Abstract: Disclosed herein are self-degradable microneedle devices for the controlled-release of an immunotherapeutic agent. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease (for example, cancer) using a self-degradable microneedle patch for the sustained delivery of an immunotherapeutic agent (for example, a PD1 antibody).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hydrogel compositions comprising a triblock copolymer having a formula A-B-A, wherein A is a polycaprolactone (PCL) block or a polyvalerolactone (PVL) block and B is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) block. Also disclosed are methods of making a hydrogel comprising providing a photoinitiator and a triblock copolymer having a formula A-B-A, wherein the triblock copolymer comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated moieties; and photocrosslinking the triblock copolymer, thereby forming a hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for reducing biofilm present on a surface comprising contacting the surface with a composition under conditions wherein the presence of the biofilm on the surface is reduced and antibiotic activity is increased, wherein the composition comprises at least two glycoside hydrolases and an antibiotic.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating dry eye, comprising composition chambers respectively containing a first composition and a second composition, wherein the first composition includes 95%-100% of aqueous substances and the second composition includes 95-100% volume of non-aqueous substances; and an air pump that is fluidically connected to the composition chambers and sequentially generates and propels the mists of the first composition and the second composition to a surface that corresponds to a cornea of an eye. The first mist, including droplets of the one or more aqueous substances forms a first film layer that corresponds to an aqueous layer of an artificial tear film, the second mist has a volume within a range of 0.1-3 microliters, and includes droplets of the one or more non-aqueous substances forms a second film layer that corresponds to a lipid layer of the artificial tear film with a thickness within a range of 10 nm-200 nm.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for producing a polymer particle which contains unusually high negative charges on the surface of the particle. Preferably, the polymer is pharmaceutically acceptable. The negative charges can be conferred by chemical groups such as carboxyl, sulfonate, nitrate, fluorate, chloride, iodide, persulfate, and many others, with carboxyl group being preferred. The invention also provides polymer particle produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: An injectable pharmaceutical formulation includes nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel wherein the content of nanofibrillar cellulose in the pharmaceutical formulation is the range of 1-8% (w/w), and pharmaceutical compound. The injectable pharmaceutical formulation can provide a sustained release of a pharmaceutical compound in a subject. Use of nanofibrillar cellulose for preparing the injectable pharmaceutical formulation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polymerizable composition is capable of imparting antibacterial properties and the like to a cured product of polymerizable composition without deteriorating an appearance of the cured product of the polymerizable composition. The method of manufacturing a polymerizable monomer wherein a solution, that a second polymerizable monomer is dissolved in a first solvent, is dispersed in a first polymerizable monomer, includes mixing the first polymerizable monomer, the second polymerizable monomer, and the first solvent. The first polymerizable monomer is a liquid, and the second polymerizable monomer is a solid.

Abstract: A liposome for use in delivering a therapeutically active agent to a subject in need thereof is disclosed herein. The liposome comprises: a) at least one bilayer-forming lipid; b) a polymeric compound having the general formula I: wherein m, n, L, X, Y, and Z are as defined herein; and c) a therapeutically active agent, incorporated in the liposome and/or on a surface of the liposome.

Abstract: There are provided compounds of Formula (A) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, used for the prevention or treatment in a mammal of joint and bone disorders such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are acidic feminine intimate cleansing compositions having a pH in the range of from 3 to 5, which further necessarily comprises at least: as a primary antimicrobial active constituent, lactic acid, which may optionally be a substituted lactic acid and/or derivative thereof; and which composition further includes an anionic constituent system which boosts the antimicrobial efficacy of the primary lactic acid constituent present; and which compositions feature low irritation, and good antimicrobial efficacy against certain species of bacteria. Treatment processes using the feminine intimate cleansing composition in treatment of the groin area of human females, and vendible products containing the feminine intimate cleansing compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microstructure arrays and methods for using and manufacturing the arrays are described.

