Abstract: This invention relates to an in-vivo diagnostic method based on near infrared radiation (NIR radiation) that uses water-soluble dyes and their biomolecule adducts, each having specific photophysical and pharmaco-chemical properties, as a contrast medium for fluorescence and transillumination diagnostics in the NIR range, to new dyes and pharmaceuticals containing such dyes.

Abstract: An 18F isotope-labeled FDG radiopharmaceutical is stabilized against degradation in radiochemical purity due to radiolysis using selected amounts of ethyl alcohol that depend on the activity concentration of the 18F with due regard to limits set by various pharmacopoeia standards. Any of the well-know production methods for the FDG may be used and the ethyl alcohol added at several stages, preferably as part of the standard hydrolysis step. This particular radiopharmaceutical is used extensively in diagnostic imaging with a Positron Emission Tomography technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of proteins that are differentially expressed in primary brain tumor tissues, as compared to normal brain tissues, as biomolecular targets for brain tumor treatment therapies. Specifically, the present invention relates to the use of immunotherapeutic and immunoimaging agents, which specifically bind to one or more of the identified brain tumor protein targets. The present invention also provides compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions for administration in the methods of the invention. Nucleic acid probes specific for the spliced mRNA encoding these variants and affinity reagents specific for the novel proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Cyanine dye bioconjugates useful for diagnostic imaging and therapy are disclosed. The conjugates include several cyanine dyes with a variety of bis- and tetrakis (carboxylic acid) homologues. The compounds may be conjugated to bioactive peptides, carbohydrates, hormones, drugs, or other bioactive agents. The small size of the compounds allows more favorable delivery to tumor cells as compared to larger molecular weight imaging agents. The various dyes are useful over the range of 350-1300 nm, the exact range being dependent upon the particular dye. Use of dimethylsulfoxide helps to maintain the fluorescence of the compounds. The inventive compounds are useful for diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating cancer wherein more than one therapeutic agent is used, with each of the therapeutic agents having different tumor-killing capabilities, and wherein the therapeutic agents are delivered to the tumor sites using combined targeting and pre-targeting methods. The methods of the present invention achieve good tumor to non-tumor ratios of the therapeutic agents, and are effective for cancer therapy.

Abstract: A method and compositions are described for labeling a targeting agent with Ga-68, in which eluate from an acid-eluted Ge-68/Ga-68 generator is combined with a macrocycle-containing targetable agent. The labeling method and compositions disclosed ensure that a simple elution of gallium-68, taken directly from a generator, can be used without further manipulation to quantitatively label a macrocycle-containing targetable agent. The Ga-68 labeled targeting agent so produced is useful with specific targeting agents, and is most especially useful in a pretargeting method for positron emission tomographic detection.

Abstract: A pharmaceutic composition includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, comprising a reverse thermally viscosifying polymer. The polymer includes a linear block copolymer, wherein at least one block comprises a poloxamer; and at least one block comprises a biocompatible polymer or oligomer, in an aqueous medium. The composition also includes an active agent which imparts a pharmaceutic or cosmetic effect. The composition viscosifies in response to an environmental stimulus. The composition is suitable for administration of the pharmaceutical agent across dermal, otic, rectal, vaginal, ophthalmic, esophageal and nasal mucosal membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particulate material consisting of a low density radiation-tolerant glass and a radionuclide incorporated into the low density glass or coated on the low density glass, the glass having a density of less than 2.5 g/cm3, processes for its production and a method of radiation therapy utilising the patentable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ?-particle-emitting radioisotope chelation complex comprising 225Actinium (225Ac) and 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclohexadecane-N,N?,N?,N?,N?,N?-hexaacetic acid (HEHA) (225Ac-HEHA). Also provided is a bifunctional HEHA, and a bifunctional 225Ac-HEHA. The bifunctional HEHA and the bifunctional 225Ac-HEHA can be conjugated to a targeting agent. In view of the above, the present invention provides a method of making HEHA and methods of making a bifunctional HEHA, including a conjugate thereof. Also provided are a method of treating disease, a method of treating cancer, a method of decontaminating a sample from 225Ac, a method of decontaminating a person who has been externally contaminated with 225Ac, and a method of detoxifying a person who has internalized 225Ac.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain NMR spectroscopy signal data that corresponds to the behavior of the polarized 129Xe at a selected site(s) in selected environments in vivo. The gas exchange signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the thickness of a barrier, such as a membrane, lining, wall or width of a lumen; (b) the operational condition or function of a membrane, body system or portion thereof; (c) cerebral perfusion; and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a disorder or disease, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat a disorder or disease.

