METHODS FOR TARGETED IN VITRO AND IN VIVO DRUG DELIVERY TO MAMMALIAN CELLS VIA BACTERIALLY DERIVED INTACT MINICELLS

摘要

A composition comprising intact minicells that contain a drug molecule is useful for targeted drug delivery. One targeted drug delivery method employs bispecific ligands, comprising a first arm that carries specificity for a bacterially derived minicell surface structure and a second arm that carries specificity for a mammalian cell surface receptor, to target drug-loaded minicells to specific mammalian cells and to cause endocytosis of the minicells by the mammalian cells. Another drug delivery method exploits the natural ability of phagocytic mammalian cells to engulf minicells without the use of bispecific ligands.

主权项

1. A composition comprising (i) at least 107 intact bacterial minicells, which are approximately 400 nm in diameter, and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor, wherein the composition is free of membrane blebs of 200 nm or less in size.