Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations for the parenteral administration of therapeutic agents, which contain sugar-based esters and ethers of fatty acids and fatty alcohols as surfactants. The formulations are advantageous for therapeutic agents which are insoluble or poorly soluble in water, and for reducing toxicity associated with common surfactants used in pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations for the parenteral administration of therapeutic agents, which contain sugar-based esters and ethers of fatty acids and fatty alcohols as surfactants. The formulations are advantageous for therapeutic agents which are insoluble or poorly soluble in water, and for reducing toxicity associated with common surfactants used in pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: A process for purifying a non-ionic surfactant or solvent capable of dispersing and solubilizing a pharmaceutical compound. In the process, a solution of solvent and alcohol is contacted with an activated carbon column and an ion exchange resin column. The process is particularly adapted to the purification of polyethoxylated castor oils. The purified solvent is useful in the preparation of pharmaceutic compositions having enhance shelf life, such as for use with paclitaxel.

Abstract: Contiguous puncturable containers of water and ethylene oxide are provided as a unitary device to provide successive introduction and vaporization into a chamber in which there are contained objects to be sterilized. The containers comprising the unitary structure are opened in succession to provide necessary humidity followed by the introduction of ethylene oxide gas, where both substances are necessary for accomplishing effective sterilization.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical devices is disclosed. The method comprises the circulation of a sterilant gas through a contaminated device bacteriologically to sterilize exposed surfaces, permitting the sterilant gas to remain within the lumen of the device for an effective period of time, and thereafter removing the sterilant gas by purging with sterile air or other inert gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding medical and other devices while sterilant gas is passed over and through the device. The apparatus comprises an inflatable cuff which inflates by interior pressure as the pressure in the sterilizer chamber decreases, and relaxes as chamber pressure increases, thereby alternately holding the device and exposing its surfaces to the sterilant gas and desorbing gas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing medical devices and the like. The apparatus comprises means for the recirculation of a sterilant gas and a diluting gas through narrow passages in the medical device in sufficient quantity and for sufficient time to sterilize bacteriologically, and then to aerate, exposed passage surfaces. The method comprises the circulation of a sterilant gas through a contaminated device bacteriologically to sterilize exposed surfaces, and thereafter to remove the sterilant gas by purging with sterile air or other inert gas.