Abstract: Peptides and peptide-targeted multimeric contrast agents are described, as well as methods of making and using the contrast agents.

Abstract: Radiopharmaceutical compositions which are stabilized by addition of a mixture of a hydrophilic thioether and a hydrophilic 6-hydroxy-chroman derivative.

Abstract: Methods are provided for cancer and pre-cancer detection by increased uptake of fluorophore glucose or deoxyglucose conjugates in cancerous and pre-cancerous cells relative to normal cells.

Abstract: Novel degradable macromolecular magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for use in various diagnostic procedures, and methods for synthesizing, using and degrading these agents, are disclosed. The macromolecule contrast agents disclosed in various aspects of this invention are degradable gadolinium compounds which show prolonged plasma retention, and enhanced permeability and retention in solid tumors, but are still capable of being rapidly cleared from the body.

Abstract: Metallopeptides and metallopeptide combinatorial libraries specific for opioids receptors are provided, for use in biological, pharmaceutical and related applications. The metallopeptides and combinatorial libraries are made of peptides, peptidomimetics and peptide-like constructs, in which the peptide, peptidomimetic or construct is conformationally fixed in a biologically active configuration specific for one or more opioid receptors on complexation of a metal ion-binding portion thereof with a metal ion.

Abstract: Detectably labeled macrophage scavenger receptor antagonists useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of various cardiovascular diseases including but not limited to atherosclerosis, vulnerable plaque, coronary artery disease, renal disease, thrombosis, transient ischemia due to clotting, stroke, myocardial infarction, organ transplant, organ failure and hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: A method of detecting inflammatory processes comprises (a) administering per-orally or per-rectally a composition comprising a diagnostically effective amount of L-[guanido-15N2]-arginine, L-[guanido-15N]-arginine, their mixtures and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; (b) collecting a sample of exhaled air, saliva or urine; (c) determining 13NO in the air sample or its transformation products 15IN-nitrite and/or 15N-nitrate in the saliva sample or urine. Also disclosed is a corresponding diagnostic composition for use in diagnosing inflammatory processes and a method for its manufacture.

Abstract: Fluorescent chelates of lanthanide, terbium, europium and dysprosium with tetraazamacrocyclic compounds are discussed which can be used as fluorescent in vitro or in vivo diagnostic agents. These chelates are tissue specific imaging agents for soft tissue cancers.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle is described that is capable of being specifically bound to and taken into targeted cells, delivering numerous physiological agents, particularly paramagnetic ions for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cells. The delivery vehicle comprises a polymeric molecule having a net positive charge complexed with another polymeric molecule having a net negative charge. Cell targeting moieties and physiological agents, including contrast agents and therapeutic agents, are attached to one or both of the polymeric molecules. In one embodiment, the polymeric molecule having a net negative charge is a nucleic acid. Thus, the delivery vehicles can be used in clinical protocols in which nucleic acids for gene therapy and agents for MRI contrast are co-transported to specific cells allowing medical imaging monitoring of nucleic acid delivery.

Abstract: Novel methods, processes and metal complexes attached to a hypoxia-localizing moiety comprising a metal, preferably radionuclide of rhenium or technetium; a hypoxia-localizing moiety; and, a complexing ligand, wherein said ligand and said radionuclide combined have cell membrane permeabilities greater than that of sucrose, are disclosed.