Compositions and methods for enhancing structural and functional nervous system reorganization and recovery
First Claim
1. A method for promoting recovery or reorganization in the nervous system of a subject comprising the step of:
- focally administering a composition comprising a proteolysis-enhancing agent to the central or peripheral nervous system of a subject in need of enhancement of recovery or reorganization of the nervous system as a result of ischemic, hemorrhagic, neoplastic, degenerative, or traumatic damage to the nervous system.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing recovery in a subject suffering from damage to the nervous system. In particular, the invention includes a method for promoting recovery and/or reorganization in the nervous system of a subject in need of enhancement of recovery and/or reorganization of the nervous system as a result of ischemic, hemorrhagic, neoplastic, degenerative, or traumatic damage by focally administering a composition comprising a proteolysis-enhancing agent such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasmin, or a PAI inhibitor to the nervous system of the subject. In some embodiments an additional active agent is also administered. The composition can be delivered using a variety of techniques including injection, via infusion pump, from an implantable microchip, or using a polymeric delivery vehicle. The composition can be administered, for example, to one or more subdivisions or areas of the brain, the spinal cord, or to one or more nerves or nerve tracts innervating diverse regions of the body. The invention also includes a drug delivery device for implantation into the nervous system to promote nervous system reorganization and/or recovery following ischemic, hemorrhagic, neoplastic, traumatic or degenerative damage, the drug delivery device comprising a biocompatible polymer and a proteolysis-enhancing agent such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasmin, or a PAI inhibitor, wherein the proteolysis-enhancing agent is released from the polymer in an amount effective to promote structural reorganization of the nervous system. In some embodiments the biocompatible polymer is a hydrogel.
90 Citations
50 Claims
-
1. A method for promoting recovery or reorganization in the nervous system of a subject comprising the step of:
focally administering a composition comprising a proteolysis-enhancing agent to the central or peripheral nervous system of a subject in need of enhancement of recovery or reorganization of the nervous system as a result of ischemic, hemorrhagic, neoplastic, degenerative, or traumatic damage to the nervous system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
- 33. A method of treating a subject in need of enhancement of recovery or reorganization in the nervous system as a result of ischemic, hemorrhagic, neoplastic, degenerative, or traumatic damage comprising focally administering a composition comprising a proteolysis-enhancing agent to the central or peripheral nervous system of the subject.
-
44. A drug delivery device for implantation into the nervous system of a subject to promote recovery or reorganization in the nervous system following ischemic, hemorrhagic, neoplastic, degenerative, or traumatic damage to the nervous system, the drug delivery device comprising:
-
a biocompatible polymer; and
a proteolysis-enhancing agent, wherein the proteolysis-enhancing agent is released from the polymer in an amount effective to promote recovery or reorganization in the nervous system of the subject. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
-
-
50. A composition comprising a proteolysis-enhancing agent selected from the group consisting of:
- tissue plasminogen activator, plasmin, and inhibitors of tissue plasminogen activator inhibitors and further comprising a neural growth enhancing agent, wherein said agent is optionally selected from the group consisting of;
neurotransmitters or analogs thereof, neurally active growth factors, modulators of synaptic signaling molecules, neurally active small molecules, neurally active metals, and cells.
- tissue plasminogen activator, plasmin, and inhibitors of tissue plasminogen activator inhibitors and further comprising a neural growth enhancing agent, wherein said agent is optionally selected from the group consisting of;
Specification