Abstract: A novel two-phase, film-forming, mucoadhesive gel composition has been developed. The composition contains an anhydrous non-aqueous solvent, a water-insoluble polymer that is dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent, and a water-soluble polymer that is dispersed in the non-aqueous solvent. The composition adheres to water-bearing surfaces, such as to moistened skin or mucosal surfaces, and can be used to provide extended, local delivery of pharmaceutically active agents from the composition to skin or a mucosal surface. The composition may be solvent-cast to form a mucoadhesive film, which may contain a polymeric backing layer. The mucoadhesive film may further contain a pharmaceutically active agent and may be used to administer the pharmaceutically active agent to skin or mucosal surfaces.

Abstract: Water-soluble pressure-sensitive adhesives include a water-soluble polymer that is made tacky at room temperature by addition of a water-soluble plasticizer that is miscible with the polymer. Suitable polymers are solid at room temperature; and have a hydrophilicity as measured by water uptake greater than about 25%; they are liquid at room temperature and have a boiling point higher than about 80.degree. C. The adhesives according to the invention may conveniently be provided in dry film form. Preferred water-soluble pressure-sensitive adhesives of the invention adhere both to mucosal surfaces and to a variety of materials that may constitute a part of a device or prosthesis to be held in a body cavity that has a mucosal lining. Also, a laminated device for the controlled release of a substance within a mucosa-lined body cavity includes the substance dissolved or dispersed in either or both of a water-soluble pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and optionally one or more water-soluble polymer layers.