Patents by Inventor Laura Ensign

Laura Ensign 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).

  • Publication number: 20240131006
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, uses, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising and azole derivative (e.g., sulconazole) in the treatment or prevention of fibrotic disease or disorder or fibrosis, including Crohn's disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Florin M. Selaru, Laura Ensign-Hodges, Ling Li, Min Kyung Joo
  • Publication number: 20230310311
    Abstract: Hypotonic microbicidal compositions including an antimicrobial, such as an antiviral compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a solution formulation having hypotonic osmolarity have been developed for administration rectally to the gastrointestinal mucosa. In a preferred embodiment for use in preventing or decreasing HIV infection, the microbicidal is tenofovir, or a prodrug or derivative thereof. The formulations may include additional agents such as surfactants to enhance cleansing, buffers, or preservatives. Polymers may be included for osmolarity as well as comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Craig W. Hendrix, Laura Ensign, Edward Fuchs, Richard Cone, Justin Hanes
  • Publication number: 20230190656
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to reducing the mucoadhesive properties of a particle. In some embodiments, the particle is coated with and/or associated with a (poly(ethylene glycol))-(poly(propylene oxide))-(poly(ethylene glycol)) triblock copolymer. Methods for preparing inventive particles using a poly(ethylene glycol)-vitamin E conjugate as a surfactant are also provided. In some embodiments, methods are provided comprising administering to a subject a composition of particles of the present invention. Such particles with reduced mucoadhesive properties are useful in delivering agents to mucosal tissues such as oral, ophthalmic, gastrointestinal, nasal, respiratory, and genital mucosal tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Samuel K. Lai, Ming Yang, Ying-Ying Wang, Olcay Mert, Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Jie Fu
  • Patent number: 11633350
    Abstract: Hypotonic microbicidal compositions including an antimicrobial, such as an antiviral compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a solution formulation having hypotonic osmolarity have been developed for administration rectally to the gastrointestinal mucosa. In a preferred embodiment for use in preventing or decreasing HIV infection, the microbicidal is tenofovir, or a prodrug or derivative thereof. The formulations may include additional agents such as surfactants to enhance cleansing, buffers, or preservatives. Polymers may be included for osmolarity as well as comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Craig W. Hendrix, Laura Ensign, Edward Fuchs, Richard Cone, Justin Hanes
  • Publication number: 20230081539
    Abstract: A population of polymeric particles for controlled release of therapeutic agents which have unacceptable toxicity when administered intravitreally can be safely administered suprachoroidally at the same intravitreal concentration or dose. In a preferred embodiment, the particles have a high loading of the agent and is released without a substantial initial burst release. Examples demonstrate safety and efficacy of delivery of acriflavine-containing particles when administered suprachoroidally. The examples demonstrate sustained release with low to no burst release of the highly water soluble agent for up to 60 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Jie Fu, Justin Hanes, Peter Campochiaro, Laura Ensign
  • Publication number: 20230074691
    Abstract: Hypotonic formulations of hydrogel forming polymers, preferably poloxamers, have been developed for enhanced delivery through mucosa of therapeutic, diagnostic, prophylactic or other agents, to epithelial tissues, especially those having a mucosal coating. The polymers are administered at a concentration above, at or less than their critical gelling concentration (CGC) under isotonic conditions. The hypotonicity of the formulation is adjusted so that the polymer gels at the lower concentration. A Poloxamer gel administered into the vagina or colorectum at its CGC will form a “plug” of gel in the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Richard Cone
  • Patent number: 11426345
    Abstract: Hypotonic formulations of hydrogel forming polymers, preferably poloxamers, have been developed for enhanced delivery through mucosa of therapeutic, diagnostic, prophylactic or other agents, to epithelial tissues, especially those having a mucosal coating. The polymers are administered at a concentration above, at or less than their critical gelling concentration (CRC) under isotonic conditions. The hypo tonicity of the formulation is adjusted so that the polymer gels at the lower concentration. A Poloxamer gel administered into the vagina or colorectal at its CRC will form a “plug” of gel in the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Richard Cone
