Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable polyesters based on lower hydroxy acids and hydroxy fatty acids. The resulting polyesters are useful as cosmetic vehicles for sunscreens, skin lotions and by themselves are also useful as milder skin exfoliants.

Abstract: A composition comprising of a monomer component comprised of at least one alkyl cyanoacrylate and at least one inhibitor, and a second component comprised of a resultant aggregate structure formed from an alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer, an alkyl esterified fatty acid and an opacificant agent where said composition forms a resultant aggregate structure when said composition contacts an anionic environment. The compositions are useful for filling, occluding, partially filling or partially occluding an unfilled volume or space in a mass in an anionic environment. The composition are also useful for ablating diseased or undesired tissue by cutting off the blood supply to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides medicament-containing cyanoacrylate adhesive formulations for sealing wounds.

Abstract: Phenolic polymers are prepared by oxidizing and polymerizing starting organic compounds comprising at least one hydroxyl group and at least one carbonyl group or at least two hydroxyl groups on an aromatic structure. One or more inorganic compounds or salts is added and the solution is allowed to stand at about 20° C. to 80° C. for a period of about at least 2 hours. Salt molecules as well as starting compounds and other low molecular-weight materials below about 500 to about 10,000 daltons are removed from the product solution. Purified phenolic polymers are prepared in concentrated aqueous solution or in dried powder form in a final step, if necessary. The resultant phenolic polymers exhibit physicochemical properties strongly resembling those of typical commercially-available natural-product soil extracts. The materials are active influenza anti-viral agents, and are effective in anti-viral compositions for treating or preventing influenza viral diseases.

Abstract: Phenolic polymers are prepared by oxidizing and polymerizing starting organic compounds comprising at least one hydroxyl group and at least one carbonyl group or at least two hydroxyl groups on an aromatic structure. One or more inorganic compounds or salts is added and the solution is allowed to stand at about 20° C. to 80° C. for a period of about at least 2 hours. Salt molecules as well as starting compounds and other low molecular-weight materials below about 500 to about 10,000 daltons are removed from the product solution. Purified phenolic polymers are prepared in concentrated aqueous solution or in dried powder form in a final step if necessary. The resultant phenolic polymers exhibit physicochemical properties strongly resembling those of typical commercially-available natural-product soil extracts. The materials are active herpes anti-viral agents, and are effective in anti-viral compositions for treating or preventing human herpes viral diseases.

Abstract: Polyanhydrides which degrade into biologically active salicylates and alpha-hydroxy acids and methods of using these polyanhydrides to deliver the salicylates and alpha-hydroxy acids to a host are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide polymer coated implantable medical devices having a bioactive material posited in or on at least a portion of the coating layer, wherein the coating layer provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. Preferably, the medical device is an intravascular stent.

