Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides, peptide dimers, and multimeric complexes comprising at least one binding moiety for KDR or VEGF/KDR complex, which have a variety of uses wherever treating, detecting, isolating or localizing angiogenesis is advantageous. Particularly disclosed are synthetic, isolated polypeptides capable of binding KDR or VEGF/KDR complex with high affinity (e.g., having a KD<1 ?M), and dimer and multimeric constructs comprising these polypeptides, particularly contrast agents. Also provided are methods for monitoring and evaluating the therapeutic effectiveness of treatment protocols for diseases associated with angiogenesis or endothelial cell hyperproliferation, such as cancer, using contrast agents of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an antigen specific echographic contrast medium for diagnostic and/or therapeutic use, a process for the preparation thereof and its uses in ultrasound diagnostic imaging and in therapy. In particular, a contrast medium according to the invention has proven to be useful in selectively carrying drugs and/or other bio-active principles into a diseased tissues and in releasing the same in site, once bond to such tissue and suitably insonated. Moreover, an echographic contrast medium according to the invention allows a differentiation of the diseased tissues from the surrounding (healthy) tissues, by conferring an improved contrastographic enhancement to the diseased tissue alone over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticles and a method for preparing the same, more specifically, relates to a method for preparing a multifunctional perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion which simultaneously shows the fluorine-based magnetic resonance properties of perfluorocarbon and the optical properties of quantum dot nanoparticles, the method comprising dispersing quantum dot nanoparticles, modified with a fluorine end group, in perfluorocarbon, and then adding an aqueous emulsifier solution containing lipid to the dispersion. The disclosed perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticles has excellent biocompatibility and simultaneously shows optical properties and magnetic resonance properties, and thus can be used as a contrast agent for multi-mode molecular imaging. Accordingly, the nanoemulsion can be used to study cell and small-animal molecular imaging in various fields, including biological and medical fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of clinical conditions characterized by undesirable and/or abnormal selectin expression. In particular, the invention provides for the use of fucoidans for the detection of selectins using imaging techniques including ultrasonography, scintigraphy and MRI. Selectin-targeted imaging agents are provided that comprise at least one fucoidan moiety associated with at least one detectable moiety. Methods and kits are described for using these imaging agents in the diagnosis of clinical conditions such as thrombosis, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, stroke and ischemic brain trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, tumor metastasis and tumor growth, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Methods for producing echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are nanoemulsions comprising (1) at least one fluoro ether and (2) a block copolymer comprising a hydrophilic block and hydrophobic block, wherein the nanoemulsion comprises a therapeutic agent in the nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsions are stable and are excellent drug delivery devices for ultrasound-mediated, image guided drug delivery. Also described herein are methods for using the nanoemulsions to treat tumors and cancers as well as using them as imaging agents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system comprising: an Acetoxy curable silicone Binder; and an active agent blended with the silicone binder, effective for one or more of radiopacification, lubricity, elution of a secondary compound such as a drug, echogenic properties, thermal or electrically insulative properties or chemical indicators wherein the silicone binder effectiveness is not substantially changed by the active agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of humanized, chimeric or human Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments thereof, preferably comprising the light chain variable region CDR sequences SASSRVSYIH (SEQ ID NO:1); GTSTLAS (SEQ ID NO:2); and QQWSYNPPT (SEQ ID NO:3); and the heavy chain variable region CDR sequences DYYMS (SEQ ID NO:4); FIANKANGHTTDYSPSVKG (SEQ ID NO:5); and DMGIRWNFDV (SEQ ID NO:6). The Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments are useful for treating diseases, such as cancer, wherein the diseased cells express CEACAM5 and/or CEACAM6 antigens. The Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments are also of use for interfering with specific processes, such as metastasis, invasiveness and/or adhesion of cancer cells, or for enhancing sensitivity of cancer cells to cytotoxic agents and have favorable effects on the survival of subjects with cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a brain cancer cell and/or across the blood-brain barrier. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transport peptides derived from Neisseria outer membrane proteins, such as Laz. The invention also provides synthetic transit peptides comprised of the pentapeptide AAEAP. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer, and specifically brain cancer, as well as other brain-related conditions. Further, the invention provides methods of imaging and diagnosing cancer, particular brain cancer.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, devices and materials are disclosed for implementing and fabricating drug delivery and imaging vehicles, which are activated in the body at a tissue of interest by focused ultrasound. In one aspect, a drug delivery vehicle can include a carrier having an outer membrane that envelopes an acoustic sensitizer particle and a payload substance to be delivered to the target tissue. The outer membrane can protect the acoustic sensitizer particle and the payload substance from degradation and opsonization. The outer membrane can be functionalized with a tumor targeting ligand to cause the drug delivery vehicle to selectively accumulate in a tumor region over other tissues, as well as with an agent to increase circulation time by reducing uptake from undesired body tissues, organs, and systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer.

