Abstract:
Provided herein are systems and methods to measure the intraocular pressure, ocular tissue geometry and the biomechanical properties of an ocular tissue, such as an eye-globe or cornea, in one instrument. The system is an optical coherence tomography subsystem and an applanation tonometer subsystem housed as one instrument and interfaced with a computer for at least data processing and image display. The system utilizes an air-puff and a focused micro air-pulse to induce deformation and applanation and displacement in the ocular tissue. Pressure profiles of the air puff with applanation times are utilized to measure intraocular pressure. Temporal profiles of displacement and/or spatio-temporal profiles of a displacement-generated elastic wave are analyzed to calculate biomechanical properties.
Abstract:
There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of foldable ophthalmic system. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing. Our system can be used for many modalities including optical coherence tomography.
Abstract:
In various aspects of the present invention, nanoparticle compositions are provided which comprise (a) nanoparticles comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and (b) at least one pharmaceutical associated with the nanoparticles. In other aspects of the present invention, methods of forming nanoparticles compositions are provided, which comprise contacting a first liquid that comprises one or more biodegradable polymers dissolved in a first solvent with a second liquid that comprises a second solvent which is miscible with the first solvent while being a non-solvent for the one or more biodegradable polymers, such that nanoparticles are formed.
Abstract:
Immunopotentiators can be adsorbed to insoluble metal salts, such as aluminum salts, to modify their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, intramuscular retention time, and/or immunostimulatory effect. Immunopotentiators are modified to introduce a moiety, such as a phosphonate group, which can mediate adsorption. These modified compounds can retain or improve their in vivo immunological activity even when delivered in an adsorbed form.
Abstract:
The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions that comprise (a) a first antigen, (b) at least first and second adjuvants, wherein the first adjuvant comprises microparticles and wherein the second adjuvant comprises an imidazoquinoline compound, and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, which compositions elicits an immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides methods of producing immunogenic compositions and methods for using immunogenic compositions (e.g., for treatment), among other benefits.
Abstract:
There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of folding apparatus for ocular purposes for the first time. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing.
Abstract:
Microparticles with adsorbent surfaces, methods of making such microparticles, and uses thereof, are disclosed. The microparticles comprise a polymer, such as a poly(α-hydroxy acid), a polyhydroxy butyric acid, a polycaprolactone, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, and the like, and are formed using cationic, anionic, or nonionic detergents. The surface of the microparticles efficiently adsorb biologically active macromolecules, such as DNA, polypeptides, antigens, and adjuvants. Also provided are compositions of an oil droplet emulsion having a metabolizable oil and an emulsifying agent. Immunogenic compositions having an immunostimulating amount of an antigenic substance, and an immunostimulating amount of an adjuvant composition are also provided. Methods of stimulating an immune response, methods of immunizing a host animal against a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection, and methods of increasing a Th1 immune response in a host animal by administering to the animal an immunogenic composition of the microparticles, and/or microemulsions of the invention, are also provided.
Abstract:
An antigen concentration procedure does not involve lyophilisation of a bulk antigen before its final formulation and/or delivery. Thus a process for preparing a vaccine comprises steps of (i) increasing the concentration of an antigen in a liquid composition including that antigen, to provide a concentrated antigen, and (ii) formulating a vaccine from the concentrated antigen. The concentrated antigen is not lyophilised between or during steps (i) and (ii). The invention is particularly useful for preparing solid vaccine forms.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to homogeneous suspensions of small molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) that are capable of stimulating or modulating an immune response in a subject in need thereof. The homogeneous suspensions may be used in combinations with various antigens or adjuvants for vaccine therapies.
Abstract:
This invention generally relates to cationic oil-in-water emulsions that can be used to deliver negatively charged molecules, such as an RNA molecule. The emulsion particles comprise an oil core and a cationic lipid. The cationic lipid can interact with the negatively charged molecule thereby anchoring the molecule to the emulsion particles. The cationic emulsions described herein are particularly suitable for delivering nucleic acid molecules (such as an RNA molecule encoding an antigen) to cells and formulating nucleic acid-based vaccines.