Patent ID: 7141236

Claim:
A method for improving the local and/or systemic bioavailability of a macromolecule upon administration to or via the respiratory tract of a patient in need of treatment, the method comprising: incorporating said macromolecule into a lipid-based microstructure that comprises: (a) a major lipid excipient comprising a major amount of the lipid-based microstructure based on the total weight of the microstructure, the major lipid excipient comprising a lipid excipient or a mixture of lipid excipients; and (b) a minor co-excipient comprising a minor amount of the lipid-based microstructure based on the total weight of the microstructure, the minor amount being lesser than the major amount, and the minor co-excipient being selected from the group consisting of detergent surfactants, carbohydrates, and combinations thereof; wherein said lipid-based microstructure is formulated so as to release at least about 95% of said macromolecule incorporated therein within about 30 minutes after administration to or via the respiratory tract of said patient in need of treatment to thereby at least partially avoid scavenging by bronchoalveolar macrophages and/or a mucociliary clearance after said administration and improve said local and/or systemic bioavailability of said macromolecule.