Details for Patent: 5,665,383

Title:	Methods for the preparation of immunostimulating agents for in vivo delivery
Abstract:	In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.
Inventor(s):	Grinstaff; Mark W. (Pasadena, CA), Soon-Shiong; Patrick (Los Angeles, CA), Wong; Michael (Champagne, IL), Sandford; Paul A. (Los Angeles, CA), Suslick; Kenneth S. (Champagne, IL), Desai; Neil P. (Los Angeles, CA)
Assignee:	Vivorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Santa Monica, CA)
Filing Date:	Jun 07, 1995
Application Number:	08/488,804
Claims:	1. A method for the preparation of immunostimulating agents for in vivo delivery, wherein said method comprises subjecting aqueous medium containing biocompatible material capable of being crosslinked by disulfide bonds and an immunostimulating agent to high intensity ultrasound conditions for a time sufficient to promote crosslinking of said biocompatible material by disulfide bonds; wherein said immunostimulating agent is substantially completely contained within a polymeric shell, and wherein the largest cross-sectional dimension of said shell is no greater than about 10 microns. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said biocompatible material is a naturally occurring polymer, a synthetic polymer, or a combination thereof, wherein said polymer, prior to crosslinking, has covalently attached thereto sulfhydryl groups or disulfide linkages. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said naturally occurring polymer is selected from proteins containing sulfhydryl groups and/or disulfide groups, polypeptides containing sulfhydryl groups and/or disulfide groups, lipids containing sulfhydryl groups and/or disulfide groups, polynucleic acids containing sulfhydryl groups and/or disulfide groups, or polysaccharides containing sulfhydryl groups and/or disulfide groups. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said protein is selected from hemoglobin, myoglobin, albumin, insulin, lysozyme, immunoglobulins, alpha-2-macroglobulin, fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, or combinations of any two or more thereof. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said protein is albumin. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said protein is hemoglobin. 7. The method according to claim 4, wherein said protein is a combination of albumin and hemoglobin. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said immunostimulating agent is a vaccine. 9. A method for the delivery of an immunostimulating agent to a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering to said subject the immunostimulating agent prepared by the method of claim 1 by oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intramuscular, intracranial, inhalational, topical, transdermal, suppository (rectal), or pessary (vaginal) routes of administration.