Patents Examined by M. Haghighatian
  • Patent number: 7097827
    Abstract: According to the subject invention, dispersible dry powder pharmaceutical-based compositions are provided, including methods for their manufacture and dry powder dispersion devices. A dispersible dry powder pharmaceutical-based composition is one having a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight (% w) water, usually below about 5% w and preferably less than about 3% w; a particle size of about 1.0-5.0 ?m mass median diameter (MMD), usually 1.0-4.0 ?m MMD, and preferably 1.0-3.0 ?m MMD; a delivered dose of about >30%, usually >40%, preferably >50%, and most preferred >60%; and an aerosol particle size distribution of about 1.0-5.0 ?m mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), usually 1.5-4.5 ?m MMAD, and preferably 1.5-4.0 MMAD. Such composition are of pharmaceutical grade purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Platz, John S. Patton, Linda Foster, Mohammed Eljamal
  • Patent number: 7078016
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of caffeine through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing caffeine that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of caffeine. In a method aspect of the present invention, caffeine is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of caffeine, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering caffeine through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of caffeine; and, b) a device that forms a caffeine containing aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 7066171
    Abstract: A method for crystallizing a substance, especially an inhalable medicament, comprising the following steps: (a) dissolving said substance in a solvent, to produce a solution of said substance, (b) producing a segmented stream which consists of alternating segments of said solution of the substance and of a transport medium, (c) introducing said segmented stream into the first end of a retention stretch, which retention stretch has a first end and a second end, so that said segmented stream passes from said first end to said second end of said retention stretch, and exits from the second end of the retention stretch, (d) cooling the retention stretch, to thereby bring about crystallization of the substance in the segments of solution, in the segmented stream, as said segmented stream passes through the retention stretch, and (e) separating the crystals of material from the segmented stream as it exits from the second end of the retention stretch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma KG
    Inventors: Joerg Schiewe, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6797259
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of muscle relaxants through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing a muscle relaxant that is used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of muscle relaxant. In a method aspect of the present invention, a muscle relaxant is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of a muscle relaxant, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Alexza Molecular Delivery Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 6780400
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antiemetics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing antiemetics that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an antiemetic. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antiemetic is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of an antiemetic, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Alexza Molecular Delivery Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 6743414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of bone diseases in humans, including osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, Paget's Disease and hypercalcemia, by administration of a bisphosphonate in an inhalation form. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical inhalation compositions suitable for the treatment and prevention of bone diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Geneva Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Nageswara R. Palepu
  • Patent number: 6723345
    Abstract: Topical gelled compositions comprising an optional drug dispersed within a polymer matrix, methods of producing the same and treatments with the complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: L.A.M. Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Alan Drizen, Peter Rothbart, Gary M. Nath
  • Patent number: 6702997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an albuterol inhalation solution, system, kit and method for relieving bronchospasm in children suffering from asthma. In one alternative embodiment, the solution of the present invention is a sterile, premixed, premeasured single unit dose of albuterol for asthmatic patients 2 to 12 years of age. The present solution may be free of anti-microbial preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride. In another alternative embodiment, the solution of the present invention comprises about 0.63 mg or about 1.25 mg albuterol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Dey, L.P.
    Inventors: Imtiaz Chaudry, Partha Banerjee
  • Patent number: 6699459
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating lung inflammation in a subject which includes administering butylated hydroxyanisol to the subject in an amount effective to treat lung inflammation. The invention also relates to methods of inhibiting interferon regulatory factor activation in a subject and in an alveolar cell. Another aspect of the invention relates to an assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Antonella Casola, Roberto Garofalo, Allan R. Brasier
  • Patent number: 6696041
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method which utilizes iodine as a broad spectrum microbicide wherein the active agent may be applied in nasal passages in the manner of a decongestant type nose spray. The spray is intended particularly for human use. It is to be applied in the event of known or suspected exposure of the individual to common cold virus, flu, or other infective microbial agents including for example, bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, and even mold and fungus. The active agent is based on an iodine solution and may also contain one or more of the following: sodium hypochlorite solution, or a solution of chlorine or hypochlorites plus a salt of chloride, bromide or iodide. Alternatively, the solution may further contain iodine and a bromine solution, or a solution of iodine, bromine plus a salt of chloride, bromide or iodide such as sodium chloride, zinc chloride, sodium bromide, zinc bromide, sodium iodide or zinc iodide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Richard L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6682716
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to the delivery of drug containing aerosols having particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter less than 1&mgr; for inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention the drug containing aerosol comprises particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter between 10 nm and 1&mgr;. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter between 10 nm and 900 nm. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter between 10 nm and 800 nm, 10 nm and 700 nm, 10 nm and 600 nm, 10 nm and 500 nm, 10 nm and 400 nm, 10 nm and 300 nm, 10 nm and 200 nm, or 10 nm and 100 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Alexza Molecular Delivery Corporation
    Inventors: Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Martin J. Wensley
  • Patent number: 6676931
    Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsule using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprises formulation I: polar solvent 37-98.58%, active compound 0.005-55%, optionally containing flavoring agent 0.1-10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: NovaDel Pharma Inc.
