Compounds and methods for delivery of prostacyclin analogs

Abstract

This invention pertains generally to prostacyclin formulations and methods for their use in promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation (including vascular remodeling), providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis and inducing angiogenesis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating pulmonary hypertension, treating peripheral vascular disease, promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation, providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis, or inducing angiogenesis comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a prodrug of treprostinil, wherein the prodrug converts to treprostinil upon said administration. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug has no activity before being converted to treprostinil. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is administered by oral administration. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is administered by ingestion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is administered by transmucosal administration. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is administered by parenteral administration. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is administered by subcutaneous administration. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is administered by injection. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the injection is a bolus injection. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the injection is continuous infusion. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the injection is an intravenous injection. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is administered by duodenal administration. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , which is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is an ester of treprostinil. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , which is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug provides a Cmax up to 240 minutes post-dosing.