Pharmaceutical compositions comprising bioelastomer fusion proteins

Abstract

Bioelastomers are disclosed for use in methods of binding compounds including immunoassay methods, in biosensors and methods or regenerating biosensors, and in methods for targeting the delivery of a compound to a particular location within an animal subjects. In general, the bioelastomer is conjugated to a binding compound, which is in turn used to bind a compound of interest. For targeted compound delivery, the bioelastomer is conjugated to the compound to be delivered.

1 - 68 . (canceled) 
   
   
       69 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a fusion protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,
 the composition formulated for systemic administration by injection, and the fusion protein comprising a bioelastic protein and at least one therapeutic protein or peptide,   wherein the fusion protein is in soluble form at physiological conditions.   
   
   
       70 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the bioelastic protein is fused to the C-terminus of the therapeutic protein or peptide. 
   
   
       71 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the bioelastic protein has a molecular weight of from about 24.3 to about 71 kDa. 
   
   
       72 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 71 , wherein the bioelastic protein has a molecular weight of about 50 kDa. 
   
   
       73 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the bioelastic protein has a transition temperature under physiological conditions of from about 37° C. to about 60° C. 
   
   
       74 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the bioelastic protein has a transition temperature under physiological conditions of about 40 to 42° C. 
   
   
       75 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the bioelastic protein forms a beta-spiral structure. 
   
   
       76 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the bioelastic protein comprises repeats of the sequence Val-Pro-Gly-X-Gly, where each X is an independently selected amino acid. 
   
   
       77 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 76 , wherein X is independently selected from valine, alanine, and glycine. 
   
   
       78 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 76 , wherein the bioelastic protein has the formula (VPGXG) n , where n is greater than 100. 
   
   
       79 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the therapeutic protein or peptide is an antibody or hormone sequence. 
   
   
       80 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the composition is formulated for systemic administration by subcutaneous injection, intradermal injection, intravenous injection, or intramuscular injection. 
   
   
       81 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a buffered aqueous solution. 
   
   
       82 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a non-aqueous liquid. 
   
   
       83 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a water-in-oil emulsion or an oil-in-water emulsion. 
   
   
       84 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69 , wherein the composition is isotonic with human blood. 
   
   
       85 . A method for treating a patient comprising, administering the pharmaceutical composition of  claim 69  to a patient in need of said therapeutic protein or peptide.