Abstract: A polyol polymer having a greater number of hydroxy groups, an aliphatic acid ester of a polyol polymer having a greater number of hydroxy groups, and an aliphatic ether of a polyol polymer having a greater number of hydroxy groups are provided. A polymer obtained by polymerizing a polyol containing meso-erythritol, and an aliphatic acid ester and an aliphatic ether of the polymer are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for enhancing the pharmacological activity of a water-soluble silicate polymer which comprises the water-soluble silicate polymer and a saturated fatty acid in pharmaceutically effective amounts for use as a medicine such as anti-allergic agent. The water soluble silicate polymers used according to the present invention may be obtained by polymerization and/or by extraction from plants, animals or fungi, or inflammatory tissue. The saturated fatty acid contained as an effective ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be a straight chain or branched chain saturated fatty acid having about 8 carbon atoms to about 26 carbon atoms. The saturated fatty acid and water-soluble silicate polymer, effective ingredients of the present invention, can be formulated for various pharmaceutical compositions by combining with a suitable carrier or diluent for medical use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a topical medicament-containing composition which exhibits excellent bioadhesive properties suitable for application to the human body, including to mucous membranes.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating an area affected by a trauma, such as a corneal wound or internal trauma, comprising administering to the affected area a trauma treating effective amount of a composition comprising a polyanionic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the certain castor polyesters that give high gloss when applied to the skin. Said ester are the reaction of the hydroxyl group of castor oil with less than one equivalent of a fatty acid then in a subsequently step the remainder of an equivalent of a diacid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to graft polymer which is characterized in that it is formed by graft polymerization of structural units containing. a quaternary ammonium group represented by general formula (A), (R2 and R3 each represent an alkyl group with from 1 to 3 carbons, and R4 represents an alkyl group with from 3 to 18 carbons. X represents at least one type of ion selected from halogen, sulphate, hydroxide and carboxylic acid ions.), preferably to graft polymer where the structural units containing a quaternary ammonium group represented by general formula (A) are structural units which are represented by general formula (I), (R1 represents at least one species selected from hydrogen, the methyl group and the ethyl group, and n represents an integer in the range 1 to 12. A represents at least one species selected from O, S and NR5. R5 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 12 carbons.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis or multiple sclerosis are provided, comprising the step of delivering to the site of inflammation an anti-microtubule agent, or analogue or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of attenuating the formation or reducing the severity of a bruise in the tissue of a patient via applying a composition comprising a hydrophilic foam substrate and a polymeric hydrophilic agent to a portion of the surface of the skin in an amount and at a location sufficient to attenuate formation of or reduce the severity of bruising.

Abstract: This patent application describes the use of molecular imprinting as a means for preparation of anti-idiotypic imprint matrices. With this technique, imprints of artificial or natural molecules including their recognition sites, such as of molecularly imprinted polymers or biological receptors, antibodies or enzymes, can be prepared. In the former case, using the original imprints as casts or molds in a subsequent polymerisation step, utilising preferentially functionally complementary monomers, the formation of imprint materials containing recognition sites complementary in shape and functionality with the original imprint can be obtained but being of different composition. Alternatively, imprints or images of the artificial or biological species can be obtained directly. The so formed preparations can be used in a vast variety of applications, e.g. as new drugs, inhibitors or new affinity materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polyamide particles as anti-irritant agents for reducing or eliminating the irritant effect of one or more compounds with an irritant effect, preferably in a cosmetic or dermatological composition.

Abstract: A composition useful as an embolic agent that selectively creates an embolic blockage in the lumen of a blood vessel, duct, fistula or other like body passageways by combining a monomer component and a second component wherein, said monomer component comprises of a alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer and at least one inhibitor agent; and said second component that functions as an opacificant agent and a polymerization retardant.

Abstract: Concentrates of various classical biocides in a polyester carrier resin when incorporated into a substrate resin, preferably a polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene, provide the substrate polymer which biocidal activity with superior resistance to discoloration (yellowing) than when the biocide is directly incorporated into the substrate polymer as a powder at the same total concentration.

Abstract: A composition comprising of a monomer component comprised of at least one alkyl cyanoacrylate and at least one inhibitor, and a second component comprised of a resultant aggregate structure formed from an alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer, an alkyl esterified fatty acid and an opacificant agent where said composition forms a resultant aggregate structure when said composition contacts an anionic environment. The compositions are useful for filling, occluding, partially filling or partially occluding an unfilled volume or space in a mass in an anionic environment. The composition are also useful for ablating diseased or undesired tissue by cutting off the blood supply to the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a stable polyallylamine hydrochloride polymer in which between about 4% to about 12% by weight of the polymer is a chloride anion and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: Featured are biodegradable polymers comprising repeat units derived from cyclic phosphate monomers and optionally further comprising repeat units derived from lactide or caprolactone monomers. Also featured are methods for preparing the biodegradable polymers of the invention and biodegradable polymer compositions comprising a biologically active substance and a biodegradable polymer. Additionally featured are articles and microspheres prepared from biodegradable polymers and polymer compositions of the invention. Further, methods for the controlled release of a biologically active substance using the biodegradable polymers of the invention are also described.

