Abstract: A composition for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal includes an aqueous solution of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from (i) a pectin and (ii)a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof; provided that when the composition comprises a pectin it is substantially free of divalent metal ions; and which, in comparison to a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose, provides a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (Cmax) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose. A method for treating or managing pain by intranasally administering the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal comprising an aqueous solution of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from (i) a pectin and (ii) a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof; provided that when the composition comprises a pectin it is substantially free of divalent metal ions; and which, in comparison to a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose, provides a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (Cmax) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose.

Abstract: Liquid pharmaceutical compositions for administration to a mucosal surface, comprising a therapeutic agent and a pectin with a low degree of esterification are described. Such compositions gel, or can be adapted to gel, at the site of application in the absence of an extraneous source of divalent metal ions.

Abstract: A drug delivery composition for nasal administration is provided which comprises the antiviral agent ICAM-1 and a bioadhesive material. The bioadhesive material may be a chitosan solution, a liquid formulation comprising a polymeric material or a plurality of bioadhesive microspheres. The polymeric material is preferably gellan gum or alginate. The microspheres may comprise starch, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, or gelatin.

Abstract: Liquid pharmaceutical compositions for administration to a mucosal surface, comprising a therapeutic agent and a pectin with a low degree of esterification are described. Such compositions gel, or can be adapted to gel, at the site of application in the absence of an extraneous source of divalent metal ions.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for the nasal delivery of a cannabinoid which comprises a cannabinoid in a biphasic delivery system or a cannabinoid in a microsphere delivery system.

Abstract: There is provided a controlled release formulation including an inner core comprising, or coated with, a drug, which drug possesses (a) a free acid group which can be converted into an alkali metal salt and (b) a pKa in the rnage 2.0 to 9.0, which inner core is subsequently coated with a rate-controlling membrane that determines drug release, wherein the drug is present as a salt that displays higher solubility at pH 4.5 to 8.0 than the corresponding compound containing a free acid group.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for the nasal delivery of a drug suitable for the treatment of erectile dysfunction to a mammal wherein the composition is adapted to provide an initial rise in plasma level followed by a sustained plasma level of the drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising (i) fexofenadine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and (ii) a pharmaceutical excipient that increases the solubility of the fexofenadine or salt in water. The pharmaceutical excipient is preferably a cyclodextrin.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for the nasal delivery of a drug suitable for the treatment of erectile dysfunction to a mammal wherein the composition is adapted to provide an initial rise in plasma level followed by a sustained plasma level of the drug.

Abstract: A composition for intranasal administration comprising a full or partial D1-agonist of the dopamine receptor.

Abstract: There is provided improved compositions for the delivery of pharmacological agents to the respiratory tract of a mammal to provide improved peripheral deposition and systemic uptake wherein a therapeutic agent is incorporated into a polysaccharide microparticle through a process of spray drying.

Abstract: The invention provides a drug delivery composition for colonic delivery comprising a polar drug, an absorption promoter which (a) comprises a mixture of a fatty acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms or a salt thereof and a dispersing agent, or (b) comprises a mixture of mono/diglycerides of medium chain fatty acids and a dispersing agent, and means adapted to release the polar drug and absorption promoter in the colon following oral administration. A preferred fatty acid is capric acid or a salt thereof. Colon specific delivery can be achieved by providing the composition in a capsule, tablet or pellet which is coated with a material which dissolves in the small intestine or is degraded by the conditions in the colon.

Abstract: A drug delivery composition for administration to mucosa is provided. The composition includes a pharmacologically active compound and particles, preferably powder or microspheres, of chitosan or a chitosan derivative or salt wherein the particles are either solidified or partially cross-linked such that they have a zeta potential of +0.5 to +50 mV. Solidified particles are made by treating particles made from a water soluble chitosan salt with an alkaline agent such as sodium hydroxide in a non-acid containing water to render them insoluble.