Abstract: A method for preparing a hydroxyapatite composite is disclosed. This method comprises alternately soaking a matrix which has been made hydrophilic at least on its surface, in a calcium ion aqueous solution containing calcium ions and substantially free of phosphate ions and in a phosphate ion aqueous solution containing phosphate ions and substantially free of calcium ions to securely form hydroxyapatite at least on the surface of the matrix. Also disclosed is a biocompatible material composed of the hydroxyapatite composite obtained by the method.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically acceptable solution with a medicament suitable for filling a soft gelatin capsule is made from a solvent. The solvent contains a polymer, such as polyethylene glycol, and an acid salt of a compound having 3 or more carbon atoms, and a salt such as sodium propionate. The solvent may optionally contain a cosolvent, such as dimethyl isosorbide. The medicament may preferably comprise an analgesic such as aspirin or naproxen.

Abstract: Colorless solution for cosmetic use, based on a hydrophobic polymer in an organic solvent medium. This solution contains, in the cosmetically acceptable organic solvent, (1) at least one self-adhesive hydrophobic polymer selected from polymers or copolymers of the polyacrylic and/or polyvinylic type, (2) at least one filler and/or essential oil, and (3) at least one keratolytic agent, said polymer having an adhesiveness of between 150 and 800 g/cm2 after evaporation of said organic solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dermal barrier composition which contains a hydrophilic polymer emulsion and a hydrophobic polymer emulsion. The dermal barrier composition is moisture activated, and remains inert until the hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymer emulsions contact a suitable substrate such as human skin. The dermal barrier composition is itself an emulsion, and can optionally contain a biocidal agent for antimicrobial and antiviral efficacy. The dermal barrier composition can also contain other active agents such as sunscreens, insect repellents and fungicides. The dermal barrier composition can be applied topically to skin, where it forms a protective or barrier layer against a number of pathogenic and chemical irritants.

Abstract: The invention provides a delayed release tablet, comprising: (i) a core comprising an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of oxybutynin hydrochloride, propranolol hydrochloride, buspiron hydrochloride, niacin, cetirizin hydrochloride, cerivastin sodium, metoprolol fumarate, and alendronate sodium., and conventional excipients; and (ii) a coating consisting essentially of a water-insoluble, water-permeable film- forming polymer, a plasticizer and a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: Polymeric drug formulations containing a non-releasing single-phase dispersion of a water-soluble drug in a water-insoluble tissue-compatible polymer matrix. Polymeric drug formulations are also disclosed containing a single-phase dispersion of a water-soluble drug and a water-insoluble tissue-compatible polymer matrix, and a second, phase-disrupting polymer that is non-miscible with the tissue-compatible polymer and is present in an amount sufficient to form phase-separated microdomains of the second polymer in the tissue-compatible polymer matrix, so that the release rate of the water-soluble drug from the tissue-compatible polymer matrix is related to the amount of the second polymer. Methods of preparing the polymeric drug formulations are also described, as well as methods for site-specific drug delivery utilizing the polymeric drug formulations.

Abstract: A process for solubilizing in water and in aqueous vehicles sparingly water-soluble pharmaceutically active substances, comprising the following operations: 1) forming a complex of the pharmaceutically active substance with a pharmaceutically acceptable non-ionic polymer capable of forming complexes with the substance, and isolating the complex in solid form; 2) dissolving again the thus obtained complex in an aqueous medium by means of a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. The method allows to markedly increase the water-solubility of pharmaceutically active organic compounds which are intrinsically poorly or negligibly soluble in water, in order to obtain preparations that are stable in aqueous solution and contain therapeutically and commercially useful concentrations of active ingredient.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing partial and complete esters of poly-&ggr;-glutamic acid, and of the cross-linking of such esters by light of predetermined wavelength. The final products of the present invention are useful in local drug delivery in depot form, for guided tissue regeneration, and for inhibition of post-surgical adhesion.

Abstract: A method for preparing a non-fibrous porous material essentially consisting of one or more hydrophilic polymers and/or pharmaceutical medicaments comprising forming an aqueous solution, sol or gel comprising one or more hydrophilic polymers and/or pharmaceutical medicaments, freezing the solution, sol or gel and extracting the frozen water selectively using a hydrophilic organic solvent being miscible with water at a temperature below 5° C. at which temperature the solvent is not able to dissolve the frozen solutes, leaving the non-fibrous material in a solid, porous form.

Abstract: Crosslinked compositions formed from water-insoluble copolymers are disclosed. These compositions are copolymers having a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and at least two cross-linkable functional groups per polymer chain. Crosslinking of these polymers can be effected in solution in organic solvents or in solvent-free systems. If crosslinking occurs in a humid environment, a hydrogel will form. If crosslinking occurs in a non-humid environment, a xerogel will form which will form a hydrogel when exposed to a humid environment and the resulting crosslinked materials form hydrogels when exposed to humid environments. These hydrogels are useful as components in medical devices such as implantable prostheses. In addition, such hydrogels are useful as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents and as scaffolding for tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid dosage form comprising at least one polymeric binder and at least one active ingredient and, where appropriate, conventional additives, wherein the polymeric binder consists of copolymerized units a) 15-83% by weight of at least one N-vinyllactam, b) 15-83% by weight of methyl methacrylate, c) 2-70% by weight of at least one other monomer and d) 0-9.9% by weight of at least one &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated acid.

