Abstract: Polymeric delivery devices have been developed which combine high loading/high density of molecules to be delivered with the option of targeting. As used herein, “high density” refers to microparticles having a high density of ligands or coupling agents, which is in the range of 1000-10,000,000, more preferably between 10,000 and 1,000,000 ligands per square micron of microparticle surface area. A general method for incorporating molecules into the surface of biocompatible polymers using materials with an HLB of less than 10, more preferably less than 5, such as fatty acids, has been developed. Because of its ease, generality and flexibility, this method has widespread utility in modifying the surface of polymeric materials for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering, as well other other fields.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a nucleic acid delivery system including a polymeric structure formed of a biocompatible polymer and a mixture comprising one or more nucleic acid molecules and a first co-dispersant, the mixture being contained within the polymeric structure, wherein the first co-dispersant is present in an amount effective to control diffusion of the one or more nucleic acid from the polymeric structure. Compositions including the nucleic acid delivery system and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier are disclosed. Methods of making the nucleic acid delivery system and their use in delivering nucleic acid into a patient and modifying gene expression in a target cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for searching all public datbases, indexing the results such that a CCTLD and GTLD indication is deleted, searching the indexed results in all non-public zone files and generating results wherein the apparatus is comprised of a processor having access to the world wide web and memory having instructions that when executed by the processor cause the computer system to perform the steps above.

Abstract: Polymeric drug conjugates in controlled release matrices are provided which allow sustained concentrations of therapeutic agents within a treated area for a prolonged period. The polymeric drug conjugates hydrolytically degrade in the extracellular space in a controlled, pre-specified pattern, releasing active drug. The conjugates diffuse within the tissue reaching a greater distance from the matrix than free drug would, because of their reduced rate of clearance from the tissue via the capillary system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing the delivery of nucleic acid molecules to cells by increasing the concentration of cells at the cell surface. The method comprises the step of premixing of nucleic acid:vector molecules with nanoparticles that are biocompatible, reversibly associate with the nucleic acids and have a sedimentation rate which increases the concentration of the nucleic acids at the cell surface so as to enhance delivery into the cells.

Abstract: A genus specific chlamydia oral or injectable vaccine is provided which comprises an anti-idiotype antibody capable of producing in an animal an anti-idiotypic antibody or Fab fragment thereof enclosed in microspheres formed of a pharmacologically acceptable polymer is capable of producing in an animal an anti-anti-idiotypic immune response (serum antibody, secretory antibody or T-cell responsee) which recognizes a glycolipid exoantigen (GLXA) of chlamydia. The oral or injectable vaccine is produced from an idiotypic antibody to GLXA which, in turn, is utilized to produce the anti-idiotypic antibody.