The Johns Hopkins University

Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Merck Sharp + Dohme Corp.

Saint-gobain Adfors Canada, Ltd.

Tao Yu

Justin Scot Hanes

Ming Yang

Elizabeth M Enlow

Alexey Popov

James Bourassa

Hongming Chen

Samuel K Lai

Laura M Ensign

Colin R Gardner

Michael T McMahon

Kannie Wai Yan Chan

Thomas H Graham

Yonglian Zhang

Nancy E Brown

Nikita Oskolkov

Himatkumar Patel

Kannie M Y Chan

Fei Wang

John A Mccauley

Matthew Gacek

Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods involve making mucus-penetrating particles (MPP) without any polymeric carriers, or with minimal use of polymeric carriers. The compositions and methods may include, in some embodiments, modifying the surface coatings of particles formed of pharmaceutical agents that have a low water solubility. Such methods and compositions can be used to achieve efficient transport of particles of pharmaceutical agents though mucus barriers in the body for a wide spectrum of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic applications. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including such particles is well-suited for administration routes involving the particles passing through a mucosal barrier.

Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus

Surface conjugated diamagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (diaCEST) agent carriers and methods of making and using are described herein. The particles are safe alternatives to conventional paramagnetic or superparamagnetic metal-based MRI contrast agents that are often toxic and therefore not biocompatible. The carriers described herein can provide simultaneous monitoring of multiple particle types labeled with 'multicolor' diaCEST contrast agents. In some embodiments, the carriers are micro- and/or nanoparticles. In other embodiments, the carriers are liposomes. In some embodiments, the particles and/or liposomes are mucus penetrating. In other embodiments, the particles and/or liposomes are not mucus penetrating.

Nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging tracking and methods of making and using thereof

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.

Lipid-based drug carriers for rapid penetration through mucus linings

Growing community of inventors

Baltimore, MD, United States of America

Tao Yu