Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a composition and method of reducing the joint pain associated with hemarthrosis or hemophilic arthropathy. The method includes administering a COX-2 inhibitor, such as rofecoxib, celecoxib, valdecoxib, etoricoxib or other “coxib” drug which is encapsulated in PLGA micro-particles. The COX-2 inhibitor can be administered directly to an area where pain exists by an injection device. In a preferred embodiment, rofecoxib or celecoxib can be encapsulated in PLGA micro-particles for controlled, sustained release over a 2-8-week period. The non-systemic delivery and the controlled, sustained release of rofecoxib alleviate the cardiovascular side effects associated with systemic rofecoxib treatments.

Abstract: A combinatorial targeted therapy method for treating cancer, including metastatic cancer in a subject is provided, the method being designed to prevent unacceptable level of systemic toxicity in the subject and thus forced stoppage of the treatment, by performing initial molecular diagnostics to detect genomic alterations at each cancer site of the subject; for each cancer site, designing an initial combination targeted therapy by selecting a plurality of targeted drugs, based on the results of the initial molecular diagnostic at each cancer site; assigning each targeted drug to systemic or local delivery method, based on each targeted drug's properties; simultaneously treating all cancer sites according to the designed initial combination targeted therapy for each site, by delivering each targeted drug according to assigned delivery method to each targeted drug; and monitoring the progress of the cancer at each cancer site by performing follow-up molecular diagnostics at each cancer site.

Abstract: A brain drug delivery system having a catheter and a delivery assembly is provided. The catheter has a first channel with a first exit hole and a second channel with a second exit hole, both the first exit hole and the second exit hole being disposed at a distal end of the catheter, the second exit hole being adapted such that to cause a sideways turn of a movable inner plastic tube exiting therethrough. The catheter also being adapted to house a delivery assembly selectively within the first and second channel. While the delivery assembly has the movable inner plastic tube with a tube exit hole and an image-guided plunger being adapted to penetrate the movable inner plastic tube and push a powder form of drug microparticles via the tube exit hole.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a composition and method of reducing the joint pain associated with hemarthrosis or hemophilic arthropathy. The method includes administering a COX-2 inhibitor, such as rofecoxib, celecoxib, valdecoxib, etoricoxib or other “coxib” drug which is encapsulated in PLGA micro-particles. The COX-2 inhibitor can be administered directly to an area where pain exists by an injection device. In a preferred embodiment, rofecoxib or celecoxib can be encapsulated in PLGA micro-particles for controlled, sustained release over a 2-8-week period. The non-systemic delivery and the controlled, sustained release of rofecoxib alleviate the cardiovascular side effects associated with systemic rofecoxib treatments.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition comprising a ginseng product, a mucoadhesive and a mucosa penetration enhancer in an aqueous biodegradable block copolymer solution consisting of a 3-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 3 polyesters chains, each of which extends on each of the arm of the 3-arm PEG. The invention also provides a method for transmucosal delivery of pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical such as ginsenosides with improved absorption and bioavailability.

Abstract: A biochip is formed with a plurality of optically clear hydrogel cells attached to the top surface of a solid substrate in the form of an array. Each of the cells is formed of a hydrogel of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or a copolymer thereof having reactive isocyanate groups. Binding entities are immobilized in these cells, which entities are effective to selectively hybridize to or sequester a target biomolecule. Different binding entities are immobilized in different cells in an array to create a biochip that can be used to assay for a number of target biomolecules.

Abstract: Methods for detecting in a single assay any one of multiple chromosomal disorders that result from aneuploidy or certain mutations, particularly microdeletions, and kits for use therein. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is carried out to amplify eukaryotic genomic DNA using a plurality of primer oligonucleotide pairs wherein one primer of each pair has a detectable label attached 5? thereto. A plurality of the primer pairs are targeted to DNA segments of different chromosomes of interest which are indicative of potential chromosomal disorders, and one pair is targeted for a control gene. The amplified PCR products are purified, and single-stranded DNA having the detectable labels is obtained therefrom and hybridized with spots on a microarray that each contain DNA oligonucleotide probes having nucleotide sequences complementary to a nucleotide sequence of one strand of each segment.

