Abstract: Microparticles comprising or consisting of a therapeutic agent having a particle density of at least 80% of the solid agent and a shape factor of 1 to 5. The microparticles may be produced by spray drying and may be used in needleless injection.

Abstract: A process for forming microcapsules comprising (i) providing a solution of a protein in an aqueous solvent and (ii) spraying the said solution into a gas such that the aqueous solvent evaporates, thereby forming hollow microcapsules, characterised in that the aqueous solution contains a liquid of greater volatility than water. The protein is preferably albumin and the volatile liquid is preferably ethanol. The microcapsules may be used as ultrasound echogenic contrast agents.

Abstract: Microspheres are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microspheres and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microspheres. Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin. The microsphere have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilisation and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced. In particular, the microspheres may be 15-20 &mgr;m, targeted to selected areas of the body or of prolonged life in the circulation.

Abstract: Microcapsules are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microcapsules and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microcapsules. Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin. The microcapsules have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilization and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced.

Abstract: Microparticles comprising or consisting of a therapeutic agent have a particle density of at least 80% of the solid agent and a shape factor of 1 to 5. The microparticles may be produced by spray drying and may be used in needleless injection.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of drying and stabilizing prokaryotic cells, and the compositions obtained thereby. The cells are first cultured or incubated under conditions sufficient to induce intracellular trehalose, suspended in a stabilizing solution and dried to form a solid glass. The resulting product is storage-stable at room temperature, showing little viability loss on storage.

Abstract: Microparticles, obtainable by spray-drying a substantially pure solution of a therapeutic agent, consist essentially of the agent having its therapeutic activity when administered to the lung. In a preferred embodiment the agent is insulin.

Abstract: Microspheres are prepared by a process comprising (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microspheres and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microspheres. Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin. The microspheres have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilisation and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced. In particular, the microspheres may be 15-20 &mgr;m, targeted to selected areas of the body or of prolonged life in the circulation.

Abstract: Microcapsules having a wall thickness of no more than 500 nm, and a bulk density of no more than 0.2 g.cm−3, are suitable for therapeutic or diagnostic use. They are aerodynamically light, and can be used for delivery to the lung, or diagnosis by ultrasound.

Abstract: Microspheres are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microspheres and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microspheres. Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin. The microsphere have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilisation and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced. In particular, the microspheres may be 15-20 &mgr;m, targeted to selected areas of the body or of prolonged life in the circulation.

Abstract: Microspheres are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microspheres and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microspheres. Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin. The microsphere have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilisation and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced. In particular, the microspheres may be 15-20 &mgr;m, targeted to selected areas of the body or of prolonged life in the circulation.

Abstract: A method of generating an ultrasound image comprising the steps of (i) introducing into the location to be imaged an ultrasound contrast agent obtained by spraying a solution or suspension of a wall forming material into a heated gas to form hollow microcapsules, (ii) exposing the microcapsules to ultrasound energy at an insonation frequency of less than 3.5 MHz and (iii) creating an image based on the scattering of the ultrasound energy by the microcapsules.

Abstract: Microcapsules are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microcapsules and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microcapsules.Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin.The microcapsules have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilisation and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced.

Abstract: Microcapsules are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microcapsules and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microcaspsules.Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin.The microcapsules have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilization and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced.

Abstract: Microparticles of a water-soluble material, which are smooth and spherical, and at least 90% of which have a mass median particle size of 1 to 10 .mu.m, and which carry a therapeutic or diagnostic agent can successfully be used in dry powder inhalers to deliver the said agent.

Abstract: A sterile powder comprising microparticles, 0.1 to 50 .mu.m in diameter, obtainable by spray-drying and cross-linking a water-soluble material having free functional groups, is characterized in that the microparticles are hydrophilic, can be reconstituted in water to give a monodisperse suspension, and have retained said groups available for derivatization. The particles are linked to drugs or other functional molecules, and used as vehicles in therapy.