Patents by Inventor Mark A. Tracy

Mark A. Tracy 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: 20030031716
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, Howard Bernstein, M. Amin Khan
  • Patent number: 6514533
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20020168410
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Yan Zhang, M. Amin Khan, Mark A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 6465425
    Abstract: This invention relates to sustained release compositions, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active acid-stable or free sulfhydryl-containing proteins, in particular &bgr;-IFN. The sustained release composition of this invention comprises a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein a stabilized biologically active acid-stable or free sulfhydryl-containing protein formulation and a nonionic polymer surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, Kevin L. Ward, David S. Scher, J. Keith Johnson
  • Patent number: 6455074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer-based sustained release device, and methods of forming and using the device for the sustained release of an active agent. The improved method of the invention for forming a polymer-based sustained release device comprises forming a polymer/active agent solution by mixing a polymer, a continuous phase, and an active agent. The continuous phase can comprise one or more polymer solvents, a polymer solvent/polymer non-solvent mixture, or a polymer solvent/active agent non-solvent mixture. When the continuous phase comprises a polymer solvent/active agent non-solvent, the active agent can also be present as a microparticulate rather than in solution. The continuous phase is then removed from the polymer/active agent solution, thereby forming a solid polymer/active agent matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, John D. Herberger, Paul A. Burke, Paul F. Herbert
  • Patent number: 6444223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sustained release composition comprising micron particles of labile agent and a method of preparing and using the sustained release composition. The invention further relates to micron particles of a labile agent and a method of preparing the micron particles. The method of the invention for preparing a composition for the sustained release of a labile agent, comprises forming a suspension comprising the labile agent dispersed in a polymer solution comprising at least one biocompatible polymer and at least one polymer solvent. The suspension is then wet milled to achieve micron particles of the labile agent. The polymer solvent is then removed resulting in a solid polymer/labile agent matrix. The method for preparing micron particles of a labile agent comprises forming a suspension comprising the labile agent, dispersed in a polymer solution comprising at least one biocompatible polymer and at least one polymer solvent, and wet milling of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, Kevin L. Ward, Warren E. Jaworowicz
  • Patent number: 6428815
    Abstract: Submicron particles of a biologically active agent are prepared by atomizing using multifluid atomization a dispersed system comprising at least one biologically active agent and at least one solvent to produce droplets, freezing the droplets to produce frozen droplets, lyophilizing the frozen droplets to obtain microstructures capable of being further fragmented into submicron particles by techniques such as probe sonication. The submicron particles can be incorporated into sustained release compositions having a reduced initial release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions can be administered to a human or animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Warren E. Jaworowicz, Mark A. Tracy, Christopher P. Beganski
  • Publication number: 20020095475
    Abstract: A method for maintaining at a server frame context for a device that is unable to display multiple frames. The method includes generating a first data structure having a first pointer for a first frame and a second pointer for a second frame, and associating a first context indicator with the first data structure. The method then includes sending from a server to a device the first context indicator, the first pointer, and a first document pointed to by the first pointer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Prasad Krothapalli, Ravi Pachipala, Mahesh Rangamani, Amitabh Sinha, Roopak Parikh, Ritesh Adval, Mark Tracy
  • Publication number: 20020052795
    Abstract: A method for transacting exchanges of agricultural products involves observing the price of an agricultural product at observation points over a period of time. In one embodiment, a maximum price is specified. For each of the observation points, the maximum price is selected when the observed price is greater than the maximum price, and the observed price is selected when the observed price is less than the maximum price. A price is calculated for a quantity of the agricultural product based on the average of the selected prices and a premium. Individual contracts can be aggregated to reach more acceptable trading quantities and intervals, enabling participation of a derivative hedging products service provider and intermediate parties such as elevators and elevator services companies. Aggregation can be carried out manually or automatically, and configured to support anonymity of various parties in the transaction chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: David Dines, Mark Tracy, Joseph Stone, Dennis Inman, Jeffrey Seeley
  • Publication number: 20020052817
    Abstract: A method for transacting transfers of commodities includes setting a first price for a first quantity of a commodity based on an average price observed during a period of time and either a premium or discount to the average price. A second price is set for a second quantity of a commodity based on a price determined at a future date. The second price does not exceed a maximum price in the event a premium applies to the first quantity, or a minimum price in the event a discount applies to the first quantity. The first quantity and the second quantity are delivered from a seller to a buyer, and the seller is paid a sum based on the first price, the premium or discount, as applicable, and the second price.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: David Dines, Mark Tracy, Joseph Stone, Dennis Inman, Jeffrey Seeley
  • Publication number: 20020052793
