Abstract: Improved aerodynamically light particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the aerodynamically light particles are made of biodegradable material and have a tap density of less than 0.4 g/cm3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 ?m and 30 ?m. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear ?-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, aerodynamically light particles having a large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 ?m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Improved porous particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the porous particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a mass density less than 0.4 g/cm3/. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear a-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, porous particles having a relatively large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Improved porous particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the porous particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a mass density less than 0.4 g/cm3/. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear a-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, porous particles having a relatively large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward particles for delivery of epinephrine to the respiratory system and methods for treating a patient in need of epinephrine. The particles and respirable compositions comprising the particles of the present invention described herein comprise the bioactive agent epinephrine, or a salt thereof, as a therapeutic agent. The particles are preferably formed by spray drying. Preferably, the particles and the respirable compositions are substantially dry and are substantially free of propellents. In a preferred embodiment, the particles have aerodynamic characteristics that permit targeted delivery of epinephrine to the site(s) of action.

Abstract: Improved aerodynamically light particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the aerodynamically light particles are made of biodegradable material and have a tap density of less than 0.4 g/cm3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 &mgr;m and 30 &mgr;m. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, aerodynamically light particles having a large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Particles which include a bioactive agent are prepared to have a desired matrix transition temperature. Delivery of the particles via the pulmonary system results in modulation of drug release from the particles. Sustained release of the drug can be obtained by forming particles which have a high matrix transition temperature, while fast release can be obtained by forming particles which have a low matrix transition temperature. Preferred particles include one or more phospholipids.

Abstract: Improved aerodynamically light particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the aerodynamically light particles are made of biodegradable material and have a tap density of less than 0.4 g/cm3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 &mgr;m and 30 &mgr;m. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, aerodynamically light particles having a large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: The present invention features pharmaceutical compositions comprising nanoparticles containing a sustained release bioactive agent, method of making such compositions, and method of therapy using such compositions.

Abstract: Improved porous particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the porous particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a mass density less than 0.4 g/cm3/. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear a-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, porous particles having a relatively large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Improved aerodynamically light particles for delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their preparation and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the aerodynamically light particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a tap density less than 0.4 g/cm3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 &mgr;m and 30 &mgr;m. The particles may be formed of biodegradable mat as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, aerodynamically light particles having a large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Improved aerodynamically light particles for delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their preparation and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the aerodynamically light particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a tap density less than 0.4 g/cm3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 &mgr;m and 30 &mgr;m. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated herein and at least on poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, aerodynamically light particles having a large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to formulations having particles comprising phospholipids, bioactive agent and excipients and the pulmonary delivery thereof. Dry powder inhaled insulin formulations are disclosed. Formulations comprising DPPC, insulin and sodium citrate which are useful in the treatment of diabetes are disclosed. Also, the invention relates to a method of for the pulmonary delivery of a bioactive agent comprising administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of treatment, or diagnosis an effective amount of particles comprising a bioactive agent or any combination thereof in association, wherein release of the agent from the administered particles occurs in a rapid fashion.

Abstract: Improved aerodynamically light particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the aerodynamically light particles are made of biodegradable material and have a tap density of less than 0.4 g/cm3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 &mgr;m and 30 &mgr;m. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, aerodynamically light particles having a large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Improved porous particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the porous particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a mass density less than 0.4 g/cm3/. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, porous particles having a relatively large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Improved porous particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the porous particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a mass density less than 0.4 g/cm3/. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, porous particles having a relatively large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Improved porous particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the porous particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a mass density less than 0.4 g/cm3/. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, porous particles having a relatively large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: Improved aerodynamically light particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the aerodynamically light particles are made of biodegradable material and have a tap density of less than 0.4 g/cm3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 &mgr;m and 30 &mgr;m. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, aerodynamically light particles having a large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method for pulmonary delivery of therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents to a patient wherein the agent is released in a sustained fashion, and to particles suitable for use in the method. In particular, the invention relates to a method for the pulmonary delivery of a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent comprising administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of treatment, prophylaxis or diagnosis an effective amount of particles comprising a multivalent metal cation which is complexed with a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent or any combination thereof having a charge capable of complexing with the cation upon association with the agent, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally, a multivalent metal cation-containing component wherein the total amount of multivalent metal cation present in the particles is more than 1% weight/weight of the total weight of the agent (% w/w).

Abstract: Particles which include a bioactive agent are prepared to have a desired matrix transition temperature. Delivery of the particles via the pulmonary system results in modulation of drug release from the particles. Sustained release and/or sustained pharmacologic action of the drug can be obtained by forming particles which include a combination of phospholipids that are miscible in one another and have a high matrix transition temperature.

Abstract: Improved porous particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the porous particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a mass density less than 0.4 g/cm3/. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear &agr;-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, porous particles having a relatively large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 &mgr;m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung.