Patents Assigned to Alkermes
  • Patent number: 6379703
    Abstract: An improved method for preparing microparticles that exhibit controlled release of an effective amount of an active agent over an extended period of time. More particularly, a method is provided for preparing microparticles having a selected release profile for release of active agent contained in the microparticles. By adjusting the degree of drying that is performed during the preparation of the microparticles, the release profile can be controlled. By performing no intermediate drying, an initial burst and a substantially linear release profile is achieved. By performing substantially complete intermediate drying, an initial lag phase and a substantially sigmoidal release profile is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc., II
    Inventors: Shawn L. Lyons, J. Michael Ramstack, Steven G. Wright
  • Patent number: 6379704
    Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner, a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II
    Inventors: Steven G. Wright, Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Shawn L. Lyons, Joyce M. Hotz
  • Patent number: 6368632
    Abstract: Method of treating warm blooded animals suffering from psychotic disorders. The method includes administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of sustained-release microparticles that include risperidone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, and a biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignees: Janssen Pharmaceutica, Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II
    Inventors: Jean Mesens, Michael E. Rickey, Thomas J. Atkins
  • Patent number: 6368630
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the modulated release of a biologically active agent. The composition comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix, a biologically active agent which is dispersed within the polymeric matrix, and a metal cation component which is separately dispersed within the polymeric matrix, whereby the metal cation component modulates the release of the biologically active agent from the polymeric matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for modulating the release of a biologically active agent from a biocompatible polymeric matrix, comprising the steps of dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a solvent to form a polymer solution and also separately dispersing a metal cation component and a biologically active agent within the polymer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Yan Zhang, M. Amin Khan, Mark A. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20020037309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sustained release composition and methods of forming and using said composition for the sustained release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer and a biologically active agent characterized by a porous center and a less porous outer layer wherein the center and outer layer consist of essentially the same materials. The sustained release compositions can be prepared by annealing at least a substantial portion of the exterior surface of a polymer/active agent matrix. The compositions which have been annealed exhibit a decrease in the release of agent over the first 24 hours following administration (i.e., reduced burst) and as a result can show an increase in the duration of sustained release thereby providing increased therapeutic benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren E. Jaworowicz, James I. Wright
  • Patent number: 6362308
    Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II
    Inventor: Chiem V. Pham
  • Patent number: 6358443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming microparticles of a material from microdroplets of a solution, wherein the solution comprises the material dissolved in a solvent. The method includes the steps of directing the microdroplets into a freezing zone, wherein the freezing zone is surrounded by a liquified gas, and wherein the microdroplets freeze. The frozen microdroplets are then mixed with a liquid non-solvent, whereby the solvent is extracted into the non-solvent, thereby forming the microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Herbert, Michael S. Healy
  • Publication number: 20020028252
    Abstract: Submicron particles of a biologically active agent are prepared by atomizing using multifluid atomization a dispersed system comprising at least one biologically active agent and at least one solvent to produce droplets, freezing the droplets to produce frozen droplets, lyophilizing the frozen droplets to obtain microstructures capable of being further fragmented into submicron particles by techniques such as probe sonication. The submicron particles can be incorporated into sustained release compositions having a reduced initial release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions can be administered to a human or animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Warren E. Jaworowicz, Mark A. Tracy, Christopher P. Beganski
  • Publication number: 20020025308
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for administering live cells to a patient and compositions useful in the method. The composition comprises live cells and biocompatible, biodegradable polymer microparticles. The cells and microparticles of the cell/microparticle composition can be contacted immediately prior to administration, or can be contacted in culture for a specified period of time prior to administration. In the method of the invention, an effective amount of the cell/microparticle composition is administered to a patient in need thereof by injection to a treatment site of the patient to provide a therapeutic effect in the patient. The therapeutic effect can be, for example, the formation of new tissue at the treatment site, or the production and secretion of a biologically active secretory molecule at the treatment site. The composition comprising lives cells and biocompatible, biodegradable polymer microparticles can be used in a method of generating new tissue in vitro.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Mark A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 6331317
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics II Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn L. Lyons, Steven G. Wright
  • Patent number: 6329508
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to chimeric antibodies that are reactive with transferrin receptors on brain capillary endothelial cells. These antibodies are composed of a variable region, immunologically reactive with the transferrin receptors, that is obtained from one animal source, and a constant region that is derived from an animal source other than the one that provided the variable region. These chimeric antibodies can exist either as isolated entities or as conjugates with a neuropharmaceutical agent for transferal across the blood brain barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip M. Friden
  • Patent number: 6296842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sustained release composition and methods of forming and using said composition for the sustained release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer and a biologically active agent characterized by a porous center and a less porous outer layer wherein the center and outer layer consist of essentially the same materials. The sustained release compositions can be prepared by annealing at least a substantial portion of the exterior surface of a polymer/active agent matrix. The compositions which have been annealed exhibit a decrease in the release of agent over the first 24 hours following administration (i.e., reduced burst) and as a result can show an increase in the duration of sustained release thereby providing increased therapeutic benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren E. Jaworowicz, James I. Wright
  • Patent number: 6290983
    Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. A second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II.
    Inventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Danny H. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6284283
    Abstract: Submicron particles of a biologically active agent are prepared by atomizing using multifluid atomization a dispersed system comprising at least one biologically active agent and at least one solvent to produce droplets, freezing the droplets to produce frozen droplets, lyophilizing the frozen droplets to obtain microstructures capable of being further fragmented into submicron particles by techniques such as probe sonication. The submicron particles can be incorporated into sustained release compositions having a reduced initial release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions can be administered to a human or animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Warren E. Jaworowicz, Mark A. Tracy, Christopher P. Beganski
  • Patent number: 6265389
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composition, and method of forming and using said composition, for the sustained release of oligonucleotides, in particular antisense ODNs. The sustained release composition of this invention comprises a polymer matrix of a biocompatible polymer and stabilized oligonucleotide, wherein the stabilized oligonucleotide is dispersed within the biocompatible polymer. The method of the invention, for forming a composition for the sustained release of oligonucleotide, in particular an antisense ODN, includes dissolving a polymer in a polymer solvent to form a polymer solution, dispersing stabilized oligonucleotide in the polymer solution, and then solidifying the polymer to form a polymeric matrix containing a dispersion of the stabilized oligonucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Burke
  • Patent number: 6264987
    Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner, a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II
    Inventors: Steven G. Wright, Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Shawn L. Lyons, Joyce M. Hotz
  • Patent number: 6194006
    Abstract: An improved method for preparing microparticles that exhibit controlled release of an effective amount of an active agent over an extended period of time. More particularly, a method is provided for preparing microparticles having a selected release profile for release of active agent contained in the microparticles. By adjusting the degree of drying that is performed during the preparation of the microparticles, the release profile can be controlled. By performing no intermediate drying, an initial burst and a substantially linear release profile is achieved. By performing substantially complete intermediate drying, an initial lag phase and a substantially sigmoidal release profile is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II
    Inventors: Shawn L. Lyons, J. Michael Ramstack, Steven G. Wright
  • Patent number: 6183781
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing an implantable polymer/drug matrix mass, comprising the steps of (1) forming a polymer solution/drug mixture comprising a polymer dissolved in an organic solvent and a suspended labile drug; (2) removing the solvent from the polymer solution/drug mixture, thereby forming a solid polymer/drug matrix; and (3) mechanically compressing the polymer/drug matrix, thereby forming an implantable polymer/drug matrix mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Burke
  • Patent number: 6165508
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composition, and method of forming said composition, for the controlled release of interferon. The controlled release composition of this invention comprises a biocompatible polymer and particles of metal cation-stabilized interferon, wherein the particles are dispersed within the biocompatible polymer. The method of the invention, for producing a composition for the controlled release of interferon, includes dissolving a polymer in a polymer solvent to form a polymer solution, dispersing particles of metal cation-stabilized interferon particles in the polymer solution, and then solidifying the polymer to form a polymeric matrix containing a dispersion of the interferon particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, Howard Bernstein, M. Amin Khan
  • Patent number: 6153129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming microparticles of a material from microdroplets of a solution, wherein the solution comprises the material dissolved in a solvent. The method includes the steps of directing the microdroplets into a freezing zone, wherein the freezing zone is surrounded by a liquified gas, and wherein the microdroplets freeze. The frozen microdroplets are then mixed with a liquid non-solvent, whereby the solvent is extracted into the non-solvent, thereby forming the microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Herbert, Michael S. Healy