Patents by Inventor Noma R. Merideth

Noma R. Merideth 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).

  • Polymeric shells for medical imaging prepared from synthetic polymers, and methods for the use thereof
    Patent number: 5512268
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, compositions comprising imaging agent(s) contained within polymeric shells are provided. Invention compositions are useful, for example, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and X-ray computer tomography. The polymeric shell diameter is typically approximately 2 microns in diameter. Consequently, these materials have organ specificity due to rapid scavenging by the reticuloendothial system (RES) or the mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) system upon intravenous injection. Furthermore, polymeric shells of the invention can be used to measure and monitor local oxygen and temperature. Exemplary contrast agents contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention include fluorinated compounds. Fluorinated compounds in general are hydrophobic and as such have limited water solubility. The invention method permits preparation of such compounds in a biocompatible form suitable for ready delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Vivorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Grinstaff, Neil P. Desai, Kenneth S. Suslick, Patrick Soon-Shiong, Paul A. Sandford, Noma R. Merideth
  • Non-fluorinated polymeric shells for medical imaging
    Patent number: 5508021
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention compositions comprising imaging agent(s) contained within polymeric shells are provided. Invention compositions are useful, for example, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and X-ray computer tomography. The polymeric shell diameter is typically approximately 2 microns in diameter. Consequently, these materials have organ specificity due to rapid scavenging by the reticuloendothial system (RES) or the mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) system upon intravenous injection. Furthermore, polymeric shells of the invention can be used to measure and monitor local oxygen and temperature. Exemplary contrast agents contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention include fluorinated compounds. Fluorinated compounds in general are hydrophobic and as such have limited water solubility. The invention method permits preparation of such compounds in a biocompatible form suitable for ready delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Vivorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Grinstaff, Neil P. Desai, Kenneth S. Suslick, Patrick Soon-Shiong, Paul A. Sandford, Noma R. Merideth
  • Method for the preparation of fluorocarbon-containing polymeric shells for medical imaging
    Patent number: 5505932
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, compositions comprising imaging agent(s) contained within polymeric shells are provided. Invention compositions are useful, for example, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and X-ray computer tomography. The polymeric shell diameter is typically approximately 2 microns in diameter. Consequently, these materials have organ specificity due to rapid scavenging by the reticuloendothial system (RES) or the mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) system upon intravenous injection. Furthermore, polymeric shells of the invention can be used to measure and monitor local oxygen and temperature. Exemplary contrast agents contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention include fluorinated compounds. Fluorinated compounds in general are hydrophobic and as such have limited water solubility. The invention method permits preparation of such compounds in a biocompatible form suitable for ready delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Vivorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Grinstaff, Neil P. Desai, Kenneth S. Suslick, Patrick Soon-Shiong, Paul A. Sandford, Noma R. Merideth