Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing gas-filled liposomes are described. Gas-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media maybe employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing temperature activated gaseous precursor-filled liposomes are described. Gaseous precursor-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Therapeutic drug delivery systems comprising gas-filled microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic drug delivery applications are also provided. Drug delivery systems comprising gas-filled liposomes having encapsulated therein a drug are preferred. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in drug delivery applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic delivery applications are also provided. Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled liposomes having encapsulated therein a contrast agent or drug are preferred. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in therapeutic delivery applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compounds having use as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, as well as other uses, are described. The compounds are comprised of a copolymer which comprises at least two of a first monomer of the formula X.sub.1 -(CHR.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 --Y).sub.n --(CHR.sub.2).sub.m --CHR.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 --X.sub.2, wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are, independently, OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1, COOH, COOR.sub.1, SH, or Z, Y is O, NH, NR.sub.1, S, or CO, n is 0-10,000, m is 0 or 1, each Z is, independently, Cl, Br, or I, each R.sub.1 is, independently, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl, and each R.sub.2 is, independently, H or OH, and at least one of a second monomer which is a polynitrilo chelating agent having at least two COOH, COOR.sub.1, or COZ groups, the first and second monomers being bound to one another to form a copolymer through an ester, amide, or carboxylic thioester linkage of at least one of the OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1, COOH, COOR.sub.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing gas-filled liposomes are described. Gas-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Novel compounds having use as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, as well as other uses, are described. The compounds are comprised of a copolymer which comprises at least two of a first monomer of the formula X.sub.1 --(CHR.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 -Y).sub.n -(CHR.sub.2).sub.m --CHR.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 13 X.sub.2, wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are, independently, OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1, COOH, COOR.sub.1, SH, or Z, Y is O, NH, NR.sub.1, S, or CO, n is 0-10,000, m is 0 or 1, each Z is, independently, Cl, Br, or I, each R.sub.1 is, independently, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl, and each R.sub.2 is, independently, H or OH, and at least one of a second monomer which is a polynitrilo chelating agent having at least two COOH, COOR.sub.1, or COZ groups, the first and second monomers being bound to one another to form a copolymer through an ester, amide, or carboxylic thioester linkage of at least one of the OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1, COOH, COOR.sub.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: Novel MRI contrast agents that comprise one or more metal-ion chelates in juxtaposition with one or more free-radical nitroxide compounds in a polymeric or oligomeric molecule. Both the chelate units and the free radical units may, independently, be inside the main chain of the polymer or in a side chain of the linkage portion of the polymer. The number of combined units of chelates and free radicals in the polymer or oligomer is at least two.

Abstract: Novel compounds having use as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, as well as other uses, are described. The compounds are comprised of a copolymer which comprises at least two of a first monomer of the formula X.sub.1 --(CHR.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 --Y).sub.n --(CHR.sub.2).sub.m --CHR.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 --X.sub.2, wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are, independently, OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1, COOH, COOR.sub.1, SH, or Z, Y is O, NH, NR.sub.1, S, or CO, n is 0-10,000, m is 0 or 1, each Z is, independently, Cl, Br, or I, each R.sub.1 is, independently, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl, and each R.sub.2 is, independently, H or OH, and at least one of a second monomer which is a polynitrilo chelating agent having at least two COOH, COOR.sub.1, or COZ groups, the first and second monomers being bound to one another to form a copolymer through an ester, amide, or carboxylic thioester linkage of at least one of the OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1, COOH, COOR.sub.

Abstract: Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging comprising gas filled liposomes prepared using vacuum drying gas instillation methods, and gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are described. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in ultrasonic imaging applications are also disclosed. Also described are diagnostic kits for ultrasonic imaging which include the subject contrast agents.

Abstract: Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging comprising gas filled liposomes prepared using vacuum drying gas instillation methods, and gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are described. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in ultrasonic imaging applications are also disclosed. Also described are diagnostic kits for ultrasonic imaging which include the subject contrast agents.

Abstract: Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging comprising gas filled liposomes prepared using vacuum drying gas instillation methods, and gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are described. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in ultrasonic imaging applications are also disclosed. Also described are diagnostic kits for ultrasonic imaging which include the subject contrast agents.