Abstract: Polyanhydrides which degrade into biologically active salicylates and alpha-hydroxy acids and methods of using these polyanhydrides to deliver the salicylates and alpha-hydroxy acids to a host are provided.

Abstract: A method for reducing the severity of chemotherapy side effects in cancer patients by administering thymosin &agr;1 in conjunction with the administration of a chemotherapy agent to the patient. As a result of the reduction of post-chemotherapy side effects, patients experience an increase in the quality of life.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate materials are provided which are suitable for repair of soft tissue, augmentation, and as viscosupplements in animals, particularly humans. The materials comprise liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer compositions or polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersions. Devices also are provided for storage and delivery of the polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions in vivo. Methods are provided for repairing or augmenting soft tissue in animals using the materials. In a preferred embodiment, the method include the steps of (a) selecting the animal soft tissue to be repaired or augmented; and (b) placing an injectable, liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer or a polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersion into the animal soft tissue, preferably using a minimally-invasive method such as injection. In another embodiment, the liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer compositions or polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersions are used as viscosupplements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of a biocompatible polymer and an antineoplastic taxane, and methods of using and making the same, for the treatment of malignant effusions. In certain embodiments, the polymer contains phosphorous linkages.

Abstract: A composition comprising of a monomer component comprised of at least one alkyl cyanoacrylate and at least one inhibitor, and a second component comprised of a resultant aggregate structure formed from an alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer, an alkyl esterified fatty acid and an opacificant agent where said composition forms a resultant aggregate structure when said composition contacts an anionic environment. The compositions are useful for filling, occluding, partially filling or partially occluding an unfilled volume or space in a mass in an anionic environment. The composition are also useful for ablating diseased or undesired tissue by cutting off the blood supply to the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel techniques for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery of an embolic composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable hydrogel comprising bonds which are hydrolysable under physiological conditions. More particularly, the hydrogel consists of two interpenetrating polymer networks interconnected to one another through hydrolysable spacers. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the preparation of a hydrogel, wherein macromolecules, e.g. polymers, which contain bonds which are hydrolysable under physiological conditions, are cross-linked in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Poly(&bgr;-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing delivery of drugs and other agents across epithelial tissues, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary epithelium, ocular tissues and the like. The compositions and methods are also useful for delivery across endothelial tissues, including the blood brain barrier. The compositions and methods employ a delivery enhancing transporter that has sufficient guanidino or amidino sidechain moieties to enhance delivery of a compound conjugated to the reagent across one or more layers of the tissue, compared to the non-conjugated compound. The delivery-enhancing polymers include, for example, poly-arginine molecules that are preferably between about 6 and 25 residues in length.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation. In particular, the present invention provides cyanoacrylate polymer sealants formulated to contain biologically active elemental silver and/or insulin. The invention also provides methods and compositions for delivering silver and/or insulin in combination with cyanoacrylate sealants. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for treatment of wounds in diabetics, normal patients and surgical patients.

Abstract: Non-gelling polyoxyalkylene compositions, and methods of their use for inhibiting surgical adhesion formation/reformation in mammals are disclosed. The useful non-gelling compositions preferably comprise polyoxyalkylene block copolymer at desired concentrations with or without a therapeutic agent. When used with an incorporated drug, the non-gelling compositions serve as a carrier providing sustained or prolonged release of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A polyurethane dispersion and a method of making are provided. The polyurethane dispersion is stable in a mixture of alcohol and water. The dispersion comprises the reaction product of (a) an isocyanate terminated polyurethane prepolymer comprising the reaction product of (i) at least one oligomeric polyactive hydrogen compound insoluble in said alcohol, wherein said polyactive hydrogen compound is an alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl structure optionally substituted by N, O, and S; (ii) at least one polyisocyanate, and (iii) at least one polyactive hydrogen compound soluble in said mixture of alcohol and water; (b) a polyfunctional chain extender; and (c) a monofunctional chain terminator; wherein the equivalent ratio of difunctional chain extender to prepolymer isocyanate is 0.60 to 1.20.

