Targeted contrast agents for diagnostic and therapeutic use
AssigneeImaRx Pharmaceutical Corp.
InventorsEvan C. Unger, Thomas A. Fritz, Edward W. Gertz
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Abstract
Novel contrast agents which may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic use. The compositions may comprise a lipid, a protein, polymer and/or surfactant, and a gas, in combination with a targeting ligand. In preferred embodiments, the targeting ligand targets coagula, including emboli and/or thrombi, particularly in patients suffering from an arrhythmic disorder. The contrast media can be used in conjunction with diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, as well as therapeutic applications, such as therapeutic ultrasound.
Claims174
A method for providing an image of an internal region of a patient suffering from an arrhythmic disorder, wherein the method comprises (i) administering to the patient a contrast agent which comprises, in an aqueous carrier liposomes encapsulating a fluorinated gas and bearing a targeting ligand, wherein said targeting ligand targets cells or receptors associated with a coagulum and said fluorinated gas is selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride;
- and (ii) scanning the patient using ultrasound to obtain a visible image of the region.
A method for diagnosing the presence of a coagulum in a patient suffering from an arrhythmic disorder, wherein the method comprises (i) administering to the patient a contrast agent which comprises, in an aqueous carrier, liposomes having encapsulated therein a fluorinated gas, said liposomes bearing a targeting ligand, wherein said targeting ligand targets cells or receptors associated with a coagulum and said fluorinated gas is selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride;
- and (ii) scanning the patient using ultrasound to obtain a visible image of any coagulum in the patient.
A composition for use in targeting an internal region of a patient suffering from an arrhythmic disorder, wherein the composition comprises liposomes encapsulating a fluorinated gas and bearing a targeting ligand, wherein said targeting ligand targets cells or receptors associated with a coagulum and said fluorinated gas is selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.