Vectura Gmbh

United Therapeutics Corporation

Medic-aid Limited

Lung Biotechnology Inc.

Transmit Gesellschaft Fur Technologietransfer Mbh

Philipps-Universität Marburg

Justus-liebig-universität Gießen

Lung Llc, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of United Therapeutics Corporation

Tobias Gessler

Thomas Schmehl

Werner Seeger

Robert Voswinckel

Monika Rieger

Esther Waschkowitz

Kerstin Fey

Matthias Wittmar

Lea Ann Dailey

The present invention relates to novel methods, compositions and kits useful for the treatment of pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. In particular, aerosolisable compositions of iloprost are provided which are for use in inhalation therapy. Their administration is by bolus inhalation, which is patient-friendly, effective, and well tolerated. Bolus inhalation may, for example, be achieved using an efficient nebuliser based on the vibrating mesh technology.

Administration of iloprost as aerosol bolus

The invention relates to liposomes for pulmonary application, advantageously comprising at least one first and at least one second phospholipid, cholesterol, and at least one active substance and/or colorant, wherein the first phospholipid is a phosphatidylcholine, preferably DSPC, and the second phospholipid is a phosphatidylcholine or an ethanolamine, preferably selected from the group DMPC, DPPC, DPPE. It is thereby advantageous if the first and the second phospholipid are present at a molar ratio of 0.5:1 to 10:1, preferably at a ratio of 6:1 to 2:1, in particular preferably at a ratio of 3:1. It is further advantageous if the molar ratio between phospholipids and cholesterol is between 10:1 and 1:1, preferably between 6:1 and 3:1, in particular preferably 4:1. The second phospholipid is further preferably DMPC or DPPE, in particular preferably DPPE. The size of the liposomes is advantageously between 0.05 &#x3bc;m and 5 &#x3bc;m, preferably between 0.2 &#x3bc;m and 2.0 &#x3bc;m, and the median aerodynamic mass diameter of aerosol particles comprising the liposomes is between 1 &#x3bc;m and 6 &#x3bc;m, preferably between 1.5 &#x3bc;m and 5 &#x3bc;m, in particular preferably between 2 &#x3bc;m and 4.5 &#x3bc;m. It is further in particular advantageous if the liposomes comprise an atomization stability of greater than 50%, preferably greater than 75%, in particular preferably greater than 80%, and if the transition temperature is greater than 37&#xb0; C., preferably greater than 45&#xb0; C., in particular preferably greater than 50&#xb0; C.

Liposomes for pulmonary administration

The present invention relates to novel methods, compositions and kits useful for the treatment of pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. In particular, aerosolisable compositions of iloprost are provided which are for use in inhalation therapy. The administration is by inhalation over a short period of time, which is patient-friendly, effective, and well tolerated. Inhalation may, for example, be achieved using an efficient nebulizer based on the vibrating mesh technology.

Administration of aerosolised iloprost

The present invention discloses a method to prepare specific liposomal formulations for the pulmonary application of therapeutic substances. The liposomal components, DPPC and cholesterol at a molar ratio of 7:3 and 7:4, respectively, are combined with the non-toxic excipients, sphingomyelin, dimyristoylphophatidylcholine and/or polyethylene glycol, to prepare liposomes that are stabile during nebulization with commercially available nebulizers and exhibit sustained release kinetics of encapsulated drug substances.

Nebulized liposomes for the pulmonary application of drug compounds

The invention relates to an equine inhalation mask, comprising at least one valveless combined inhalation and exhalation conduit, into which inhalant sources comprising respiration control elements and an energy supply that does not require supply lines are interchangeably integrated. A filter system is mounted on the outer end of the inhalation and exhalation conduit facing away from the head of the horse. Said system and the fact that the mask is effectively sealed when on the head of the horse prevent any escape of the aerosol into the environment, thus permitting a reliable inhalation therapy lasting several minutes under normal respiratory conditions.

Equine inhalation mask

A combination mouthpiece for inhalation therapy devices, having a body ( ) defining an aerosol duct ( ) through which, in use, a stream of air carrying an aerosolized drug is supplied to a patient during inspiration, an inlet hole ( ) through the body for receiving in a releasable and secure manner an oxygen tube adapter ( ), characterised by at least one partition ( ) within the body ( ) defining at least one oxygen duct ( ), the oxygen duct being in a form such that it extends generally parallel with the aerosol duct ( ) and has a flow cross-section sized in order to guide a suitably large oxygen stream from the oxygen tube adapter ( ) through the inlet hole ( ) to the patient.

Growing community of inventors

Wettenberg, Germany

Tobias Gessler