Gliadel

Gliadel is a biodegradable polymer wafer implant containing the nitrosourea alkylating agent carmustine (BCNU). It is designed for intracranial implantation into the surgical cavity following the resection of a brain tumor, specifically glioblastoma multiforme or recurrent malignant glioma. The polifeprosan 20 polymer matrix allows for the sustained, local release of carmustine directly to the tumor site, bypassing the blood-brain barrier and minimizing systemic toxicity. Carmustine works by cross-linking DNA and RNA, leading to the inhibition of DNA synthesis and subsequent cell death. While originally developed by Guilford Pharmaceuticals and currently marketed by Arbor Pharmaceuticals, it has been utilized in clinical trials by companies such as Lisata Therapeutics as a standard-of-care comparator for novel cellular therapies.

Brand names

Gliadel

Other names

polifeprosan 20 with carmustine implantpolifeprosan20 with carmustine implantpolifeprosan-20 with carmustine implantcarmustine wafercarmustine in polifeprosan 20