BIODEGRADABLE TARGETABLE MICROPARTICLE DELIVERY SYSTEM

摘要

Copolymers designed for use as particulate carriers containing functionalizable amino acid subunits for coupling with targeting ligands are described. The copolymers are polyesters composed of .alpha.-hydroxy acid subunits such as D,L-lactide and pseudo-.alpha.-amino acid subunits which may be derived from serine or terpolymers of D,L-lactide and glycolide and pseudo.alpha.-amino acid subunits which may be derived from serine. Stable vaccine preparations useful as delayed release formulations containing antigen or antigens and adjuvants encapsulated within or physically mixed with polymeric microparticles are described. The particulate carriers are useful for delivering agents to the immune system of a subject by mucosal or parenteral routes to produce immune responses, including antibody and protective responses.