| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080221555 | METHOD FOR WIRELESSLY MONITORING IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE - A method is provided for monitoring the status of a medical device implanted in a patient. The method includes the steps of implanting in a patient a medical device which comprises (i) a substrate in which two or more reservoirs are located, with each covered by a reservoir cap, (ii) a drug or sensor located in the reservoir, (iii) a power source and actuation electronics for disintegrating or permeabilizing the reservoir cap, and (iv) a telemetry system; and then using said telemetry system to wirelessly transmit to a remote controller data about the condition of the power source and/or data about which reservoirs have been or have yet to be activated to release the drug therefrom or to expose the sensor therein. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080221557 | METHOD OF OPENING RESERVOIR OF CONTAINMENT DEVICE - A method is provided for selectively opening a containment reservoir. The method includes providing a device which comprises a substrate in which at least one reservoir is located and covered by a reservoir cap; and directing laser light to said reservoir cap to cause the reservoir cap to disintegrate or become permeable. The device may be an implantable medical device. The reservoirs may contain a drug for controlled release or a biosensor. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080242626 | End-Modified Poly(beta-amino esters) and Uses Thereof - Poly(beta-amino esters) are end-modified to form materials useful in the medical as well as non-medical field. An amine-terminated poly(beta-amino ester) is reacted with an electrophile, or an acrylate-terminated poly(beta-amino ester) is reacted with a nucleophile. The inventive end-modified polymers may be used in any field where polymers have been found useful including the drug delivery arts. The end-modified polymers are particularly useful in delivery nucleic acids such as DNA or RNA. The invention also provides compositions including the inventive end-modified polymers, methods of preparing the inventive polymers, and method of using the inventive polymers. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080248017 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080253971 | Particles for inhalation having sustained release properties - 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 therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent or any combination thereof in association with a charged lipid, wherein the charged lipid has an overall net charge which is opposite to that of the agent upon association with the agent. Release of the agent from the administered particles occurs in a sustained fashion. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255267 | Disposable Medical Supplies From Hydrolytically Biodegradable Plastics - Hydrolytically degradable polymers in the form of biodegradable disposable medical devices for use in medicine and laboratories such as syringes, test tubes, catheters, tubing, trays, medical fabrics, and gloves are described. The devices are formed in whole or in part of a hydrolytically degradable polymer. In the preferred embodiment, the devices or structural components thereof degrade in a period of weeks to months, preferably within a year and more preferably within six months of exposure to aqueous solutions. Conventional hydrolytically degradable polymers may be utilized or these may be modified to increase mechanical or processing characteristics, for example, using a polyfunctional branching agent and/or a chain extending agent. In one embodiment, the hydrolytically degradable polymer is a member of a new class of polyesters comprising an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, an aliphatic diol and optionally, one or more bifunctional fatty acids such as ricinoleic acid and/or castor oil. The devices are prepared using standard techniques, such as by injection molding, extrusion or melt spinning. The devices can be formed entirely of the degradable polymer, or they can be coated with a polymer coating in order to increase the compatibility of and reduce the possibility for interaction between the surface of the device and liquids that may come in contact with the device, or they may include core or other internal structural member formed of either the biodegradable or non-biodegradable material. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080268063 | Coated Controlled Release Polymer Particles as Efficient Oral Delivery Vehicles for Biopharmaceuticals - A composition for delivering an active agent to a patient. The composition includes a polymer core encapsulating the active agent and a mucoadhesive coating disposed about the core. The polymer may include covalently linked poly(ethylene glycol) chains, and the mucoadhesive coating may be selected to facilitate transfer of the particle through the intestinal mucosa. A molecular weight and cross-link density of the polymer may be selected such that the polymer core will decompose in a predetermined time interval. The fraction of the dose of the drug entering the system at circulation during the predetermined time interval may be between about 0.25% and about 25%. The composition may be formulated as a plurality of nanoparticles or microparticles that are combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to produce an edible or inhalable drug product. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080281405 | Highly convertible endolumenal prostheses and methods of manufacture - Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080286322 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080286339 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090011486 | Biodegradable Elastomers - The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic polymers compositions for encapsulation of cells. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked in the presence of glycerol and a population of cells to form elastic porous polymer scaffolds suitable for cell encapsulation and/or proliferation. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090047256 | Biodegradable Elastomers - The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090053284 | MEDICAL DEVICES FOR USE IN THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF HYPERPROLIFERATIVE DISEASES AFFECTING THE SPINAL CORD - Provided herein are new methods for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases affecting the spinal cord, including the use of biodegradable polymers to treat spinal cord tumor recessing, i.e., to patch open zones left by spinal tumor removal. Biocompatible polymeric materials are tailored to fill areas previously occupied by tumors, e.g., materials in the form of tubular articles configured for insertion into the spinal column after surgical removal of a tumor. These protective articles may also include medicinal agents that stimulate spinal column neural regeneration, such as medicines or donor neuronal cells such as human neural stem cells, thus assisting patients to recover motorsensory function after spinal tumor surgery. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090060969 | Porous biodegradable polymeric materials for cell transplantation - Polymeric materials are used to make a pliable, non-toxic, injectable porous template for vascular ingrowth. The pore size, usually between approximately 100 and 300 microns, allows vascular and connective tissue ingrowth throughout approximately 10 to 90% of the matrix following implantation, and the injection of cells uniformly throughout the implanted matrix without damage to the cells or patient. The introduced cells attach to the connective tissue within the matrix and are fed by the blood vessels. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biocompatible synthetic polymer which degrades in a controlled manner by hydrolysis into harmless metabolites, for example, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, or copolymers thereof. The rate of tissue ingrowth increases as the porosity and/or the pore size of the implanted devices increases. The time required for the tissue to fill the device depends on the polymer crystallinity and is less for amorphous polymers versus semicrystalline polymers. The vascularity of the advancing tissue is consistent with time and independent of the biomaterial composition and morphology. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090060982 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061048 | DELIVERY AND CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ENCAPSULATED LIPOPHILIC NUTRIENTS - A complex coacervate delivery system is provided which encapsulates lipophilic nutrients such as, for example, fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids. The complex coacervate delivery system protects the lipophilic nutrient from degradation, e.g., oxidation and hydrolysis, and also reduces or eliminates the unpleasant taste and odor of the lipophilic nutrient. The complex coacervate delivery system upon ingestion is operative to substantially release the lipophilic nutrient in the lower gastrointestinal tract in a pH-controlled manner. The complex coacervate delivery system may be included in a food or beverage product having a pH value within the range of about 1.5 to about 5.0. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090074828 | POLY(AMINO ACID) TARGETING MOIETIES - The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090155875 | Methods to Enhance Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenase Activity and Uses Thereof - This invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions for modulating the water-gas shift reaction (e.g., promoting the water-gas shift forward reaction) or in which the water-gas shift reaction has been modulated. The methods and compositions, therefore, also relate, in part, to increasing the oxidation rate of carbon monoxide (CO), for increasing the availability of CO (e.g., to the carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) enzyme complex), for removing and/or promoting the release of hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide (CO2), for regulating the redox potential of cells, for preventing free radical damage and/or promoting cell survivability, etc. The invention also relates, in part, to methods and compositions for modulating CODH activity, such as increasing CODH activity. Methods and compositions are also provided for modulating the PSII reaction (e.g., promoting the PSII forward reaction) or in which the PSII reaction has been modulated. The modulation of the PSII reaction can be in conjunction with the modulation of the water-gas shift reaction. The invention also relates, in part, to methods and compositions for modulating PSII activity, such as increasing PSII activity. The invention further relates to uses of the aforementioned methods and compositions. For example, methods and compositions are provided for the production of hydrogen and/or for the elimination of CO. The methods and compositions provided can be used for a variety of industrial and medical applications, and such applications are also provided as part of the invention. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156477 | Compositions and Methods for Regulating Inflammatory Responses - This invention relates, in part, to compositions and methods for the regulation of inflammatory responses. Specifically, the invention relates, in part, to compositions of and methods for using fibroblast growth factor (FGF) proteins, proteoglycans (e.g., syndecans), agents that modulate proteoglycans and agents that affect Wnt signaling. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating subjects with undesired inflammatory activity and/or diseases associated therewith. The invention further provides, in part, compositions and methods for disrupting intercellular junctions with FGFs, such as for the enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090203590 | METHOD FOR THE INHIBITION OF ANGIOGENESIS - The present invention is based on the discovery that Matrilin-1 has antiangiogenic and anticancer properties. The invention is directed to a method of treating a disease that responds to an inhibition of angiogenesis. Additionally, the invention can be applied to those at risk for developing a disease that responds to an inhibition of angiogenesis. The methods comprise administering to a mammal an effective angiogenesis-inhibiting amount of an Matrilin-1 consisting of Matrilin-1, Matrilin-1 fragment, analog, or derivative that is administered in a composition substantially free of other cartilage proteins. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090274654 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090274877 | STIMULI-RESPONSIVE SURFACES - A material capable of promoting adhesion through transitioning reversibly between a first state and a second state when the material is exposed to or removed from a stimulus, wherein, the first state includes a first texture and the second state includes a second texture different from the first texture. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090298710 | System for Screening Particles - Screening of a library of particles in vivo and/or in vitro using Polyplex Iterative Combinatorial Optimization (PICO) allows for the design of particles for targeting a specific organ, tissue (e.g., cancer), or cell. Particles may, for example, include different targeting agents (e.g., aptamers or plurality of aptamers) on their surfaces, and the aptamer or aptamers may be evolved to provide better targeting of the particles. Libraries of particles are enriched in characteristics of particles that have been found to migrate to a tissue of interest, be taken up by cells, etc. The process may be repeated to engineer particles of a desired specificity or biological function. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100015068 | Methods and Compositions For Altering Biological Surfaces - Compositions, methods and kits are provided for altering the properties of a biological surface using particles such as, for instance, calcium based particles in combination with an agent that binds to the biological surface. Properties such as color, sheen, texture, strength, and odor of biological surfaces such as teeth and bone are alterable. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100022680 | Microfluidic Synthesis of Organic Nanoparticles - The present invention provides microfluidic systems and methods for the production of particles (e.g., nanoparticles) for drug delivery. The present invention provides microfluidic devices useful for production of particles by nanoprecipitation. The present invention provides highly homogenous compositions of particles produced by inventive microfluidic devices. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100036084 | BIODEGRADABLE POLY(BETA-AMINO ESTERS) AND USES THEREOF - Poly(β-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100055184 | HYDROGELS FOR VOCAL CORD AND SOFT TISSUE AUGMENTATION AND REPAIR - The present invention provides hydrogels and compositions thereof for vocal cord repair or augmentation, as well as other soft tissue repair or augmentation (e.g., bladder neck augmentation, dermal fillers, breast implants, intervertebral disks, muscle-mass). The hydrogels or compositions thereof are injected into the superficial lamina propria or phonatory epithelium to restore the phonatory mucosa of the vocal cords, thereby restoring a patient's voice. In particular, it has been discovered that hydrogels with an elastic shear modulus of approximately 25 Pa are useful in restoring the pliability of the phonatory mucosa. The invention also provides methods of preparing and using the inventive hydrogels. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100112026 | SURFACES, METHODS AND DEVICES EMPLOYING CELL ROLLING - In various aspects, the present invention provides surfaces and materials for cell rolling applications, methods of making such surfaces and materials, and devices having such surfaces and materials. In some embodiments, the present invention provides surfaces with at least partial coatings of an ordered layer of cell adhesion molecules, or fragments, analogs, or modifications thereof, covalently bound to the surface of the substrate through an immobilization moiety. In some embodiments, the layer of a cell adhesion molecules further comprises a cell modifying ligand that can be targeted, e.g., to one or more specific cell types. