Abstract: Compositions for treating flu comprise an M2 inhibitor, and optionally a neuraminidase inhibitor, wherein at least one of said M2 inhibitor or said neuraminidase inhibitor is provided in an extended release dosage form.

Abstract: A process for producing a powder comprises spray freeze-drying an aqueous solution or suspension comprising a pharmaceutical agent, said solution or suspension having a solids content of 20% by weight or more. The spray freeze-dried powder may be administered to a subject via a needleless syringe.

Abstract: Compositions for treating flu comprise an M2 inhibitor, and optionally a neuraminidase inhibitor, wherein at least one of said M2 inhibitor or said neuraminidase inhibitor is provided in an extended release dosage form.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the transdermal or intradermal delivery of a therapeutic agent using a needleless syringe drug delivery system. In one embodiment, the method entails first administering to a predetermined area of skin or mucosa particles comprising the therapeutic agent, a placebo and/or a permeation enhancing agent. A transdermal delivery device or occlusive dressing is then topically positioned over the area of skin or mucosa. In another embodiment, the method entails administering a formulation of particles wherein the formulation includes particles that contain a therapeutic agent and placebo particles.

Abstract: A method is provided for in vivo or ex vivo delivery of a preparation of powdered nucleic acid molecules into vertebrate tissue for transformation of cells in the tissue using needleless injection techniques. The method can be used to deliver therapeutically relevant nucleotide sequences to cells in mammalian tissue to provide gene therapy, elicit immunity or to provide antisense or ribozyme functions. A method for providing densified processed pharmaceutical compositions is also described. The method is used to convert non-dense pharmaceutical powders or particulate formulations into densified particles optimally suited for transdermal delivery using a needleless syringe. The method is also used to optimize the density and particle size of powders and particulate formulations for subsequent transdermal delivery thereof. Densified pharmaceutical compositions formed by the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: A composition is provided for administration to a subject by way of a needleless syringe. The composition is formed from particles having a mean mass aerodynamic diameter of from 1 to 250 microns, and an envelope density of from 0.1 to 25 g/cm3, where the particles include a biologically active agent and a sustained-release material that controls release of the active agent to a subject following administration of the composition thereto. Methods for delivering a biologically active agent to a subject are also provided.

Abstract: New compositions formed from the combination of an active substance with a hydrogel carrier moiety are provided. The compositions are suitable for use in high-velocity transdermal particle injection techniques. Methods of providing the new compositions are also provided. In addition, methods for administering pharmacologically active agent to a subject are provided. These methods are useful for delivering drugs, biopharmaceuticals, vaccines and diagnostics agents.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte present beneath a target skin or mucosal surface of an individual are provided. The methods entail disruption of the target skin or mucosal surface, for example using a particle delivery method to provide micro-passages in the tissue. The methods further provide a resealable occlusive dressing or patch for protecting the target site from outside agents as well as maintaining hydration of the sample area. Maintaining hydration over the sampling site allows for continuous diffusion of the analyte of interest from beneath the target site to the target site. Multiple samples over time may then be taken, allowing the user to monitor for the presence of analyte over time. In a preferred embodiment, the methods are used to monitor blood glucose levels. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of resealable, occlusive dressing, with an aperture cover in a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter with an expandable distal end for delivering one or more medicaments. The catheter also has a means for controlling or manipulating the expandable distal end to expand and contract into various configurations to apply pressure and achieve good contact against the walls of structures into which it is advanced. The distal end of the catheter is processed by a specific method of manufacturing whereby the expandable distal end is coated with one or more layers of a polymer wherein the surface layer of which coating carries one or more medicaments at very high concentration and zero or more excipients to facilitate the diffusional penetration of the medicaments into contacted tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an analyte is described, wherein the apparatus includes an interface contact element that is used to establish an interface with a quantity of body fluid. The interface contact element is adapted to facilitate diffusion of a target analyte across the interface essentially free of net mass fluid transport. The quantity of body fluid is exposed to the interface contact element through micro-pathways. The apparatus can also include a sensing material adapted to sense the target analyte with at least one analytical method. Methods for using the apparatus in a non- or minimally invasive monitoring technique are also described. FIG. (1) illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of the apparatus used to test the principles of the invention.