Methods for dissolving cystine stones and reducing cystine in urine
The present invention is directed to an improved method of treating cystinuria, utilizing the catalytic ability of cystinase to increase the rate of cystine stone dissolution.
1 . A method for dissolving cystine stones, comprising the step of administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a cystinase.
2 . (canceled)
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the cystinase is cystathionine β-lyase.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the cystinase is selected from the group consisting of cystathionine-gamma-lyase, cystine transaminase, cystine transhydrogenase, cystine reductase, cystathionine β-lyase, and mixtures thereof.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the cystinase is covalently attached to a polymer.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the polymer is polyethylene glycol.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein the cystinase is entrapped in a polymeric material.
8 . The method of claim 7 wherein the polymeric material comprises at least about 50% of a polyalkanoic acid.
9 . The method of claim 8 wherein the polyalkanoic acid is polylactic acid.
10 . The method of claim 1 wherein the cystinase is administered via a catheter into the kidney of the patient.
11 . A method for the treatment of cystinuria comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a cystinase.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the cystinase is cystathionine β-lyase.
13 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the cystinase is selected from the group consisting of cystathionine-gamma-lyase, cystine transaminase, cystine transhydrogenase, cystine reductase, cystathionine β-lyase, and mixtures thereof.
14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the cystinase is covalently attached to a polymer.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the polymer is polyethylene glycol.
16 . The method of claim 11 wherein the cystinase is entrapped in a polymeric material.
17 . The method of claim 16 wherein the polymeric material comprises at least about 50% of a polvalkanoic acid.
18 . The method of claim 17 wherein the polyalkanoic acid is polylactic acid.
19 . The method of claim 11 wherein the cystinase is administered via a catheter into the kidney of the patient.
20 . A method for lowering the concentration of cystine in a patient's urine, comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a cystinase to the patient.
21 . The method of claim 20 , wherein the cystinase is cystathionine β-lyase.
22 . The method of claim 20 , wherein the cystinase is selected from the group consisting of cystathionine-gamma-lyase, cystine transaminase, cystine transhydrogenase, cystine reductase, cystathionine β-lyase, and mixtures thereof.
23 . The method of claim 20 , wherein the cystinase is covalently attached to a polymer.
24 . The method of claim 23 , wherein the polymer is polyethylene glycol.
25 . The method of claim 20 wherein the cystinase is entrapped in a polymeric material.
26 . The method of claim 25 wherein the polymeric material comprises at least about 50% of a polyalkanoic acid.
27 . The method of claim 26 wherein the polyalkanoic acid is polylactic acid.
28 . The method of claim 20 wherein the cystinase is administered via a catheter into the kidney of the patient.