Abstract Particles, preferably substantially spherical particles having a smooth outer surface, consisting essentially of solid, cold-water insoluble vehicle comprising a physiologically acceptable, parenterally metabolizable radioactive polysaccharide, said particles being substantially non-leachable upon short term exposure to cold water. The particles can be administered parenterally for diagnositc, prophylactic or therapeutic purposes. On administration in this way, they are broken down or solubilized by the body fluids over a predeterminable period ranging from minutes to several days, whereupon the radioisotopic material is excreted from the body thus limiting exposure to the radiation.
Particles according to claim 1 which are radioactive, said particles being resistant to leaching of said radioactivity when immersed in water at 37* C. for at least about 15 minutes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
11 words
Spherules according to claim 2 wherein the radioactive polysaccharide is glycogen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
Spherules according to claim 2 wherein the radioactive polysaccharide is starch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
Spherules according to claim 2 composed of glycogen labeled with radioactive cerium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
Spherules according to claim 2 composed of glycogen labeled with radioactive strontium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
Spherules according to claim 2 composed of starch labeled with radioactive cerium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A parenterally injectable composition comprising spherules according to claim 1 suspended in a pharmaceutical extending medium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A parenterally injectable composition comprising spherules according to claim 2 suspended in a pharmaceutical extending medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
A process for preparing dry, free-flowing unagglomerated, storable, substantially spherular particles essentially composed of a physiologically acceptable parenterally metabolizable polysaccharide which comprises mixing said polysaccharide in warm water to form a sol, injecting the sol in droplet form into a warm, water-immiscible inert liquid, stirring the mixture while bringing about gelation to spherular form, drying the spherules by removing water therefrom while maintaining them in the said inert liquid and preventing them from coalescing, and removing the dried gelled particles from the inert liquid.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process according to claim 10 in which the polysaccharide includes radioactive material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process according to claim 10 in which the polysaccharide is glycogen.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process according to claim 10 in which the polysaccharide is radioactive glycogen.