Abstract: An excitation force (internal or external) and phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (OCE) system, used in conjunction with a data analyzing algorithm, is capable of measuring and quantifying biomechanical parameters of tissues in situ and in vivo. The method was approbated and demonstrated on an example of the system that combines a pulsed ultrasound system capable of producing an acoustic radiation force on the crystalline lens surface and a phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for measuring the lens displacement caused by the acoustic radiation force. The method allows noninvasive and nondestructive quantification of tissue mechanical properties. The noninvasive measurement method also utilizes phase-stabilized swept source optical coherence elastography (PhS-SSOCE) to distinguish between tissue stiffness, such as that attributable to disease, and effects on measured stiffness that result from external factors, such as pressure applied to the tissue.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to cationic oil-in-water emulsions that can be used to deliver nucleic acid molecules, such as an RNA molecule. The emulsion particles comprise an oil core and a cationic lipid. The emulsion particles have an average diameter of about 80 nm to about 180 nm, and the emulsion have an N/P ratio of at least 1.1:1.

Abstract: Influenza vaccines are administered using solid biodegradable microneedles. The microneedles are fabricated from the influenza vaccine in combination with solid excipient(s) and, after penetrating the skin, they dissolve in situ and release the vaccine to the immune system. The influenza vaccine is (i) a purified influenza virus surface antigen vaccine, rather than a live vaccine or a whole-virus or split inactivated vaccine (ii) an influenza vaccine prepared from viruses grown in cell culture, not eggs, (iii) a monovalent influenza vaccine e.g. for immunising against a pandemic strain, (iv) a bivalent vaccine, (v) a tetravalent or >4-valent vaccine, (vi) a mercury-free vaccine, or (vii) a gelatin-free vaccine.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to cationic oil-in-water emulsions that contain high concentrations of cationic lipids and have a defined oil:lipid ratio. The cationic lipid can interact with the negatively charged molecule thereby anchoring the molecule to the emulsion particles. The cationic emulsions described herein are useful for delivering negatively charged molecules, such as nucleic acid molecules to cells, and for formulating nucleic acid-based vaccines.

Abstract: Serogroup B meningococcus antigens can successfully be combined with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis toxoids (“DTP”) to provide effective combination vaccines for protecting against multiple pathogens. These combinations are effective with a range of different adjuvants, and with both pediatric-type and booster-type DTP ratios. The adjuvant can improve the immune response which the composition elicits; alternatively, by including an adjuvant it is possible for the compositions to have a relatively lower amount of antigen while nevertheless having immunogenicity which is comparable to unadjuvanted combination vaccines.

Abstract: Oil-in-water emulsions with small droplet sizes can be formed without requiring either microfluidisation or heating to cause phase inversion, but rather by simple mixing of a pre-mixed composition of oil and a surfactant component comprising at least one surfactant component with aqueous material. The HLB value of the surfactant component can be selected to give a composition which, on mixing with a volume excess of aqueous material, spontaneously forms an oil in water emulsion with submicron oil droplets having a diameter <250 nm, suitable for filter sterilisation. Droplet diameters of <40 nm can also be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to homogeneous suspensions of small molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) that are capable of stimulating or modulating an immune response in a subject in need thereof. The homogeneous suspensions may be used in combinations with various antigens or adjuvants for vaccine therapies.

Abstract: Serogroup B meningococcus antigens can successfully be combined with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis toxoids (“DTP”) to provide effective combination vaccines for protecting against multiple pathogens. These combinations are effective with a range of different adjuvants, and with both pediatric-type and booster-type DTP ratios. The adjuvant can improve the immune response which the composition elicits; alternatively, by including an adjuvant it is possible for the compositions to have a relatively lower amount of antigen while nevertheless having immunogenicity which is comparable to unadjuvanted combination vaccines.

Abstract: There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of folding apparatus for ocular purposes for the first time. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing.