  • Publication number: 20210196837
    Abstract: Hypotonic gelling vehicles are used as solubilizing agents for drugs and as a means to provide sustained drug delivery to a mucosal tissue. Solubilizing drugs at higher concentrations enhances drug penetration into the tissues of the body, while the hypotonic gelling vehicle further improves distribution of the drug over a larger surface area for increased absorption and sustained release for reduced side effects and longer duration of action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Abhijit Date, Yoo Chun Kim
  • Publication number: 20210177751
    Abstract: Hypotonic gelling vehicles are used as solubilizing agents for drugs and as a means to provide sustained drug delivery to a mucosal tissue. Solubilizing drugs at higher concentrations enhances drug penetration into the tissues of the body, while the hypotonic gelling vehicle further improves distribution of the drug over a larger surface area for increased absorption and sustained release for reduced side effects and longer duration of action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Abhijit Date, Yoo Chun Kim
  • Patent number: 10668025
    Abstract: Mucus penetrating particles (MPPs) include one or more core polymers, one or more therapeutic, prophylactic and/or diagnostic agents; and one or more surface modifying agents. The surface modifying agents coat the surface of the particle in a sufficient density to enhance the diffusion of the modified nanoparticles throughout the mucosa, relative to equivalent nanoparticles that are not surface modified. Nanoparticles can be sufficiently densely coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with a molecular weight of from 10 kD to 40 kD or greater coated with a surface density from about 0.1 to about 100 molecules/100 nm2, preferably from about 0.5 to about 50 molecules/100 nm2, more preferably from about 0.9 to about 45 molecules/100 nm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Justin Hanes, Katharina Maisel, Laura Ensign, Richard Cone
  • Patent number: 10646434
    Abstract: Hypotonic microbicidal compositions including an antimicrobial, such as an antiviral compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a solution formulation having hypotonic osmolarity have been developed for administration rectally to the gastrointestinal mucosa. In a preferred embodiment for use in preventing or decreasing HIV infection, the microbicidal is tenofovir, or a prodrug or derivative thereof. The formulations may include additional agents such as surfactants to enhance cleansing, buffers, or preservatives. Polymers may be included for osmolarity as well as comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Craig W. Hendrix, Laura Ensign, Edward Fuchs, Richard Cone, Justin Hanes
  • Publication number: 20200138700
    Abstract: Hypotonic microbicidal compositions including an antimicrobial, such as an antiviral compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a solution formulation having hypotonic osmolarity have been developed for administration rectally to the gastrointestinal mucosa. In a preferred embodiment for use in preventing or decreasing HIV infection, the microbicidal is tenofovir, or a prodrug or derivative thereof. The formulations may include additional agents such as surfactants to enhance cleansing, buffers, or preservatives. Polymers may be included for osmolarity as well as comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Craig W. Hendrix, Laura Ensign, Edward Fuchs, Richard Cone, Justin Hanes
  • Publication number: 20200085733
    Abstract: Hypotonic formulations of hydrogel forming polymers, preferably poloxamers, have been developed for enhanced delivery through mucosa of therapeutic, diagnostic, prophylactic or other agents, to epithelial tissues, especially those having a mucosal coating. The polymers are administered at a concentration above, at or less than their critical gelling concentration (CGC) under isotonic conditions. The hypotonicity of the formulation is adjusted so that the polymer gels at the lower concentration. A Poloxamer gel administered into the vagina or colorectum at its CGC will form a “plug” of gel in the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Richard Cone
  • Publication number: 20200078304
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to reducing the mucoadhesive properties of a particle. In some embodiments, the particle is coated with and/or associated with a (poly(ethylene glycol))-(poly(propylene oxide))-(poly(ethylene glycol)) triblock copolymer. Methods for preparing inventive particles using a poly(ethylene glycol)-vitamin E conjugate as a surfactant are also provided. In some embodiments, methods are provided comprising administering to a subject a composition of particles of the present invention. Such particles with reduced mucoadhesive properties are useful in delivering agents to mucosal tissues such as oral, ophthalmic, gastrointestinal, nasal, respiratory, and genital mucosal tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Samuel K. Lai, Ming Yang, Ying-Ying Wang, Olcay Mert, Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Jie Fu