Abstract: To address the issue of degradation by enzymatic reactions to proteins and peptides, polyethylene glycol (PEGylation) of the proteins and peptides has been established. PEGylated proteins and peptides have increased plasma half-lives and reduced immunogenicity. To further improve and extend the plasma half-life of desired protein or peptide therapeutics, a novel branched molecule of PEG possessing three PEGs with a single point of attachment is designed in this invention disclosure.

Abstract: A stent having a drug eluting formulation has three components: 1) Anti-neointimal hyperplasia or anti-restenosis agent 2) Main polymer 3) Additive polymer The anti-neointimal hyperplasia or anti-restenosis agent includes, but not limited to, Paclitaxel, Taxol, Rapamycin, Tacrolimus, Actinomycin D, Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercapatopurine, 6-thioguanine, cytoxan, cyclosporine, cytarabinoside, cis-platin, chlorambucil, busulfan, and any other drug that can inhibit cell proliferation, and combinations thereof. The main polymer includes, but not limited to, polystyrene, parylene and polyurethane. The additive polymer includes, but not limited to, polyethylene glycol capped with diisocyanate moiety (NCO-PEG). TABLE Ratio between three components without solvent % Component formulation Agent 1-10% Main polymer 80-98%? Additive 1-19% polymer 9.0 g of parylene, 0.6 g of tacrolimus, 0.4 g of NCO-PEG and 0.

Abstract: A novel hybridization device that improves the efficiency and consistency of microarray hybridization reactions by achieving a greater degree of internal mixing of target solution. The device provides a gasket-and-cover-type chamber wherein solution mixing is achieved by the creation of a multitude of microbubbles. One or more of the inner walls that define the chamber contain bubble-rupturing elements that extend into the chamber and terminate in sharp edges. They are typically located on opposite sides of a rectangular chamber and are pointed in a direction opposing bubble movement. Their interference with larger bubbles causes their breakup into microbubbles which travel separate and distinct paths as a result of external agitation and thereby provide improved solution mixing that results in a uniform distribution of target molecules to the probe molecules bound to the substrate. The sensitivity and consistency of the hybridization reaction is significantly increased.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating biologics within a hydrogel by using an aqueous solution of an isocyanate-functional polyurethane prepolymer which is mixed with an amount of biologics and an aqueous solution containing a dithiol crosslinking agent under physiological pH conditions to create a hydrogel. An additional bidentate crosslinking agent is optionally included. The product of such method may be a bioreactor or an assay device having a plurality of different biologics encapsulated at predetermined locations in a substrate.

Abstract: Microwell biochips (11) are formed from a thin flat plate (13) of polymeric material having a plurality of regularly spaced holes (15) that extend completely therethrough and create microwells. The lower end of each hole is closed by a microporous, hydrophobic, polymeric membrane (17) laminated to the undersurface of the plate which retains an aqueous test solution in the wells until a vacuum is applied to the undersurface thereof to effect draining of the solution and of any wash solution that might be subsequently added. A spot of polymerizing isocyanate-functional hydrogel is applied generally centrally to the porous membrane surface at the bottom of each well in a manner so as to cover only a minor portion of the surface and out of contact with the well sidewalls, thus leaving substantial surface area through which drainage can be readily effected. Biological capture agents are associated with the polymerizing hydrogel so as to become immobilized as a part thereof.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating biologics within a hydrogel by using an aqueous solution of an isocyanate-functional hydrogel prepolymer which is mixed with an amount of biologics and an aqueous solution containing a dithiol crosslinking agent under physiological pH conditions. An additional bidentate crosslinking agent may be included. The product of such method may be a bioreactor or an assay device having a plurality or different biologics encapsulated at predetermined locations in a substrate.

