Loading patent…
AssigneeVivorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
InventorsMark W. Grinstaff, Neil P. Desai, Kenneth S. Suslick, Patrick Soon-Shiong, Paul A. Sandford, Noma R. Merideth
Estimating the term…
In accordance with the present invention, compositions comprising imaging agent(s) contained within polymeric shells are provided. Invention compositions are useful, for example, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and X-ray computer tomography. The polymeric shell diameter is typically approximately 2 microns in diameter. Consequently, these materials have organ specificity due to rapid scavenging by the reticuloendothial system (RES) or the mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) system upon intravenous injection. Furthermore, polymeric shells of the invention can be used to measure and monitor local oxygen and temperature. Exemplary contrast agents contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention include fluorinated compounds. Fluorinated compounds in general are hydrophobic and as such have limited water solubility. The invention method permits preparation of such compounds in a biocompatible form suitable for ready delivery.
A method for the preparation of imaging agent(s) for in vivo delivery, said method comprising subjecting biocompatible polymer capable of being crosslinked by disulfide bonds and said imaging agent(s) in suitable media to ultrasonic irradiation conditions for a time sufficient to promote crosslinking of said biocompatible polymer by disulfide bonds;
A method for the preparation of imaging agent(s) for in vivo delivery, said method comprising subjecting biocompatible polymer capable of being crosslinked by disulfide bonds and said imaging agent(s) to conditions suitable to disperse said imaging agent(s) into said biocompatible polymer, and to conditions suitable to promote crosslinking of said biocompatible polymer by disulfide bonds;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.