Appeal 2007-2371
Application 10/426,654
cell-mediated immune response at the portal of entry. This is best done with
an adjuvant and delivery system that targets vaccine antigens to . . . the
mucous membranes” (Specification 1, citation omitted).
Thus, compared to an injected vaccine, orally administering a vaccine
against a gut pathogen “may engender a stronger immune response against
such pathogens by eliciting the production of secretory immunoglobulin A
antibodies at the mucosal site. . . Likewise, administration of vaccine
against an upper respiratory pathogen may be most effective if delivered to
the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue in the oral cavity or nasal passages”
(id. at 1-2, citation omitted).
The Specification discloses “an adjuvant composition that includes
lecithin and a polymer that is preferably an acrylic polymer or copolymer.
The preferred acrylic polymer is a polyacrylic acid polymer. The lecithin
and polymer form a matrix or net-like structure which is effective in
trapping or encapsulating vaccine antigen” (id. at 6). The Specification
states that “the strong mucoadhesive and adsorptive properties of the
polymer and lecithin combination enhances the adsorption of vaccine
antigen onto mucosal surfaces” (id. at 6).
DISCUSSION
1. CLAIMS
Claims 1-9 and 20-22 are pending and on appeal. Claim 1 is
representative and reads as follows:
1. A method for delivering a vaccine to a human or an
animal mucosally comprising:
formulating a vaccine comprising an antigen and an adjuvant
comprising lecithin and an acrylic polymer combined together
2
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