Lactoferrin Reduces Chorioretinal Damage in the Murine Laser Model of Choroidal Neovascularization.

Purpose: To determine whether lactoferrin, specifically endogenous mouse lactoferrin and exogenous intraperitoneal lactoferrin treatment, plays a role in reducing the chorioretinal damage in the laser-induced model of choroidal neovascularization.

Materials And Methods: Four 532-nm argon laser spots were placed between the retinal vessels of each eye. At Day 7, Fluorescein Angiography was performed to grade the lesions.

Rapid deamidation of recombinant protective antigen when adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide gel correlates with reduced potency of vaccine.

Deamidation of the recombinant protective antigen (rPA) correlates with decreased effectiveness of the vaccine in protecting against infection by Bacillus anthracis. We present data demonstrating dramatic deamidation of amino acid positions 713 and 719 of rPA adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide gel, an adjuvant, relative to rPA stored in solution without adjuvant. Although deamidation did not impact total levels of rPA-specific antibodies in a mouse model, it did correlate with a decrease in toxin-neutralizing antibodies.

Evaluation of the effect of syringe surfaces on protein formulations.

Packaging of drugs in prefillable syringes offers considerable advantages over conventional vials. Almost all major biotech molecules are available on the market today in prefilled syringes, and are safe and efficacious. Newer high-concentration liquid formulations, especially fusion proteins, however, can suffer from instability in prefilled syringes due to syringe components like silicone oil.

Biophysical characterization and formulation of F1-V, a recombinant plague antigen.

The recombinant plague antigen, F1-V, was studied for its structural characteristics using several biophysical techniques. A larger apparent molecular weight relative to its calculated molecular weight obtained from size exclusion chromatography, an unusually large R(g) obtained from MALS, and ANS dye binding studies which indicate that all hydrophobic regions of the protein are exposed to solvent demonstrated that F1-V exists like a disordered protein with a worm-like conformation. The pH-solubility profile of F1-V showed a solubility minimum at pH 5, close to its pI, consistent with the lack of repulsive forces that result in aggregation.

Formulation of a dry powder influenza vaccine for nasal delivery.

The purpose of this research was to prepare a dry powder vaccine formulation containing whole inactivated influenza virus (WIIV) and a mucoadhesive compound suitable for nasal delivery. Powders containing WIIV and either lactose or trehalose were produced by lyophilization. A micro-ball mill was used to reduce the lyophilized cake to sizes suitable for nasal delivery.

Formulation of a dry powder influenza vaccine for nasal delivery.

The purpose of this research was to prepare a dry powder vaccine formulation containing whole inactivated influenza virus (VIIV) and a mucoadhesive compound suitable for nasal delivery. Powders containing WIIV and either lactose or trehalose were produced by lyophilization. A micro-ball mill was used to reduce the lyophilized cake to sizes suitable for nasal delivery.

Anthrax vaccine powder formulations for nasal mucosal delivery.

Anthrax remains a serious threat worldwide as a bioterror agent. A second-generation anthrax vaccine currently under clinical evaluation consists of a recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA) of Bacillus anthracis. We have previously demonstrated that complete protection against inhalational anthrax can be achieved in a rabbit model, by intranasal delivery of a powder rPA formulation.

Protective immunization against inhalational anthrax: a comparison of minimally invasive delivery platforms.

A new anthrax vaccine under clinical investigation is based on recombinant Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (rPA). Here, we investigated microneedle-based cutaneous and nasal mucosal delivery of rPA in mice and rabbits. In mice, intradermal (id) delivery achieved up to 90% seroconversion after a single dose, compared with 20% after intramuscular (im) injection.

A novel dry powder influenza vaccine and intranasal delivery technology: induction of systemic and mucosal immune responses in rats.

Intranasal (i.n.) vaccination represents an attractive non-invasive alternative to needle-based injection and provides superior protection at mucosal surfaces.