfer at day 2 or 3 which means 3 or 2 days before the physiological implantation time. Recent development in the field of embryo physiology and metabolism have led to the formation of new sequential serum-free culture medk designed to simulate the dynamic environment as the embryo travel along the reproductive tract (Gardner et al., 1996). Sequential culture media systems (G1.2/G2.2) have the highest rate of blastocyst formation which remains low at 50% (Gardner et al., 1998).
The rationale for culturing embryos to the blastocyst stage is that it allows selection for transfer of embryos with proven developmental capacity. Furthermore, the transfer of a blastocyst into the uterus is physiologically closer to the in vivo situation than transferring an early cleaving embryo that would normally be present in the Fallopian tube and has less risk to be expulsed from the uterus because of a reduced time before embryo implantation.
Most recent papers have shown the beneficial effect of in vitro coculture of the zygote with human endometrial epithelial (Simon et al., 1999) and/or stromal (Barmat et al., 1998) cells on the number of blastomeres per preembryo, the rate of development to the morula-blastocyst stage, the rate of spontaneous hatching and the percentage of cytoplasmic fragments, and implantation rate as recently described by Spandorfer et al., 2002.
In the report of the year 1994 of assisted reproductive technology activities in the United States and Canada, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) have the higher rate of clinical pregnancy compared to in vitro fertilization. More recently, Levran et al., in 2002 demonstrate that zygote intrafallopian tube transfer improve the outcome in repeated implantation failure compared to a tranfer of blastocysts after standard IVF.
These findings would suggest that the presence of zygote into the upper genital tract may be important for the embryo development profiting of all known and unknown growth factors present in the uterine fluid and its potentiality to invade the endometrium during the implantation process.
Furthermore, in bovine studies have recently demonstrated that in vivo produced embryos were less alterated compared 'to in vitro ones; with more intercellular communication devices (Boni et al., 1999) and more mature mitochondria in particular (Crosier et al., 2000).
All the above mentionhed studies confirm that in vitro embryo preimplantatory development is far to be optimal instead of all efforts to optimize culture media by mimic uterine fluid characteristics.
The present invention provides with a novel method in ART using the cell encapsulation technology in order to notably permit to gametes and/or preimplantatory zygotes/embryos in IVF programmes (or cloning for all other mammalian species) to benefit from a temporary natural incubation into the uterus.
Furthermore, a controlled in time of the intrauterine incubation may lead to a better quality of embryo development and consequently to a higher implantation rate, and it may have an economical advantage with a lower cost/benefit to the standard IVF procedure above all if blastocyst transfer is generalized in ART units. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to the in utero delivery of active elements by the implantation of tissues, cells or cell lines, possibly genetically modified, notably for cellular therapy.
In all mammallian species the success of implantation is related to a perfect crosstalk between a good quality embryo and a receptive endometrium.
In the domain of assisted reproductive technology (ART), clinicians are limited in the control of the complex events of endometrium receptivity by endocrinological treatment by the administration of 17beta estradiol and progesterone to mimic the physiological sequential follicular and luteal phases.
In the basic science literature, most studies are now focusing on the paracrinology of periimplantation between the embryo and the endometrium using in vitro and in vivo models as knock-out mouses lacking the interest molecule. For instance, it has been shown that in integrin betal-deficient mice (Fassler and Meyer, 1995) and female mice with a null' mutation of interleukin-11 receptor alpha chain (Robb et ah, 1998) embryos failed to implant.
However, in rodents it is establihed that direct contact between the embryo and the endometrium is not necessary (Shiotani et ah, 1993).Whereas embryo implantation rate is remained stable and low since two decade we can say that endocrine manipulation with vaginal progesterone and hCG systemic administration and finally 17beta oestradiol are far to be optimal and quite far to the complexe paraprinology of embryo implantation processes.
The present invention provides a novel concept in ART using the cell encapsulation technology in order to implant cell lines genetically modified
secreting a molecule of interest near the endometrium temporary before embryo transfer in IVF programmes.
Such an intrauterine molecule(s) or "drug" delivery, closer to the target tissue permits a better and more selectively preparation of the endometrium and a use of small molecules with short half time or molecules with secondary effects forbidden in systemic administration.
According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an implantable/insertable device to deliver agents capable of preparing the uterus before receiving embryo(s) before implantation into the wall of the uterus or for treating the uterus. With respect to this embodiment, certain or most drugs, nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, peptides, proteins and the like capable of stimulating the uterus specifically with respect to preparation of embryo implantation, or any other therapeutical agent can also be easily delivered by the device of the invention containing polymers or cells releasing these agents. In fact, the retrievable intrauterine device of the invention for drug delivery has specific advantages for women who can not receive drugs normally given by injection or other delivery routes. In addition, delivery of agents through the uterine wall may be an optimal means for treating forms ef reprbductiye system cancers and/or other reproductive diseases, as well as any uterine diseases.
