Compositions and Methods for Topical and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Transport

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, such as non-protein non-nucleotide therapeutics and protein-based therapeutics excluding insulin, botulinum toxins, antibody fragments, and VEGF. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for topical delivery of antifungal agents and antigenic agents suitable for immunization. Alternatively, the composition can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of administering a non-protein non-nucleotide biologically active agent to a subject comprising
 topically applying to the skin or epithelium of the subject the biologically active agent in conjunction with an effective amount of a carrier comprising a polymeric backbone having attached positively charged branching groups,   wherein the association between the carrier and the biologically active agent is non-covalent.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the composition provides greater transdermal delivery of the biologically active agent relative to the agent in the absence of the carrier. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2  in which the biologically active agent has a therapeutic activity. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1  in which the biologically active protein and carrier are administered to the subject in a composition containing both components. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1  in which the biologically active protein and carrier are administered separately to the subject. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 3  in which the biologically active protein and carrier are administered to the subject in a composition containing both components. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 3  in which the biologically active agent and carrier are administered separately to the subject. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1  in which the composition is a controlled release composition. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 3  in which the composition is a controlled release composition. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1  in which the non-protein non-nucleotide biologically active agent is antifungal agent. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1  in which the biologically active agent is an agent for treating or preventing symptoms of psoriasis. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10  in which an antifungal agent and carrier are administered to the subject in a composition containing both components. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 10  in which the antifungal agent and carrier are administered separately to the subject. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 10  in which the composition is a controlled release composition. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 10  in which the antifungal agent is selective from amphotericin B, fluconazole, flucytosine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, econozole, griseofulvin, miconazole, nystatin, ciclopirox and the like. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 10  in which the antifungal agent is administered to treat the symptoms and signs of a fungal infection. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 10  in which the antifungal agent is administered to alter symptoms or signs of fungal infection of the nail plate or nail bed.