IP Library Granted Patent US 12,465,616
Granted Patent B2
US 12,465,616 · App. 18/238,836 · Granted Nov 11, 2025

Methods and compositions for disrupting biofilm utilizing chitosan-derivative compounds

Inventors: Shenda M. Baker (Upland, CA); William P. Wiesmann (Chevy Chase, MD); Stacy Marie Townsend (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
Assignee: SYNEDGEN, INC.
A61K31/722A61K9/0014A61K9/0043A61K9/0053Y02A50/30
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,465,616
App. No.
18/238,836
Granted
Nov 11, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

Described herein are methods of disrupting (e.g., reducing the viscosity of, or dissolving) a preformed biofilm in a subject, the method comprising: administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a soluble chitosan or derivatized chitosan wherein the soluble chitosan or derivatized chitosan when administered contacts the preformed biofilm, thereby disrupting (e.g., reducing the viscosity of, or dissolving) the preformed biofilm.

Claims (24)

1 . A method of disrupting a preformed biofilm in a subject infected with bacteria selected from the group consisting of Burkholderia cepacia genomovar cenocepacia, Burkholderia cepacia genomovar dolosa, Burkholderia cepacia complex, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii, Streptococcus pneumoniae , and Klebsiella pneumoniae , the method comprising:

administering to the subject by inhalation a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a derivatized chitosan, wherein the derivatized chitosan comprises a chitosan of the following formula (I):

wherein:

n is an integer between 20 and 6000; and

each R 1 is independently selected for each occurrence from hydrogen, acetyl, and a group of formula (II): wherein formula (II) is selected from

wherein at least 25% of R 1 substituents are H, at least 1% of R 1 substituents are acetyl, and at least 4-30% of R 1 substituents are a group of formula (II), the molecular weight of the derivatized chitosan is between 10,000 and 150,000 Da, and the polydispersity index (PDI) of the derivatized chitosan is between 1.5 and 2.5, wherein, upon administration, the composition disrupts the preformed biofilm in the respiratory system of the subject and reduces the viscosity of sputum in the respiratory system of the subject relative to the sputum prior to administration of the composition.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the PDI of the derivatized chitosan is between 1.5 and 2.3.

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the PDI of the derivatized chitosan is between 1.5 and 2.0.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the method reduces the viscosity of the sputum by at least 50% compared to the sputum that has not been contacted with the composition.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the method reduces the viscosity of the sputum by at least 80% compared to the sputum that has not been contacted with the composition.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the method increases the pourability of sputum compared to the sputum that has not been contacted with the composition.

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the derivatized chitosan is present in the composition at a concentration of about 10 to 250 μg/mL.

8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the biofilm is partially dissolved compared to the biofilm that has not been contacted with the composition.

9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the biofilm is in the respiratory system.

10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject has cystic fibrosis.

11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the derivatized chitosan is soluble in aqueous solution from about pH 6.8 to about pH 7.4.

12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the chitosan is functionalized at between 20% and 30%.

13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the degree of deacetylation (% DDA) of the derivatized chitosan is between 75% and 95%.

14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount is from about 5 to 500 μg/mL.

15 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or mucolytic compound to the subject in conjunction with, prior to, or subsequent to the administration of the composition.

16 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the bacteria are multidrug resistant.

17 . The method of claim 1 , wherein between 25-95% of R 1 substituents are hydrogen.

18 . The method of claim 1 , wherein between 1-50% of R 1 substituents are acetyl.

19 . The method of claim 1 , wherein 55-90% of R 1 substituents are hydrogen, 4-20% of R 1 substituents are acetyl, and 4-30% of R 1 substituents are a group of formula (II).