Abstract: Cosmetic composition for the skin or skin appendages comprising a dispersion of solid organic particles in a binder and characterized in that at least a part of said organic particles is introduced in said composition in the form of particles having their surface coated with at least one cationic polymer. The cationic polymer comprises, for example, units containing primary, secondary, tertiary and/or quaternary amine groupings. The particles coated in this way are readily dispersible, even in fatty binders. The cosmetic compositions obtained show good adhesion to the skin and, in the case of compacted compositions, good cohesion properties.

Abstract: Methods of promoting healing through enhanced regeneration of tissue (e.g. hard tissue or soft tissue) by contacting the tissue or the surrounding tissue with an anti-inflammatory agent. These methods are useful in a variety of dental and orthopedic applications.

Abstract: Polyanhydrides which link low molecular weight drugs containing a carboxylic acid group and an amine, thiol, alcohol or phenol group within their structure into polymeric drug delivery systems are provided. Also provided are methods of producing polymeric drug delivery systems via these polyanhydride linkers as well as methods of administering low molecular weight drugs to a host via the polymeric drug delivery systems.

Abstract: An assay comprises contacting cells containing a conformationally altered protein with test compound and determining if the altered protein is cleared. The cells may be scrapie-infected neuroblastoma cells. Another assay comprises contacting organ or tissue homogenate (at pH 5.0 or less) with test compound to determine if altered protein in the homogenate is 10 cleared. The homogenate may be brain homogenate from a transgenic mouse infected with human prions. Compounds which are found to clear the altered protein are useful in preventing, arresting and/or reversing (i.e. treating) a disease associated with the conformationally altered protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device which comprises a polymer coating. The polymer coating comprises a polymer comprising a polymer backbone and having at least two pendant groups selected from: (a) a polyoxyalkylene ether group, (b) a sulphate group, (c) a sulphonate group, or (d) a sulphamate group, and the polymer is produced by polymerizing monomers having such groups.

Abstract: Polymers (i.e. polyesters, polyamides, and polythioesters or a mixture thereof) which degrade hydrolytically into biologically active compounds are provided. Methods of producing these polymers, intermediates useful for preparing these polymers, and methods of using these polymers to deliver biologically active compounds to a host are also provided.

Abstract: Polymers containing amino acid and/or polypeptide moieties in their backbones or pendant to their backbones are made by metathesis. A method of making an amino acid or polypeptide containing polymer includes the steps of: providing a amino acid, amino alcohol, or polypeptide-containing monomer; forming a reaction mixture by contacting the monomer with an agent capable of catalyzing the polymerization of the monomer into a polymer; and placing the reaction mixture under conditions that result in the formation of the polymer in reaction mixture.

Abstract: Biocompatible medical devices, including sutures, are disclosed which are produced from polyesters formed from lactide and glycolide copolymers. In a preferred mode of the invention, the biocompatible medical devices are absorbable.

Abstract: This invention provides a claycy and sticky substance as a new biomaterial that cannot be found in the current medical field, which is bioresorbable, shows tackiness, plasticity and shape holding ability at a temperature of approximately from 30 to 40° C. and can give unrestricted shapes at body temperature or more by increasing its fluidity. This clayey and sticky substance comprises a copolymer of two or more bioresorbable monomers, preferably any one of copolymers of p-dioxanone with D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, D,L-lactic acid, trimethylene carbonate and &egr;-caprolactone, or a mixture of two or more of these copolymers. This clayey and sticky or clayey substance is suited for a hemostatic material, an adhesive material for tissues, a prosthetic material for tissue reconstruction use, a carrier of drug delivery system, a plugging material, an accretion-preventing material and a scaffold material for tissue engineering use.