The invention notably provides a cell encapsulation intrauterine device for in vivo and in utero gametes fertilization and/or embryo preimplantatory development with a control of time (from several minutes to 48, 72 h) where the uterus play a role of "natural incubator" before the definitive embryo transfer in IVF programmes.
Thus, the cell encapsulation intrauterine device of the invention is a novel and modified intrauterine device, similar to contraceptive IUD as described in US patent No 3,628,530 by Jerome Schwarz in 1969 and in US patent No 3,516,403 by Rene" Cournut in 1967, which has, according to the present invention, to permit
a temporary introduction of gametes or embryos associated or not to other somatic cells (in vivo coculture) into the uterine cavity and its retrieval after a defined time by using a cell encapsulation technology as described in WO 91/00119 by Thomas Mandel et al. in 1989, WO 01/64185 A2 by Newman and Kram in 2000 and in US patents No 5,158,881 by Aebischer et al. in 1990 and No 6,054,142 by Li et al. in 1996.
In fact, the present invention concerns a retrievable intrauterine device for placing within the uterine cavity one or more encapsulated element(s) capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising an intrauterine device loaded with encapsulated elements.
According to the present invention, the term "element(s)" means any organic or inorganic, cellular or molecular, natural or synthetic compound(s) or substance(s). The term "loaded" encompasses not only the case where the intrauterine device of the invention is the support of said encapsulated element which can be for example be adsorbed on the surface of said device, but also the case where said elements are contained within the device of the invention. According to a preferred embodiment, the retrievable intrauterine device of the invention is provided with at least one housing in which said encapsulated element(s) is/are loaded. Different elements may be mixed in the same housing or placed in separate housings.
The expression "capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid" encompasses not only the case where said elements are delivered by the device of the invention in the uterine fluid in order to produce an effect on the wall (endometrium and/or myometrium) of the uterine cavity (first case), but also the case where said elements are staying within the device and have known or unknown exchanges or interactions with the uterine fluid and/or with the uterine wall (endometrium and/or myometrium) (second case).
According to a first aspect of the "first case", said elements may be not only agent(s) capable of treating the uterus but also agent(s) capable of treating any
pathology. In fact, agent(s) capable of treating the uterus will be delivered from the device of the invention into the uterine fluid and will have an effect directly on the wall of the uterine cavity. This kind of agent is selected from the group comprising agent(s) capable of preparing the uterine wall for optimal embryo implantation, agent(s) capable of preparing the uterine wall for optimal egg culture, agent(s) capable of therapeutically treating the uterus and contraceptive agent(s).
The advantage of such a system allows using agents capable of having a direct effect of the target organ in avoiding the systemic way.
Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the "first case", the device of the invention can allow the delivery of agents capable of treating any pathology by the in utero administration. In other words, this kind of agent will be delivered in the uterine fluid, will then enter into contact with the wall of the uterine cavity and will pass through the venous system of the endometrium before passing through the general blood system. In other words, the in utero administration is a possible way of administration of any drug likely to treat any pathology in connection with any organ.
Among the elements likely to be loaded in the retrievable intrauterine device of the invention, one must also cite tissues, cells or cell lines secreting one or more agent(s) (for cellular therapy), somatic cells, stem cells (totipotent cells), recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle (for gene therapy); sens or antisens mRNA sequences, male and/or female gametes, fertilized oocyte (two pronuclei cell), unfertilized egg and any combination of the above elements.
The above "second case" concerns fertilized oocyte (two pronuclei cell) and unfertilized egg where the uterus plays the role of a natural incubator allowing the culture of said embryo or egg in a natural medium in lieu of an in vitro medium. In this case, no element loaded in the intrauterine device of the invention is delivered into the uterine fluid and the expression "having interactions with the uterine fluid" encompasses the situation where the embryo or the egg has exchanges or
interactions with the environmental medium constituted by the uterine fluid and the uterine wall.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one agent secreted by tissues, cells or cell lines is selected from the group comprising drugs, hormones, nutrients, peptides, proteins, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics, neuro-transmitters, neuromodulators. In this connection, the present invention encompasses the case where tissues, cells or cell lines secreting agents likely to be loaded in the device of the invention can be genetically modified in order to obtain the secretion of the desired product.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the agent capable of therapeutically treated the uterus is selected from the group comprising anti-inflammatory agents, arnino acids, fatty acids, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, proteins, peptides, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antibiotics, sens or anti-sens mRNA sequences,

recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the element loaded in the retrievable intrauterine device of the invention is capable of treating cancers, forms of reproductive system cancers, reproductive diseases and uterine diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, bleeding disorders and various infections (non limitative list).
In fact, the device of the invention presents a number of advantages: said device is not likely to cause any trouble to the uterus due to the fact that it is not implanted within the uterine wall, it does not require surgery or anesthesia to be inserted and it can be inserted in a completely ambulatory fashion. Furthermore, elements may be delivered in phase with the natural menstrual cycle and in association with hormone dependent gene expression systems controlling drug
delivery from the device. It is also very important to note that, as the percutaneous way of administration, the in utero administration allows to avoid the first hepatic passage of the administered element(s). This causes less toxicity and said element(s) present(s) a better bio availability. Finally, said device can be rapidly retrieved with surgical intervention.
Figure 1 illustrates an example of device according to the present invention (with 1: capsule, 2: support zone A-distal part- and support zone B-proximal part, 3: plunger, 4: protective tube, 5: membrane or valve for disclosure, 6: wings, 7: removal, 8: silicone tether).
As example, the device of the invention comprises:
1.a capsule
• non-biodegradable
• semi permeable
• polymeric material (i.e. polyethersulfone or PES. Source = Akzo Nobel
Faser AG, Wuppertal, Germany) hollow fibers such as polyacrylates
(including copolymers), polyvinylidienes, polyurethanes
• pores: has to be adapted for an optimal environment quality with a
permeability from small to large molecules present into the uterine fluid
• Pore-size: from 0.005 µm = molecular weight cutoff of 150 kDa to
280 kDa
• Pore-structure: microporous or any adapted structure
• Outer diameter = adapted to the optimal size to go through the cervix into
the uterine catheter (i.e. 700µm)
• inner diameter = adapted to the size of egg or embryo (i.e. 500 µn),
around 5 times the egg or embryo size (egg size with the corona radiata =
200 µm in human), or adapted to the size of the molecules to be delivered,
• length adapted to the uterine cavity avoiding endometrial lesions and any
deleterious factor by uterine distension and finally its expulsion (i.e. about
1.5cm)
• cylindric shape or any adapted shapes for the uterine cavity taking into
account the above-mentionned point.
2. two supports, zones A (distal) and B (proximal) as described for IUD in US patent 3,628,530 by Schwarz with the following modification:
• distal part (A) closed by acrylate-based glue, Luxtrack LCM 23 (Ablestik,
USA) or any other system as cap, proximal part (B), hollow and openable
with a one sens direction (on the inside) valve.
• zone A support comprises two wings or any other devices (it can
comprises asymetrical wings in a similar material than the support
covered by a thin hydrophilic material which becomes thicker at fluid
contact) in a similar material or others than the support permitting a
stable position of the device into the uterus.
• zone B support comprises a silicone tether to attach the removing thread
in order to retrieve the device

