Patent ID: 6030603
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A61K,Y10S

Abstract:
A site specific liquid-liquid emulsion for use as an ultrasonic imaging agent of a mammal comprising:a) at least one water-insoluble gas-forming chemical having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure below 37.degree. C., wherein the chemical in said emulsion is in the liquid state at 37.degree. C. and at atmospheric pressure in the absence of exposure to ultrasonic energy and is present in said emulsion in an amount sufficient to form microbubbles upon exposure to ultrasonic energy; andb) at least one stabilizer comprising a hydrophobic or amphipathic compound in an amount sufficient to keep the gas-forming chemical in the liquid state at 37.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure in the absence of ultrasonic energy;wherein the emulsion forms microbubbles of gas upon application of ultrasonic energy at an energy level which is above the threshold energy of cavitation for microbubbles to be formed.