Abstract: The present invention is a surface treated drug-loaded solid (e.g., non-porous) microparticle that aggregates in vivo to form a consolidated larger particle for medical therapy. In one embodiment, the particles are used for ocular therapy. Processes for producing the surface treated microparticle and injectable formulations which include the surface treated microparticle are also provided. When used in the eye, long-term consistent intraocular delivery can be achieved without disrupting vision and minimizing undesirable inflammatory responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nano-resin particles that are suitable for pharmaceutical use and their use in the pharmaceutical field. The present invention provides nano-sized resin particles having a particle size distribution characterized in that D90 value is between 200 nanometers to 900 nanometer and D10 value is not less than 50 nanometers, wherein the nano-resin particles are in pure form and safe for pharmaceutical use. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these purified nano-resin particles and their use in the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: A new compound composition that is free of a side effect to a liver and used for alleviating the toxicity of an acetaminophen (APAP) medicament to the liver. The compound composition comprises (a) a pharmaceutically effective amount of acetaminophen and (b) a frequently-used safe and pharmaceutically acceptable excipient that can be combined with one or more than two medicaments that can reduce the toxicity of a drug via liver enzyme CYP2E1 metabolism to the liver.

Abstract: The particle (1) is suitable for the manufacture of an implantable soft tissue engineering material and comprises: a three-dimensionally warped and branched sheet (2) where (i) the three-dimensionally warped and branched sheet (2) is made from a biocompatible material having a Young's modulus of 1 kPa to 1 GPa; (ii) the three-dimensionally warped and branched sheet (2) has an irregular shape which is encompassed in a virtual three-dimensional envelope (3) having a volume VE; (iii) the three-dimensionally warped and branched sheet (2) has a mean sheet thickness T; iv) the three-dimensionally warped and branched sheet (2) has a volume VS; (v) the particle (1) has a Young's modulus of 100 Pa to 15 kPa; and (vi) the particle (1) further comprises a number of protrusions where the three-dimensionally warped and branched sheet (2) reaches the envelope (3); (vii) the particle (1) has a number of interconnected channel-type conduits (5) defined by the branching of the sheet (2) and/or by voids in the sheet (2); and (

Abstract: Use of high resolution environmental scanning electron microscopy to capture images of contact lens coating layers, enabling measurement of the coating thickness and structures of the coating layer to be precisely characterized. The coating layer can be directly visualized and quantitatively measured. Furthermore, controlled environments of varying temperatures and varying levels of relative humidity can be established in environmental scanning electron microscopy, such that the dynamic changes of the coating in such conditions can be imaged and measured. The controlled environments can be set up to mimic either the manufacturing process conditions, or be set up to simulate lens-on-eye conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multi-functional anti-microbial polymers comprising a first monomer having a polymerizable cyclic aromatic moiety which forms part of the backbone of the polymer and a second monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a double or triple bond and a quaternary ammonium or quaternary phosphonium moiety.

Abstract: Monomers and copolymers are provided that both target antigen presenting cells (APCs) and activate toll-like receptor (TLR) on the APCs. In some embodiments, compositions and methods involve a polymer that targets the mannose receptor on APCs, in addition to activating a TLR. These can then be conjugated to protein antigens to efficiently target antigens to DCs and simultaneously induce the up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules that are essential for effective T cell activation. This copolymer is a more efficient activator of DCs, as measured by the surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, than the monomeric form the TLR agonist used in the polymer formulation. Aspects of the disclosure relate to novel compounds, methods, and compositions for treating diseases using the compounds, copolymers, and compositions described herein.

Abstract: Provided are methods of producing cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs). The methods include combining a cobalt salt, a capping agent, and a reducing agent, under Co NP synthesis conditions including a temperature selected to produce cobalt nanoparticles of a pre-selected diameter, where the temperature and pre-selected diameter are inversely related. In certain aspects, the methods further include producing hollow gold nano spheres (HGNs) using the cobalt nanoparticles as scaffolds. Also provided are cobalt nanoparticles and hollow gold nano spheres (HGNs) produced according to the present methods. Kits that find use in practicing the methods of the present disclosure are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for producing a polymer particle which contains unusually high negative charges on the surface of the particle. Preferably, the polymer is pharmaceutically acceptable. The negative charges can be conferred by chemical groups such as carboxyl, sulfonate, nitrate, fluorate, chloride, iodide, persulfate, and many others, with carboxyl group being preferred. The invention also provides polymer particle produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, compositions comprising quantities of oltipraz crystals, as well as method of making such compositions, and method of treating patients using such compositions.