    Inventor: Harry A. Dugger, III.
  • Patent number: 6673335
    Abstract: According to the subject invention, dispersible dry powder pharmaceutical-based compositions are provided, including methods for their manufacture and dry powder dispersion devices. A dispersible dry powder pharmaceutical-based composition is one having a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight (%w) water, usually below about 5%w and preferably less than about 3%w; a particle size of about 1.0-5.0 &mgr;m mass median diameter (MMD), usually 1.0-4.0 &mgr;m MMD, and preferably 1.0-3.0 &mgr;m MMD; a delivered dose of about >30%, usually >40%, preferably >50%, and most preferred >60%; and an aerosol particle size distribution of about 1.0-5.0 &mgr;m mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), usually 1.5-4.5 &mgr;m MMAD, and preferably 1.5-4.0 &mgr;m MMAD. Such compositions are of pharmaceutical grade purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: Robert M. Platz, John S. Patton, Linda Foster, Mohammed Eljamal
  • Patent number: 6652837
    Abstract: Particles incorporating a surfactant and/or a hydrophilic or hydrophobic complex of a positively or negatively charged therapeutic agent and a charged molecule of opposite charge for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a tap density less than 0.4 g/cm3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 &mgr;m and 30 &mgr;m, which together yield an aerodynamic diameter of the particles of between approximately one and three microns. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of poly(lactic acid) or poly(glycolic acid) or copolymers thereof. Alternatively, the particles may be formed solely of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent and a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Edwards, Robert S. Langer, Rita Vanbever, Jeffrey Mintzes, Jue Wang, Donghao Chen
  • Patent number: 6645466
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the moisture resistance of dry powder formulations for inhalation which contain a pharmaceutically ineffective carrier of not-inhalable particle size and a finely divided pharmaceutically active compound of inhalable particle size and to also improve the storage stability of said formulations. To this end, magnesium stearate is used in said formulations. One of the features of the inventive dry powder is that a high fine particle dosage or fine particle fraction can be maintained also under relatively extreme temperature and humidity conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Jago Research AG
    Inventors: Manfred Keller, Rudi Müller-Walz
  • Patent number: 6645468
    Abstract: This invention relates to medicinal aerosol and more formulation and more particularly, to a medicinal aerosol formulation containing rosiglitazone maleate and a fluid carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Aeropharm Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony J. Cutie, Akwete L. Adjei, Frederick A. Sexton
  • Patent number: 6638495
    Abstract: Stabilized dispersions are provided for the delivery of a bioactive agent to the respiratory tract of a patient. The dispersions preferably comprise a plurality of perforated microstructures dispersed in a suspension medium that typically comprises a hydrofluoroalkane propellant. As density variations between the suspended particles and suspension medium are minimized and attractive forces between microstructures are attenuated, the disclosed dispersions are particularly resistant to degradation, such as, by settling or flocculation. In particularly preferred embodiments, the stabilized dispersions may be administered to the lung of a patient using a metered dose inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: Jeffry G. Weers, Ernest G. Schutt, Luis A. Dellamary, Thomas E. Tarara, Alexey Kabalnov
  • Patent number: 6635242
    Abstract: Microbicidal and spermicidal devices, methods, and compositions containing sodium dodecyl sulfate or related anionic surfactants as active ingredients for the prevention and control of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, including conditions caused by non-enveloped viruses such as human papilloma virus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: The Pennsylvania State University
    Inventors: Mary K. Howett, John W. Krieder
  • Patent number: 6630129
    Abstract: There is provided according to the invention a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation which comprises: (i) fluticasone propionate and (ii) a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant, characterized in that the fluticasone propionate is completely dissolved in the formulation. The invention also provided canisters containing the formulation and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Leslie Cripps, Paul Johnson
  • Patent number: 6623723
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating bronchial constriction in mammals. The method comprises contacting mammalian lung with a compound selected from the group consisting of pyruvate and pyruvate precursors. The compound is present in a therapeutically effective amount to produce bronchial dilation. The present invention is also directed to a method for treating airway disease in mammals. The method comprises contacting mammalian lung with a compound selected from the group consisting of pyruvate and pyruvate precursors. The compound is present in an amount from about 0.0001 millimoles to about 0.005 millimoles. The present invention is further directed to a method for treating airway disease in mammals. The method comprises contacting the mammalian lung with a compound selected from the group consisting of pyruvate and pyruvate precursors. The compound is present in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent bronchial spasm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Cellular Sciences Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley E. Katz