  • Publication number: 20200009068
    Abstract: Hypotonic formulations and methods for delivering drugs to bladder, improving drug absorption and retention therein, and minimizing systemic toxicity, are provided. The formulation includes particles formed from the assembly or association between biocompatible polymers with and without low or high grafting density of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a wide range of drugs. A hypotonic medium or water allows the particles to penetrate and distribute within bladder tissue, where the particles are capable of dissolution to release drugs for absorption and retention. A reduced level of local and systemic toxicity and side effects of the formulation, compared to delivery of drugs in their free form, provides an effective and safe drug delivery platform for treating bladder or associated diseases or disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Abhijit Date, Trinity Bivalacqua, Max Kates
  • Patent number: 10485757
    Abstract: Hypotonic formulations of hydrogel forming polymers, preferably poloxamers, have been developed for enhanced delivery through mucosa of therapeutic, diagnostic, prophylactic or other agents, to epithelial tissues, especially those having a mucosal coating. The polymers are administered at a concentration above, at or less than their critical gelling concentration (CGC) under isotonic conditions. The hypotonicity of the formulation is adjusted so that the polymer gels at the lower concentration. A Poloxamer gel administered into the vagina or colorectum at its CGC will form a “plug” of gel in the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Laura Ensign, Justin Hanes, Richard Cone
  • Patent number: 10398742
    Abstract: Methods and materials for treating bacterial vaginosis (“BV”) are provided. Cervicovaginal secretions (“CVS”) from a woman with Lactobacillus crispatus-dominated (>50%) vaginal microbiota is transplanted to women with BV as a method for restoring beneficial vaginal microbial communities and/or increasing resistance to sexually transmitted disease. Efficacy can be enhanced, or the properties of the endogenous CVS improved, through administration of an acidifying agent such as lactic acid. The examples demonstrate the role of healthy CVS in disease resistance, and the effect of pH on CVS properties. The examples also describe the collection and transplantation of healthy beneficial CVS into women at risk for, or after treatment for, BV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Laura Ensign, Richard Cone, Justin Hanes
  • Publication number: 20190142993
    Abstract: Small-diameter suture materials and suture coating materials made from the twisting or braiding of biocompatible polymeric fibers have been developed, which support drug delivery and maintain a high tensile strength. The fibers entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month. While monofilament fibers lose tensile strength with the inclusion of active agents, twisting the drug-loaded, multifilament fibers allows for an increase in the tensile strength for the overall composites, while still retaining a small diameter. The methods of making these materials and using them for ocular surgery and vasculature repair have also been developed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Kunal S. Parikh, Justin Hanes, Laura Ensign
  • Publication number: 20190000750
    Abstract: Hypotonic microbicidal compositions including an antimicrobial, such as an antiviral compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a solution formulation having hypotonic osmolarity have been developed for administration rectally to the gastrointestinal mucosa. In a preferred embodiment for use in preventing or decreasing HIV infection, the microbicidal is tenofovir, or a prodrug or derivative thereof. The formulations may include additional agents such as surfactants to enhance cleansing, buffers, or preservatives. Polymers may be included for osmolarity as well as comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Craig W. Hendrix, Laura Ensign, Edward Fuchs, Richard Cone, Justin Hanes
  • Patent number: 10092509
    Abstract: Hypotonic microbicidal compositions including an antimicrobial, such as an antiviral compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a solution formulation having hypotonic osmolarity have been developed for administration rectally to the gastrointestinal mucosa. In a preferred embodiment for use in preventing or decreasing HIV infection, the microbiocidal is tenofovir, or a prodrug or derivative thereof. The formulations may include additional agents such as surfactants to enhance cleansing, buffers, or preservatives. Polymers may be included for osmolarity as well as comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Katharina Maisel, Craig W. Hendrix, Laura Ensign, Edward Fuchs, Richard Cone, Justin Hanes