Aerodynamically light vaccine for active pulmonary immunization

Biocompatible particles for delivery of a targeting molecule to the pulmonary system wherein the targeting molecule is attached to the particles and wherein the particles have a tap density less than 0.4 g/cm.sup.3, and at least 90% of the particles have geometric dimensions between 5 .mu.m and about 30 .mu.m.

Biocompatible particles for delivery of a vaccine agent to the pulmonary system comprising an immunologically effective amount of a vaccine agent;

• wherein the particles have a tap density less than 0.4 g/cm.sup.3 and at least 90% of the particles have an aerodynamic diameter between about 1 .mu.m and about 5 .mu.m.

Biocompatible particles for delivery of a vaccine and targeting molecule to the pulmonary system wherein the targeting molecule is attached to the particles and wherein the particles have a tap density less than 0.4 g/cm.sup.3, and at least 90% of the particles have an aerodynamic diameter between about 1 .mu.m and about 5 .mu.m.

A method for delivery of an actively immunizing amount of a vaccine to the pulmonary system comprising:

• administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need thereof of an effective amount of biocompatible particles incorporating said vaccine, wherein the particles have a tap density of less than about 0.4 g/cm.sup.3 and at least 90% of the particles have geometric dimensions between about 5 .mu.m and about 30 .mu.m.

A method for delivery of a vaccine and a targeting molecule to the pulmonary system comprising:

• administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of treatment, prophylaxis or diagnosis an effective amount of biocompatible particles, wherein the particles have a tap density less than about 0.4 g/cm.sup.3 and at least 90% of the particles have geometric dimensions between about 5 .mu.m and about 30 .mu.m, and wherein the targeting molecule is attached to the particles which further comprise the vaccine.

A method for delivery of a vaccine to the pulmonary system comprising:

• administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need thereof of an effective amount of biocompatible particles comprising said vaccine, wherein the particles have a tap density of less than about 0.4 g/cm.sup.3 and at least 90% of the particles have an aerodynamic diameter between about 1 .mu.m and about 5 .mu.m.

A method for delivery of a vaccine and a targeting molecule to the pulmonary system comprising:

• administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of treatment, prophylaxis or diagnosis an effective amount of biocompatible particles comprising said vaccine, wherein the particles have a tap density less than about 0.4 g/cm.sup.3 and at least 90% of the particles have an aerodynamic diameter between about 1 .mu.m and about 5 .mu.m, and wherein the targeting molecule is attached to the particles.