Abstract: A cosmetic raw material possesses excellent compounding stability in cosmetic products. The cosmetic raw material is produced from a vinyl-type polymer having a carbosiloxane dendrimer structure in its side molecular chain. The cosmetic raw material is composed of the vinyl-type polymer having a carbosiloxane dendrimer structure in its side molecular chain, and a solution or a dispersion of a liquid such as a silicone oil, organic oil, alcohol, or water.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical composition comprises an acid-labile irreversible proton pump inhibitor in pellet or tablet form, wherein the irreversible proton pump inhibitor is at least partly in slow-release form. On combined administration with an anti-microbially-active ingredient, the composition is distinguished by imparting an enhanced action of rapid onset against disorders caused by Helicobacter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for improved solubilization of triglycerides and improved delivery of therapeutic agents. Compositions of the present invention include a triglyceride and a carrier, where the carrier is formed from a combination of at least two surfactants, at least one of which is hydrophilic. Upon dilution with an aqueous solvent, the composition forms a clear, aqueous dispersion of the triglyceride and surfactants. An optional therapeutic agent can be incorporated into the composition, or can be co-administered with the composition. The invention also provides methods of enhancing triglyceride solubility and methods of treatment with therapeutic agents using these compositions.

Abstract: Non-staining topical iodine disinfecting compositions having the ability to inactivate pathogens associated with skin infections or diseases. based upon the presence of molecular iodine in a concentration above at least 15 ppm. Any other iodine species selected from the group consisting of complexed iodine and triiodide may be present with the total of such other iodine species limited to a concentration of less than about 700 ppm so that any visible stain resulting from the application of this composition on the skin will dissipate without leaving any visible skin coloration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel vehicle for the delivery of biologically active agents. The vehicle, Maxcell™, is formulated from a novel combination of natural plant extracts and is comprised of Aloe vera polysaccharide fraction Immuno-10, cAMP, piperine, calcium phosphate and glycyrrhizinic acid.

Abstract: A paste or cream formulation which can be sterilised comprises an emulsion formed of a wax or oil, an emulsifier and water and an insoluble material which forms a gel in the presence of water. A bandage or wound dressing having the paste on a surface thereof is also disclosed. A method of making a sterilisable paste comprises forming an emulsion of oil or wax in water, forming a slurry of a gel-forming material in a polyol and then adding the slurry to the emulsion while mixing.

Abstract: A water-resistant, film-forming topical antimicrobial composition, removable by high pH solution, made in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a polyvinyl lactam, a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, a copolymer of polyacrylate/polyoctylacrylamide, a pH sensitive acrylic polymer, and an alcohol. Preferably, the polyvinyl lactam is polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The preferred broad spectrum antimicrobial agent is iodine which is preferably complexed to the polyvinyl pyrrolidone. A process for making the film-forming topical antimicrobial composition is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible capsule formed from a modified starch free of animal based gelatin. The invention provides a novel capsule defining a closed interior chamber, the capsule being formulated from a composition which is free of animal based gelatin comprising at least one plant based starch having been modified to have gelatin like properties; and a paint ball formulation, drug, vitamin, perfume or bath product contained within the capsule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the therapeutic treatment of pain related to wind up in a human or animal. The method of the invention is practiced by administering to the subject an effective amount of an analgesic pharmaceutical composition which includes a NMDA receptor antagonist in an immediate release form combined with an NMDA receptor antagonist in a sustained release form. The immediate release form and sustained release forn are present in sufficient amounts to diminsh or abolish wind up.

Abstract: Water-soluble compositions comprising a lipophilic compound and a solubilizing agent of the general formula: wherein: X is a residue of a hydrophobic moiety, Y is a residue of a hydrophilic moiety, p is 1 or 2, m is 0 or 1, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 0 are disclosed. The lipophilic compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of water-insoluble ubiquinones, ubiquinols, vitamins, provitamins, polyene macrolide antibiotics, and mixtures thereof. The hydrophobic moiety is preferably a sterol or a tocopherol and the hydrophilic moiety is preferably a polyalkylene glycol. In preferred embodiments, the sterol is cholesterol or sitosterol, the tocopherol is a-(+)-tocopherol, the polyalkylene glycol is a polyethylene glycol or its methyl monoether having an average molecular weight between 600 and 1000, p is equal to 1 or 2, m is equal to 0 or 1 and n is an integer between 2 and 18.

Abstract: An anti-wrinkle skin treating composition comprises a pressure sensitive matrix patch having dissolved in the adhesive a mixture of antioxidants in the form of a Vitamins C ester and Vitamin E. Also preferably dissolved in the adhesive are glycerine and a polydiorganosiloxane adhesion-adjusting agent. Optionally dissolved in the adhesive is also one or more members selected from the group consisting of moisturizing agents, skin collagen synthesis promoting agents and exfoliating agents. When applied to a wrinkled skin area the composition acts to diminish fine wrinkles and improves the overall thickness, elasticity, firmness and smoothness of the skin. The modified adhesive properties of the patch are sufficient to maintain the patch in place on the skin for the recommended treatment period while allowing the patch to be readily removed without causing skin irritation or leaving adhesive residue on the skin.