Patents by Inventor Howard Bernstein
Howard Bernstein has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 6514533Abstract: A device for the sustained release in vivo of a water soluble, biologically active agent wherein the agent is susceptible to aggregation comprising a drug delivery device and aggregation-stabilized, biologically active agent wherein the aggregation-stabilized agent is disposed within the drug delivery device.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Alkermas Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Burke, Stephen E. Zale, Mark A. Tracy, OluFunmi Lily Johnson, Howard Bernstein, M. Amin Khan, Henry E. Auer
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Patent number: 6500448Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the sustained release of human growth hormone from a polymer matrix is disclosed. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a biocompatible polymer, particles of metal cation-complexed human growth hormone wherein said particles are dispersed within the biocompatible polymer and an aqueous injection vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: OluFunmi Lily Johnson, Medha M. Ganmukhi, Howard Bernstein, Henry Auer, M. Amin Khan
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Publication number: 20020168410Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Yan Zhang, M. Amin Khan, Mark A. Tracy
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Publication number: 20020142050Abstract: Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution and hydrophilic or hydrophobic excipients that stabilize the drug and inhibit crystallization, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. Hydrophobic or hydrophilic excipients may be selected to stabilize the drug in crystalline form by inhibiting crystal growth or to stabilize the drug in amorphous form by preventing crystallization.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: Acusphere Inc.Inventors: Julie Straub, David Altreuter, Howard Bernstein, Donald E. Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Greg Randall
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Patent number: 6423345Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Julie Straub
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Patent number: 6395300Abstract: Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. The pore forming agent can be either a volatile liquid that is immiscible with the drug solvent or a volatile solid compound, preferably a volatile salt. In a preferred embodiment, spray drying is used to remove the solvents and the pore forming agent.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Julie Straub, Howard Bernstein, Donald E. Chickering, III, Sarwat Khattak, Greg Randall
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Patent number: 6379701Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, Howard Bernstein, M. Amin Khan
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Publication number: 20020041896Abstract: Paclitaxel is provided in a porous matrix form, which allows the drug to be formulated without Cremophor and administered as a bolus. The paclitaxel matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving paclitaxel in a volatile solvent to form a paclitaxel solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the paclitaxel solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of paclitaxel. The pore forming agent can be either a volatile liquid that is immiscible with the paclitaxel solvent or a volatile solid compound, preferably a volatile salt. In a preferred embodiment, spray drying is used to remove the solvents and the pore forming agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Applicant: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Julie Straub, Howard Bernstein, Donald E. Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Greg Randall
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Patent number: 6368630Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Yan Zhang, M. Amin Khan, Mark A. Tracy
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Publication number: 20010043948Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 1999Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: HOWARD BERNSTEIN, DONALD CHICKERING, SARWAT KHATTAK, JULIE STRAUB
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Patent number: 6308434Abstract: Improved spray drying methods of have been developed. The spray drying method includes use of a primary drying chamber and a secondary drying apparatus which includes tubing having a length sufficient to increase the contact time between the drying gas and the droplets/particles to dry the particles to the extent desired, at a drying rate and temperature which would be too low to provide adequate drying without the secondary drying apparatus. The secondary drying apparatus increases the drying efficiency of the spray dryer system without increasing the drying rate, while minimizing loss in yield. The ratio of the length of tubing to the length of the primary drying chamber is at least 2:1. The tubing diameter is substantially smaller than the diameter of the primary drying chamber, such that the particles move at higher velocity through the tubing to minimize product losses.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Chickering, III, Mark J. Keegan, Greg Randall, Howard Bernstein, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20010027614Abstract: Improved spray drying apparati, and methods of use thereof, have been developed. The spray drying equipment includes a primary drying chamber and a secondary drying apparatus which includes tubing having a length sufficient to increase the contact time between the drying gas and the droplets/particles to dry the particles to the extent desired, at a drying rate and temperature which would be too low to provide adequate drying without the secondary drying apparatus. The secondary drying apparatus increases the drying efficiency of the spray dryer system without increasing the drying rate, while minimizing loss in yield. The ratio of the length of tubing to the length of the primary drying chamber is at least 2:1. The tubing diameter is substantially smaller than the diameter of the primary drying chamber, such that the particles move at higher velocity through the tubing to minimize product losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Inventors: Donald E. Chickering, Mark J. Keegan, Greg Randall, Howard Bernstein, Julie Straub
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Patent number: 6223455Abstract: Improved spray drying apparati, and methods of use thereof, have been developed. The spray drying equipment includes a primary drying chamber and a secondary drying apparatus which includes tubing having a length sufficient to increase the contact time between the drying gas and the droplets/particles to dry the particles to the extent desired, at a drying rate and temperature which would be too low to provide adequate drying without the secondary drying apparatus. The secondary drying apparatus increases the drying efficiency of the spray dryer system without increasing the drying rate, while minimizing loss in yield The ratio of the length of tubing to the length of the primary drying chamber is at least 2:1. The tubing diameter is substantially smaller than the diameter of the primary drying chamber, such that the particles move at higher velocity through the tubing to minimize product losses.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Chickering, III, Howard Bernstein, Mark Keegan, Greg Randall, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20010000470Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2000Publication date: April 26, 2001Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Julie Straub
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Publication number: 20010000230Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2000Publication date: April 12, 2001Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Donald Chickering, Sarwat Khattak, Julie Straub
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Patent number: 6165508Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, Howard Bernstein, M. Amin Khan
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Patent number: 6132699Abstract: It has been discovered that the incorporation of fluorinated gases, especially a perfluorocarbon such as octafluoropropane, into synthetic polymeric microparticles, significantly enhances echogenicity as compared with microparticles having air incorporated therein. The microencapsulated perfluorocarbon is manufactured with a diameter suitable for the targeted tissue to be imaged, for example, for intravenous or oral administration. In one embodiment, bioadhesive microparticles are formed for enhanced imaging of mucosal surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Julie Ann Straub, Henry T. Brush, Richard E. Wing
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Patent number: 6051259Abstract: The method of the invention for producing a composition for the sustained release of biologically active hGH includes dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a polymer solvent to form a polymer solution, dispersing particles of biologically active, metal cation-stabilized hGH in the polymer solution, and then solidifying the polymer to form a polymeric matrix containing a dispersion of said hGH particles.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: OluFunmi Lily Johnson, Medha M. Ganmukhi, Howard Bernstein, Henry Auer, M. Amin Khan
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Patent number: 6045777Abstract: It has been discovered microparticles formed from natural or synthetic polymer with thicker walls have significantly enhanced echogenicity as compared with microparticles having thinner walls. The effect of wall thickness has been determined experimentally as well as inserted into a formula for use in predicting the optimum conditions. In the preferred embodiment, the polymers are synthetic biodegradable polymers and the wall thickness is between about 100 and 660 nm, although wall thicknesses from about 20 nm to in excess of 500 nm can be used. The microparticles are manufactured with a diameter suitable for the targeted tissue to be imaged, for example, with a diameter of between 0.5 and 8 microns for intravascular administration, and a diameter of between 0.5 and 5 mm for oral administration for imaging of the gastrointestinal tract or other lumens.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Acusphere, Inc.Inventors: Charles C. Church, Howard Bernstein, Julie Ann Straub, Henry T. Brush
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Patent number: 5912015Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 1998Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Yan Zhang, M. Amin Khan, Mark A. Tracy