Direct utilization of plasma proteins for the in vivo assembly of protein-drug/imaging agent conjugates, nanocarriers and coatings for biomaterials

A composition comprising a drug conjugated to a molecular recognition element that binds specifically to a ligand in vivo, wherein the conjugate binds to its ligand in vivo and increases the half-life of the drug.

A composition comprising a drug conjugated to a peptide or protein that binds specifically to a ligand in vivo, wherein the conjugate binds to its ligand in vivo and increases the half-life of the drug.

A method for targeted drug delivery comprising:

• identifying a patient in need of drug therapy;
• attaching a drug to a peptide or protein to form a drug-ligand binding peptide or protein conjugate that binds specifically to a ligand in vivo,
• treating the patient with the conjugate, wherein the conjugate binds its ligand in vivo and increases the half-life of the drug.

A method of making the composition for targeting a ligand for delivery of a drug in vivo comprising:

• identifying a ligand, isolating a ligand-specific molecular recognition element specific for the ligand, wherein the molecular recognition element is capable of binding to the ligand in vivo, and attaching a drug to the molecular recognition element.

A composition made by the method comprising:

• selecting a ligand for targeting the delivery of a drug in vivo comprising identifying a ligand, isolating a ligand-specific molecular recognition element specific for the ligand, wherein the molecular recognition element is capable of binding to the ligand in vivo, and attaching a drug to the molecular recognition element.