Transferrin receptor specific ligand-neuropharmaceutical agent fusion proteins

US5977307A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Alkermes, Inc. · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Phillip M. Friden · Bedford, US
• Ruth M. Starzyk · Framingham, US
• Sherie L. Morrison · Los Angeles, US
• Eun-Chung Park · Baltimore, US
• John P. McGrath · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 13, 1996
• Grant date: Nov 2, 1999
• Expiry date: Feb 13, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07K2319/81
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a method for delivering a neuropharmaceutical agent across the blood brain barrier to the brain of a host. The method comprises administering to the host a therapeutically effective amount of a ligand-neuropharmaceutical agent fusion protein wherein the ligand is reactive with a brain capillary endothelial cell receptor. Other aspects of this invention include a delivery system comprising a ligand reactive with a brain capillary endothelial cell receptor which has formed a fusion protein with a neuropharmaceutical agent. The fusion proteins are also aspects of this invention.