1248 results about "Imaging agent" patented technology

The present invention is directed to novel compositions and methods utilizing delivery agents or nanoparticles that include protein cages with modified and / or unmodified subunits and various agents, such as therapeutic and / or imaging agents located on the interior and / or exterior surface of the protein cages.

The invention relates to compounds and methods for targeting radionuclide-based imaging agents to cells having receptors for a vitamin, or vitamin receptor binding derivative or analog thereof, by using such a vitamin as the targeting ligand for the imaging agent. The invention provides a compound of the formulafor use in such methods. In the compound, V is a vitamin that is a substrate for receptor-mediated transmembrane transport in vivo, or a vitamin receptor binding derivative or analog thereof, L is a divalent linker, R is a side chain of an amino acid, M is a cation of a radionuclide, n is 1 or 0, K is 1 or 0, and the compound can be in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. The vitamin-based compounds can be used to target radionuclides to cells, such as a variety of tumor cell types, for use in diagnostic imaging of the targeted cells.

The present invention provides, in general, compositions comprising a hydrogel and an agent, for example a therapeutic agent or an imaging agent, for locoregional delivery. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the hydrogel compositions are detectable by Magnetic Responance and CT Scan and are used for locoregional delivery of therapeutic agents, for example chemotherapeutic agents. The invention also features polymer matrix compositions comprising nanoparticles that can be loaded after polymerization with bioactive agents, for example a diagnostic agent or therapeutic agent.

A radiolabeling method using a multivalent glycoligand as hepatic receptor imaging agent is provided. The multivalent glycoligand-DTPA derivatives (In-111-DTPA-hexa lactoside and In-111-DTPA-tri-galactosamine glycoside) labeled with In-111 are used as hepatic receptor imaging agent. The effects of imaging of a hepatic receptor in different species are evaluated, the lowest specific radioactivity values of hepatic receptor imaging required in different species are discovered. Since the specificity of the human ASGPR closely resembles that of the mouse. This kind of radiolabelling method, agent and related study about specific radioactivity could be used in clinical trial in the future.

A test indicator for quantifying remaining liver function is provided. A novel liver receptor imaging agent with liver targeting property is utilized to develop a method for quantifying remaining liver function to serve as test indicator for judging the liver failure outcome in clinic, particularly for judging the necessity of liver transplantation for patients with liver failure or liver disease. The radioactivity uptake of the test indicator was negatively correlated with the extent of liver reserve. The cutoff value of liver reserve for liver transplantation is also disclosed.

The use of silicon as an imaging agent is described.

Methods are disclosed to rapidly form and load cells and cell-derived vesicles. Loaded materials can include imaging agents, drugs and magnetic particles. Methods are also presented to additionally target the loaded cells or vesicles, leading to new forms of imaging, treatment, diagnosis, and detection by a large number of techniques. The preparation and use of reduced sized cells that retain subset characteristics of the parent cell are also described.

The invention provides surgical devices that provide access to the sub-retinal space using delicate traction to hold the sensory retina to create and maintain a patent sub-retinal space of sufficient size to introduce and perform treatments on the eye. Such treatments may include the introduction of illumination or imaging agents or tools, surgical tools, the infusion of pharmaceutical or biological agents, and the placement of grafts, transplants or implants and the closure of the site through the delivery of a sealant.

Various biodegradable polyglutamate-amino acids comprising recurring units of the general formulae (I) and (II) are prepared. Such polymers are useful for variety of drug, biomolecule and imaging agent delivery applications.

Described herein are prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) binding conjugates that are useful for delivering therapeutic, diagnostic and imaging agents. Also described herein are pharmaceutical composition containing them and methods of using the conjugates and compositions. Also described are processes for manufacture of the conjugates and the compositions containing them.

This invention provides novel antibodies that specifically bind to the cancer antigen MUC-1. The antibodies are useful targeting moieties for specifically directing imaging agents and various therapeutic moieties to a cancer.

Multistage delivery vehicles are disclosed which include a first stage particle and a second stage particle. The first stage particle is a micro or nanoparticle that contains the second stage particle. The second stage particle includes an active agent, such as a therapeutic agent or an imaging agent. The multistage delivery vehicle allows sequential overcoming or bypassing of biological barriers. The multistage delivery vehicle is administered as a part of a composition that includes a plurality of the vehicles. Methods of making the multistage delivery vehicles are also provided.

Imaging agents of formula (I) and methods for detecting neurological disorders comprising administering to a patient in need compounds of formula (I) capable of binding to tau proteins and β-amyloid peptides are presented herein. The invention also relates to methods of imaging Aβ and tau aggregates comprising introducing a detectable quantity of pharmaceutical formulation comprising a radiolabeled compound of formula (I) and detecting the labeled compound associated with amyloid deposits and / or tau proteins in a patient. These methods and compositions enable preclinical diagnosis and monitoring progression of AD and other neurological disorders.

The invention provides compositions and methods for delivering agents to localized regions, tissues, or organs in vivo by conjugating agent-loaded nanoparticles to cells having homing capability. The agents may be therapeutic or diagnostic agents such as cancer chemotherapeutic agents and imaging agents respectively.

Disclosed are sterol-modified amphiphilic lipid compounds having two or more hydrophobic tails of which at least one is a sterol. Also disclosed are the processes for the synthesis of these compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds in delivery of an agent of interest, e.g., therapeutics, imaging agents, contrast materials for ultrasound applications, vaccines, biosensors, nutritional supplements and skin care products.

A test indicator for quantifying remaining liver function is provided. A novel liver receptor imaging agent with liver targeting property is utilized to develop a method for quantifying remaining liver function to serve as test indicator for judging the liver failure outcome in clinic, particularly for judging the necessity of liver transplantation for patients with liver failure or liver disease. The radioactivity uptake of the test indicator was negatively correlated with the extent of liver reserve. The cutoff value of liver reserve for liver transplantation is also disclosed.

Methods, protocols and systems are provided for multi-modality imaging based on pharmacokinetics of an imaging agent. An imaging agent is introduced into a subject, and is permitted to collect generally in a region of interest (ROI) in the subject until attaining a pseudo-steady state (PSS) distribution within the ROI. The imaging agent records a first functional state of the ROI at a given point in time. A first image data set is obtained with a first imaging modality during a first acquisition time interval that occurs prior or proximate in time with the PSS time interval. The subject is transferred from the first imaging modality to a second imaging modality during a transfer time interval that overlaps the PSS time interval. Once transfer is complete, a second image data set is obtained with the second imaging modality during a second acquisition time interval that also overlaps the PSS time interval in which the imaging agent maintains the PSS distribution in the ROI. In accordance with a protocol, the transfer time interval and second acquisition time interval substantially fall within the PSS time interval. The imaging agent collects in the ROI during an uptake time interval which may or may not precede the time interval during which first imaging modality obtains at least a portion of the first image data set. The second image data set is obtained while the imaging agent persists in the ROI at the PSS distribution reflective of the first functional state even after the ROI is no longer in the first functional state.

Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods.

The invention relates to highly fluorescent metal oxide nanoparticles to which biomolecules and other compounds can be chemically linked to form biocompatible, stable optical imaging agents for in vitro and in vivo applications. The fluorescent metal oxide nanoparticles may also be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thus providing a multi modality imaging agent.

This invention provides polyvalent or polyspecific protein complexes, comprising three or more polypeptides which associate to form three or more functional target-binding regions (TBRs), and in which each individual polypeptide comprises two or more immunoglobulin-like domains which are covalently joined together, such that two Ig-like domains in a single polypeptide do not associate with each other to form a TBR. By using a linker peptide of fewer than three amino acid residues the immunoglobulin-like domains of the individual polypeptides are prevented from associating, so that complex formation between polypeptides is favoured. Preferably the polyvalent or polyspecific protein is a trimer or tetramer. The proteins of the invention have specificities which may be the same or different, and are suitable for use as therapeutic, diagnostic or imaging agents.

Mucus-penetrating liposomal nanoparticles and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The nanoparticles contain one or more lipids, one or more PEG-conjugated lipids, and optionally one or more additional materials that physically and / or chemically stabilize the particles. The nanoparticle have an average diameter of about 100 nm to about 300 nm, preferably from about 100 nm to about 250 nm, more preferably from about 100 nm to about 200 nm. The particles are mobile in mucus. The liposomes can further contain one or more therapeutic, prophylactic, and / or diagnostic agent to be delivered to a mucosal surface, such as the CV tract, the colon, the nose, the lungs, and / or the eyes. The liposomes can further contain one or more CEST agents to allow real time imaging of the particles in a live animal. The particles may also further contain an imaging agent, such as a fluorescent label.

The present invention provides for the development of endocytosis-sensitive probes, and a remote method for measuring cellular endocytosis. These probes are based on the reduced water permeability of a nanoparticle or liposomal delivery system, and inherent degradability or disruption of barrier integrity upon endocytosis. The invention also provides for liposomes having combined therapeutic and diagnostic utilities by co-encapsulating ionically coupled diagnostic and therapeutic agents, in one embodiment, by a method using anionic chelators to prepare electrochemical gradients for loading of amphipathic therapeutic bases into liposomes already encapsulating an imaging agent. The invention provides for imaging of therapeutic liposomes by inserting a lipopolymer anchored, remotely sensing reporter molecules into liposomal lipid layer. The invention allows for an integrated delivery system capable of imaging molecular fingerprints in diseased tissues, treatment, and treatment monitoring.

The invention provides genes (DEA genes) that are differentially expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and polypeptides encoded by these genes. The invention provides compositions comprising a targeting agent conjugated to a functional moiety, wherein the targeting agent selectively binds to a polypeptide encoded by one a DEA gene. The functional moiety can be an imaging agent, therapeutic agent, etc. The invention further provides methods for providing diagnostic or prognostic information related to atherosclerosis involving detecting expression or activity of an expression product of one or more of the DEA genes. The invention further provides therapeutic methods comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising a targeting agent conjugated to a functional moiety that binds selectively binds to a polypeptide encoded by a DEA gene.

The invention relates to a method of treating or monitoring / diagnosing a disease state mediated by activated macrophages. The method comprises the step of administering to a patient suffering from a macrophage mediated disease state an effective amount of a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formulaAb−Xwhere the group Ab comprises a ligand capable of binding to activated macrophages, and when the conjugate is being used for treatment of the disease state, the group X comprises an immunogen, a cytotoxin, or a compound capable of altering macrophage function, and when the conjugate is being used for monitoring / diagnosing the disease state, X comprises an imaging agent. The method is useful for treating a patient suffering from a disease selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammation, infections, osteomyelitis, atherosclerosis, organ transplant rejection, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and systemic sclerosis.

The present invention provides binding moieties for fibrin which have a variety of uses wherever detecting, isolating or localizing fibrin, and particularly fibrin as opposed to fibrinogen, is advantageous. Particularly disclosed are synthetic, isolated polypeptides capable of binding fibrin and recognizing the form of polymerized fibrin found in thrombi. In addition, the polypeptides have a slow dissociation rate from fibrin, which improves their ability to form a contrast image at the site of a fibrin clot, making the disclosed binding moieties particularly useful as imaging agents for thrombi.

Compounds and methods related to NIR molecular imaging, in-vitro and in-vivo functional imaging, therapy / efficacy monitoring, and cancer and metastatic activity imaging. Compounds and methods demonstrated pertain to the field of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor imaging, metabolic imaging, cellular respiration imaging, cellular proliferation imaging as targeted agents that incorporate signaling agents.

The present invention relates to novel therapeutic and diagnostic dendrimers. In particular, the present invention is directed to dendrimer-linker conjugates, methods of synthesizing the same, compositions comprising the conjugates, as well as systems and methods utilizing the conjugates (e.g., in diagnostic and / or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and / or targeting agents (e.g., in disease (e.g., cancer) diagnosis and / or therapy, pain therapy, etc.)). Accordingly, dendrimer-linker conjugates of the present invention may further comprise one or more components for targeting, imaging, sensing, and / or providing a therapeutic or diagnostic material and / or monitoring response to therapy.

New and improved compounds for use in diagnostic imaging or therapy having the formula M-N—O—P-G, wherein M is a metal chelator having the structure: wherein R1-R5 and FG are as defined herein (in the form complexed with a metal radionuclide or not), N—O—P is the linker containing at least one non-alpha amino acid with a cyclic group, at least one substituted bile acid or at least one non-alpha amino acid, and G is the GRP receptor targeting peptide. In the preferred embodiment, M is an Aazta metal chelator or a derivative thereof. Methods for imaging a patient and / or providing radiotherapy or phototherapy to a patient using the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods and kits for preparing a diagnostic imaging agent from the compound is further provided. Methods and kits for preparing a radiotherapeutic agent are further provided. Novel methods of treating prostate tumors or of delaying the progression of prostate tumors are also provided, including, methods of treating bone or soft tissue metastases of prostate cancer, methods for treating hormone sensitive and hormone refractory prostate cancer, methods for delaying the progression of hormone sensitive prostate cancer, for facilitating combination therapy in patients with hormone sensitive prostate cancer and for decreasing aberrant vascular permeability in patients with hormone sensitive prostate cancer.

Disclosed are carriers for drugs and / or MR imaging agents having a lipid bilayer shell comprising a phospholipid having two terminal alkyl chains, one being a short chain having a chain length of at most seven carbon atoms, the other being a long chain having a chain length of at least fifteen carbon atoms. The mixed long / short chain phospholipids serve to tune the release properties of the carrier. Preferred phospholipids are phosphatidylcholines.

The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a disease state mediated by pathogenic cells. The method comprises the steps of combining with an ex vivo patient sample a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formulaAb-Xwherein the group Ab comprises a ligand that binds to the pathogenic cells and the group X comprises an imaging agent, and detecting the pathogenic cells that express a receptor for the ligand using flow cytometry.