Abstract: A compound that includes a quaterrylene dye moiety as core, and a dendrimeric shell. For example, the compound may comprise at least four dendronized polyamides covalently attached to a quaterrylene dye. Also disclosed is a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, comprising A(G)x, wherein: A comprises a quaterrylene dye; G comprises at least one functionalized dendrimeric structure; and x is 2 to 16. The compounds may be used for in methods for monitoring a therapeutic or diagnostic agent in a subject, or for treating a subject by administering the compound to the subject.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of novel nanoparticles for delivery of DNA double-stranded break (DSB) repair enzyme inhibitors such as wortmannin or wortmannin analogues. In one embodiment, these nanoparticles comprise a polylactide polyglycolide (PLGA) copolymer and a polyethylene glycol (PEG). In addition methods of treatment and methods of enhancing radiation treatments are also provided.

Abstract: A microsphere and method for forming the same are disclosed. The microsphere includes modified cellulose and at least one of a visualization agent, a magnetic material, or a radioactive material.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of drug delivery, cancer treatment and diagnosis and pharmaceuticals. This invention provides a method of making antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted immunoliposomes for the systemic delivery of molecules to treat and image diseases, including cancerous tumors. The invention also provides immunoliposomes and compositions, as well as methods of imaging various tissues. The liposome complexes are useful for encapsulation of imaging agents, for example, for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The specificity of the delivery system is derived from the targeting antibodies or antibody fragments.

Abstract: Indocyanine green-containing particles each include a metal oxide particle or a metal particle and an aggregate of indocyanine green. The aggregate of indocyanine green has a relative maximum absorbance at 880 nm or more and 910 nm or less.

Abstract: Provided is the following indocyanine green (ICG)-containing particle to be used as, for example, a contrast agent for fluorescent imaging or photoacoustic imaging. The leakage of ICG from the particle in a serum is prevented and hence the particle can stably retain ICG. According to a particle characterized by having an aggregate of indocyanine green and a phospholipid, the leakage of ICG from the particle in a serum or the like is prevented and hence ICG can be stably retained in the particle.

Abstract: A tumor-targeting gas-generating nanoparticle, a method for preparing same and a tumor-targeting nanoparticle for drug delivery using same relate to a tumor-targeting gas-generating nanoparticle including a polycarbonate core and a amphiphilic coat, a method for preparing same and a tumor-targeting nanoparticle for drug delivery using same. Since a tumor-targeting gas-generating nanoparticle according to the present disclosure is accumulated in the tumor tissue in large quantity and generates strong ultrasound wave signals, it can be usefully used as a contrast agent for ultrasonic imaging.

Abstract: The invention provides SPARC and Albumin binding peptides for the targeting of disease sites, such as tumors, with therapeutic and diagnostic agents. In particular, compositions comprising SPARC binding peptide-Antibody Fc domain fusion proteins and methods of their use are disclosed.

Abstract: A compound including a polymer is represented by general formula (1): L-Y-A??(1) wherein, A is a single-chain antibody moiety, which is a polypeptide including an antigen-binding site, L is a linker moiety, which is a polypeptide including a protease cleavage site, Y is a peptide moiety, which includes 0 or more amino acids connecting the linker moiety L with the single-chain antibody moiety A, and the linker moiety L binds to an N terminus of the peptide moiety Y or an N terminus of the single-chain antibody moiety A.

Abstract: The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An IVUS pigtail catheter is provided. The IVUS pigtail catheter includes an array of transducers for performing intravascular ultrasound imaging and a pigtail end portion for performing angiographic imaging. The IVUS pigtail catheter facilitates both IVUS imaging and angiographic imaging without the need to exchange catheters. This allows surgical procedures performed using the IVUS pigtail catheter to be faster, more accurate, and less complicated. Methods of utilizing the IVUS pigtail catheter are also provided.

