Patents by Inventor Donald Chickering
Donald Chickering has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8586005Abstract: Clinical studies have been conducted and specific dosage formulations developed using polymeric microparticles having incorporated therein perfluorocarbon gases that provide significantly enhanced images of long duration. The dosage formulation includes microparticles formed of a biocompatible polymer, preferably including a lipid incorporated therein, and containing a perfluorocarbon that is a gas at body temperature. The microparticles are provided to a patient in an amount effective to enhance ultrasound imaging in the ventricular chambers for more than 5 minutes or in the mycocardium for more than a minute, in a dose ranging from 0.025 to 8.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. Preferably the dose ranges from 0.05 to 4.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. The dosage formulation typically is provided in a vial.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Richard Walovitch, Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, III, Julie Straub
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Patent number: 8012457Abstract: Clinical studies have been conducted and specific dosage formulations developed using polymeric microparticles having incorporated therein perfluorocarbon gases that provide significantly enhanced images of long duration. The dosage formulation includes microparticles formed of a biocompatible polymer, preferably including a lipid incorporated therein, and containing a perfluorocarbon that is a gas at body temperature. The microparticles are provided to a patient in an amount effective to enhance ultrasound imaging in the ventricular chambers for more than 5 minutes or in the mycocardium for more than a minute, in a dose ranging from 0.025 to 8.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. Preferably the dose ranges from 0.05 to 4.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. The dosage formulation typically is provided in a vial.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Richard Walovitch, Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20090297605Abstract: The composition as described serves for in vivo cartilage repair. It basically consists of a naturally derived osteoinductive and/or chondroinductive mixture of factors (e.g. derived from bone) or of a synthetic mimic of such a mixture combined with a nanosphere delivery system. A preferred mixture of factors is the combination of factors isolated from bone, known as BP and described by Poser and Benedict (WO 95/13767). The nanosphere delivery system consists of nanospheres defined as polymer particles of less than 1000 nm in diameter (whereby the majority of particles preferably ranges between 200-400 nm) in which nanospheres the combination of factors is encapsulated. The nanospheres are loaded with the mixture of factors in a weight ratio of 0.001 to 17% (w/w), preferably of 1 to 4% (w/w) and have a release profile with an initial burst of 10 to 20% of the total load over the first 24 hours and a long time release of at least 0.1 per day during at least seven following days.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Brent L. Atkinson, Pedro Bittman, James J. Benedict, John Ranieri, Marsha L. Whitney, Donald Chickering
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Publication number: 20070269381Abstract: Clinical studies have been conducted and specific dosage formulations developed using polymeric microparticles having incorporated therein perfluorocarbon gases that provide significantly enhanced images of long duration. The dosage formulation includes microparticles formed of a biocompatible polymer, preferably including a lipid incorporated therein, and containing a perfluorocarbon that is a gas at body temperature. The microparticles are provided to a patient in an amount effective to enhance ultrasound imaging in the ventricular chambers for more than 5 minutes or in the mycocardium for more than a minute, in a dose ranging from 0.025 to 8.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. Preferably the dose ranges from 0.05 to 4.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. The dosage formulation typically is provided in a vial.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: Richard Walovitch, Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20070264343Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations and methods are provided for the sustained delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a patient by injection. The injectable formulation includes porous microparticles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent and a matrix material, wherein upon injection of the formulation a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of the pharmaceutical agent is released from the microparticles for at least 24 hours. A method for making the injectable, sustained release pharmaceutical formulation may include dissolving a hydrophobic matrix material in a volatile solvent to form a first solution; adding a pharmaceutical agent to the first solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution; and removing the volatile solvent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield porous microparticles which comprise the pharmaceutical agent dispersed, entrapped or encapsulated within the structure of the hydrophobic matrix material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Applicant: ACUSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Eric Huang, Sridhar Narasimhan, Shaina Reese, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20070178165Abstract: A method is provided for making a parenteral dosage form of a pharmaceutical agent which includes (a) providing particles of a pharmaceutical agent; (b) blending the particles with particles of at least one bulking agent to form a first powder blend, which does not include a surfactant; (c) milling the first powder blend to form a milled blend which comprises microparticles or nanoparticles of the pharmaceutical agent; and (d) reconstituting the milled blend with a liquid vehicle, which includes at least one surfactant, for parenteral administration. A method also is provided which includes (a) providing particles of a pharmaceutical agent; (b) blending these particles with particles of an excipient to form a first blend; and (c) milling the first blend to form a milled blend that includes microparticles or nanoparticles, which exhibits a greater dispersibility, wettability, and suspendability as compared to the particles of step (a) or the first blend.