Abstract: Expanded, nanofiber structures are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.

Abstract: A cell product for prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders such as aortic aneurysm, comprising a SSEA-3-positive pluripotent stem cell derived from a mesenchymal tissue in a living body or a cultured mesenchymal cell (Muse cell).

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous microparticles of a biodegradable polymer, and a polymer filler comprising the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical device and methods of using the same. In embodiments, the medical device may be a buttress formed of nucleophilic buttress components and electrophilic buttress components which react to both form the buttress and provide the buttress with self-sealing capabilities after a staple or some other fixation device is placed therethrough, thereby enhancing its hemostatic properties. In other embodiments, the medical device is a hernia patch formed of a fibrous substrate, nucleophilic precursor components and electrophilic precursor components.

Abstract: A sealable container system contains a body and a lid assembly. The body includes an internal volume defined by bottom and side wall(s), bump(s) on the inside surface of the side wall and projecting toward the internal volume, and a lid with outer and inner walls at its bottom side with a channel in-between. A gasket couples to the lid with a wall portion residing within the channel and a lip outside the channel. When the lid assembly is pressed into the body, the lip of the gasket engages the bumps and deforms, and a gap forms between the lip and the side wall, where air in the internal volume exits through the gap. When the lip of the gasket travels past the bumps, the lip fully seats against the inside surface of the side wall, where negative air pressure is imparted to the internal volume of the body.

Abstract: A measurement of phase frequency response of a device under test (DUT), wherein the DUT is characterized by a set of switchable configurations, comprises choosing the steps of a particular configuration of the DUT having nominal parameters as a reference configuration, measuring an amplitude frequency response Aref (f) and a phase frequency response ?ref(f) of the reference configuration, processing all configurations of the DUT which are different from the reference configuration, one after another, by measuring an amplitude response A(f) of the configuration being processed, calculating a minimum phase difference response ??min(f); and calculating for each configuration, a phase frequency response ?(f) of the respective configuration which is being processed, in accordance with ?(f)=?ref(f)+??min(f).

Abstract: Methods for forming dermatological compositions that deliver water and/or other hydrophilic compounds into or through the dermis using reverse micelles. The methods include forming compositions with an oil-based continuous phase and an emulsifier that form nanoparticle micelles. The nanoparticle micelles are formulated into biocompatible topical ointments that are stable at room temperature and can be distributed in consumer packaging and consumer distribution channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising polyplex formulations for delivery of RNA to a target organ or a target cell after parenteral administration, in particular after intramuscular administration. More precisely, the present invention relates to formulations for administration of RNA such as self-replicating RNA, in particular by intramuscular injection. In more detail, the formulations comprise polyplex particles from single stranded RNA and a polyalkyleneimine. The RNA may encode a protein of interest, such as a pharmaceutically active protein. Furthermore, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical products, comprising said RNA polyplex formulations for parenteral application to humans or to animals. The present invention relates as well to manufacturing of such pharmaceutical products, comprising, optionally, steps of sterile filtration, freezing and dehydration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing biodegradable microspheres having improved safety and storage stability, and a method for producing the same. The present invention provides a method for preparing said biodegradable microspheres while minimizing the morphological changes of microspheres and significantly reducing residual solvents.