Abstract: Influenza vaccines are administered using solid biodegradable microneedles. The microneedles are fabricated from the influenza vaccine in combination with solid excipient(s) and, after penetrating the skin, they dissolve in situ and release the vaccine to the immune system. The influenza vaccine is (i) a purified influenza virus surface antigen vaccine, rather than a live vaccine or a whole-virus or split inactivated vaccine (ii) an influenza vaccine prepared from viruses grown in cell culture, not eggs, (iii) a monovalent influenza vaccine e.g. for immunizing against a pandemic strain, (iv) a bivalent vaccine, (v) a tetravalent or >4-valent vaccine, (vi) a mercury-free vaccine, or (vii) a gelatin-free vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions that comprise (a) a first antigen, (b) polymeric particles and (c) a benzonaphthyridine compound, which compositions elicits an immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides, inter alia, methods of producing immunogenic compositions and methods for using immunogenic compositions (e.g., for treatment), among other benefits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition that can be used as a coating and that can protect a substrate coated with this composition from high heat. The composition comprises: -a polysulfide, -an epoxy resin, -a compound selected from compounds having a secondary and/or a tertiary amine group, and compounds having an amide group, -a phosphonate, -fibres and -less than 1 wt. % of a polysiloxane, wherein the wt. % is relative to the weight of the composition after evaporation of any solvent that is present in the composition.

Abstract: The invention improves TdaP vaccines by including a TLR agonist in them. This agonist can provide stronger protection, longer-lasting protection, and/or can reduce the amount of antigen which is required to achieve a particular immune response.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to cationic oil-in-water emulsions that can be used to deliver negatively charged molecules, such as an RNA molecule. The emulsion particles comprise an oil core and a cationic lipid. The cationic lipid can interact with the negatively charged molecule thereby anchoring the molecule to the emulsion particles. The cationic emulsions described herein are particularly suitable for delivering nucleic acid molecules (such as an RNA molecule encoding an antigen) to cells and formulating nucleic acid-based vaccines.

Abstract: A dual formulation for vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (‘Men-B’) comprises (i) an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant and (ii) a Men-B immunogenic component in lyophilised form. The lyophilised Men-B antigens can be reconstituted into liquid adjuvanted form at the time of use ready for administration to a patient. This formulation has been found to give excellent result in terms of both stability and immunogenicity. The lyophilised component can also include one or more conjugated saccharides from N. meningitidis in serogroups A, C, W135 and/or Y.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to homogeneous suspensions of small molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) that are capable of stimulating or modulating an immune response in a subject in need thereof. The homogeneous suspensions may be used in combinations with various antigens or adjuvants for vaccine therapies.

Abstract: Immunopotentiators can be adsorbed to insoluble metal salts, such as aluminium salts, to modify their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, intramuscular retention time, and/or immunostimulatory effect. Immunopotentiators are modified to introduce a moiety, such as a phosphonate group, which can mediate adsorption. These modified compounds can retain or improve their in vivo immunological activity even when delivered in an adsorbed form.

Abstract: In various aspects of the present invention, nanoparticle compositions are provided which comprise (a) nanoparticles comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and (b) at least one pharmaceutical associated with the nanoparticles. In other aspects of the present invention, methods of forming nanoparticles compositions are provided, which comprise contacting a first liquid that comprises one or more biodegradable polymers dissolved in a first solvent with a second liquid that comprises a second solvent which is miscible with the first solvent while being a non-solvent for the one or more biodegradable polymers, such that nanoparticles are formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sterile-filtered lyophilized nanoparticle compositions which contain at least one biodegradable polymer, at least one surfactant, at least one cryoprotective agent and at least one antigen. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such compositions and kits supplying such compositions.

Abstract: The invention improves TdaP vaccines by including a TLR agonist in them. This agonist can provide stronger protection, longer-lasting protection, and/or can reduce the amount of antigen which is required to achieve a particular immune response.