Patents by Inventor Gerald L. Wolf
Gerald L. Wolf 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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Publication number: 20150297757Abstract: Methods for performing macrophage-enhanced MRI, utilizing a macrophage imaging agent, in a single imaging session are provided. The macrophage imaging agent may be an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle. One embodiment includes administering a macrophage imaging agent to the subject during an administration session then allowing a passage of time sufficient for accumulation of the agent in macrophages of the subject. Subsequently, in a single imaging session, a macrophage-enhanced magnetic resonance image is acquired to target macrophages and a different magnetic resonance image is acquired to target physiological phenomenon other than macrophages. Additional embodiments provide methods wherein the acquisition of a different magnetic resonance image is achieved by vascular-enhanced MRI protocols or perfusion-enhanced MRI protocols, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments provide methods for utilizing acquired images in assessment of treatment of disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventors: Gerald L. Wolf, Jerome M. Lewis
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Publication number: 20140249413Abstract: Macrophages sequester and aggregate ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) in their lysosomes. The amount of USPIO loading of macrophages depends upon the route and dose of administration, and the pharmacokinetics of accumulation and removal. Both fixed macrophages and activated macrophages associated with inflammatory diseases and cancer phagocytize USPIOs, and the loaded macrophages can serve to identify the extent of a macrophage-dependent disease as well as to direct treatment options. Furthermore, the absorption of energy from incident electromagnetic waves by the aggregated nanoparticles can be used for conformal thermotherapy. The USPIOs can further be used to carry drugs to the same activated macrophages. The co-administered drugs can be bound to the USPIO by condition-dependent releasing links that are responsive to local pH or heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Gerald L. Wolf, Karl F. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20130336897Abstract: Macrophages sequester and aggregate ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) in their lysosomes. The amount of USPIO loading of macrophages depends upon the route and dose of administration, and the pharmacokinetics of accumulation and removal. Both fixed macrophages and activated macrophages associated with inflammatory diseases and cancer phagocytize USPIOs, and the loaded macrophages can serve to identify the extent of a macrophage-dependent disease as well as to direct treatment options. Furthermore, the absorption of energy from incident electromagnetic waves by the aggregated nanoparticles can be used for conformal thermotherapy. The USPIOs can further be used to carry drugs to the same activated macrophages. The co-administered drugs can be bound to the USPIO by condition-dependent releasing links that are responsive to local pH or heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Gerald L. Wolf, Karl F. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20120003160Abstract: Methods for performing macrophage-enhanced MRI, utilizing a macrophage imaging agent, in a single imaging session are provided. The macrophage imaging agent may be an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle. One embodiment includes administering a macrophage imaging agent to the subject during an administration session then allowing a passage of time sufficient for accumulation of the agent in macrophages of the subject. Subsequently, in a single imaging session, a macrophage-enhanced magnetic resonance image is acquired to target macrophages and a different magnetic resonance image is acquired to target physiological phenomenon other than macrophages. Additional embodiments provide methods wherein the acquisition of a different magnetic resonance image is achieved by vascular-enhanced MRI protocols or perfusion-enhanced MRI protocols, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments provide methods for utilizing acquired images in assessment of treatment of disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: AMAG PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.Inventors: Gerald L. Wolf, Jerome M. Lewis
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Publication number: 20090004113Abstract: Methods for assessing stage of cancer in a subject are provided, comprising administering a macrophage imaging agent to the subject, making a magnetic resonance image of regions of the subject's body at cancer risk, and using the image to assess macrophage density and displacement associated with any primary cancer or metastatic cancer in the subject, such density and displacement being indicative of neoplasia. The macrophage imaging agent may be an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle and in particular embodiments, the macrophage imaging agent has a blood half-life sufficient to permit microphage trapping throughout the regions at cancer risk. Additional embodiments provide methods for assessing efficacy of an anticancer treatment in a subject, methods for determining frequency of follow-up MEMRI evaluation in a subject, methods for determining metastatic potential of cancer foci in a subject, and methods for determining prognosis of cancer in a subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: AMAG PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.Inventor: Gerald L. Wolf
