Biologically degradable superparamagnetic materials for use in clinical applications
US4827945A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 1987 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2375/04
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to materials exhibiting certain magnetic and biological properties which make them uniquely suitable for use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents to enhance MR images of animal organs and tissues. More particularly, the invention relates to the in vivo use of biologically degradable and metabolizable superparamagnetic metal oxides as MR contrast agents. Depending on their preparation, these metal oxides are in the form of superparamagnetic particle dispersoids or superparamagnetic fluids where the suspending medium is a physiologically-acceptable carrier, and may be uncoated or surrounded by a polymeric coating to which biological molecules can be attached. These materials are administered to animals, including humans, by a variety of routes and the metal oxides therein collect in specific target organs to be imaged; in the case of coated particles, the biological molecules can be chosen to target specific organs or tissues. The biodistribution of the metal oxides in target organs or tissues results in a more detailed image of such organs or tissues because the metal oxides, due to their superparamagnetic properties, exert profound effects on the hydrog…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.