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100137696 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH RESERVOIR-BASED SENSORS - A medical device is provided which may include a reservoir which has an opening and contains a sensor; a reservoir cap closing off the opening to isolate the sensor from an environmental component outside the reservoirs, the reservoir cap being impermeable to the environmental component and adapted to selectively undergo a phase change to disintegrate the reservoir cap and thereby expose the sensor to the environmental component. A method of use may include (i) selectively disintegrating a reservoir cap to expose a sensor which is disposed inside a reservoir of a device implanted in a patient, the disintegrating comprising inducing a phase change in the reservoir cap; and (ii) using the sensor to generate an output signal, wherein the output signal is recorded and stored in a writeable computer memory chips, directed to a microprocessor for immediate analysis and processing, or sent to a remote location away from the device. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100144845 | OLIGONUCLEOTIDE SYSTEMS FOR TARGETED INTRACELLULAR DELIVERY - The present invention provides methods for deriving oligonucleotides for specific internal delivery to one or more target cell types (e.g., cancer cells). The method generally includes selecting at least once with a target cell type to provide a plurality of internalizing oligonucleotides for the target cell type, and in some embodiments, counter-selecting at least once with a non-target cell type to provide a plurality of oligonucleotides that do not bind to features present in the non-target cell type. Therapeutic and diagnostic compositions including the oligonucleotides, and methods of treatment are also provided. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100196481 | SPINAL CORD INJURY, INFLAMMATION, AND IMMUNE-DISEASE: LOCAL CONTROLLED RELEASE OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - A drug delivery system is provided for treatment of oxidative stress. The drug delivery system can include a therapeutic agent and a matrix. The therapeutic agent can include an antioxidant or steroid. The matrix can include a hydrogel, particle, microparticle, or nanoparticle. A method of treating injury, including peripheral nerve injury or spinal cord injury, is also provided. The method includes injecting the drug delivery system at the site of injury. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100196482 | POLYMER-ENCAPSULATED REVERSE MICELLES - A method for encapsulating nucleic acids, particularly siRNAs, shRNAs, microRNAs, gene therapy plasmids, and other oligonucleotides in biodegradable polymers is disclosed, whereby the nucleic acids are formulated into reverse micelles composed of non-toxic and/or naturally-occurring lipids prior to nanoparticle formation by nanoprecipitation. This method can be coupled to other techniques that improve intracellular drug targeting, ultimately enhancing intracellular delivery of the aforementioned nucleic acids. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100196492 | ELECTROSTATIC COATING OF PARTICLES FOR DRUG DELIVERY - A system for electrostatically coating particles is provided. The system is particularly well suited for coating charged drug delivery particles (e.g., nanoparticles, microparticles) with a coating of opposite charge. The coating may include a targeting moiety such as a small molecule ligand, peptide, protein, aptamer, etc. The coated particles are biodegradable and/or biocompatible, have a near neutral zeta (ξ) potential, and are stable in serum. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits including the inventive coated particles. Methods of preparing and using the inventive particles are also included. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100203142 | AMPHIPHILIC COMPOUND ASSISTED NANOPARTICLES FOR TARGETED DELIVERY - The present invention generally relates to nanoparticles with an amphiphilic component. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100215708 | COATING OF DEVICES WITH EFFECTOR COMPOUNDS - This invention is directed to substrates, materials and devices coated with a gel, foam, film, particle or composition comprising a polymei solvent and effector compounds attached thereto, processes of producing the same, and methods of use thereof, of in, inter-alia, biological applications, including preventing infection and the treatment of various diseases. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100233132 | FORMATION OF VASCULAR NETWORKS USING EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS - In various aspects, provided are methods for providing CD34 | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100233251 | Vaccine Nanotechnology - The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides vaccine nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or in B cells, in some embodiments, comprising at least one immunomodulatory agent, and optionally comprising at least one targeting moiety and optionally at least one immunostimulatory agent. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive vaccine nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive vaccine nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The invention provides methods of prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions comprising administering at least one inventive vaccine nanocarrier to a subject in need thereof. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234244 | USES AND METHODS OF MAKING MICROARRAYS OF POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS - A microarray of polymeric biomaterials is provided. Specifically, a microarray of polymeric biomaterials that comprises a base with a cytophobic surface, and a plurality of discrete polymeric biomaterial elements bound to the cytophobic surface, is provided. Preferably said polymeric biomaterials comprise a synthetic polymer. Said polymeric biomaterials may also comprise other compounds covalently or non-covalently attached to said synthetic polymer. Methods of preparing the microarray of polymeric biomaterials of the present invention and uses of the microarray of polymeric biomaterials of the present invention are also provided. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100266491 | SYSTEM FOR TARGETED DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - The present invention provides a drug delivery system for targeted delivery of therapeutic agent-containing particles to tissues, cells, and intracellular compartments. The invention provides targeted particles comprising a particle, one or more targeting moieties, and one or more therapeutic agents to be delivered and pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive targeted particles. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive targeted particles and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100269837 | MONITORING OF IMPLANTS AND OTHER DEVICES - The present invention generally relates to implants and, in particular, to systems and methods for monitoring the condition of an implant within a subject. In some embodiments, an implant may be prepared that contains a tracer. After implantation, the tracer from the implant may be determined within a subject using any suitable method, depending on the tracer. As an example, the tracer may be determined by administering an indicator able to interact with the tracer to the subject. For instance, the indicator may be applied to the skin of the subject, and the indicator may give a different visual appearance based on the tracer, or otherwise exhibits a determinable change in a property of the indicator. Other aspects of the invention are generally directed to methods of making or using implants, methods of promoting the making or use of such implants, kits involving such implants, or the like. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100273259 | SUBSTRATES AND METHODS FOR CULTURING STEM CELLS - The present disclosure provides a device and a cell culture system comprising a substrate that generates significant chemical ion signatures adapted for culturing stem cells. This disclosure further provides unique surface properties, such as surface wettability, along with defined polymer microspot environments in an array, for effectively supporting the propagation and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Methods of culturing, maintenance, differentiating stem cells as well as reprogramming somatic cells into stem cells using the device and the cell culture system with the suitable substrates, along with suitable culture media, are also provided. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100291219 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS RELATING TO PROGENITOR CELLS - The invention provides compositions and methods for harvesting and enriching cells such as connective tissue progenitors cells using stirred bioreactors, and in some embodiments fibrin microcarriers. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100297233 | OSCILLATING CELL CULTURE BIOREACTOR - Methods and devices for cell or tissue culture are provided. One aspect provides a bioreactor having a gas permeable, closed-loop chamber for cell or tissue culture, and an oscillating means for moving the gas permeable, closed-loop chamber bidirectionally along an axis horizontal to an axis normal to the closed-loop chamber to force convection of cells and fluid in the gas permeable, closed-loop chamber. The bioreactor optionally includes a tissue engineering scaffold, an inlet means, an outlet means, and integrated sensors. Another aspect provides a bioreactor having a plurality of gas permeable, closed-loop chambers for cell or tissue culture. Methods of culturing cells and producing tissue constructs are also provided. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100303723 | DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS USING FC FRAGMENTS - The present invention provides drug delivery systems comprising FcRn binding partners (e.g., FcRn binding partner, Fc fragment) associated with a particle or an agent to be delivered. Inventive drug delivery systems allow for binding to the FcRn receptor and transcytosis into and/or through a cell or cell layer. Inventive systems are useful for delivering therapeutic agents across the endothelium of blood vessels or the epithelium of an organ. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100304485 | CELL ROLLING SEPARATION - The present invention provides systems for cell separation based on cell rolling on surfaces along edges of regions coated with cell adhesion molecules. A variety of designs of coated regions and edges are disclosed. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100323199 | POLYMERS FOR FUNCTIONAL PARTICLES - The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to block polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. The moiety, in some embodiments, may have a molecular weight greater than about 1000 Da; for example, the moiety may include a polypeptide or a polynucleotide, such as an aptamer. The moiety may also be a targeting moiety, an imaging moiety, a chelating moiety, a charged moiety, or a therapeutic moiety. Another aspect of the invention is directed to systems and methods of producing such polymeric conjugates. In some embodiments, a solution containing a polymer is contacted with a liquid, such as an immiscible liquid, to form nanoparticles containing the polymeric conjugate. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using such libraries, methods of using or administering such polymeric conjugates, methods of promoting the use of such polymeric conjugates, kits involving such polymeric conjugates, or the like. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100331234 | AMINOALCOHOL LIPIDOIDS AND USES THEREOF - Aminoalcohol lipidoids are prepared by reacting an amine with an epoxide-terminated compound are described. Methods of preparing aminoalcohol lipidoids from commercially available starting materials are also provided. Aminoalcohol lipidoids may be prepared from racemic or stereochemically pure epoxides. Aminoalcohol lipidoids or salts forms thereof are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the amino moiety of these aminoalcohol lipidoid compounds, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Complexes, micelles, liposomes or particles containing the inventive lipidoids and polynucleotide have been prepared. The inventive lipidoids may also be used in preparing microparticles for drug delivery. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110008277 | POLYOL-BASED POLYMERS - The present invention provides inventive polyol-based polymers, materials, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the inventive polymers and materials. In certain aspects of the invention, an inventive polymer corresponds to a polymer depicted below. Exemplary inventive polymers includes those prepared using polyol units (e.g., xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, or maltitol) condensed with polycarboxylic acid units (e.g., citric acid, glutaric acid, or sebacic acid). The inventive polymers may be further derivatized or modified. For example, the polymer may be made photocrosslinkable by adding methacrylate moieties to the polymer. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009641 | Amine-containing lipids and uses thereof - Nitrogen-containing lipids prepared from the conjugate addition of amines to acrylates, acrylamides, or other carbon-carbon double bonds conjugated to electron-withdrawing groups are described. Methods of preparing these lipids from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These amine-containing lipids or salts forms of these lipids are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the amino moiety of these lipids, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Complexes or nanoparticles containing the inventive lipid and polynucleotide have been prepared. The inventive lipids may also be used to in preparing microparticle for drug delivery. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110027172 | DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PHARMACEUTICALS AND RADIATION - The present invention provides a drug delivery system for delivery of an agent and a radiopharmaceutical agent. The drug delivery system may specifically target an organ, tissue, cells, extracellular matrix, or intracellular compartment. Typically, the drug delivery system is a particle. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive particles are also provided. The present invention provides methods of preparing and using the inventive particles and pharmaceutical compositions. The inventive particles are useful in treating and diagnosing a variety of diseases including cancer. The inventive particles are also useful in tracking particles in vivo. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110045049 | IMMUNOMODULATING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE - This invention is directed to β-1-6-glucans, compositions and devices comprising the same, and methods of use thereof in modulating immune responses. The β-1-6-glucans of certain embodiments of the invention are enriched for O-acetylated groups and/or conjugated to a solid support or linked to a targeting moiety. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110052697 | Aptamer-Directed Drug Delivery - The present invention provides systems, methods, and compositions for targeted delivery of a therapeutic agent organs, tissues, cells, extracellular matrix components, and intracellular compartments. The present invention provides a complex comprising a therapeutic or diagnostic agent and a nucleic acid targeting moiety, wherein the agent non-covalently associates with base pairs of the nucleic acid targeting moiety. The invention provides targeted particles comprising a particle and an inventive complex. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive complexes and targeted particles. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110065807 | PH SENSITIVE BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERIC PARTICLES FOR DRUG DELIVERY - The present invention generally relates to polymers and particles, such as nanoparticles. The particles and polymers generally include one or more buffering components. Additionally, the particles and polymers may include two or more components that impart useful properties (functionalities). The particles and polymers, for example, may include a buffering component and a degradable component. As described herein, the particles and polymers may also include a hydrophilic component and/or a cleavable bond component. The particles and polymers described herein have been found to be particularly effective when used for delivery of one or more agents, such as one or more pharmaceutical agents. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods of using or administering such particles or polymers, kits involving such particles or polymers, and the like. The present invention also relates to particles containing a cleavable bond component and one or more fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) pairs as well as methods of detecting the cleavage of the cleavable bond component of such particles. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110077216 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND OTHER RELATED DISEASES - The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other related diseases. In some embodiments, a method comprises providing a composition and forming a coating of the composition on at least a portion of the interior and/or exterior surface of a tissue lumen or other body surface. The composition may remain associated with the tissue lumen or other body surface even in the presence of a strong flow of a fluid (e.g., blood flow in a blood vessel). The composition may associate with the tissue lumen via a plurality of covalent bonds. In some cases, the compositions may comprise at least one additive, for example, a therapeutically active agent or an imaging agent. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110125107 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SENSING TISSUES AND TISSUE COMPARTMENTS - An apparatus provides feedback regarding the material in which tip of the apparatus is located as the tip is advance into matter of varying resistances. The apparatus responds to a change in pressure, force, or other parameter such that when the tip reaches matter of a certain resistance, a change in the parameter is sensed. The apparatus provides a driving force to a penetrating medical device, such as a needle, when the apparatus tip encounters material of high resistance. When the apparatus tip encounters a low resistance material, no further driving force is applied to the apparatus. An inner core may be advanced into the low resistance material for deployment of a gas or a liquid as desired. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110135575 | METALLOPROTEIN MRI CONTRAST AGENTS AND RELATED METHODS - The present invention generally relates to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis of the location, presence, and/or quantity of a particular molecule or material. In some embodiments, the invention relates to compositions and methods for determination of an analyte, wherein a compositions may produce an MRI signal that can be affected by the presence of a particular composition (e.g., analyte). In a particular embodiment, the composition comprises a protein. The invention also provides related nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, and fragments thereof. Compositions of the invention may exhibit reduced toxicity and may be readily delivered in vivo. Various embodiments of the invention may be useful as sensors, diagnostic tools, and the like. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110163469 | HIGH-THROUGHPUT FABRICATION OF MICROPARTICLES - The high-throughput fabrication of microparticles based on the double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique for screening and optimizing microparticle formulations for particular characteristics allows for the preparation of multiple microparticle formulations in parallel. The system involves the formation of an emulsion containing aqueous bubbles with the payload in an organic phase containing the polymer or polymer blend being used for the microparticles. This first emulsion is then transferred to a larger aqueous phase, and a second waterin-oil-in water emulsion is formed. The organic solvent is then removed, and the resulting particles are optionally washed and/or freeze dried. The resulting microparticles are similar or better than microparticles prepared using the traditional one formulation at a time approach. The high-throughput fabrication of microparticles is particularly useful in optimizing microparticles formulations for drug delivery. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166060 | TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERMEATING EAR DROPS AND USES THEREOF - The present invention provides compositions and methods for noninvasive delivery of therapeutic agents across an intact tympanic membrane. For example, the compositions include a penetration enhancer which increases the flux of a therapeutic agent (e.g., antibiotic) across the tympanic membrane. Such compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of otitis media. Additionally, the composition may include a sustained release agents that, in some embodiments form sustained release reservoirs, in situ, once administered to a patient. | 07-07-2011 |