Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of a pharmaceutically active agent, wherein the agent is associated with a polymeric biocompatible material.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug paclitaxel) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in the form of suspended particles coated with protein (which acts as a stabilizing agent). In particular, protein and pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing medium are subjected to high shear, in the absence of any conventional surfactants, and also in the absence of any polymeric core material for the particles. The procedure yields particles with a diameter of less than about 1 micron. The use of specific composition and preparation conditions (e.g., addition of a polar solvent to the organic phase), and careful selection of the proper organic phase and phase fraction, enables the reproducible production of unusually small nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter, which can be sterile-filtered.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a housing, a dosing cartridge, and a spacer. Within the housing are a source of pressurized gas, a pressure gauge, a metered valve controlled by a trigger, a safety valve, and an electrostatic charger also controlled by the trigger. The dosing cartridge contains individual doses in airtight cells with one or more openings, each covered by an airtight coversheet. The system uses gas pressure or a penetration device to rupture one of the airtight cells, suspending the powder and directing it to a spacer for subsequent inhalation. The electrostatic charger discharges on the spacer, establishing an electrostatic charge thereon. The spacer includes a non-stick lining. The housing is designed so that it can retract into the spacer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided derivatives of chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., paclitaxel), which serve as bifunctional agents. Invention derivatives retain the antitumor activity of the parent compound, and, coupled with the electron affinic substituents thereon, produce compounds which show a strong capability for radiosensitizing tumor cells growing in vitro. It is expected that a single drug which combines the properties of a radiosensitizer with chemotherapeutic activity will offer significant advantages not only to patients, but also to radiotherapists seeking improved modes of treatment. The combination of antitumor properties with electron-affinic function produces novel radiosensitizers, a second generation of drugs which are more powerful to fight cancers. Bifunctional agents with the dual properties of tubulin assembly and electron affinity will make the compounds useful not only as radiosensitizers, but also as cytotoxins.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug taxol) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in a soluble form or in the form of suspended particles. In particular, the soluble form may comprise a solution of pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing agent contained within a protein walled shell. Alternatively, the protein walled shell may contain particles of taxol. In another aspect, the suspended form comprises particles of pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible aqueous liquid.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug taxol) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in a soluble form or in the form of suspended particles. In particular, the soluble form may comprise a solution of pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing agent contained within a protein walled shell. Alternatively, the protein walled shell may contain particles of taxol. In another aspect, the suspended form comprises particles of pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible aqueous liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, compositions comprising fluorine-containing magnetic resonance imaging agent(s) contained within polymeric shells are provided. Invention compositions are useful, for example, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fluorinated compounds in general are hydrophobic and as such have limited water solubility; thus the invention method permits preparation of such compounds in a biocompatible form suitable for ready delivery. The 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, fluorocarbon filled polymeric shells of the invention can be used to measure and monitor local oxygen and temperature.