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Publication number: 20040047804Abstract: The invention features new methods of enhanced radiation therapy based on the discovery that by using controlled combinations of (i) specific radiodense compositions, (ii) specific modes of administration of these radiodense compositions, and (iii) specific energy bands and sources of radiation, that the effect of radiation on tumors and other diseased tissues can be effectively and safely enhanced to provide significantly improved radiation therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation, a Massachusetts corporationInventors: Gerald L. Wolf, Gregory L. McIntire, Edward R. Bacon
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Patent number: 6163726Abstract: The invention features a method for selectively ablating tumor-forming, glandular tissue in a breast by exposing the breast to microwave radiation that ablates glandular tissue while avoiding damage to the fatty tissues of the breast.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventor: Gerald L. Wolf
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Patent number: 5756069Abstract: An amphipathic polychelating compound including a hydrophilic polymeric moiety having a main backbone and a plurality of reactive side groups, a lipid-soluble anchor linked to the N terminal of the polymeric moiety, and a plurality of chelating agents linked to the side groups of the polymeric moiety. The polychelating compounds are bound to liposomes or micelles for use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventors: Vladimir P. Torchilin, Vladimir S. Trubetskoy, Gerald L. Wolf
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Patent number: 5746998Abstract: A radiographic imaging agent including a plurality of block copolymers forming a micelle, the block copolymers including a hydrophilic polymer linked to a hydrophobic polymer, and the hydrophobic polymer including a backbone incorporating radiopaque molecules via covalent bonds.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Vladimir P. Torchilin, Vladimir S. Trubetskoy, Gerald L. Wolf, G. Scott Gazelle
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Patent number: 5567410Abstract: A radiographic imaging agent including a plurality of block copolymers forming a micelle, the block copolymers including a hydrophilic polymer linked to a hydrophobic polymer, and the hydrophobic polymer including a backbone incorporating radiopaque molecules via covalent bonds.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Vladimir P. Torchilin, Vladimir S. Trubetskoy, Gerald L. Wolf, G. Scott Gazelle
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Patent number: 5534241Abstract: An amphipathic polychelating compound including a hydrophilic polymeric moiety having a main backbone and a plurality of reactive side groups, a lipid-soluble anchor linked to the N terminal of the polymeric moiety, and a plurality of chelating agents linked to the side groups of the polymeric moiety. The polychelating compounds are bound to liposomes or micelles for use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1993Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Inventors: Vladimir P. Torchilin, Vladimir S. Trubetskoy, Gerald L. Wolf
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Patent number: 5114703Abstract: Injectable contrast agents of great clinical importance for lymphography, characterized by non-water soluble particle sizes between about 5 or 10 nm and about 500 or 900 nm, which have selective distribution to lymph nodes upon percutaneous administration and can be imaged with millimeter resolution. Also disclosed are methods for performing percutaneous lymphography using these contrast agents.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1990Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.Inventors: Gerald L. Wolf, David M. Long
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Patent number: 5065751Abstract: A method of reversibly occluding a biological tube is provided as well as a related apparatus. The method includes providing an occluding member to be introduced into or around a biological tube thereby blocking flow through the tube. When it is desired to eliminate such blockage, shock wave lithotripsy or other energy is employed to fragment the occluding member and thus eliminate its blockage of the biological tube. The related occluding device comprises an occluding member having an inner core of a first rigid material encapsulated in an outer shell comprised of a flexible second material. The first will fragment when struck by shock waves. The device may be either a plug-type device or a C-shaped clamp. Alternatively, the device may be comprised of a single material which is introduced in flowable form into the tube by means of a catheter. The material then hardens to form a substantially rigid plug.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1990Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Inventor: Gerald L. Wolf
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Patent number: 4983177Abstract: A method of reversibly occluding a biological tube is provided as well as a related apparatus. The method includes providing an occluding member to be introduced into or around a biological tube thereby blocking flow through the tube. When it is desired to eliminate such blockage, shock wave lithotripsy or other energy is employed to fragment the occluding member and thus eliminate its blockage of the biological tube. The related occluding device comprises an occluding member having an inner core of a first rigid material encapsulated in an outer shell comprised of a flexible second material. The first will fragment when struck by shock waves. The device may be either a plug-type device or a C-shaped clamp.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1990Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Inventor: Gerald L. Wolf
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Patent number: D399957Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Inventors: Mikhail Chernov, Gerald L. Wolf