Compositions and methods for selective dissolution of nascent intravascular blood clots

Abstract

Compositions and methods for prevention and treatment of uncontrolled formation of intravascular fibrin clots, which are capable of selective dissolution of pathological nascent clots formed intravascularly, with minimal risk of unwanted dissolution of pre-existing hemostatic clots, are provided wherein fibrinolytic or anticoagulant drugs are biocompatibly coupled to red blood cell carriers.

1 . A composition comprising a therapeutic agent biocompatibly coupled to a carrier similar in size to a red blood cell.  
   
   
       2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the carrier is a red blood cell.  
   
   
       3 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the therapeutic agent is an anti-thrombotic agent.  
   
   
       4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . A thromboprophylactic agent comprising the composition of  claim 3  and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.  
   
   
       6 . A method for preventing formation of nascent intravascular blood clots in a subject comprising administering to the subject the thromboprophylactic agent of  claim 5.