Cellular uptake of bioactive agents

Abstract

Provided is a composition and a method for increasing cellular uptake of bioactive agents, particularly those compounds termed “small molecules” into the cells of mammalian tissue, such as the epithelial cells of the mucosa.

1 . A solid composition consisting essentially of a dry mixture of an amount of glutamine effective to treat stomatitis and mucositis and about 15-50 w % of at least one carbohydrate, wherein the carbohydrate is present in an amount that is effective to enhance the cellular uptake of glutamine from aqueous solution.  
   
   
       2 . (canceled)  
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of the at least one carbohydrate is about 30-50 w %.  
   
   
       5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one carbohydrate comprises a monosaccaride, a disaccharide, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one carbohydrate comprises sucrose.  
   
   
       7 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one carbohydrate further comprises a sugar alcohol or polyol.  
   
   
       8 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein the sugar alcohol is sorbitol, mannitol or xylitol.  
   
   
       9 . The composition of  claim 5  or  7 , wherein the carbohydrate includes glycerin.  
   
   
       10 . The composition of  claim 1 , further including an effective amount of buffer or buffering agent.  
   
   
       11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the buffering agent is monosodium phosphate anhydrous.  
   
   
       12 . The composition of  claim 5  or  7 , further including an effective amount of modified cellulose.  
   
   
       13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the modified cellulose is microcrystalline cellulose.  
   
   
       14 . The composition of  claim 1 , further including a stabilizer, emulsifying agent, preservative, defoamant, flavoring, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       15 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein the emulsifying agent includes xanthan gum, carrageenan, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       16 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein the preservative includes methylparaben, potassium sorbate, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       17 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein the defoament includes simethicone.  
   
   
       18 . The composition of  claim 1 ,  4  or  5 , wherein glutamine is the sole amino acid in the composition.  
   
   
       19 . The composition of  claim 1 ,  4 , or  5 , wherein the glutamine is about 58 w % of the composition.