Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
MULTICOMPARTMENT MACROENCAPSULATION DEVICES

Abstract:

Macroencapsulation devices and their methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a macroencapsulation device may include a first outer membrane, a second outer membrane, and at least one semipermeable membrane disposed there between to form at least a primary compartment configured to house a first population of cells and a secondary compartment in fluid communication with the primary compartment through the first semipermeable membrane. In some embodiments, the flow of material into and out of the compartments of the macroencapsulation device and/or the application of an appropriate pressure differential between the compartments may be used to control the flow of filtrates, ancillary agents, and other materials between the compartments of the device when positioned in vivo.