Abstract: A method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction in a mammalian male individual. The method involves the transmucosal administration of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide or derivative thereof, within the context of an effective dosing regimen. Preferred modes of administration include transbuccal, sublingual and transrectal routes. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.

Abstract: Novel compounds are provided that are useful as catalysts, particularly in the polymerization of addition polymerizable monomers such as olefinic or vinyl monomers. The compounds are multinuclear complexes of transition metals coordinated to at least one unsaturated nitrogenous ligand. Catalyst systems containing the novel compounds in combination with a catalyst activator are provided as well, as are methods of using the novel compounds in the preparation of polyolefins.

Abstract: Hydrolytically degradable olefin copolymers, such as ethylene copolymers, contain a hydrolyzable component in the backbone that allows the copolymer to be broken down into dispersable fragments upon exposure to aqueous conditions. The copolymers are prepared by transition metal-catalyzed polymerization.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: Acid addition salts of imidazolidinones are provided as catalysts for transforming a functional group within a first reactant by reaction with a second reactant. Exemplary first reactants are &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketones and &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated aldehydes. Chiral imidazolidinone salts can be used to catalyze enantioselective reactions, such that a chiral product is obtained from a chiral or achiral starting material in enantiomerically pure form.

Abstract: Novel anti-estrogenic compounds are provided which are useful to treat a variety of disorders, particularly estrogen-dependent disorders. Preferred compounds have a 1,3,5-estratriene nucleus, and are substituted at the C-17 or C-11 position with a molecular moiety which renders the compounds effective to competitively block the binding of estrogen to its receptor. Particularly preferred compounds are 17-desoxy-1,3,5-estratrienes. Therapeutic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided as well.

Abstract: Highly hydrophilic non-nucleosidic tags with multiple labels are provided for use in nucleic acid probes. The tags are branched structures having a phosphodiester backbone, which have the advantages of a small dimensional size and high hydrophilicity. After the tag is labeled, its high negative charge and minimal size help to keep the carriers away from DNA or RNA molecules, due to repulsion between negative charges. Non-specific intercalation and steric hindrance are therefore minimized, and the hydrophobicity, if any of reporter molecules is reduced. The probes are used in place of conventionally labeled oligonucleotides for a variety of hybridization reactions.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical dosage forms provide for pulsatile delivery of an antiarrhythmic agent that releases the drug in spaced apart “pulses.” The dosage forms are comprised of first, second and optional third dosage units, with each dosage unit having a different drug release profile. The dosage forms may comprise capsules housing compressed tablets or drug-containing beads, granules, or particles or may comprise a single tablet with the first, second and optional third dosage units incorporated therein, or a “coated core” dosage form. Methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical dosage forms are provided as well.

Abstract: A method is provided for delaying the onset of ejaculation in an individual. The method involves systemic and on demand administration to an individual of a pharmaceutical formulation containing an amount of an active agent selected from the group consisting of clomipramine and pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. Drug delivery may be accomplished via any route designed to provide systemic levels of the active agent effective to delay the onset of ejaculation. Pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthetic polymer compositions that form interpenetrating polymer networks. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise two multifunctionally activated synthetic polymers, along with a tensile strength enhancer. Such compositions form matrices that exhibit superior cohesive strength and in many instances can serve as adequate replacements for surgical means of attaching tissues, such as sutures and medical staples.

Abstract: Medical devices, and more particularly, devices, methods and compositions for sealing tissue puncture openings of patients after surgical operations are provided. A puncture wound sealing apparatus includes a positioning device having a depth sensing mechanism capable of providing feedback to an operator for the precise placement of an implant that is preferably resorbable and swellable after implantation. Such an implant provides for efficient sealing of the tissue puncture opening thus avoiding complications after surgical procedures in which blood vessels are punctured.

Abstract: The present invention features novel methods and compositions for coating textile substrates, wherein the coating compositions are composed of a coating agent selected from one of (a) an azetidinium polymer, (b) a guanidine polymer, (c) a mixture of an azetidinium polymer and a guanidine polymer, and (d) a copolymer of an azetidinium monomer and a guanidine monomer. Textile substrates coated with the compositions provide high quality printed images when printed with an ink containing a reactive dye having ionizable and/or nucleophilic groups capable of reacting with the coating agent in the textile coating composition. Images printed on a textile substrate coated with a coating composition of the invention are bleed-resistant, water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), detergent-resistant (e.g., detergent-fast), and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for minimizing excess collagen are provided. A pharmaceutical composition formulated so as to contain a selected vasoactive agent is administered to the vagina, vulvar area or urethra of the individual undergoing treatment. Suitable vasoactive agents are vasodilators, including naturally occurring prostaglandins, synthetic prostaglandin derivatives, endothelial-derived relaxation factors, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide agonists, smooth muscle relaxants, leukotriene inhibitors, and others.