Abstract: A new use of dunnione compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a prodrug thereof, a solvate thereof, or an isomer thereof as an effective ingredient for prevention or alleviation of hair loss is disclosed. The dunnione compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a prodrug thereof, a solvate thereof, or an isomer thereof, in an animal model, showed an effective reduction of hair thinning as well as an effective reduction in loss of hair follicles and inner root sheaths. Thus, the duunione compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a prodrug thereof, a solvate thereof, or an isomer thereof can be used effectively to treat hair loss and/or loss of hair follicles and inner root sheaths, promoting hair regrowth. The hair loss may be caused by anticancer therapy.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions having enhanced active component permeation properties are described.

Abstract: Polydiallylamine copolymers are copolymers comprising monomers of polydiallylamine and either polyvinlyamine or polyallylamine. Polydiallylamine copolymers are often crosslinked. The polydiallyamine copolymers are useful as pharmaceutical compositions and may be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for mitigating the complications of type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating and applying artificial tear film layers to a cornea surface. An example method includes forming an artificial tear film that is optically transparent, ultra-thin, and smoothly conforming to cornea surface. The artificial tear film includes a lipid layer that prevents evaporation of moisture from the cornea (e.g., from the underlying aqueous layer of the artificial tear film, and/or from the natural tear film on the cornea, etc.). A dispenser, such as an atomizer/nebulizer/micronizer, can be used to generate and applying the artificial tear film layers, especially the lipid layer, with reduced dispensing volume and average droplet size, etc., such that the deposit thickness of the artificial tear film layers remains thin and better spreads and conforms to the surface of the cornea, as compared to the results of conventional eye droppers dispensing conventional artificial tears.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating a cancer, the method includes following operations. A pharmaceutical composition is administered to a subject in need. The pharmaceutical composition includes a medium and a plurality of cisplatin-loaded microbubbles dispersed in the medium. Each cisplatin-loaded microbubble includes a shell portion and a core portion. The shell portion includes a plurality of albumin molecules and a plurality of first cisplatin molecules covalently bonding to the albumin molecules. The core portion is surrounded by the shell portion, wherein the core portion includes a mixture of inert gas and a plurality of second cisplatin molecules. Ultrasound energy is then applied to a tumor of the subject to break the cisplatin-loaded microbubbles.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a dry medicament. The dry medicaments can be rapidly dissolved, solubilized, and/or reconstituted to deliver to a subject. The present invention provides methods of preparing a medical solution. The medical solution can be prepared from mixing the pharmaceutical composition as described herein with a first liquid.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for inhibiting esophageal inflammation in a subject, that include administering to the esophagus of the subject with esophageal inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel. Methods are also disclosed for reducing esophageal stricture. Compositions are disclosed that include an esophageal extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a delivery system for controlled protein release without encapsulation. Identical, burst-free, extended release profiles for three different protein therapeutics were obtained with and without encapsulation in PLGA nanoparticles embedded within a hydrogel. Using both positively and negatively charged proteins, it was shown that short-range electrostatic interactions between the proteins and the PLGA nanoparticles are the underlying mechanism for controlled release. Moreover, tunable release was demonstrated by modifying nanoparticle concentration, nanoparticle size, or environmental pH. Additionally, the utility of this system was demonstrated in vivo for BDNF delivery in a rat model of stroke. These new insights obviate the need for encapsulation and offer promising, translatable strategies for more effective delivery of therapeutic biomolecules.

Abstract: Disclosed is an SOMCL-9112 solid dispersion. The SOMCL-9112 solid dispersion is characterized by being prepared from the following raw materials in percentage by weight: 5 percent to 60 percent of SOMCL-9112, 5 percent to 90 percent of pharmaceutically acceptable matrix polymer, 0 percent to 20 percent of surfactant, 0 percent to 20 percent of flow aid and 0 percent to 20 percent of plasticizer. Also disclosed are a preparation method of the SOMCL-9112 solid dispersion, a solid medicinal preparation containing the solid dispersion and application of the solid dispersion for preparing a medicine for treating cancer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, compositions comprising quantities of oltipraz crystals, as well as method of making such compositions, and method of treating patients using such compositions. Taste-modified compositions also are provided.

