Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of glucose diffused from a source to a working electrode which assembly includes a scavenging electrode is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode; 2) a scavenging electrode; 3) an electroosmotic electrode; and 4) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) and 2) and electrically isolating 1) and 2). The scavenging electrode substantially reduces or eliminates "edge-effects" or error in signal transported to the working electrode via a path which includes a radial vector component, i.e., eliminates chemical signal other than that which moves to the catalytic surface of the working electrode via a path which is substantially perpendicular to catalytic surface of the working electrode.

Abstract: A two-phase hydrophilic drug-containing matrix for use in transdermal drug delivery patches in which one phase is a continuous hydrophobic polymer phase which optionally includes a hydrophobic solvent that acts as a skin permeation enhancer and the other phase is a dispersed particulate hydrated inorganic silicate in whose absorbed aqueous phase the drug is dissolved.

Abstract: A matrix for containing drugs for transdermal delivery systems is disclosed. The matrix formed of a skin-adhesive acrylate copolymer, attains high rates of drug delivery without the addition of drug delivery rate enhancers. In preferred embodiments the matrix is used to administer steroids, in particular estradiol.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing ovulation in a woman are provided, as well as compositions and methods for female hormone replacement therapy. The compositions can be administered by the use of a transdermal patch. The patch will administer 17-deacetyl norgestimate alone or in combination with an estrogen such as ethinyl estradiol to women.

Abstract: This invention provides monolithic matrix formulations for transdermal administration of molsidomine. The device includes a copolymer of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, and methacrylic acid. The invention also provides transdermal devices having a monolithic matrix made using such a formulation in combination with an active ingredient and a vehicle or vehicle formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode assembly for use in a transdermal analyte sensor operating in an alternating polarity mode in which a single electrode element provides both the counter electrode and iontophoretic electrode functions. By combining both the functions of the iontophoretic and counter electrode, the surface area of the electrode with respect to each function may be made larger. In turn this increases the ability of the electrode to deliver the required electrical field over a larger area when operating in the iontophoretic mode as well as increasing the ability of the counter electrode to compensate for the larger sensing electrode facilitated by this new design.

Abstract: The entire genome of the hepatitis D virus has been shown to be a circular single-stranded RNA of 1679 bases. Several open reading frames in both the genomic and complementary strands indicate possible protein products. The products encoded in one open reading frame, ORF5, are identified as viral polypeptides p24.sup..delta. and p27.sup..delta., of which the nuclear .delta. antigens in HDV infected liver is comprised. These products, as well as others encoded in ORFs 1, 2, 6, and 7 are produced in recombinant expression systems. The ORF5 products, in particular, are useful for HDV diagnosis and vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stable crystalline form of estradiol suitable for incorporation into pharmaceutical formulations. The invention further provides methods of preparing said crystalline form of estradiol. The invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising said crystalline form of estradiol. The invention further provides a method of treatment of an individual in need of such administration by the transdermal administration of estradiol from a polymeric matrix comprising the crystal structure of estradiol of the present invention.

Abstract: High capacity drug reservoirs are provided for incorporation into transdermal drug delivery systems. The drug reservoirs are hydrogels formulated from polyurethanes crosslinked with diisocyanate crosslinking agents or cured with radiation in the presence of a photoinitator. Drug loading as high as 65 to 70 wt. % or higher can be achieved by absorbing drug formulation into the reservoir after hydrogel synthesis. Methods for making and using transdermal systems containing such reservoirs are provided as well.