Abstract: Oligomers are prepared substantially free of error sequences by sequentially adding monomers to a growing chain bound to a support through a first selectably cleavable linkage, a first capture moiety and a second selectably cleavable linkage. At the completion of monomer addition, the completed oligomer is cleaved from the support to reveal the first capture moiety and purified by virtue of the presence of a second capture moiety, e.g., a terminal blocking group, and the first capture moiety. A support-bound oligomer having the structural formula (I) S—[X1]n1—SC1—CP2—[X2]n2—SC3—T1—X—T2—SC2—CP1  (I) is also provided wherein T1, T2, X1, X2, n1, n2, SC1, SC2, SC3, CP1 and CP2 are as defined herein.

Abstract: Oral dosage forms are provided for the administration of a bisphosphonic acid compound in the prevention and treatment of conditions involving calcium or phosphate metabolism, i.e., conditions associated with bone resorption such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, periprosthetic bone loss, osteolysis, malignant hypercalcemia, metastatic bone disease, multiple myeloma, and periodontal disease. The dosage forms are either enterically coated capsules housing the drug in a liquid or semi-solid carrier, or enterically coated osmotically activated drug delivery devices.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays and other assays that involve hybridization of a labeled oligomer to its complement. The method is premised on the significant reduction of signal generation that occurs when a quenchable dye-labeled oligomer forms a hybrid complex. In addition, a method is provided for enhancing the detectable signal emitted from an amplification multimer hybridized to an oligomer probe to which a quenchable dye has been conjugated through a linker such that the emission from the dye is not quenched upon hybrid complex formation. Novel oligonucleotide probes are also provided that comprise an oligomer to which has been directly or indirectly through a linker a quenchable dye.

Abstract: Crosslinkable compositions are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide biocompatible, nonimmunogenic crosslinked biomaterials. The compositions contain at least three biocompatible, nonimmunogenic components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. In a preferred embodiment, a first component is polynucleophilic, a second component is polyelectrophilic, and at least one third component contains one or more functional groups reactive with the nucleophilic moieties one the first or second component. At least one of the components is a polyfunctional hydrophilic polymer; the other components may also comprise hydrophilic polymers, or they may be low molecular weight, typically hydrophobic, crosslinkers. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A delayed release pharmaceutical dosage form for oral administration of a hydrophilic drug, e.g., a polysaccharide drug such as low molecular weight heparin, are provided. The dosage form comprises a composition of: (a) a therapeutically effective amount of low molecular weight heparin; (b) a bile salt or bile acid; (c) at least one surfactant selected from hydrophilic surfactants, lipophilic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; and a means for delaying release of the composition from the dosage form following oral administration. Osmotic drug delivery systems for oral administration of a hydrophilic drug are also provided, wherein an osmotically activated device houses the drug, a bile salt or bile acid, and at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic surfactants, lipophilic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Methods for administering hydrophilic drugs, particularly polysaccharide drugs such as low molecular weight heparin, are also provided.

Abstract: Novel anti-estrogenic compounds are provided which are useful to treat a variety of disorders, particularly estrogen-dependent disorders. Preferred compounds have a 1,3,5-estratriene nucleus, and are substituted at the C-17 or C-11 position with a molecular moiety which renders the compounds effective to competitively block the binding of estrogen to its receptor. Particularly preferred compounds are 17-desoxy-1,3,5-estratrienes. Therapeutic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to triglyceride-free pharmaceutical compositions for delivery of hydrophobic therapeutic agents. Compositions of the present invention include a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a carrier, where the carrier is formed from a combination of a hydrophilic surfactant and a hydrophobic surfactant. Upon dilution with an aqueous solvent, the composition forms a clear, aqueous dispersion of the surfactants containing the therapeutic agent. The invention also provides methods of treatment with hydrophobic therapeutic agents using these compositions.