Methods and compositions for administration of therapeutic reagents

Abstract

Methods and compositions are taught that may be used to administer specific bioactive polypeptides, known as T20 and T1249 to a patient, e.g., as a method of treating a disease or disease state. In particular, the invention teaches carrier hydrogel composition that contain (a) a polymer material and (b) an effective dose of T20, T1249 or a derivative thereof. The polymer materials used in the carrier hydrogel composition preferably have reverse gelation properties and exist as a liquid, aqueous solution at temperatures below physiological temperatures (e.g., below the body temperature of a patient) but form hydrogels under physiological conditions (e.g., at temperatures at or near the body temperature of a patient). The carrier hydrogel compositions may thus be administered to a patient by injection while they are in a liquid state. Upon administration the carrier hydrogel compositions then form hydrogels with the T20 and/or T1249 polypeptides embedded therein. The T20 and/or T1249 polypeptides are thereby released with improved pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability. The invention thus provides methods for administering T20 and T1249 polypeptides to a patient by administering the T20 and/or T1249 polypeptides in the carrier hydrogel composition of the invention. Methods of treating various diseases and disease states, particularly HIV infection, are also provided that involve administering an effective dose of T20 and/or T1249 polypeptides to a patient in the carrier hydrogel composition of the invention.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.