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: August 2, 2007Applicant: ACUSPHERE, INC.Inventors: David Altreuter, Howard Bernstein, Luis Brito, Shaina Brito, Olinda Carneiro, Donald Chickering, Eric Huang, Rajeev Jain, Sridhar Narasimhan, Namrata Pandit, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20070178166Abstract: Dry powder pharmaceutical formulations for pulmonary or nasal administration are made to provide an improved respired dose. These formulations may be blends of milled blends and may include a phospholipid, alone or in combination with other excipient materials. In one case, the process includes the steps of (a) providing particles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent, (b) blending the particles with particles of at least one first excipient to form a first powder blend; (c) milling the first powder blend to form a milled blend which comprises microparticles or nanoparticles of the pharmaceutical agent; and (d) blending the milled blend with particles of a second excipient to form a blended dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation suitable for pulmonary or nasal administration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: August 2, 2007Applicant: ACUSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Shaina Brito, Donald Chickering, Eric Huang, Rajeev Jain, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20070148211Abstract: A method is provided for making an oral dosage form of a pharmaceutical agent which includes the steps of (a) providing particles which include a pharmaceutical agent; (b) blending the particles with particles of a pre-processed excipient to form a primary blend, wherein the pre-processed excipient is prepared by (i) dissolving a bulking agent (e.g., a sugar) and at least one non-friable excipient (e.g., a waxy or liquid surfactant) in a solvent to form an excipient solution, and (ii) removing the solvent from the excipient solution to form the pre-processed excipient in dry powder form; (c) milling the primary blend to form a milled pharmaceutical formulation blend that includes microparticles or nanoparticles of the pharmaceutical agent; and (d) processing the milled pharmaceutical formulation blend into a solid oral dosage form or liquid suspension for oral administration. The process yields formulations having improved wettability or dispersibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: David Altreuter, Howard Bernstein, Luis Brito, Shaina Brito, Donald Chickering, Eric Huang, Rajeev Jain, Sridhar Narasimhan, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20070104656Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: May 10, 2007Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Julie Straub
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Patent number: 7160557Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20060216325Abstract: The composition as described serves for in vivo cartilage repair. It basically consists of a naturally derived osteoinductive and/or chondroinductive mixture of factors (e.g. derived from bone) or of a synthetic mimic of such a mixture combined with a nanosphere delivery system. A preferred mixture of factors is the combination of factors isolated from bone, known as BP and described by Poser and Benedict (WO 95/13767). The nanosphere delivery system consists of nanospheres defined as polymer particles of less than 1000 nm in diameter (whereby the majority of particles preferably ranges between 200-400 nm) in which nanospheres the combination of factors is encapsulated. The nanospheres are loaded with the mixture of factors in a weight ratio of 0.001 to 17% (w/w), preferably of 1 to 4% (w/w) and have a release profile with an initial burst of 10 to 20% of the total load over the first 24 hours and a long time release of at least 0.1 per day during at least seven following days.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Brent Atkinson, Pedro Bittman, James Benedict, John Ranieri, Marsha Whitney, Donald Chickering
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Patent number: 7052719Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20060093678Abstract: Methods are provided for making a dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation comprising (i) forming microparticles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent; (ii) providing at least one excipient in the form of particles having a volume average diameter that is greater than the volume average diameter of the microparticles; (iii) blending the microparticles with the excipient to form a powder blend; and (iv) jet milling the powder blend to deagglomerate at least a portion of any of the microparticles which have agglomerated, while substantially maintaining the size and morphology of the individual microparticles. Jet milling advantageously can eliminate the need for more complicated wet deagglomeration processes, can lower residual moisture and solvent levels in the microparticles (which leads to better stability and handling properties for dry powder formulations), and can improve wettability, suspendability, and content uniformity of dry powder blend formulations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2005Publication date: May 4, 2006Inventors: Donald Chickering, Shaina Reese, Sridhar Narasimhan, Julie Straub, Howard Bernstein, David Altreuter, Eric Huang
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Publication number: 20060093677Abstract: Methods are provided for making a dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation comprising (i) forming microparticles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent; (ii) providing at least one excipient in the form of particles having a volume average diameter that is greater than the volume average diameter of the microparticles; (iii) blending the microparticles with the excipient to form a powder blend; and (iv) jet milling the powder blend to deagglomerate at least a portion of any of the microparticles which have agglomerated, while substantially maintaining the size and morphology of the individual microparticles. Jet milling advantageously can eliminate the need for more complicated wet deagglomeration processes, can lower residual moisture and solvent levels in the microparticles (which leads to better stability and handling properties for dry powder formulations), and can improve wettability, suspendability, and content uniformity of dry powder blend formulations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2005Publication date: May 4, 2006Inventors: Donald Chickering, Shaina Reese, Sridhar Narasimhan, Julie Straub, Howard Bernstein, David Altreuter, Eric Huang
