This invention relates to a method of directing a therapeutic agent to selected cells, wherein a complex is formed between a polysaccharide capable of interacting with a cell receptor and a therapeutic agent. The resulting complex is administered to a subject, and permitted to be internalized into the selected cells through a process known as receptor mediated endocytosis (RME). The polysaccharide may be, for example, arabinogalactan, gum arabic, mannan or hydrolysis products thereof; the therapeutic agent may be, for example, an antiviral agent, a nucleic acid, hormone, steroid, antibody, chemoprotective or radioprotective agent. The cell receptor may be for example, the asialoglycoprotein receptor or the mannose receptor.

Advanced Magnetics, Inc.

Delivery of therapeutic agents to receptors using polysaccharides

A chewing gum is provided which is capable of releasing into the oral cavity relatively large amounts of finely-divided water-insoluble therapeutic materials, which chewing gum includes a water-soluble phase formed of aqueous softener, and the finely divided therapeutic component to be released, said therapeutic component being coated with a water-soluble coating agent for preventing resorption of therapeutic component back into the gum base and, optionally, a first sweetener, dispersed throughout the aqueous softener, and a relatively water-insoluble phase formed of a plurality of separate and distinct masses suspended in and dispersed throughout the water-soluble phase, each of said masses formed of particles of gum base and, optionally, particles of a second sweetener, suchas mannitol and/or sorbitol or sugar, enveloped by particles of gum base. Upon chewing the above gum, the therapeutic component is, in fact, released in the oral cavity in relatively large quantities, together with the aqueous softener.The therapeutic component to be released may comprise orally beneficial materials, such as dicalcium phosphate, antacids, such as magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, as well as vitamins, drugs and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic component is coated with gum arabic to facilitate release from chewing gum.

senegalia catechu/antifungal

Delivery of therapeutic agents to receptors using polysaccharides

Chewing cum capable of releasing finely divided water-insoluble materials therefrom

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