Methods and compositions for the targeted delivery of biologically active agents
US6565888B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A50/30
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to a sustained release composition for the targeted delivery of biologically active agents to specific tissues and cells. The composition comprises microparticles containing a biocompatible polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the biologically active agent is an antigen or an immunomodulator. In another embodiment, the biologically is a labile agent. The microparticles have a number median diameter of greater than 20 microns upon administration. The water-soluble polymer is present in the sustained released composition in at least about 20% of the dry weight of the microparticle. The sustained release composition provides for the dissolution of the water-soluble polymer of the composition upon hydration, at a much greater rate than the degradation of the biocompatible polymer. This variance is solubility generates pseudo-microparticles which have a number median diameter which is substantially smaller than the size of the administered microparticles. The pseudo-microparticles can be engulfed by antigen presenting cells of the immune system, or absorbed by the Peyer's patches in the gut.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.