Abstract: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor and therapeutic and diagnostic methods that employ the disclosed targeting ligands.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic spinal conditions, degenerative disc disease, back pain and/or other tissue pathologies. Patients with ischemic spine disease can be categorized into subsets that are deemed to have potential to respond to therapy. In particular, therapies are disclosed which involve stimulation of neovascularization so as to increase perfusion of spinal and other anatomies.

Abstract: Site-specific modifications of proteins at their N-termini are provided. In particular, a chemical modification of proteins at their N-termini via a transamination reaction to form homogeneous adducts such as, the corresponding oxime derivatives is provided. Methods of making and using the adducts in radio-labelling, molecular imaging applications, and treatment of disorders such as cancer, Crohn's disease, arthritis, atherothrombosis and plaque rupture are also provided.

Abstract: A system for producing microbeads includes a microfluidic device defining a supply channel and a shearing channel, a microbead precursor material disposed in the supply channel, a carrier fluid disposed in the shearing channel, and a pressure distribution system fluidly connected to each of the supply channel and the shearing channel to control at least relative pressures of the microbead precursor material and the carrier fluid. The supply channel includes a check valve adapted to be subjected to a bias pressure that is sufficient to close the check valve to flow of microbead precursor material when a supply pressure of the microbead precursor material is below a threshold pressure and is open to flow of the microbead precursor material when the supply pressure of the microbead precursor material is greater than the threshold pressure.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel compositions comprising anti-DEspR antibodies and fragments thereof, including fully human, composite engineered human, humanized, monoclonal, and polyclonal anto-DEspR antibodies and fragments thereof, and methods of their use in a variety of therapeutic applications. The compositions comprising the anti-DEspR antibodies and fragments thereof described herein are useful in diagnostic and imaging methods, such as DEspR-targeted molecular imaging of angiogenesis, and for companion diagnostic and/or in vivo-non invasive imaging and/or assessments.

Abstract: An apparatus, system or method enables microbubbles to be created on demand for use as the contrast agent within a contrast medium administrable to a patient for purposes of a medical procedure. The system comprises a reservoir, a pressurizing device, a microbubble generator, and a controller. The reservoir stores a liquid. The pressurizing device conveys the liquid, along with the medium formed therewith, through the system. The microbubble generator is used to create the microbubbles within the liquid to form the medium. The microbubble generator has an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet for communication of the medium to the patient. The controller controls the operation of the system so that the microbubbles created by the microbubble generator are generated according to the demands of the medical procedure and are administrable within the medium to the patient.

Abstract: Methods and suspensions are provided that are useful for preparing readily reconstitutable, dry compositions of micro- or nanospheres. The dry compositions find use in diagnostic applications such as ultrasonic imaging. The suspension includes as key ingredients one or both of t-butyl alcohol and/or an amorphous sugar (or mixture of amorphous sugar) in specified amounts that reduce aggregation of the particles comprising the suspension.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, in part, fluorocarbon imaging reagents and formulations for the ex vivo labeling of cells. Labeled cells may be detected in vivo or ex vivo by a nuclear magnetic resonance technique, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The disclosure additionally provides methods for using the imaging reagents in a variety of clinical procedures.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for imaging and for chemotherapy and radiotherapy are disclosed. More particularly, the invention concerns agents comprising a targeting moeity comprising a beta-adrenergic receptor targeting compound conjugated or embedded with ethylenediamine. The present invention also concerns methods of application of such agents for imaging and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and kits for preparing a radiolabeled therapeutic or diagnostic agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an isolated or recombinant IL-23-binding protein comprising an antigen binding domain of an antibody, wherein the antigen binding domain specifically binds to IL-23 but does not significantly bind to an IL-12p40 subunit and does not significantly bind to an IL-23p19 subunit when they are not components of IL-23. The present disclosure also provides uses of the IL-23-binding protein.

Abstract: The invention provides SPARC binding antibodies that target disease sites, in particular, tumors and uses thereof to diagnose and treat diseases, in particular, cancerous tumors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions comprising an anti-IGF-1R antibody or fragment thereof for treatment of cancer or autoimmune disease. Preferably, the cancer is renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer or pancreatic cancer. The anti-IGF-1R antibody or fragment may be part of a complex, such as a DOCK-AND-LOCK™ (DNL™) complex. Preferably, the DNL™ complex also comprises a second antibody, a second antibody fragment, an affibody or a cytokine. More preferably, the cytokine is interferon-?2b. Most preferably, the second antibody, second fragment or affibody binds to IGF-1R, TROP2 or CEACAM6. The anti-IGF-1R antibody or complex may be administered alone or in combination with a therapeutic agent, such as an mTOR inhibitor.

