Non-natural oligomers have recently shown promise as functional analogues of lung surfactant proteins B and C (SP-B and SP-C), two helical and amphiphilic proteins that are critical for normal respiration. The generation of non-natural mimics of SP-B and SP-C has previously been restricted to step-by-step, sequence-specific synthesis, which results in discrete oligomers that are intended to manifest specific structural attributes. Presented herein an alternative approach to SP-B mimicry that is based on sequence-random copolymers containing cationic and lipophilic subunits. These materials, members of the nylon-3 family, are prepared by ring-opening polymerization of -lactams. The best of the nylon-3 polymers display promising in vitro surfactant activities in a mixed lipid film. Pulsating bubble surfactometry data indicate that films containing the most surface-active polymers attain adsorptive and dynamic-cycling properties that surpass those of discrete peptides intended to mimic SP-B. Attachment of an N-terminal octadecanoyl unit to the nylon-3 copolymers affords further improvements by reducing the percent surface area compression to reach low minimum surface tension.

Provided are dithiol mucolytic agents. These agents increase the liquefaction of mucus in a patient with excessive mucus or mucus with increased viscoelastic, cohesive, or adhesive properties. Also provided are a variety of methods of treatment using these inventive mucolytic agents.

This invention is directed to a process for the preparation of an exogenous pulmonary surfactant, in particular a modified natural surfactant or a reconstituted surfactant, wherein the final filtration step is performed without the use of chlorinated solvents. The invention is also directed to the product as obtained by said process, and to the corresponding pharmaceutical compositions.

Non-natural oligomers have recently shown promise as functional analogs of lung surfactant proteins B and C (SP-B and SP-C), two helical and amphiphilic proteins that are critical for normal respiration. The generation of non-natural mimics of SP-B and SP-C has previously been restricted to step-by-step, sequence-specific synthesis, which results in discrete oligomers that are intended to manifest specific structural attributes. Presented herein an alternative approach to SP-B mimicry that is based on sequence-random copolymers containing cationic and lipophilic subunits. These materials, members of the nylon-3 family, are prepared by ring-opening polymerization of -lactams. The best of the nylon-3 polymers display promising in vitro surfactant activities in a mixed lipid film. Pulsating bubble surfactometry data indicate that films containing the most surface-active polymers attain adsorptive and dynamic-cycling properties that surpass those of discrete peptides intended to mimic SP-B. Attachment of an N-terminal octadecanoyl unit to the nylon-3 copolymers affords further improvements by reducing the percent surface area compression to reach low minimum surface tension.

Physically and chemically stable pharmaceutical formulations in the form of an aqueous suspension comprising a reconstituted pulmonary surfactant are useful for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and other respiratory disorders.

Provided are compositions comprising silk fibroin, perfluorocarbon (PFC), and surfactant, and methods of use thereof. The compositions can further comprise a drug, an antibody, or a vaccine. Compositions of the invention are useful in the treatment of certain lung diseases and conditions, including in particular those characterized by surfactant deficiency. Compositions of the invention are particularly useful in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Also provided are methods for making the compositions, and kits comprising components of the compositions.

The invention relates to aerosolized and humidified particles comprising a therapeutically active substance which can be obtained by suspending dry inhalable particles in a carrier gas, adding water vapor and causing condensation of water on the particles. The invention further relates to methods to generate these particles, and apparatus useful to carry out such methods.

Rhodamine dye is delivered to regions of a lung having heterogeneous alveolar flooding by alveolar liquid, thereby lowering the surface tension of the alveolar liquid so as to lessen ventilation injury directly and, by promoting equitable redistribution of the alveolar liquid among the alveoli of the lung, indirectly. The rhodamine dye is delivered with an albumin and/or an exogenous surfactant. Exemplary rhodamine dyes include sulforhodamine B and rhodamine WT.

Lyophilized pulmonary surfactants having an increased specific surface area and porosity are described. Methods of making the lyophilized pulmonary surfactants are also described.

The present invention is directed respirable, dry powder particle formulations of lung surfactants that optionally comprise surfactant proteins and/or polypeptide and that are formulated for delivery to the pulmonary system via inhalation.