Abstract: Phenolic polymers are prepared by oxidizing and polymerizing starting organic compounds comprising at least one hydroxyl group and at least one carbonyl group or at least two hydroxyl groups on an aromatic structure. One or more inorganic compounds or salts is added and the solution is allowed to stand at about 20° C. to 80° C. for a period of about at least 2 hours. Salt molecules as well as starting compounds and other low molecular-weight materials below about 500 to about 10,000 daltons are removed from the product solution. Purified phenolic polymers are prepared in concentrated aqueous solution or in dried powder form in a final step if necessary. The resultant phenolic polymers exhibit physicochemical properties strongly resembling those of typical commercially-available natural-product soil extracts. The materials are active herpes anti-viral agents, and are effective in anti-viral compositions for treating or preventing human herpes viral diseases.

Abstract: Phenolic polymers are prepared by oxidizing and polymerizing starting organic compounds comprising at least one hydroxyl group and at least one carbonyl group or at least two hydroxyl groups on an aromatic structure. One or more inorganic compounds or salts is added and the solution is allowed to stand at about 20° C. to 80° C. for a period of about at least 2 hours. Salt molecules as well as starting compounds and other low molecular-weight materials below about 500 to about 10,000 daltons are removed from the product solution. Purified phenolic polymers are prepared in concentrated aqueous solution or in dried powder form in a final step if necessary. The resultant phenolic polymers exhibit physicochemical properties strongly resembling those of typical commercially-available natural-product soil extracts. The materials are active hemorrhagic fever anti-viral agents, and are effective in anti-viral compositions for treating or preventing hemorrhagic fever viral diseases.

Abstract: Phenolic polymers are prepared by oxidizing and polymerizing starting organic compounds comprising at least one hydroxyl group and at least one carbonyl group or at least two hydroxyl groups on an aromatic structure. One or more inorganic compounds or salts is added and the solution is allowed to stand at about 20° C. to 80° C. for a period of about at least 2 hours. Salt molecules as well as starting compounds and other low molecular-weight materials below about 500 to about 10,000 daltons are removed from the product solution. Purified phenolic polymers are prepared in concentrated aqueous solution or in dried powder form in a final step if necessary. The resultant phenolic polymers exhibit physicochemical properties strongly resembling those of typical commercially-available natural-product soil extracts. The materials are active human immunodeficiency anti-viral agents, and are effective in anti-viral compositions for treating or preventing human immunodeficiency viral diseases.

Abstract: A keratotic plug remover composition comprising a polymer compound having a salt forming group is disclosed. The composition according to the invention can effectively remove keratotic plugs in the skin pores, so that the conspicuousness of the skin pores is mitigated and clean and healthy skin pores can be maintained. The composition does not hurt the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a gel mass based on reaction products of polyols and polyisocyanates, wherein the polyol component consists of one or more polyols with hydroxyl numbers below 112 and, where appropriate, other polyols and additives known from polyol chemistry, the isocyanate number of the reaction mixture lies in the range of 15 to 59.81, and the product of the isocyanate functionality and the functionality of the polyol components is at least 6.15, as a coupling medium for transmitting acoustic waves from a sound source onto the body of the patient.

Abstract: Polymers are provided having a structure selected from: R(—O—R1,)x and R(—NH—R1)x wherein R(—O—)x is a polyol moiety and R(—NH—)x is a polyamine moiety, with the x being between 2 and 10, inclusive, and each R1 independently has the structure: wherein a divalent amino acid moiety with R2 being a covalent bond or having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and y and z are between 0 and 10, inclusive, provided that y and z are not both 0; is a divalent dicarboxylic acid moiety in which R3 is an alkylene or cyclolkylene group containing from 1 to about 15 carbon atoms substituted with a total of from 1 to about 10 hydroxyl groups, with at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups being acylated with 3 to 24 carbon atom carboxylic acids; and R4 is a poly(alkylene oxide) having the structure: R5—(R6—O—)a—R6—Q— with R5 selected from 1 to 40 carbon atom alkyl groups, —OH—, &mda

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble or water-dispersible polyurethanes of a water-dispersible polyurethane prepolymer having terminal isocyanate groups and a primary or secondary amine having at least one ionogenic or ionic group, and to the salts thereof. The novel polyurethanes can be used as auxiliaries in cosmetology and pharmacy and, in particular, as hair lacquers having enhanced ease of washoff.