Abstract: Methods for transporting a biologically active agent across a cellular membrane or a lipid bilayer. A first method includes the steps of:(a) providing a biologically active agent which can exist in a native conformational state, a denatured conformational state, and an intermediate conformational state which is reversible to the native state and which is conformationally between the native and denatured states;(b) exposing the biologically active agent to a complexing perturbant to reversibly transform the biologically active agent to the intermediate state and to form a transportable supramolecular complex; and(c) exposing the membrane or bilayer to the supramolecular complex, to transport the biologically active agent across the membrane or bilayer. The perturbant has a molecular weight between about 150 and about 600 daltons, and contains at least one hydrophilic moiety and at least one hydrophobic moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antigens. Delivery systems are provided that include the antigen and acylated or sulfonated amino acids or poly amino acids. Methods of preparation and administration of these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the delivery of active agents are provided. These delivery compositions include (a) an active agent; and either (b)(1) a carrier of (i) at least one amino acid and (ii) at least one diketopiperazine or (b)(2) at least one mono-N-substituted, di-N-substituted, or unsubstituted diketopiperazine. Methods for preparing these compositions and administering these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Improved proteinoid micropheres and methods for their preparation and use as oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical agents are described. The proteinoid microspheres are soluble within selected pH ranges within the gastrointestinal tract and display enhanced stability towards least one of photolysis or decomposition over time. The proteinoid microspheres are prepared from proteinoids having between 2 and 8 amino acids and having a molecular weight of about 1000 daltons.

Abstract: Improved proteinoid carriers and methods for their preparation and use as oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical agents are described. The proteinoid carriers are soluble within selected pH ranges within the gastrointestinal tract and display enhanced stability towards at least one of photolysis or decomposition over time. The proteinoid carriers are prepared from proteinoids having between 2 and 20 amino acids and having a molecular weight of between about 250 and 2400 daltons.

Abstract: Modified hydrolyzed vegetable protein microspheres and methods for their preparation and use as oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical agents are described.

Abstract: Modified amino acids and methods for their preparation and use as oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical agents are described. The modified amino acids are preparable by reacting single amino acids or mixtures of two or more kinds of amino acids with an amino modifying agent such as benzene sulfonyl chloride, benzoyl chloride, and hippuryl chloride. The modified amino acids form encapsulating microspheres in the presence of the active agent under sphere-forming conditions. Alternatively, the modified amino acids may be used as a carrier by simply mixing the amino acids with the active agent. The modified amino acids are particularly useful in delivering peptides, e.g. insulin or calmodulin, or other agents which are sensitive to the denaturing conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Modified amino acids and methods for their preparation and use as oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical agents are described. The modified amino acids are preparable by reacting single amino acids or mixtures of two or more kinds of amino acids with an amino modifying agent such as benzene sulfonyl chloride, benzoyl chloride, and hippuryl chloride. The modified amino acids form encapsulating microspheres in the presence of the active agent under sphere-forming conditions. Alternatively, the modified amino acids may be used as a carrier by simply mixing the amino acids with the active agent. The modified amino acids are particularly useful in delivering peptides, e.g. insulin or calmodulin, or other agents which are sensitive to the denaturing conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Improved proteinoid microspheres and methods for their preparation and use as oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical agents are described. The proteinoid microspheres are soluble within selected pH ranges within the gastrointestinal tract and display enhanced stability towards at least one of photolysis or decomposition over time. The proteinoid microspheres are prepared from proteinoids having between 2 and 8 amino acids and having a molecular weight of about 1000 daltons.

Abstract: Modified hydrolyzed vegetable protein microspheres and methods for their preparation and use as oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical agents are described.