The invention relates to a method of treating or diagnosing a disease state mediated by monocytes. The method utilizes a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formula
A.sub.b-X
wherein the group A.sub.b comprises a ligand that binds to monocytes, and when the conjugate is being used for treatment of the disease state, the group X comprises an immunogen, a cytotoxin, or a compound capable of altering monocyte function, and when the conjugate is being used for diagnosing the disease state, the group X comprises an imaging agent.

Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix is a hallmark of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), it is advantageous to target the cells and the mechanisms associated with this process. By targeting myofibroblasts (specialized contractile fibroblasts) that are key for the development of IPF with drugs conjugated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP), this technology helps minimize the production of extracellular matrix in the lungs and provides a new treatment option for patients diagnosed with IPF.

Polymeric particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene and/or a derivative thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles may also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Such particles may be provided to a user in specific selected sizes to allow for selective embolization of certain sized blood vessels or localized treatment with an active component agent in specific clinical uses. Particles of the present invention may further be provided as color-coded microspheres or nanospheres to allow ready identification of the sized particles in use. Such color-coded microspheres or nanospheres may further be provided in like color-coded delivery or containment devices to enhance user identification and provide visual confirmation of the use of a specifically desired size of microspheres or nanospheres.

Certain aspects of the present invention relates to microcapsules comprising a core; and a hydrophobic, cross-linked polymeric shell, as well as method for making and using same. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to microcapsules comprising a core; and a hydrophobic, cross-linked polymeric shell. These microcapsules can be used in a variety of applications, including agriculture, encapsulation of food ingredients, health care, cosmetics (e.g., perfumes, detergents, and sunscreen), coatings (e.g., paints and pigments), additives, catalysis, and oil recovery.

1,3-Dipole-functional compounds (e.g., azide functional compounds) can be reacted with certain alkynes in a cyclization reaction to form heterocyclic compounds. Useful alkynes (e.g., strained, cyclic alkynes) and methods of making such alkynes are also disclosed. The reaction of 1,3-dipole-functional compounds with alkynes can be used for a wide variety of applications including the immobilization of biomolecules on a substrate.

According to some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for making and using multifunctional polymerized liposomes finding relevant application in medical sciences, particularly in bioimaging, diagnostics, drug delivery, and drug formulation. The compositions and methods involve lipids that are both polymerizable and have a “clickable” group that provides the ability to functionalize via a click reaction with various functional moieties useful for the above-listed applications.

Multivalent ligand-targeted active agents, such as detectable agents or therapeutic agents, for the imaging and treatment, respectively, of fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and activated myofibroblasts in cancers and other fibrotic diseases.

Compositions comprising a fluorescein component and benoxinate component and the corresponding uses of these compositions are described herein. These compositions have improved storage life and the fluorescein component and/or benoxinate component minimally degrade after 12 to 18 months of storage.

A method for measuring a glomerular filtration rate in a mammalian kidney comprises a source of reporter and marker fluorescent molecules. The fluorescent molecules are introduced into the blood stream of a mammalian subject. Over a period of time, a measurement of the intensities of the reporter and marker fluorescent molecules is taken. A ratio is calculated to determine the health of the subject's kidney. This method measures volume of plasma distribution based on a fluorescence of a marker molecule relative to a fluorescence of a reporter molecule.

The present invention is directed to glypican-3-specific peptide reagents, methods for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma cells using the peptide reagents, and methods for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma cells using the peptide reagents.