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 28, 2023
From: BAKER, SHENDA; WIESMANN, WILLIAM P.; TOWNSEND, STACY
To: SYNEDGEN, INC.
Reel/Frame 064725/0056 →
Continuity (6)
Continuation 16572053 · Sep 16, 2019
Continuation 15419436 · Jan 30, 2017
Continuation 13411147 · Mar 2, 2012
Continuation PCTUS2010047758 · Sep 2, 2010
Provisional Application 61239180 · Sep 2, 2009
Related Publication 20240197768A1 · Jun 20, 2024
References Cited (95)
US 8119780B2 · Baker et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8399635B2 · Baker et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 8658775B2 · Baker et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 8916542B2 · Baker et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 9012429B2 · Baker et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9029351B2 · Baker et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 9234050B2 · Baker et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9439925B2 · Baker et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 9732164B2 · Baker et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 10494451B2 · Baker et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 11786547B2 · Baker et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11957707B2 · Baker et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US 20030087414A1 · Aerts et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 20030181416A1 · Comper · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 20040242626A1 · Achari et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US 20060140911A1 · Sharp et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]
US 20070117783A1 · Brueck-Scheffler · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20070281904A1 · Baker et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20090304664A1 · Lindquist et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]
US 20100056474A1 · Baker et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20120295355A1 · Baker et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120301408A1 · Baker et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20120329751A1 · Baker et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 20130019860A1 · Depla et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20130210761A1 · Baker et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20140080785A1 · Baker et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 20140221308A1 · Baker et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 20140234310A1 · Shapiro · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 20150031610A1 · Baker et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 20150224044A1 · Baker et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 20160022564A1 · Townsend et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20160022730A1 · Baker et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20160060362A1 · Baker et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20170119810A1 · Baker et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20170136056A1 · Baker et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20170304355A1 · Baker et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20200009182A1 · Baker et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20200009183A1 · Baker et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20200299417A1 · Baker et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20230201248A1 · Baker et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 20240350529A1 · Baker et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
AU 2017200843A1 · 2017 [cited by applicant]
JP 2009522328A · 2009 [cited by applicant]
JP 201507617A · 2015 [cited by applicant]
WO WO0036915A1 · 2000 [cited by applicant]
WO WO07077164A1 · 2007 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2007142704A3 · 2008 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2008072230A1 · 2008 [cited by applicant]
WO WO08049842A3 · 2008 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2010056896A1 · 2010 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2010056927A1 · 2010 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2011028967A1 · 2011 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2011028968A1 · 2011 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2011028968A8 · 2011 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2013006458A1 · 2013 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2013134129A3 · 2015 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2016040899A1 · 2016 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2016172595A1 · 2016 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2021221656A1 · 2021 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2021222727A1 · 2021 [cited by applicant]
Tre-Hardy, et al., “In vitro activity of antiboitic combinations against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm and planktonic cultures”, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, NL., vol. 31,… [cited by applicant]
Tin San, et al., “Activity of Chitosans in combination with antibiotics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa” International Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 5., No. 2, Mar. 1, 2009. [cited by applicant]
Supplementary European Search Report dated Apr. 10, 2013 for EP 10 81 4536. [cited by applicant]
International Search Report and Written Opinion for International Application No. PCT/US2010/047758, dated Nov. 1, 2010. [cited by applicant]
Singh, P. K. et al., Nature, “Quorum-sensing signals indicate that cystic fibrosis lungs are infected with bacterial biofilms”, Oct. 2000, vol. 407, pp. 762-764. [cited by applicant]
Extended European Search Report for EP application No. 17182792.6, dated Mar. 2, 2018. [cited by applicant]
Full Examination Report for Australian Patent Application No. 2015314755, dated Jan. 29, 2019. [cited by applicant]
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2015/049835, dated Dec. 31, 2015. [cited by applicant]
Supplementary European Search Report mailed on Mar. 22, 2018 for EP 15840207. [cited by applicant]
European Search Opinion mailed on Mar. 22, 2018 for EP15840207. [cited by applicant]
Deneuville et al. “Revisited Physicochemical and Transport Properties of Respiratory Mucus in Genotyped Cystic Fibrosis Patients” American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine. 1997, vol. 156 pp. 166-172. [cited by applicant]
Actor et al. “Lactoferrin as a Natural Immune Modulator” Curr Pharm Des. 2009, vol. 15, pp. 1956-1973. [cited by applicant]
Sharma et al. “Antibiotics versus biofilm: an emerging battleground in microbial communities”, Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (2019) 8:76. [cited by applicant]
Flemming, et al. “The EPS Matrix: The House of Biofilm Cells”, Journal of Bacteriology, Nov. 2007, p. 7945-7947. [cited by applicant]
Herrero R, et. al. “New insights into the mechanisms of pulmonary edema in acute lung injury.” Ann Transl Med 2018;6(2):32. doi: 10.21037/atm.2017.12.18. [cited by applicant]
Jiang et al. “Regulation of lung injury and repair by Toll-like receptors and hyaluronan” Nature, (2005) pp. 1173-1179. [cited by applicant]
Pechos RD “With Friends Like These: The Complex Role of Neutrophils in the Progression of Severe Pneumonia”, Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol. 7:160. [cited by applicant]
Yang S-C et al., “Understanding the role of neutrophils in acute respitory distress syndrome.” Biomedical Journal, http://doi.org/10/1016/j.bj.2020.09.001. [cited by applicant]
Maria Cristina Bonferoni et.al. (2009) Chitosan and its salts for mucosal and transmucosal delivery, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 6:9, 923-939, DOI: 10.1517/17425240903114142. [cited by applicant]
Khalil, H. et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, “Synergy between Polyethylenimine and Different Families of Antibiotics against a Resistant Clinical Isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa”, 2008, vol. 52, No. 5, pp… [cited by applicant]
Narayanswamy et al, (2018) “Novel Glycopolymer Eradicates Antibiotic- and CCCP-Induced Persister Cells in Pseudomonas aeruginosa,” Front. Microbiol, 9:1724. [cited by applicant]
Robert C. Read et al. “Effective nasal influenza vaccine delivery using chitosan”. Vaccine 23 (2005) 4367-4374. [cited by applicant]
International Seach Report and Written Opinion issued for PCT/US20/30702, mailed on Jul. 27, 2020 (8 pages). [cited by applicant]
International Search Report and Written Opinion issued for PCT/US21/30132, mailed on Sep. 9, 2021. [cited by applicant]
Johnson et al., “Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infections” [cited by applicant]
Henkle et al., “Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections in Immunosuppressed Hosts” [cited by applicant]
Johnson et al., “Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infections” [cited by applicant]
Narayanswamy et al., “In Vitro Activity of a Novel Glycopolymer against Biofilms of [cited by applicant]
Fang et al., “Characterization of [cited by applicant]
Garcia et al., “Poly (acetyl, arginyl) glucosamine disrupts Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and enhances bacterial clearance in a rat lung infection model”, Microbilogy 2022; 168:001121, 12 pages. [cited by applicant]
Fisher et al., “Persistent bacterial infections and persister cells,” Nat. Rev. Microbiol., 2017, 15, pp. 453-464. [cited by applicant]
Cook Gregory M. et al.: “Physiology of Mycobacteria”, In: “Physiology of Mycobacteria”, Jul. 31, 2013, vol. 55, pp. 81-319. [cited by applicant]
Jarzembowski Jason A. et al: “Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections”, Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, vol. 132, No. 8, Aug. 1, 2008, pp. 1333-1341. [cited by applicant]
Koh Won-Jung, “Nontuberculous Mycobacteria-Overview”, Microbiology spectrum, Jan. 1, 2017, pp. 1-7. [cited by applicant]
Extended European Search Report for European Application No. 20933254.3, issued on Dec. 12, 2023, 13 pages. [cited by applicant]