Abstract: Methods for detecting in a single assay any one of multiple chromosomal disorders that result from aneuploidy or certain mutations, particularly microdeletions, and kits for use therein. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is carried out to amplify eukaryotic genomic DNA using a plurality of primer oligonucleotide pairs wherein one primer of each pair has a detectable label attached 5? thereto. A plurality of the primer pairs are targeted to DNA segments of different chromosomes of interest which are indicative of potential chromosomal disorders, and one pair is targeted for a control gene. The amplified PCR products are purified, and single-stranded DNA having the detectable labels is obtained therefrom and hybridized with spots on a microarray that each contain DNA oligonucleotide probes having nucleotide sequences complementary to a nucleotide sequence of one strand of each segment.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a short tandem repeat polymorphism (STRP), such as fragile X syndrome, wherein PCR is used to amplify nucleic acid along the chromosome in the genomic DNA which includes all of the STRs of interest plus a substantial contiguous segment of the nucleic acid adjacent to the STRs. Single-stranded product is then obtained, and colorimetric-labeled oligonucleotides which target for (i) STRs and (ii) the contiguous DNA segment are hybridized with this single-stranded product which is then bound to a solid phase and separated from the remainder of the target material. The labeled oligonucleotide target material is recovered by treatment with base and then hybridized to a microarray having a plurality of spots containing suitable oligonucleotide probes complementary thereto.

Abstract: A novel hybridization device that improves the efficiency and consistency of microarray hybridization reactions by achieving a greater degree of internal mixing of target solution. The device provides a gasket-and-cover-type chamber wherein solution mixing is achieved by the creation of a multitude of microbubbles. One or more of the inner walls that define the chamber contain bubble-rupturing elements that extend into the chamber and terminate in sharp edges. They are typically located on opposite sides of a rectangular chamber and are pointed in a direction opposing bubble movement. Their interference with larger bubbles causes their breakup into microbubbles which travel separate and distinct paths as a result of external agitation and thereby provide improved solution mixing that results in a uniform distribution of target molecules to the probe molecules bound to the substrate. The sensitivity and consistency of the hybridization reaction is significantly increased.

Abstract: A biochip is formed with a plurality of optically clear hydrogel cells attached to the top surface of a solid substrate in the form of an array. Each of the cells is formed of a hydrogel of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or a copolymer thereof having reactive isocyanate groups. Binding entities are immobilized in these cells, which entities are effective to selectively hybridize to or sequester a target biomolecule. Different binding entities are immobilized in different cells in an array to create a biochip that can be used to assay for a number of target biomolecules.

Abstract: Microwell biochips (11) are formed from a thin flat plate (13) of polymeric material having a plurality of regularly spaced holes (15) that extend completely therethrough and create microwells. The lower end of each hole is closed by a microporous, hydrophobic, polymeric membrane (17) laminated to the undersurface of the plate which retains an aqueous test solution in the wells until a vacuum is applied to the undersurface thereof to effect draining of the solution and of any wash solution that might be subsequently added. A spot of polymerizing isocyanate-functional hydrogel is applied generally centrally to the porous membrane surface at the bottom of each well in a manner so as to cover only a minor portion of the surface and out of contact with the well sidewalls, thus leaving substantial surface area through which drainage can be readily effected. Biological capture agents are associated with the polymerizing hydrogel so as to become immobilized as a part thereof.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating biologics within a hydrogel by using an aqueous solution of an isocyanate-functional hydrogel prepolymer which is mixed with an amount of biologics and an aqueous solution containing a dithiol crosslinking agent under physiological pH conditions. An additional bidentate crosslinking agent may be included. The product of such method may be a bioreactor or an assay device having a plurality or different biologics encapsulated at predetermined locations in a substrate.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a biochip are provided herein wherein the biomolecular probe to be used with the biochip is alternatively bound to a hydrogel prepolymer prior to or simultaneously with polymerization of the prepolymer. In particularly preferred embodiments, a polyurethane-based hydrogel prepolymer is derivatized with an organic solvent soluble biomolecule, such as a peptide nucleic acid probe in aprotic, organic solvent. Following derivatization of the prepolymer, an aqueous solution, for example sodium bicarbonate, preferably buffered to a pH of about 7.2 to about 9.5, is added to the derivatized prepolymer solution to initiate polymerization of the hydrogel. Alternatively, a water soluble biomolecule, such as DNA or other oligonucleotide, is prepared in an aqueous solution and added to the polyurethane-based hydrogel prepolymer such that derivatization and polymerization occur, essentially, simultaneously.