Abstract: Alkyl cyanoacrylate compositions and methods for making those compositions, utilizing high purity monomeric starting materials, formed into more viscous oligomers, and combined with a plasticizer and inhibitor to provide a single-container, storage stable medical cyanoacrylate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The cargo compound may be a nucleic acid and specifically a DNA, RNA or anti-sense. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified stem cells that comprise a delivery system that comprises at least one microparticle or nanoparticle, wherein the at least one microparticle or nanoparticle comprises an active agent. The present invention also provides delivery methods that comprise the administration of the modified stem cells to a subject. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of making said modified stem cells.

Abstract: An emulsion includes a substantially continuous liquid medium, and a plurality of droplet structures dispersed within the substantially continuous liquid medium. Each droplet structure of the plurality of droplet structures includes an outer droplet of a first liquid having an outer surface; an inner droplet of a second liquid within the first droplet, the second liquid being immiscible in the first liquid, wherein the inner and outer droplets have a boundary surface region therebetween; an outer layer of block copolymers disposed on the outer surface of the outer droplet; and an inner layer of block copolymers disposed on the boundary surface region between the outer and the inner droplets.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an antithrombotic nanoparticle.

Abstract: The invention encompasses radiopharmaceutical compounds that can be used in imaging cell death associated with either apoptosis or necrosis. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdE) is externalized to the surface of apoptotic cells, and also becomes accessible in necrotic cells due to compromised plasma membrane integrity. Duramycin, a 19 amino acid polypeptide, binds PtdE at a 1:1 ratio with high affinity and exclusive specificity. Novel Duramycin-based radiopharmaceuticals and non-radioactively labeled compounds are disclosed herein. Such compounds facilitate detection of cell apoptosis and/or necrosis by binding to PtdE. The location of the bound compound can then be pinpointed using standard imaging techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanocrystals, containing one or more metals as defined in the specification; having a size of 2 to 200 nm; having a defined, three-dimensional polyhedral structure, optionally functionalized by ligands and/or embedded crystals. The invention further relates to monodisperse assemblies of such nanocrystals, to formulations and devices comprising such nanocrystals as well as to the manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor and therapeutic and diagnostic methods that employ the disclosed targeting ligands.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to a nanoparticle, methods of imaging a tumor, method of imaging a disease, method of treating a condition, disease, or related biological event, or the like.

Abstract: Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Barium sulfate may also be provided to the core of the particles as a coating or absorbed within the core of the particles. The particles can be used to minimize blood flow to mammalian tissues by occluding at least a portion of a blood vessel of the mammal, or to deliver an active agent to a localized area within a body of a mammal by contacting a localized area with at least one of the particles. Further, the particles are useful in sustained release formulations including active agent(s) for oral administration, as tracer particles for injection into the bloodstream of a mammal or for use in enhanced ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: Novel fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles are prepared where the nanoparticles are as small as 3 nm or up to 7000 nm in diameter and where the dye is bound within the metal oxide matrix. In some embodiments the invention, novel dyes are covalently attached to the matrix and in other embodiments of the invention a dye is coordinate or ionic bound within the metal oxide matrix. A method for preparing the novel covalently bondable modified fluorescent dyes is presented. A method to prepare silica comprising nanoparticles that are 3 to 8 nm in diameter is presented. In some embodiments, the fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles are further decorated with functionality for use as multimodal in vitro or in vivo imaging agents. In other embodiments of the invention, the fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles provide therapeutic activity and incorporated therapeutic temperature monitoring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of imaging amyloid deposits and to labeled compounds, and methods of making labeled compounds useful in imaging amyloid deposits. This invention also relates to compounds, and methods of making compounds for inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid proteins to form amyloid deposits, and a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to amyloid deposits.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of imaging amyloid deposits and to labeled compounds, and methods of making labeled compounds useful in imaging amyloid deposits. This invention also relates to compounds, and methods of making compounds for inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid proteins to form-amyloid deposits, and a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to amyloid deposits.