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Publication number: 20050271591Abstract: Clinical studies have been conducted and specific dosage formulations developed using polymeric microparticles having incorporated therein perfluorocarbon gases that provide significantly enhanced images of long duration. The dosage formulation includes microparticles formed of a biocompatible polymer, preferably including a lipid incorporated therein, and containing a perfluorocarbon that is a gas at body temperature. The microparticles are provided to a patient in an amount effective to enhance ultrasound imaging in the ventricular chambers for more than 5 minutes or in the mycocardium for more than a minute, in a dose ranging from 0.025 to 8.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. Preferably the dose ranges from 0.05 to 4.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. The dosage formulation typically is provided in a vial.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2005Publication date: December 8, 2005Inventors: Richard Walovitch, Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20050209099Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making particles comprising: (a) spraying an emulsion, solution, or suspension, which comprises a solvent and a bulk material (e.g., a pharmaceutical agent), through an atomizer and into a primary drying chamber, having a drying gas flowing therethrough, to form droplets comprising the solvent and bulk material dispersed in the drying gas; (b) evaporating, in the primary drying chamber, at least a portion of the solvent into the drying gas to solidify the droplets and form particles dispersed in drying gas; and (c) flowing the particles and at least a portion of the drying gas through a jet mill to deagglomerate or grind the particles. By coupling spray drying with “in-line” jet milling, a single step process is created from two separate unit operations, and an additional collection step is advantageously eliminated. The one-step, in-line process has further advantages in time and cost of processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2005Publication date: September 22, 2005Inventors: Donald Chickering, Sridhar Narasimhan, David Altreuter, Paul Kopesky, Mark Keegan, Julie Straub, Howard Bernstein
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Publication number: 20050079138Abstract: Methods are provided for making a dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation, comprising the steps of: (a) providing microparticles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent; (b) blending the microparticles with at least one excipient in the form of particles to form a powder blend; and (c) jet milling the powder blend to form a dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation having improved dispersibility, suspendability, or wettability as compared to the microparticles of step (a) or the powder blend of step (b). The method can further include dispersing the dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation in a liquid pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle to make an formulation suitable for injection. Alternatively, the method can further include processing the dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation into a solid oral dosage form. In one embodiment, the microparticles of step (a) are formed by a solvent precipitation or crystallization process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2004Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Donald Chickering, Shaina Reese, Sridhar Narasimhan, Julie Straub, Howard Bernstein, David Altreuter, Eric Huang, Luis Brito, Rajeev Jain
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Publication number: 20050069591Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations and methods are provided for the sustained delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a patient by injection, by oral administration or by topical administration. The injectable formulation includes porous microparticles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent and a matrix material, wherein upon injection of the formulation a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of the pharmaceutical agent is released from the microparticles for at least 24 hours. The oral formulation includes porous microparticles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent and a matrix material, wherein a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of the pharmaceutical agent is released from the microparticles for at least 2 hours following oral administration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2004Publication date: March 31, 2005Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Eric Huang, Sridhar Narasimhan, Shaina Reese, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20050058710Abstract: Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution and hydrophilic or hydrophobic excipients that stabilize the drug and inhibit crystallization, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. Hydrophobic or hydrophilic excipients may be selected to stabilize the drug in crystalline form by inhibiting crystal growth or to stabilize the drug in amorphous form by preventing crystallization.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2004Publication date: March 17, 2005Inventors: Julie Straub, David Altreuter, Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Greg Randall
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Publication number: 20050048116Abstract: Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution and hydrophilic or hydrophobic excipients that stabilize the drug and inhibit crystallization, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. Hydrophobic or hydrophilic excipients may be selected to stabilize the drug in crystalline form by inhibiting crystal growth or to stabilize the drug in amorphous form by preventing crystallization.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2004Publication date: March 3, 2005Inventors: Julie Straub, David Altreuter, Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Greg Randall