3. a plunger
4. an operating handle being coupled with the plunger
5. a removing fiber for removing the intrauterine encapsulating device
6. an attachement device for attaching the removing fiber ensuring immovable
position of the intrauterine encapsulating device with respect to the plunger
7. a protective tube encompassing the plunger as described by Lehtinen Matti et al. in 1994 (patent number CZ 286820), but with a plunger permitting the loading of gametes; embryos, drugs or any other element with a standard pipette by the IVF biologist.
The present cell encapsulation intrauterine device may take any shape which will accommodate gametes and/or embryos or any other above mentioned element
to be encapsulated using an adapted micropipette for loading. A preferable implantable embryo culture device is a tubular, selectively permeable membrane with an adapted pore size in order to permit adequate nutrients transfer to the embryo such as O2, proteines, growth factors and other known and unknown factors released from the endometrium, having one end through which gametes or embryos are loaded into cell compartment. The controlateral end may then be permanently occluded with caps or alternatively with an epoxy glue or sutures of a biocompatible and non resorbable material like polypropylene.
Concerning the structure of the retrievable intrauterine device according to the present invention, a retrievable hollow fiber device with internal diameter, dimensions ranging from 100-10,000 microns and having a suitable means for attachment of the device to uterine cavity (wall) is ideal as an egg/embryo chamber for inter uterine incubation. The current device design employed in connection with the present invention is a Polyethersulfone membrane with MW cutoff of approximately 240,000 daltons, wall diameter of 100 microns and inner diameter of 472 microns. Wall thickness can range from 50-500 microns depending on the composition, porosity, hydraulic permeability, pore size and strength of the encapsulating material. Molecular weight cutoffs can vary'from 50,000 to > 1 million molecular weight. Furthermore, the encapsulating material can be composed of any biocompatible material including Polyethersulfone, Pan-PVC or expanded PTFE and formulated with laminated or single membrane structures. The encapsulating device may or may not contain a matrix or internal lining material. The length can range from 0.5 cm-5 cm or what ever will fit comfortably within the uterus. As indicated above, one of the most important considerations for this device are that it be capable of holding an embryo without damage for incubation directly in the uterus to be fully retrievable. In addition, the device has been designed with little or no tissue reaction, with smooth surfaces such that it will be implantable/insertable and retrievable without inducing inflammatory or
fibrotic reactions and or inappropriate uterine wall tissue damage or scarring. Finally, the device has been designed such that it has a means of remaining within the uterus (i.e. small suture thread glued into the tip of the. device for attachment inside or outside the uterus) and that can be easily retrieved (attached suture thread) at any time after uterine implantation. Devices similar in composition to those used currently by Modex Therapeutics (PES 5, PES 1, PES 10/10) hollow fiber device and used in the past by Cytotherapeutics (Pan-PVC) are ideal for such applications although any device, which meets this general description will be appropriate for the contemplated uses,
The device of the invention can be surgically implanted passing through the cervix as a standard IUD for contraception into the uterus and removed after a defined time of incubation.
However, the present invention may use as implantation site the Fallopian tube permitted by a modification of the present cell encapsulation intrauterine device for instance without the distal part with the two wings. This implantation is more difficult in access and need to use a surgical procedure as coelioscopy with general anesthesia or culdoscopy with local anaesthesia. Such in vivo intra Fallopian embryo culture is similar to GIFT or ZIFT except the fact that using the cell encapsulation device of the invention the incubation time is under control and an unlimited number of embryos can be loaded which were retrieved and selected for transfer after a simple flushing procedure.
Thus, zygotes or embryos at different stages (day 2 to 5) can be loaded with a standard micropipette into the capsule of the cell encapsulation intrauterine device of the invention after standard IVF with or without ICSI.
The invention,also relates to a method of preparing a retrievable intrauterine device for placing one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising the steps of:
providing said element under the appropriate form to be encapsulated,
providing a retrievable intrauterine device suitable for receiving encapsulated elements), loading said device with said element(s).
The invention also relates to a method for placing one or more encapsulated elements capable of having interaction with the uterine fluid comprising the steps of:
providing a retrievable intrauterine device,
implanting said device within the uterus cavity for a determined duration. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the above method is carried out in the uterine cavity of a mammal preferably selected from the group comprising bovine, ovine, porcine and humans,
More particularly, the present invention may be carried out according to the following process:
A. In vivo fertilization
Injection of prepared sperm and retrieval oocytes in the encapsulating device for implanting into the uterus. After a defined and controlled incubation time (2 hours par exemple) of in vivo and in utero culture, encapsulated sperm and oocytes are retrieved and zygotes and/or non fertilized oocytes are Collected after a simple flushing procedure. Selection of zygotes for cryopreservation or in vitro culture of the remaining embryos to be transfered at day 3.
B. In vivo preimplantatory embryo development
Conventional in vitro fertilization of prepared sperm and retrieved oocytes. Injection of several embryos at different stage of developement (i.e 6-8 cells) in the cell encapsulation device permitting the implantation into the uterine cavity during a controlled time (i.e 48 hours). After removal from the uterus the encapsulating system device embryos at the blastocyst stage are flushed from the device and transfered into the uterine cavity using a conventional transfer catheter or delayed in a further cycle after freezing.
C. In vivo embryo assisted hatching
Recently, it has been demonstrated that the process of blastocyst hatching as well studied and described in in vitro programmes has been erroneously accepted in rodents as representing a natural event (Gorizates et al., 2001). Indeed, it seems in hamster species that the uterine contribution in vivo to blastocyst escape from the zona pellucida, consisting of proteinases secreted from the uterus, is the primary mechanism for zona loss in ittero, whereas the in vitro lytic activity is secondary to the invasive behavior of trophectoderm.
Taking into account such surprising results, the present invention using the intrauterine cell encapsulation device of the invention to incubate temporary embryos can be used to perform a novel method for assisted hatching: the in vivo embryo assisted hatching.
On this basis, in vivo and in utero culture of the gametes and/or preimplantatory embryos with a time control using the cell encapsulation device of the invention will permit a real dialogue at the embryo-maternal interface with a paracrine action of several known but also unknown factors from endometrium (or from the tube in case of intraFallopian implantation) and embryos important for the optimal embryo development which will lead to a bettef success of implantation process in ART programmes.
Other scientists have described gametes of embryos encapsulation (Loi et al., 1992; Nebel et al., 1993). However, they all used biodegradable materials (sodium alginate) and have as objectives to eliminate several problems associated with the procedure of embryo transfer (trauma) and to improve embryo protection before implantation and to protect the free zona pellucida of the embryo (Cosby et al., 1990 ; Adaniya et al., 1993).
To the best of the knowledge of the inventor, the novel concept described in the present invention permitting a natural incubation of gametes and/or embryo by

