Therapeutic compositions and methods for targeted delivery of active agents
The present invention pertains to therapeutic compositions that comprise: (1) a nanovector, (2) an active agent; and (3) a targeting agent, wherein the active agent and the targeting agent are non-covalently associated with the nanovector. The present invention also pertains to methods of treating various conditions in a subject by utilizing the above-described therapeutic compositions. Methods of making the therapeutic compositions are also a subject matter the present invention.
1. A therapeutic composition comprising:
a. a nanovector,
wherein said nanovector comprises an oxidized and ultra-short single-walled carbon nanotube (US-SWNT),
wherein said US-SWNT has open ends,
wherein said US-SWNT has lengths ranging from 20 nm to 80 nm,
wherein said nanovector is polyethylene-glycol-functionalized, and
wherein said nanovector is soluble in water;
b. an active agent non-covalently associated with said nanovector,
wherein said active agent comprises an anti-cancer drug; and
c. a targeting agent non-covalently associated with said nanovector,
wherein said targeting agent comprises an antibody.
2. The therapeutic composition of claim 1 , wherein said active agent is selected from the group consisting of small molecules, proteins, DNA, antisense oligonucleotides, miRNA, siRNA, and aptamers.
3. The therapeutic composition of claim 1 , wherein said active agent is Paclitaxel.
4. The therapeutic composition of claim 1 , wherein said targeting agent comprises a monoclonal antibody.
5. The therapeutic composition of claim 1 , wherein said targeting agent is an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody.
6. A method of treating a condition in a subject, said method comprising administering a therapeutic composition to said subject, wherein said therapeutic composition comprises:
a. a nanovector,
wherein said nanovector comprises an oxidized and ultra-short single-walled carbon nanotube (US-SWNT),
wherein said US-SWNT has open ends,
wherein said US-SWNT has lengths ranging from 20 nm to 80 nm,
wherein said nanovector is polyethylene-glycol-functionalized, and
wherein said nanovector is soluble in water;
b. an active agent non-covalently associated with said nanovector,
wherein said active agent comprises an anti-cancer drug; and
c. a targeting agent non-covalently associated with said nanovector,
wherein said targeting agent comprises an antibody.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein said active agent comprises Paclitaxel, and said targeting agent comprises Cetuximab.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein said subject is a human being.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein said administering said therapeutic agent comprises intravenous administration.
10. The method of claim 6 , further comprising administering radiation to said subject before, during or after said administering of said therapeutic composition.
11. A method of making a therapeutic composition, said method comprising:
a. non-covalently associating a nanovector with an active agent
wherein said active agent comprises an anti-cancer drug, and
wherein said nanovector comprises an oxidized and ultra-short single-walled carbon nanotube (US-SWNT),
wherein said US-SWNT has open ends,
wherein said US-SWNT has lengths ranging from 20 nm to 80 nm,
wherein said nanovector is polyethylene-glycol-functionalized, and
wherein said nanovector is soluble in water; and
b. non-covalently associating a targeting agent with said nanovector, wherein said targeting agent comprises an antibody.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said associating of said nanovector with said active agent occurs by sequestration.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein said associating of said nanovector with said targeting agent occurs by sequestration.