Method of targeting sustained release formulations of therapeutic agents to treat lung diseases

1. A method for treating lung disease in a patient in need thereof, comprising:

providing a plurality of particles that have a smallest cross-sectional dimension of 10 microns sufficient to obstruct alveolar capillaries, wherein the plurality of the particles are selected from the group consisting of hydrogel particles, polymer particles and porous silica particles;

encapsulating within, adhering to, or incorporating into the structure of, the particles a therapeutic agent; and

administering the particles directly into the right ventricle or right atrium of the heart or into the proximal portion of the venous system feeding the right atrium of the heart or the pulmonary artery in an amount such that the portion of obstructed alveolar capillaries has no observable effect on said patient.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein administering the particles comprises intravenous delivery.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein administering the particles comprises direct injection into the right ventricle or right atrium of the heart.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein administering the particles comprises using a catheter.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the particles are biodegradable.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the therapeutic agent elutes from the particle over a period from about 1 hour to about 1 year.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the therapeutic agent elutes from the particle over a period from about 1 day to about 1 month.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lung disease is selected from the group consisting of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis and lung cancer.