Abstract: A cell growth inhibiting polymer for use in an ophthalmic implant includes at least one cell growth inhibiting monomer; and at least one other monomer selected from an acrylic monomer, a hydrophobic acrylic monomer, a hydrophilic acrylic monomer, a silicone monomer, a vinyl monomer and/or a collagen monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oral transmucosal film or patch for delivering doxepin through the buccal mucosa or sublingual mucosa. The film or patch is a bilayer structure containing a mucoadhesive layer with amorphous doxepin and soluble backing layer without doxepin. The film or patch has satisfactory bioavailability and improved palatability. The mucoadhesive layer comprises 0.5-25% (w/w) of doxepin, 50-96% of one or more film-forming agents, 1-30% (w/w) of one or more adhesives, and 0.05-5% (w/v) of one or more stabilizers. The backing layer comprises 80-100% (w/w) of one or more film-forming agents. Preferred adhesives include povidone, carbomer, and polycarbophil. Preferred stabilizers include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), citric acid, and ascorbic acid.

Abstract: Labeled probes, and methods of use thereof, comprise a Cas polypeptide conjugated to gRNA that is specific for target nucleic acid sequences, including genomic DNA sequences. The probes and methods can be used to label nucleic acid sequences without global DNA denaturation.

Abstract: This invention describes a modified electrospinning method for making uniformly patterned and porous nanofibrous scaffolds that can be utilized in a variety of applications. While traditional electrospinning method uses a foil collector that generates compact layers of nanofibrous structures, resulting on the superficial cell growth and differentiation, the present method comprises adopting additional patterned film(s) on top of the conventional collector to make a patterned porous structure of nanofibrous scaffolds that are capable of supporting cell growth. For example, the method uses a double layered collector composed of a water soluble stabilizer film mounted on a foil to make a uniformly patterned and porous nanofibrous membrane sheets, which enhance both cell growth and attachment.

Abstract: Provided is at least one method of suppressing, in an immunoassay using surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS), nonspecific signals generated by nonspecific adsorption of contaminants contained in a sample to an SPFS sensor section (e.g., a primary antibody, a solid-phase layer and a metal thin film). At least one method relates to a method of suppressing nonspecific signals originating from contaminants in an immunoassay using surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS) (including cases where a receptor for a compound to be measured is used in place of a primary antibody), the method comprising performing at least one pretreatment.

Abstract: A biodegradable sealant includes: a polyethylene glycol derivative; a photoinitiator; and a solvent, wherein the content of the polyethylene glycol derivative is about 10-75 wt % in the biodegradable sealant. The polyethylene glycol derivative is obtained by a substitution reaction, and in the substitution reaction, the polyethylene glycol is modified with methacrylic anhydride.

Abstract: Stromal stem cells are prospectively isolated from human bone marrow then expanded into clonal populations and cultured and used, the isolation being on the basis of expression of a cell surface marker, wherein the cell surface marker binds an antibody and wherein said antibody cross reacts with a cell surface marker found on mouse stromal stem cells or rat stromal stem cells, and optionally also on a cell of at least one other mammalian species selected from mouse, rat, horse, rabbit and pig cells. Useful stromal stem cell populations are positive for SDC2.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for delivery of therapeutic agents across an barrier. The compositions include a therapeutic agent (e.g., antimicrobial agent, antibiotic, or anesthetic agent), a permeation enhancer which increases the flux of the therapeutic agent across the barrier, and a matrix forming agent. The matrix forming agent forms a gel at a suitable gelation temperature and rheological properties for use in drug delivery, and in some cases, the gelation temperature and rheological properties are not significantly changed from those of the composition without the permeation enhancer. The invention also provides a matrix forming agent and compositions thereof. Such compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of otitis media. Methods of treatment, methods of delivery, and kits for the compositions described herein are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable delivery device and method for utilizing the device to delivery a bioactive agent to a subject in need thereof is described. The device includes a pattern of structures fabricated on a surface of the device to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The device may be located adjacent tissue such as an endovascular implant or a perivascular implant, and may deliver the bioactive agent without triggering an immune or foreign body response to the bioactive agent.