Phosphate-binding chitosan and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for removing phosphate from a subject using chitosan. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for treating hyperphosphatemia based on phosphate-binding chitosan.

1 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A composition suitable for treating hyperphosphatemia comprising a therapeutically effective amount of chitosan. 
     
     
         40 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the hyperphosphatemia is associated with chronic kidney disease and/or end-stage renal disease. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the hyperphosphatemia is associated with one or more disorders of phosphate metabolism and/or impaired phosphate transport function. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount ranges from about 0.1 to about 10 grams chitosan per dose. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount ranges from about 0.5 to about 50 grams chitosan per day. 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the chitosan binds at least about 60 mg phosphate per gram. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the chitosan binds at least about 90 mg phosphate per gram. 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the chitosan binds at least about 120 mg phosphate per gram. 
     
     
         47 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the chitosan binds at least about 150 mg phosphate per gram. 
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the chitosan binds at least about 180 mg phosphate per gram. 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the chitosan is present in a form of a plurality of particles. 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the plurality of particles have a mean volume particle size less than about 100 cubic microns. 
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the plurality of particles have a median volume particle size less than about 100 cubic microns. 
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the plurality of particles comprise one or more particles having a roundness greater than about 10. 
     
     
         53 . The composition of  claim 52 , wherein at least about 0.3% of the plurality of particles have a roundness greater than 10. 
     
     
         54 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the composition is suitable for oral administration. 
     
     
         55 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the composition is a nutritional supplement. 
     
     
         56 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the composition further comprises a carrier. 
     
     
         57 . The composition of  claim 56 , wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting of a starch, a gum, an alginate, a silicate, dextrose, gelatin, lactose, mannitol, sorbitol, sucrose, tragacanth, cellulose, methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, a methylhydroxybenzoate, a propylhydroxybenzoate, polyvinylpyrrolidone and talc. 
     
     
         58 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the composition is in a form of a cachet, a hard gelatin capsule, a soft gelatin capsule, an elixir, a lozenge, a pill, a powder, a sachet, a sterile packaged powder, a suspension, a syrup, or a tablet. 
     
     
         59 . A nutritional supplement comprising chitosan, wherein the chitosan is present in a form of a plurality of particles having a mean volume particle size less than about 100 cubic microns. 
     
     
         60 . The nutritional supplement of  claim 59 , wherein the plurality of particles comprise one or more particles having a roundness greater than about 10. 
     
     
         61 . The nutritional supplement of  claim 59 , wherein at least 0.3% of the plurality of particles have a roundness greater than about 10. 
     
     
         62 . A nutritional supplement comprising chitosan, wherein the chitosan is present in a form of a plurality of particles having a median volume particle size less than about 100 cubic microns. 
     
     
         63 . The nutritional supplement of  claim 62 , wherein the plurality of particles have a mean volume particle size less than about 100 cubic microns. 
     
     
         64 . The nutritional supplement of  claim 62 , wherein the plurality of particles comprise one or more particles having a roundness greater than about 10. 
     
     
         65 . The nutritional supplement of  claim 62 , wherein at least 0.3% of the plurality of particles have a roundness greater than about 10.