Abstract: The present invention encompasses prodrug compositions, nanoparticles comprising one or more prodrugs, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for treating a condition of the skin by delivering therapeutic formulations to the skin that translocates active substances across the stratum corneum barrier to a targeted skin tissue. The methods and formulations comprise active substances encapsulated within surface modified nanostructured lipid carrier nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids and polypeptides encoded thereby, whose expression is modulated in brain microvascular endothelial cells undergoing early dynamic inflammation-induced changes in blood-brain bather functionality. Such polypeptides are referred to as lipopolysaccharide-sensitive (LPSS) polypeptides. These nucleic acids and polypeptides may be useful in methods for controlling blood-brain bather properties in mammals in need of such biological effects. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of disturbances in the blood-brain/retina barrier, brain (including the eye) disorders, as well as peripheral vascular disorders. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of anti-LPSS polypeptide antibodies or ligands as diagnostic probes, as blood-brain barrier targeting agents or as therapeutic agents as well as the use of ligands or modulators of expression, activation or bioactivity of LPSS polypeptides as diagnostic probes, therapeutic agents or drug delivery enhancers.

Abstract: Compositions which comprise an anthracycline agent, and a cytidine analog are encapsulated in liposomal carriers. The preferred anthracycline agent is selected from the group of daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and idarubicin, while the preferred cytidine analog is selected from the group of cytarabine, gemcitabine, or 5-azacytidine. The combination of the anthracycline agent and cytidine analog encapsulated in said liposomal carriers are useful in achieving a drug retention and a sustained drug release for each therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A battery can be fabricated from a substrate including silicon. This allows the battery to be produced as an integrated unit. The battery includes a anode formed from an array of spaced elongated structures, such as pillars, which include silicon and which can be fabricated on the substrate. The battery also includes a cathode which can include lithium.

Abstract: A composition that includes nanoparticles with binding affinity for platelets, and methods for using this composition to treat vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: Control of the fusion activity of liposomes by adsorbing biocompatible nanoparticles to the outer surface of phospholipid liposomes is disclosed. The biocompatible nanoparticles effectively prevent liposomes from fusing with one another. Release of cargo from the liposome is accomplished via trigger mechanisms that include pH triggers, pore forming toxing triggers and photosensitive triggers. Dermal drug delivery to treat a variety of skin diseases such as acne vulgaris and staph infections is contemplated.

Abstract: Formulations for preventing the sexual transmission of the HIV virus are provided. In one embodiment, the formulations contain un-conjugated liposomes whose physicochemical properties allow binding to the HIV virus. The liposomes are made up of natural or synthetic lipids, alone or in combination. Preferably, the liposomes are made entirely of cardiolipin. In other embodiments the liposomes are modified to contain Hgands which bind HIV. The method for preventing the sexual transmission of the HIV virus includes self-administration of a formulation containing an effective amount of liposomes which bind to the HIV virus to the surface of a mucosal membrane prior to intercourse.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody composition comprising ovine antibodies, for use in the prevention or treatment of C. difficile infection wherein the antibodies bind to a C. difficile toxin, and wherein said prevention or treatment is by oral delivery of the antibody composition. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition of ovine antibodies for oral delivery, which further comprises one or more means for protecting the antibodies from trypsin and/or chymotrypsin and/or stomach acid.

Abstract: Nanoparticles that activate complement in the absence of biological molecules are described. The nanoparticles are shown to specifically target antigen presenting cells in specifically in lymph nodes, without the use of a biological molecule for targeting. These particles are useful vehicles for delivering immunotherapeutics. Surface chemistries and chemical formulations for the nanoparticles are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic LDL nanoparticle comprising a lipid moiety and a synthetic chimeric peptide so as to be capable of binding the LDL receptor. The synthetic LDL nanoparticle of the present invention is capable of incorporating and targeting therapeutics to cells expressing the LDL receptor for diseases associated with the expression of the LDL receptor such as central nervous system diseases. The invention further provides methods of using such synthetic LDL nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for treating a condition of the skin by delivering therapeutic formulations to the skin that translocates active substances across the stratum corneum barrier to a targeted skin tissue. The methods and formulations comprise active substances encapsulated within surface modified nanostructured lipid carrier nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer, preventing cancer or delaying the progression of a cancer in an animal or human comprising the step of: administering to the animal or the human having a cancer a composition in an amount effective to treat cancer, prevent cancer or delay the progression of cancer in the animal or the human. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and ascorbate which is joined to a carrier structure containing an anti-cancer active agent, said carrier structure being capable of releasing the anti-cancer agent in the presence of a reactive oxygen species.

