Compositions and methods of using lamellar bodies for modifying linear biological macromolecules

Abstract

Compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of lamellar bodies for the modification of linear macromolecules are disclosed. These lamellar compositions are useful in the treatment of conditions or diseases characterized by a preponderance of heavy mucous secretions, such as otitis media, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, sinusitis and nasal congestion. Methods of treating these diseases and conditions by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition to a patient requiring such treatment are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to UK application No. GB0322448.2, filed on Sep. 25, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Applicants claim the benefit of this application under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a-d). FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the identification of lamellar bodies which modify linear biological macromolecules that may be present in physiological and pathophysiological secretions and exudates, such as mucus, DNA, actin and bacterial-derived alginate, with respect to their physical properties, viscosity, adhesiveness, liquidity and three-dimensional disposition. The invention further relates to compositions and methods of treatment using these lamellar bodies. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are a number of occasions and sites where it would be beneficial to modify linear biological macromolecules, such as in disease states and during surger...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] c) allowing the lamellar bodies to modify the viscosity of the mucin in the ear such that it is capable of draining from the ear.

[0017] c) allowing the lamellar bodies to modify the composition and the biological properties of the contents present in the pathological secretion, including linear macromolecules of the type mucus, DNA, actin and alginate, to the effect that the physical properties of the secretions such as viscosity and adhesiveness are altered, permitting therapeutic drainage of the middle ear.

[0027] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides for a method for applying a composition including lamellar bodies to the respiratory passages to modify the physical properties of linear macromolecules of the type mucus, DNA, actin and alginate in pathologically altered secretions. The lamellar bodies modify the viscosity and adhesiveness of the secretions, increasing the fluidity of the airways' surface fluid and restoring mucociliary clearance of secretions throughout the respiratory tract. In a preferred embodiment, the composition containing suspended lamellar bodies is introduced into the respiratory passages as an aerosol spray. In another preferred embodiment, the fluid containing suspended lamellar bodies may be subjected to ultrasonification during administration of inhaled aerosol. In yet another preferred embodiment, the therapeutic moieties can be included on or within the phospholipid bilayers which constitute the lamellar bodies for more effective access of therapeutic moieties to sequestered micro-organisms protected by prokaryote- and eukaryote-derived linear macromolecules.

Problems solved by technology

There are no biologically efficacious substances or methods typically used for alteration or removal of these species of macromolecules, which in pathological situations can result in acute and chronic morbidity and mortality.

These ill-defined archaic terms are still in use and have not been accurately defined and categorized.

Despite the focus of intensive research in recent years, particularly in relation to the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis, there remain unsolved biophysical problems in understanding the function of mucociliary clearance in all body surfaces.