The present invention concerns amphiphilic copolymers that may be photo- or redox-cleavable and that may assemble into polymersomes. It also concerns their process of preparation and their use as ding carriers.

The present invention provides novel liposomes comprising Gd.DOTA.DSA (gadolinium (III) 2-{4,7-bis-carboxymethyl-10-[(N,N-distearylamidomethyl-N′-amido-methyl]-1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclododec-1-yl}-acetic acid), characterised in that said liposome further comprises a neutral, fully saturated phospholipid component (e.g. DSPC (1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospocholine]), which are of particular use in the preparation of magnetic resonance contrast agents for enhancing a magnetic resonance image of tumours in a mammal.

The invention relates to Cathepsin-binding compounds bound to a carrier comprising a diagnostic moiety, for use in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, and/or for use in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases, wherein the Cathepsin-binding compound binds to inflammatory cells of the tumour stroma. The invention also relates to Cathepsin B-targeting compounds and Cathepsin B-binding and liposome-binding compounds.

Lipid-based nanoparticle compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise lipid-hydrophilic polymer-amyloid binding ligand conjugates, and may be liposomal compositions. The compositions, including the liposomal compositions, may be useful for imaging and/or the treatment of amyloid-β plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Described are drug carriers useful in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided drug release comprising a shell capable of releasing an enclosed biologically active agent as a result of a local stimulus, e.g. energy input, such as heat, wherein the shell encloses a .sup.19F MR contrast agent. Preferably, the carrier also acts as a contrast enhancement agent for MRI based on the principle of Chemical Exchange-dependent Saturation Transfer (CEST). To this end the shell encloses a cavity that comprises a paramagnetic chemical shift reagent, a pool of proton analytes, and the .sup.19F contrast agent, and wherein the shell allows diffusion of the proton analytes.

An MRI contrast composition includes a liposome and a europium metal complex disposed within the liposome. The europium metal complex includes a europium metal ion and a multi-dentate ligand selected from the group consisting of cryptands and thiacryptands and one or more counter-ions that balances a charge of the europium metal ion and the multi-dentate ligand, the europium metal ion being switchable between a 2+ and 3+ oxidation state. The contrast composition advantageously provides an oxidation-responsive dual-mode contrast agent because it would enhance either T.sub.1-weighted images or CEST images depending on the oxidation state of Eu.

Readily available hydrophilic and small organofluorine moieties were condensed via “click chemistry” to generate nonionic hydrophilic fluorinated molecules with unique .sup.19F MR signatures. These were used to fabricate stable liposome formulations for imaging various tissue types. This approach was tailored to exploit the broad spectrum of organic .sup.19F molecular species and to generate probes with distinct .sup.19F MRI signatures for simultaneous assessment of multiple molecular targets within the same target volume.

Synthetic nanocarrier constructs and related compositions comprising a lipid-based bilayer membrane infused with one or more NK-92 cell membrane proteins, which encapsulates a liquid receiving interior space or coats at least a portion of a solid core. Methods of targeted delivery of an active/diagnostic/imaging agent to a specific cell type or a region of a patient by administering a plurality of nanocarrier constructs to the patient. MRI imaging methods and novel MRI contrast agent constructs are also disclosed.

A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described.

Described are amphiphilic polymers that are provided with chelating moieties. The amphiphilic polymers are block copolymers comprising a hydrophilic block and a hydrophobic block, with the chelating moieties linked to the end-group of the hydrophilic block. The disclosed polymers are capable of self-assembly into structures such as micelles and polymersomes. With suitable metals present in the form of coordination complexes with the chelating moieties, the chelating amphiphilic polymers of the invention are suitable for use in various imaging techniques requiring metal labeling, such as MRI (T.sub.1/T.sub.2 weighted contrast agents or CEST contrast agents) SPECT, PET or Spectral CT.