    Abstract: A method for transacting transfers of commodities involves observing the price of a commodity at several observation points over a period of time. In one embodiment, a maximum price is specified. For each observation point, the maximum price is selected in the event the observed price is greater than the maximum price, or the observed price is selected in the event the observed price is less than the maximum price. The price for a quantity of the commodity then is calculated based on the average of the selected prices and a premium. Individual contracts can be aggregated to reach more acceptable trading quantities and intervals, enabling participation of a derivative hedging products service provider and intermediate parties such as resellers and reseller services companies. Aggregation can be carried out manually or automatically, and configured to support anonymity of various parties in the transaction chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: David Dines, Mark Tracy, Joseph Stone, Dennis Inman, Jeffrey Seeley
  • Publication number: 20020052826
    Abstract: A method for transacting exchanges of agricultural products, such as crop output, livestock, and animal produce, includes setting a first price for a first quantity of agricultural product based on an average price observed during a period of time and either a premium or discount to the average price. A second price is set for a second quantity of an agricultural product based on a price determined at a future date. The second price does not exceed a maximum price in the event a premium applies to the first quantity, or a minimum price in the event a discount applies to the first quantity. The first quantity and the second quantity are delivered from a seller to a buyer, and the seller is paid a sum based on the first price, the premium or discount, as applicable, and the second price.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: David Dines, Mark Tracy, Joseph Stone, Dennis Inman, Jeffrey Seeley
  • Patent number: 6379701
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, Howard Bernstein, M. Amin Khan
  • Patent number: 6368630
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Yan Zhang, M. Amin Khan, Mark A. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20020028252
    Abstract: Submicron particles of a biologically active agent are prepared by atomizing using multifluid atomization a dispersed system comprising at least one biologically active agent and at least one solvent to produce droplets, freezing the droplets to produce frozen droplets, lyophilizing the frozen droplets to obtain microstructures capable of being further fragmented into submicron particles by techniques such as probe sonication. The submicron particles can be incorporated into sustained release compositions having a reduced initial release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions can be administered to a human or animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Warren E. Jaworowicz, Mark A. Tracy, Christopher P. Beganski
  • Publication number: 20020025308
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for administering live cells to a patient and compositions useful in the method. The composition comprises live cells and biocompatible, biodegradable polymer microparticles. The cells and microparticles of the cell/microparticle composition can be contacted immediately prior to administration, or can be contacted in culture for a specified period of time prior to administration. In the method of the invention, an effective amount of the cell/microparticle composition is administered to a patient in need thereof by injection to a treatment site of the patient to provide a therapeutic effect in the patient. The therapeutic effect can be, for example, the formation of new tissue at the treatment site, or the production and secretion of a biologically active secretory molecule at the treatment site. The composition comprising lives cells and biocompatible, biodegradable polymer microparticles can be used in a method of generating new tissue in vitro.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Mark A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 6284283
    Abstract: Submicron particles of a biologically active agent are prepared by atomizing using multifluid atomization a dispersed system comprising at least one biologically active agent and at least one solvent to produce droplets, freezing the droplets to produce frozen droplets, lyophilizing the frozen droplets to obtain microstructures capable of being further fragmented into submicron particles by techniques such as probe sonication. The submicron particles can be incorporated into sustained release compositions having a reduced initial release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions can be administered to a human or animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Warren E. Jaworowicz, Mark A. Tracy, Christopher P. Beganski
  • Patent number: 6165508
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, Howard Bernstein, M. Amin Khan
  • Patent number: 5989463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer-based sustained release device, and methods of forming and using the device for the sustained release of an active agent. The improved method of the invention for forming a polymer-bases sustained release device comprises forming a polymer/active agent solution by mixing a polymer, a continuous phase, and an active agent. The continuous phase can comprise one or more polymer solvents, a polymer solvent/polymer non-solvent mixture, or a polymer solvent/active agent non-solvent mixture. When the continuous phase comprises a polymer solvent/active agent non-solvent, the active agent can also be present as a microparticulate rather than in solution. The continuous phase is then removed from the polymer/active agent solution, thereby forming a solid polymer/active agent matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, John D. Herberger, Paul A. Burke, Paul F. Herbert
  • Patent number: 5916597
    Abstract: Composition for the sustained release of a biologically active agent in vivo. The composition comprises microcarriers containing a first solid-phase biocompatible material and a biologically active agent, wherein said microcarriers sustain the in vivo release of the biologically active agent. The composition also contains particles of a second biocompatible solid-phase material wherein the second solid-phase material further sustains the in vivo release of the biologically active agent.The invention also relates to a method for sustaining effective serum levels of a biologically active agent in a subject, including forming an injectable dose containing an effective amount of a biologically active agent, wherein the agent is contained in a microcarrier, with a release-period sustaining amount of a solid-phase material. The method further includes administering the injectable dose to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hye-Jung Lee, OluFunmi L. Johnson, Stephen E. Zale, Mark A. Tracy