Particles for inhalation having sustained release properties

Abstract

The invention generally relates to a method for pulmonary delivery of therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents to a patient wherein the agent is released in a sustained fashion, and to particles suitable for use in the method. In particular, the invention relates to a method for the pulmonary delivery of a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent comprising administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of treatment, prophylaxis or diagnosis an effective amount of particles comprising a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent or any combination thereof in association with a charged lipid, wherein the charged lipid has an overall net charge which is opposite to that of the agent upon association with the agent. Release of the agent from the administered particles occurs in a sustained fashion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 202,616, filed on Jul. 23, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,908, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 752,109, filed Dec. 29, 2000, now abandoned, which relates to application Ser. No. 09 / 337,245, filed on Jun. 22, 1999, Ser. No. 09 / 383,054, filed on Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,956,021, Ser. No. 09 / 382,959, filed on Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,008, Ser. No. 09 / 644,320, filed on Aug. 23, 2000, Ser. No. 09 / 665,252 filed on Sep. 19, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,482, Ser. No. 09 / 644,105, filed on Aug. 23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,835, Ser. No. 09 / 644,736 filed on Aug. 23, 2000, now abandoned and Ser. No. 09 / 591,307 filed on Jun. 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,858,199. This application also relates to application Ser. No. 09 / 394,233 filed on Sep. 13, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,737, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 971,791 filed on Nov. 17...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]The invention has numerous advantages. For example, particles suitable for inhalation can be designed to possess a sustained release profile. This sustained released profile provides for prolonged residence of the administered bioactive agent in the lung and increases the amount of time in which therapeutic levels of the agent are present in the local environment or systemic circulation. The sustained release of agent provides a desirable alternative to injection therapy currently used for many therapeutic, diagnostic and prophylactic agent requiring sustained release of agent, such as insulin for the treatment of diabetes. In addition, the invention provides a method of delivery to the pulmonary system wherein the high initial release of agent typically seen in inhalation therapy is reduced. Consequently, patient compliance and comfort can be increased by not only reducing frequency of dosing, but by providing a therapy which is more amenable to patients.

Problems solved by technology

However, delivery of bioactive agents to the pulmonary system typically results in rapid release of the agent following administration.

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