Stabilized preparations for use in nebulizers

Abstract

Stabilized dispersions are provided for the delivery of a bioactive agent to the respiratory tract of a patient. The dispersions preferably comprise a stabilized colloidal system which may comprise a fluorochemical component. In particularly preferred embodiments, the stabilized dispersions comprise perforated microstructures dispersed in a fluorochemical suspension medium. As density variations between the suspended particles and suspension medium are minimized and attractive forces between microstructures are attenuated, the disclosed dispersions are particularly resistant to degradation, such as by settling or flocculation. In particularly preferred embodiments, the stabilized dispersions may be administered to the lung of a patient using a nebulizer.

1 . Use of a liquid fluorochemical in the manufacture of a medicament for the pulmonary delivery of a bioactive agent whereby the medicament comprises a stabilized dispersion having a fluorochemical continuous phase which is nebulized using a nebulizer to form an aerosolized medicament comprising said bioactive agent wherein said aerosolized medicament is in a form for administration to at least a portion of the pulmonary air passages of a patient in need thereof.