using the cell encapsulation device of the invention has never been published or proposed by scientists.
The invention also provides with a method using a cell encapsulation device with genetically cell lines by genes transfection as described in US patents No 4,686,098 by Kopchick et al. in 1984 and No 4,892,538 by Aebischer et al. in 1987 modified in order to be implanted into the uterine cavity which has never been published by scientists before the present invention.
This novel device as mentionned above permits a novel method to deliver from the uterine cavity molecules near the endometrium without systemic effect and permit to modify and prepare more specifically the endometrium before embryo transfer after in vitro fertilization in ART or natural conception, or in contrary to avoid any pregnancy (anti-implantatory, anti-fertilization) as standard IUD.
This novel concept of bioactive factors delivery into the uterine cavity may lead to a better understanding of the specific paracrine effect on the endometrium tissue and may permit in the near future the development of a novel and complementary cellular therapy approach to modulate and prepare the endometrium for embryo implantation in ART.
EXAMPLE 1: In vivo and in utero embryos culture in a mouse model
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the ability to perform in vivo and in utero preimplantatory embryo development using a modified semi-permeable hollow fiber as a capsule in a mouse model.
Zygotes were obtained using a standard ovarian stimulation protocol in 4- to 5-week old prepubertal females using 5 IU PMSG, which corresponds to day 1 of the procedure (Folligon, Veterinaria) and 5 IU human chorionic gonadotropin, i.p. (Choluron, Veterinaria), day 3, at 17:00, 48 h apart, in order to induce superovulation.
Females were caged with CBAxC57Bl males at the time of the HCG injection (day 3).
Embryos at 6-8 cells were collected at day 5 after caging males and females and cultured either in vivo (group 1) or in vitro using a sequential medium culture (group 2). Only two female with a copulation plug were operated and used for this experiment.
Females were killed by cervical dislocation and laparotomy was performed to exteriorize the uterine horn and the tube in order to collect embryos.
Transfer of 6-8 cells embryos into the right or the left horn were performed at day 3 of two pseudopregnant females (recipients).
Group 1 embryos (in vivo culture) were loaded into a modified hollow fiber device according to the invention (semi permeable polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fibers, Source - Akzo Nobel Faser AG, Wuppertal, Germany) with an outer diameter = 680um and inner diameter - 480 um of 0.5 cm length, attached to a 6.0 sterilized and non resorbable surgical thread by using a fine glass pipette under microscopic visualization.
A dorsal laparotomy was performed under ether anaesthesia according a standard procedure in order to exteriorize the right or the left horn and implant the intrauterine device with encapsulated zygotes into the lumen of right or left horn.
After fixing surgically the intrauterine device with encapsulated zygotes the
horn was replaced in its anatomical position and hooks were used to close the skin.
After a period of 48 h transferred females were killed by cervical dislocation
and laparotomy was performed to exteriorize the left or right horn containing the
intrauterine device and to retrieve it.
Embryos were collected after cutting both distal part of the device and a capsule cavity flushing with culture medium.
Table 1 shows the results of two experiments comparing the in vivo and in vitro (as control) development of 6-8 cells embryos after 48 h culture.
In group 1, all encapsulated 6-8 cells embryos continued their development into the uterus similar to the control group. However, a delay was noted in development compared to the in vitro embryos culture.
This example shows for the first time that intrauterine device with encapsulated embryos may allow their natural incubation into the uterus with a possible development at least similar to the conventional in vitro culture.
From the available literature, IUD has ever been considered as hostile to fertility and always related to contraception. The presence of a foreign body in the uterine cavity is known to interfere with reproduction in all species. However, the affected steps of reproductive processes are far to be clear in literature. It appears that it may vary according to species. It is generally accepted that IUD induce a local inflammatory reaction in the endometrium. Whereas in mouse and rat this chronic infiltration of polymorphonuclear seems to be related to bacterial infection and to transforms the uterine endometrium in an hostile environment with embryo toxic secreted factors (Parr et al., 1967), 20 years after, Alvarez et al. (1988) showed in women that IUD may affect the fertilization before that the blastocyst enters the uterine cavity.
The above results demonstrating a mouse embryo "development without degeneration are against the generally accepted scientific opinion that in animal models the uterus itself kills embryos by releasing several toxic factors.
The delay in development as shown in in vivo encapsulated embryos may be explained to the unoptimal size of pores or inner lumen diameter leading to a lower concentration of nutrients around it. Furthermore, the time itself which was sometimes several minutes in room temperature to implant the IUD with encapsulated embryos into the uterus before in vivo culture may explain thermic and gazous shockes with deleterious effect on preimplanted embryo.
EXAMPLE 2: intrauterine erythropoietin delivery
Intrauterine erythropoietin (Epo) delivery using a.modified and invented encapsulated mouse Epo secreting mouse C2C12 cells decrease apopotosis in endometrium and increase blood hematocrit suggesting a direct effect of EPO on nearby endometrium tissue and systemic effect of Epo delivred from the uterus .
Erythropoietin is produced by the kidney in adults and the liver in fetuses. It is a key factor for regulating erythropoiesis by stimulating proliferation and differentiation of late erythroid precursor cells. It has been shown recently that the brain has a paracrine Epo/EpoR and that Epo may prevent neuronal apopotosis after cerebral ischemia (Siren et al., 2001). Interestingly, Epo seems to be implicated in uterine angiogenesis.
