Protein microspheres and methods of using them

US5679377A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Howard Bernstein · Cambridge, US
• Eric Morrel · Medfield, US
• Edith Mathiowitz · Brookline, US
• Kirsten Schwaller · Duxbury, US
• Thomas Beck · Bad Soden am Taunus, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 17, 1994
• Grant date: Oct 21, 1997
• Expiry date: Jun 17, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/2989
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Biodegradable, protein microspheres for in vivo release of a biologically active agent, as well as agricultural and environmental applications. The microspheres can be administered orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously for subsequent release. By selecting particular size ranges and the specific protein used to form the microsphere, it is possible to target the microspheres to a cell types such as macrophages, or to effect localized absorption of the microspheres to regions such as the mucosal membranes of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, or urogenital areas. Larger forms of the microspheres can also be made using standard techniques of the desirable degradation properties.