Abstract: The present invention provides targeted delivery compositions and their methods of use in treating and diagnosing a disease state in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a targeted multi-layered drug delivery system for the delivery of cytotoxic agents to B-cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids and polypeptides encoded thereby, whose expression is modulated in brain microvascular endothelial cells undergoing early dynamic inflammation-induced changes in blood-brain barrier functionality. Such polypeptides are referred to as lipopolysaccharide-sensitive (LPSS) polypeptides herein. These nucleic acids and polypeptides may be useful in methods for controlling blood-brain barrier properties in mammals in need of such biological effects. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of disturbances in the blood-brain/retina barrier, brain (including the eye) disorders, as well as peripheral vascular disorders. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of anti-LPSS polypeptide antibodies or ligands as diagnostic probes, as blood-brain barrier targeting agents or as therapeutic agents as well as the use of ligands or modulators of expression, activation or bioactivity of LPSS polypeptides as diagnostic probes, therapeutic agents or drug delivery enhancers.

Abstract: Compositions which comprise an anthracycline agent, and a cytidine analog are encapsulated in liposomal carriers. The preferred anthracycline agent is selected from the group of daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and idarubicin, while the preferred cytidine analog is selected from the group of cytarabine, gemcitabine, or 5-azacytidine. The combination of the anthracycline agent and cytidine analog encapsulated in said liposomal carriers are useful in achieving a drug retention and a sustained drug release for each therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system for the delivery of drugs including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids or synthetic chemical drugs is provided. The self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system described herein includes viral capsid proteins, such as Hepatitis B Virus core protein, encapsulating the drug, a lipid bi-layer envelope and targeting or facilitating molecules anchored in the lipid bilayer. A method for construction of the self-assembling nanocparticle drug delivery system is also provided.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration, comprising liposomes composed of non-charged vesicle-forming lipids, including up to 20 mole percent of an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid derivatized with polyethyleneglycol, and optionally including not more than 10 mole percent of negatively charged vesicle-forming lipids, the liposomes having a selected mean particle diameter in the size range between about 40-200 nm and containing a water soluble corticosteroid for the site-specific treatment of inflammatory disorders, is provided.

Abstract: A formulation containing one or more lipophilic agents, methods of making and using the formulation are described herein. The formulation is formed by adding a pre-suspension concentrate composition to an aqueous medium. Upon contact with the aqueous medium, a solid nanoparticle suspension spontaneously forms. The resulting formulation is in the form of a microemulsion. The concentrate contains an amphiphilic solvent, a pharmaceutically acceptable solid carrier such as a solid fatty acid or ester, a surfactant, and an agent. Preferably the concentrate contains a combination of a surfactant with a high hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) of at least about 8 and a surfactant with a low HLB of less than about 5. The agent is preferably a lipophilic drug and other lipophilic ingredient, such as vitamins. The composition is suitable for use in medical and non-medical applications. The microemuslions described herein have increased stability was compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Topical drug delivery systems for ophthalmic use including mixed nanomicellar formulations of water-insoluble drugs and methods of treating diseases affecting the posterior ocular segments are disclosed. In an embodiment, an aqueous ophthalmic solution includes nanomicelles in a physiologically acceptable buffer, having a pH of 5.0 to 8.0, wherein a corticosteroid at a concentration from about 0.01% w/v to about 1.00% w/v is solubilized through entrapment in a mixed micellar hydrophobic core with a corona composed of hydrophilic chains extending from the hydrophobic core, wherein the nanomicelles comprise vitamin E TPGS at a concentration ranging from about 3.0% w/v to about 5.0% w/v stabilized with octoxynol-40 at a concentration ranging from about 1.0% w/v to about 3.0% w/v.

Abstract: Bioavailability of Coenzyme-Q10 (“Co-Q10”), an oil-soluble substance, can be enhanced in a subject by modifying, e.g. nanonizing or charging, the form of Co-Q10. Co-Q10 bioavailability also can be enhanced by administering Co-Q10 to the subject as an oil (lipid)-based and water (hydro)-based mixed composition, along with other optional components, such as oils, resins and other carriers. Accordingly, the invention provides various Co-Q10 compositions, e.g. compositions comprised of (i) Co-Q10 dissolved in one or more Co-Q10-soluble oils and (ii) Co-Q10 in admixture with at least one water-dispersible agent. A Co-Q10 complex of the invention, therefore, yields an increased cell absorption rate, as well as an enhanced percentage of Co-Q10 peak absorption, compared to previously known compounds. Methods for making and using the aforementioned compositions also are provided.

Abstract: A composition that includes nanoparticles with binding affinity for platelets, and methods for using this composition to treat vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid hybrid nanoparticle systems for the administration of active molecules, peptides, DNA and/or other hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules, the composition of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid hybrid nanoparticle systems, and the procedure for their development and use. These nanoparticles are made up of hyaluronic acid in salt form, preferentially the sodium salt of the polymers or hybridized with magnetic Fe particles. The nanoparticles are basically from natural polymers, biocompatibles and biodegradables. The nanoparticles allow the controlled release of the active molecules they transport and their orientation towards the target tissues. The present invention teaches a procedure to elaborate particles of hyaluronic acid with a diameter less than 180 nm., that incorporate an active ingredient, independent of its hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature. Procedures to produce the particles are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fusogenic vesicles as highly efficient and versatile encapsulation systems for delivering a substance of choice, such as nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, antigens, pharmaceutical drugs and cosmetic agents to cells and tissues.