Taking into account the above mentioned physiological effect of Epo, the evaluation of the effect of Epo on endometrium by delivering Epo from the uterus using the cell encapsulation device of the invention and the evaluation of the cell viability in this new implantation site for a device the uterine cavity by measuring the blood hematocrit have been made.
Mouse C2C12 myoblast cells were transfected with a plasmid containing the mouse Epo cDNA and a mutated dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene for gene amplification upon administration of increasing; doses' of metKotrexate;
Epo secreting cell lines were loaded into polyethersulfone microporus hollow fibers in order to be implanted into the uterine cavity. Characteristics of this novel invented cell encapsulation device are similar to the description in example 1.
A total of 14 devices were used implanted in a blinded fashion in the present experiment, group 1: mEpo-C2C12 (n=7) with Epo secretion and group 2: mEpo-C2C12 control cells (n=7) without Epo secretion.
At day 14, according to a standard accepted protocole for animal sacrifice, the uterus was removed and capsule retrieved in order to be pulsed for mEPO output. The uterus was fixed in 10% formol for immunohistochemistery and TUNEL assay to test apoptosis.
A significant increase blood hematocrite in group 1 with intrauterine Epo delivery (59.4 +/-6.8) compared to group 2 without Epo delivery (45.7 +/-2.P), p It is noted that Epo, similar to its effect recently described in neuronal cells, decrease apoptosis in endometrium tissue.
The endometrium is thus a new target of Epo with a modulation of apoptosis. Transfected cell line encapsulated in microporous hollow fiber are viable after 14 days of intrauterine incubation which has never been tested as implantation site for cell encapsulation device before.
Epo secreted by transfected cell line go across the microporous wall of the device and is resorbed through the endometrium and through the systemic circulation according to the significant increase of blood hematocrit intreated animals.
These results confirm that i) the uterus may be an excellent natural incubator confirming the results of example Nol for embryo development and ii) drug delivery may use in woman or female animals the uterine cavity as implantation site of a cell encapsulation system.
Table 1
(Table Removed)* early blastocysts, no retrieval after capsule flushing of 2 embryos
* 1 early blastocyst, 1 embryo lasted
REFERENCES:
. Adaniya GK, Rawlins RG, Quigg JM, Roblero L, Miller IF, Zaneveld First
pregnancies and livebirths from transfer of sodium alginate encapsulated embryos
in a rodent model. L J Fertil Steril 1993 59:652-6.
. Alvarez F, Brache V, Fernandez E, Guerrero B, Guiloff E, Hess R New insights
on the mode of action of intrauterine contraceptive devices in women Fertil Steril
198849:768-773
. Barmat LI, Liu HC, Spandorfer SD, Xu K, Veeck L, Damario MA, Rosenwaks Z
Human preembryo development on autologous endometrial coculture versus
conventional medium. Fertil Steril 1998 70:1109-13
. Boni R, Tosti E, Roviello S, Dale B. Intercellular communication in in vivo- and
in vitro- produced bovine embryos Biol Reprod 1999 61: 1050-1055
. Cosby NC, Dukelow WR Microencapsulation of single, multiple, and zona
pellucida-free mouse preimplantation embryos in sodium alginate and their
development in vitro. J Reprod Fertil 1990 90:19-24
. Crosier A, Farin P, Dykstra M, Alexander J, Farin C. Ultrastructural
morphometry of bovine compact morulae produced in vivo or in vitro Biol Reprod
2000 62: 1459-1465
. Fassler R and Meyer M Consequences of lack of ßi integrin gene expression in
mice. Genes and Development 1995 9:1876-1908
. Fazleabas A, Donnelly KM, Srinivasan S, Fortman JD, Miller JB. Modulation of
the baboon (papio anubis) uterine endometrium by chorionic gonadotrophin during
the period of uterine receptivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1999 96:2543-8
. Gardner DK, Lane M, Calderone I and Leeton J. Environnement of the
preimplantation human embryo in vivo: metabolite analysis of oviduct and uterine
fluids and metabolism of cumulus cells Fertil Steril 1996 65: 349-353
. Gardner DK, Schoolcraft WB, Wagley L, Schlenker T, Stevens J and Hesla J. A
prospective randomized trial of blastocyst culture and transfer in in vitro
fertilization Hum Reprod 1998 13: 3434-3440
. Gonzales D, Bavister B, Mese S. In utero and in vitro proteinase activity during
the Mesocricetus auratus embryo zona escape time window Biol Reprod 2001 64:
222-230
. Levran D, Farhi J, Nahum H, Royburt M, Glezerman M, Weissman A.
Prospective evaluation of blastocyst stage transfer vs. zygote intrafallopian tube
transfer in patients with repeated implantation failure Fertil Steril 2002 77: 971-
977
. Loi P, Ledda S, Gallus M, Filia F, Cappai P, Naitana S. Microencapsulation in
Na-alginate and in vitro development of sheep blastomeres. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper
199268:311-4
. Nebel RL, Vishwanath R, McMillan WH, Saacke RG Microencapsulation of
bovine spermatozoa for use in artificial insemination : a review. Reprod Fertil Dev
1993 :701-12
. Parr E, Schlaedler R, Hirsch J. The relationship of polymorphonuclear leukocytes
to infertility in uteri containing foreign bodies JExpM'ed 1967 126: 523-535
. Robb L, Li R, Hartley L, Nandurkar HH, Koentgen K, Begley CG Infertility in
female mice lacking the receptor for interleukin 11 is due to a defective uterine
response to implantation. Nature Medicine 1998 4:303-308
. Simon C, Mercader A, Garcia-Velasco J, Nikas G, Moreno C, Remohi J, Pellicer
A Coculture of human embryos with autologous human endometrial epithelial cells
in patients with implantation failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999 84:2638-46
. Siren A-L, Fratelli M, Brines M et al. Erythropoietin prevents neuronal apoptosis
after cerebral ischemia and metabolic stress Proc Natl Acad Sci 2001 98:4044-
4049
. Shiotani M, Noda Y, Mori T. Embryo-dependent induction of uterine receptivity
assessed by an in vitro model of implantation in mice. Biol Reprod 1993 49:794-
801
. Spandorfer SD, Barmat LI, Navarro J, Liu HC, Veeck L, Rosenwaks Z
Importance of the biopsy date in autologous endometrial cocultures for patients
with multiple implantation failures Fertil Steril 2002 77:1209-1213

