Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for lyophilising a product (3), comprising the steps of providing a bulk product (3) loading system in the form of a bag (1), the bag (1) having an interior and an exterior defined by a flexible wall, the bag (1) further comprising a filling port (5) providing access to the interior of the bag (1), filling a product (3) having a first moisture content into the interior of the bag (1) via the filling port (5), and exposing the product (3) in the interior of the bag (1) to a lyophilisation cycle such that the moisture content of the product (3) is reduced from the first moisture content to a second, lower, moisture content.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and apparatus for lyophilising bacterial products which minimise the loss of viable cells during this process, enabling those products to be lyophilised in an efficient and economic manner. The lyophilisation process of the invention achieves improved viability of the lyophilised cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for lyophilising a product (3), comprising the steps of providing a bulk product (3) loading system in the form of a bag (1), the bag (1) having an interior and an exterior defined by a flexible wall, the bag (1) further comprising a filling port (5) providing access to the interior of the bag (1), filling a product (3) having a first moisture content into the interior of the bag (1) via the filling port (5), and exposing the product (3) in the interior of the bag (1) to a lyophilisation cycle such that the moisture content of the product (3) is reduced from the first moisture content to a second, lower, moisture content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for lyophilising a product (3), comprising the steps of providing a bulk product (3) loading system in the form of a bag (1), the bag (1) having an interior and an exterior defined by a flexible wall, the bag (1) further comprising a filling port (5) providing access to the interior of the bag (1), filling a product (3) having a first moisture content into the interior of the bag (1) via the filling port (5), and exposing the product (3) in the interior of the bag (1) to a lyophilisation cycle such that the moisture content of the product (3) is reduced from the first moisture content to a second, lower, moisture content.

Abstract: The invention provides an enteric dosage form comprising a live biotherapeutic product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and kit which can be used to prevent or reduce contaminants in a clean production environment. The method involves providing a processing apparatus having a chamber, and providing a liner within the chamber, wherein a negative pressure is applied to the interior of the chamber to retain the liner against the interior wall of the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for lyophilising a product (3), comprising the steps of providing a bulk product (3) loading system in the form of a bag (1), the bag (1) having an interior and an exterior defined by a flexible wall, the bag (1) further comprising a filling port (5) providing access to the interior of the bag (1), filling a product (3) having a first moisture content into the interior of the bag (1) via the filling port (5), and exposing the product (3) in the interior of the bag (1) to a lyophilisation cycle such that the moisture content of the product (3) is reduced from the first moisture content to a second, lower, moisture content.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to the use of esters of unsaturated, physiologically active fatty acids as nutrient media for cell cultivation and, more particularly, as a substitute for foetal bovine serum. In one aspect, the esters comprise more than 50 mol-% of physiologically active fatty acids containing 16 to 24 carbon atoms and 2 to 5 double bonds as the acid component and a lower C1-4 alcohol, preferably ethanol, or a sterol as ester component. In another aspect, the esters comprise a transesterification product of natural or synthetic oils or a mixture of such oils having greater than 50 mol-% of unsaturated, physiologically active fatty acids, based on the acyl group, and a lower C1-4 alcohol or a sterol. In a further aspect, the esters are used together with sterols, phospholipids and/or vegetable proteins or are liposomally encapsulated.

Abstract: Novel extracts from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, comprising 20 to 30%, by weight, of flavone glycosides; 2.5 to 4.5%, by weight in the aggregate, of ginkgolides A, B, C and J; 2.0 to 4.0%, by weight, of bilobalides; less than 10 ppm of alkyl phenol compounds; and more than 10%, by weight, of oligomeric proanthocyanidins, useful for pharmaceutical, dietary supplements and/or functional food/nutraceutical compositions, and a novel process for obtaining such extracts.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to the use of esters of unsaturated, physiologically active fatty acids as nutrient media for cell cultivation and, more particularly, as a substitute for foetal bovine serum. In one aspect, the esters comprise more than 50 mol-% of physiologically active fatty acids containing 16 to 24 carbon atoms and 2 to 5 double bonds as the acid component and a lower C1-4 alcohol, preferably ethanol, or a sterol as ester component. In another aspect, the esters comprise a transesterification product of natural or synthetic oils or a mixture of such oils having greater than 50 mol-% of unsaturated, physiologically active fatty acids, based on the acyl group, and a lower C1-4 alcohol or a sterol. In a further aspect, the esters are used together with sterols, phospholipids and/or vegetable proteins or are liposomally encapsulated.

Abstract: Compositions for oral administration of (a) a physiologically active fatty acid containing about 16 to 26 carbon atoms and about 2 to 6 double bonds, and esters or glycerides thereof; and (b) an oligomeric proanthocyanidin or a plant extract containing said proanthocyanidin are disclosed. Methods of using the compositions as additives in food products are also disclosed.