The present invention provides bi-terminal PEGylated peptide conjugates that target an integrin such as α.sub.vβ.sub.6 integrin. In particular embodiments, the peptide conjugates of the present invention further comprise a biological agent such as an imaging agent or a therapeutic agent, e.g., covalently attached to one of the PEG moieties. The peptide conjugates of the present invention are particularly useful for imaging a tumor, organ, or tissue and for treating integrin-mediated diseases and disorders such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, chronic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung emphysema, and chronic wounding skin disease. Compositions and kits containing the peptide conjugates of the present invention find utility in a wide range of applications including, e.g., in vivo imaging and immunotherapy.

The present invention provides bi-terminal PEGylated peptide conjugates that target an integrin such as α.sub.vβ.sub.6 integrin. In particular embodiments, the peptide conjugates of the present invention further comprise a biological agent such as an imaging agent or a therapeutic agent, e.g., covalently attached to one of the PEG moieties. The peptide conjugates of the present invention are particularly useful for imaging a tumor, organ, or tissue and for treating integrin-mediated diseases and disorders such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, chronic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung emphysema, and chronic wounding skin disease. Compositions and kits containing the peptide conjugates of the present invention find utility in a wide range of applications including, e.g., in vivo imaging and immunotherapy.

Metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) still carries a dismal prognosis with the current treatment paradigms. The effectiveness of drug treatment for many solid tumors such as TNBC is limited by tumor heterogeneity, lack of tumor specificity, off-target toxicities, and transient therapeutic action(s). Strategies that provide tumor-specific, sustained concentrations of drugs to the tumors and tumor receptor-specific binding, while reducing off-target effects are needed to ensure sufficient tumor cell uptake within the primary and metastatic tumor microenvironment. The decreased non-specific adhesivity, receptor-targeted nanoparticle formulations (“DART” nanoparticles) of the invention were assessed for clinical potential in directing biological agents to the cell surface receptor Fn14, which is expressed in many solid cancer types, including TNBC primary tumors and metastatic lesions. They are contemplated for use against solid tumors, particularly brain tumors such as glioblastoma and breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer.

Metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) still carries a dismal prognosis with the current treatment paradigms. The effectiveness of drug treatment for many solid tumors such as TNBC is limited by tumor heterogeneity, lack of tumor specificity, off-target toxicities, and transient therapeutic action(s). Strategies that provide tumor-specific, sustained concentrations of drugs to the tumors and tumor receptor-specific binding, while reducing off-target effects are needed to ensure sufficient tumor cell uptake within the primary and metastatic tumor microenvironment. The decreased non-specific adhesivity, receptor-targeted nanoparticle formulations (“DART” nanoparticles) of the invention were assessed for clinical potential in directing biological agents to the cell surface receptor Fn14, which is expressed in many solid cancer types, including TNBC primary tumors and metastatic lesions. They are contemplated for use against solid tumors, particularly brain tumors such as glioblastoma and breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of treating a stricture in a nonvascular body lumen such as urethral strictures, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) strictures, ureteral strictures, esophageal strictures, sinus strictures, and biliary tract strictures. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating at least one of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The method can include delivering, for example, via drug coated balloon catheters, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drugs (e.g., rapamycin, paclitaxel, and their analogues) and one or more additives.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of treating a stricture in a nonvascular body lumen such as urethral strictures, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) strictures, ureteral strictures, esophageal strictures, sinus strictures, and biliary tract strictures. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treating at least one of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The method can include delivering, for example, via drug coated balloon catheters, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drugs (e.g., rapamycin, paclitaxel, and their analogues) and one or more additives.

The present invention relates to polymeric nanoparticles comprising a cytokine or a nucleic acid encoding for a cytokine, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods for treating certain diseases comprising administering these polymeric nanoparticles to a subject in need thereof.

The present invention relates to polymeric nanoparticles comprising a cytokine or a nucleic acid encoding for a cytokine, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods for treating certain diseases comprising administering these polymeric nanoparticles to a subject in need thereof.

The present invention provides: a microemulsion having emulsified particles of a small particle diameter, having a narrow particle diameter distribution, having improved uniformity in particle diameter, and having excellent stability; a composition for preparing such a microemulsion; methods for producing the microemulsion and the composition; and an object using the microemulsion. A microemulsion is prepared with use of a composition that contains: a surfactant component which contains at least one selected from polysorbate 80 and a polyoxyethylene castor oil; an oil; and a poorly water-soluble functional component in a predetermined proportion.

Compounds having a structure of formula (I), (I-A), (Ia)-(Ie), (A)-(E), and (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer or stereoisomer thereof are provided. Uses of such compounds for modulating androgen receptor activity, imaging diagnostics in cancer and therapeutics, and methods for treatment of disorders including prostate cancer are also provided.