CLAIMS
1. A retrievable intrauterine device for placing within the uterine cavity one or
more encapsulated elements capable of having interactions with the uterine
fluid comprising an intrauterine device loaded with said encapsulated elements.
2. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 1, wherein said device is
provided with at least one housing in which said encapsulated element(s) is/are
loaded.
3. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said
element is selected from the group comprising:

- agent capable of treating the uterus,
agent capable of treating any pathology,
- tissues, cells or cell line secreting one or more agents,
somatic cells,
stem cells,
recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle,
sens or antisens mRNA sequences,
male and/or female gametes,
fertilized oocyte,
- unfertilized egg,
and any combination thereof.
4. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 3, wherein the agent capable of treating the uterus is selected from the group comprising:
agent capable of preparing the uterine wall for optimal embryo implantation,
- agent capable of preparing the uterine wall for optimal egg culture,
agent capable of therapeutically treating the uterus,
- contraceptive agent.

5. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 3, wherein the at least
one agent secreted by tissues, cells or cell line is selected from the group
comprising drugs, hormones, nutrients, peptides, proteins, antibodies, trophic
factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, blood coagulation
factors, angiogenesis factors, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators.
6. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 4, wherein the agent
capable of therapeutically treating the uterus is selected from the group
comprising anti-inflammatory agents, amino acids, fatty acids, antibodies,
trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, proteins,
peptides, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics,
neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, anxiolytics, antidepressant, antibiotics,
sens or antisens mRNA sequences, recombinant viruses as gene transfer
vehicle.
7. The retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 3, wherein the at least
one agent is secreted by genetically modified tissues, cells or cell line.
8. The retrievable intrauterine device according to anyone of the preceding
claims, wherein said element is capable of treating cancers, forms of
reproductive system cancers, reproductive diseases and uterine diseases such as
endometriosis, adenomyosis, bleeding disorders and various infections.
9. A method of preparing a retrievable intrauterine device for placing within the
uterine cavity one or more encapsulated elements capable of having
interactions with the uterine fluid comprising the steps of:
providing said element under the appropriate form to be encapsulated,
- providing a retrievable intrauterine device suitable for receiving
encapsulated element(s),
loading said device with element(s).
10. A method for placing with the uterine cavity one or more encapsulated
elements capable of having interactions with the uterine fluid comprising the
steps of:
- providing a retrievable intrauterine device as defined in one of claims 1 to
6,
- loading said retrievable intrauterine device with said one or more
encapsulated elements,
implanting said device within the uterus cavity for a determined duration.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one encapsulated
element is placed within the uterine cavity of a mammal.
12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the mammal is selected from
the group comprising: bovine, ovine, porcine, horses and humans.
13. Use of a retrievable intra uterine device for placing within a uterine cavity
element(s) selected in the group comprising:

