Compositions and methods of using lamellar bodies for modifying linear biological macromolecules

Abstract

Compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of lamellar bodies to restore lubricity and non-stick properties to mucous surfaces for conditions characterised by dry adherent surfaces, particularly those surfaces close to the body openings and conditions of the eye.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A liquid oral formulation comprising lamellar bodies and a pharmaceutical carrier selected from water or oil for use to treat the buccal cavity to restore lubricity and non stick properties to dry adherent surfaces of the buccal cavity. 
     
     
         21 . The liquid oral formulation as claimed in claim  1  wherein the oral formulation further comprises a carrier selected from mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, and magnesium carbonate. 
     
     
         22 . The liquid oral formulation as claimed in claim  1  wherein the lamellar bodies are provided in a saline solution, an aqueous dextrose solution or a glycerol solution. 
     
     
         23 . The oral formulation as claimed in claim  1  wherein the lamellar bodies are made up in physiological saline to a standard solution containing 10×10 9  microbodies per ml. 
     
     
         24 . The oral formulation as claimed in claim  1  wherein the lamellar bodies comprise about 44-70% phosphatidylcholine, about 15-23% sphingomyelin, about 6-10% phosphatidyl ethanolamine, about 2-6% phosphatidyl serine, about 2-4% phosphatidyl inositol and about 4-12% cholesterol by weight. 
     
     
         25 . The oral formulation of claim  5  wherein the lamellar bodies further comprise about 0-3% by weight of lysophosphatidyl choline. 
     
     
         26 . The oral formulation as claimed in claim  1  wherein the lamellar bodies comprise about 54%% phosphatidylcholine, about 19% sphingomyelin, about 8% phosphatidyl ethanolamine, about 4% phosphatidyl serine, about 3% phosphatidyl inositol and about 10% cholesterol by weight. 
     
     
         27 . The oral formulation as claimed in claim  5  wherein the lamellar bodies further comprise about 2% by weight lysophosphatidyl choline. 
     
     
         28 . An eyedrop suspension of lamellar bodies to provide a restorative effect of natural tears. 
     
     
         29 . The eyedrop suspension of lamellar bodies as claimed in claim  9  wherein the suspension further comprises a polymeric material, gel, matrices or slow release devices or excipients. 
     
     
         30 . The eye drop suspension as claimed in claim  9  wherein the lamellar bodies comprise about 44-70% phosphatidylcholine, about 15-23% sphingomyelin, about 6-10% phosphatidyl ethanolamine, about 2-6% phosphatidyl serine, about 2-4% phosphatidyl inositol and about 4-12% cholesterol by weight. 
     
     
         31 . The eye drop suspension as claimed in claim  11  wherein the lamellar bodies further comprise about 0-3% by weight of lysophosphatidyl choline. 
     
     
         32 . The eye drop suspension as claimed in claim  9  wherein the lamellar bodies comprise about 54%% phosphatidylcholine, about 19% sphingomyelin, about 8% phosphatidyl ethanolamine, about 4% phosphatidyl serine, about 3% phosphatidyl inositol and about 10% cholesterol by weight. 
     
     
         33 . The eye drop suspension as claimed in claim  11  wherein the lamellar bodies further comprise about 2% by weight lysophosphatidyl choline.