Abstract: Solubilization enhancer compositions are provided which facilitate transdermal administration of basic drugs from transdermal systems composed of nonpolar adhesive materials. Preferred solubilization enhancer compositions are comprised of liquid, isomeric acid mixtures such as oleic acid dimer. The invention also relates to novel transdermal systems, drug reservoirs, formulations, and methods of drug administration, in which the disclosed solubilization enhancer compositions are used.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing ovulation in a woman are provided, as well as compositions and methods for female hormone replacement therapy. The compositions can be administered by the use of a transdermal patch. The patch will administer 17-deacetyl norgestimate alone or in combination with an estrogen such as ethinyl estradiol to women via an adhesive matrix of a silicone and/or polyisobutylene.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of a chemical present in a blood stream of a mammalian subject is disclosed. The method involves contacting the subject's skin with a sensor assembly comprised of an ionically conducting material which contacts the skin, a working electrode which is in contact with the ionically conducting material which electrode has a catalytic surface and a mask having an opening therein. The mask is positioned between the skin and the working electrode. When the electrode is activated, chemical is transported through the skin and the ionically conductive material. The mask is positioned so that it blocks the flow into the catalytic surface except for flow which is substantially axially to the catalytic surface. Electrical signal generated at the working electrode is monitored over a period of time and correlated with a concentration of chemical present in the blood stream of the mammalian subject.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the immune response to vaccination in animals, including humans, comprise administering interleukin-2 (IL-2) as part of the vaccination regimen, preferably for 5 to 14 days post-vaccination. In addition, compositions for enhancing the immune response of an animal to a vaccine employ IL-2 as an active ingredient, preferably human IL-2.

Abstract: Compositions which are useful for treatment of individuals for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections are provided, as are methods for their use. These compositions are comprised of immunogenic polypeptides which are comprised of an epitope of HSV VP16; they may also be comprised of an epitope of an HSV glycoprotein. Also provided are polypeptides which are used in the compositions for treating individuals for HSV infection, and methods and compositions used in the production of the polypeptides.

Abstract: Complexes between truncated human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein H (CMV gH) polypeptides and escort proteins are disclosed. The escort proteins include soluble fibroblast growth factor receptor polypeptide and a UL115 polypeptide. The escorts shuttle the CMV gH polypeptides to the cell surface. In this way, egress of the polypeptides out of the cell is facilitated, resulting in increased yields and easier purification of the truncated CMV gH.

Abstract: The glycoprotein B ("gB") and analogs thereof are provided by recombinant DNA technology. Oligonucleotide sequences are provided coding the glycoprotein, its precursor and fragments thereof. Methods and compositions are disclosed for the production of the glycoprotein and analogous proteins as well as oligonucleotide sequences, which may be used for probes or other applications, and particularly may be used for vaccines.

Abstract: The entire genome of the hepatitis D virus has been shown to be a circular single-stranded RNA Of 1679 bases. Several open reading frames in both the genomic and complementary strands indicate possible protein products. The products encoded in one open reading frame, ORF5, are identified as viral polypeptides p24.sup..delta. and p27.sup..delta. of which the nuclear .delta. antigens in HDV infected liver is comprised. These products, as well as others encoded in ORFs 1, 2, 6, and 7 are produced in recombinant expression systems. The ORF5 products, in particular, are useful for HDV diagnosis and vaccines.

Abstract: Vaccines and therapeutic compositions and methods for their production and use against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) are provided employing recombinant HSV glycoproteins B and D. The following E. coli HB101 strains were deposited at the A.T.C.C., where the plasmid indicates the plasmid employed to transform the strain; pHS203; pHS112; pHS114; pHS127A and pHS206 were deposited on Apr. 4, 1984, and assigned Accession Nos. 39649-39653, respectively; pYHS109 and pYHS118 were deposited on Jul. 11, 1984, and given Accession Nos. 39762 and 39763, respectively.

Abstract: The entire genome of the hepatitis D virus has been shown to be a circular single-stranded RNA of 1679 bases. Several open reading frames in both the genomic and complementary strands indicate possible protein products. The products encoded in one open reading frame, ORF5, are identified as viral polypeptides p24.sup..delta. and p27.sup..delta., of which the nuclear .delta. antigens in HDV infected liver is comprised. These products, as well as others encoded in ORFs 1, 2, 6, and 7 are produced in recombinant expression systems. The ORF5 products, in particular, are useful for HDV diagnosis and vaccines.

Abstract: Vaccines and therapeutic compositions and methods for their production and use against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) are provided employing recombinant HSV glycoproteins B and D.The following E. coli HB101 strains were deposited at the A.T.C.C., where the plasmid indicates the plasmid employed to transform the strain; pHS203; pHS112; pHS114; pHS127A and pHS206 were deposited on Apr. 4, 1984, and assigned Accession Nos. 39649-39653, respectively; pYHS109 and pYHS118 were deposited on Jul. 11, 1984, and given Accession Nos. 39762 and 39763, respectively.