- tissue(s), cell(s) or cell line(s),
- recombinant virus(es) as gene transfer vehicle(s), or
- sense or antisense mRNA sequence(s),
or any combination thereof, capable of delivering one or more agent(s) within the uterine cavity for therapeutic or preimplantatory purposes.
14. Use of a retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 13, wherein the at
least one agent is secreted by tissue(s), cell(s) or cell line(s) genetically
modified.
15. Use of a retrievable intrauterine device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein
the element(s) are placed within the intrauterine cavity of a mammal.
16. Use of a retrievable intrauterine device according to anyone of claims 13 to 15,
wherein the mammal is selected from the group comprising: bovine, ovine,
porcine, horses and humans.
17. Method for incubating encapsulated element(s), wherein said element is
selected in the group comprising:
embryo(s), fertilized oocyte(s),
- unfertilized egg(s),
male and/or female gamete(s), or any combination thereof, within a uterine cavity, comprising the steps of:
- providing with said encapsulated element(s),
- loading a retrievable intrauterine device suitable for receiving encapsulated
element(s),
- implanting said device within a uterine cavity for a determined duration.
18. Method according to claim 17 wherein said device is implanted within the
uterine cavity of a mammal.
19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the mammal is selected from the
group comprising: bovine, ovine, porcine, horses and humans.
20. Method of treating any pathology comprising placing in utero a retrievable
intrauterine device delivering an agent capable of treating said pathology
passing through the general blood system.
21. Method according to claim 20, wherein said pathology is selected from the
group comprising cancer, form of reproductive system cancer and reproductive
disease.
22. Method of treating any uterine disease comprising placing in utero a
retrievable intrauterine device delivering an agent capable of treating said
disease.
23. Method according to claim 22, wherein said uterine disease is selected from
the group comprising endometriosis, adenomyosis, bleeding disorders and
infections.
24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein said agent is selected from the
group comprising anti-inflammatory agents, amino acids, fatty acids,
antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes,
proteins, peptides, blood coagulation factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics,
neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antibiotics,
sens or anti-sens mRNA sequences, recombinant viruses as gene transfer
vehicle.
25. Method of preparing an uterus before the in utero embryo(s) implantation
comprising placing in utero a retrievable intrauterine device delivering one or
more agent(s) capable to prepare the uterine wall for receiving embryo(s).
26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the at least agent is selected from the
group comprising: drugs, nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acides,
peptides, proteins or is secreted by encapsulated tissues, cells or cell lines
loaded in/on the uterine device.
27. Method according to claim 26, wherein the at least agent secreted by tissues,
cells or cell lines is selected from the group comprising anti-inflammatory
agents, amino acids, fatty acids, antibodies, trophic factors, growth factors,
lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, proteins, peptides, blood coagulation
factors, angiogenesis factors, analgesics, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators,
anxiolytics, antidepressants, antibiotics, sens or anti-sens mRNA sequences,
recombinant viruses as gene transfer vehicle.
28. Method of increasing the hematocrite in patient in need thereof comprising
placing in utero a retrievable intrauterine device delivering erythropoietin.
29. Method according to claim 28, wherein said erythropoietin is secreted by a cell
line loaded under encapsulated form in/on said retrievable intrauterine device.

Documents:

280-delnp-2004-abstract.pdf

280-delnp-2004-assignment.pdf

280-delnp-2004-claims.pdf

280-DELNP-2004-Correspondence-Others-(29-06-2010).pdf

280-delnp-2004-correspondence-others.pdf

280-delnp-2004-correspondence-po.pdf

280-delnp-2004-description (complete).pdf

280-delnp-2004-drawings.pdf

280-delnp-2004-form-1.pdf

280-delnp-2004-form-19.pdf

280-delnp-2004-form-2.pdf

280-delnp-2004-form-3.pdf

280-delnp-2004-form-5.pdf

280-delnp-2004-form-6.pdf

280-delnp-2004-gpa.pdf

280-delnp-2004-pct-101.pdf

280-delnp-2004-pct-210.pdf

280-delnp-2004-pct-301.pdf

280-delnp-2004-pct-304.pdf

280-delnp-2004-pct-409.pdf

280-delnp-2004-pct-416.pdf

280-delnp-2004-petition-137.pdf

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Patent Number

228339

Indian Patent Application Number

280/DELNP/2004

PG Journal Number

08/2009

Publication Date

20-Feb-2009

Grant Date

02-Feb-2009

Date of Filing

09-Feb-2004

Name of Patentee

ANECOVA SA

Applicant Address

6, COURS DES BASTIONS,1205 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	PASCAL MOCK	5, ROND-POINT DE PLAINPALAIS, GENEVE, SWITZERLAND.

PCT International Classification Number

A61F 6/14

PCT International Application Number

PCT/BI02/03363

PCT International Filing date

2002-07-22

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	60/309,274	2001-08-01	U.S.A.