Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a deoxynojirimycin derivative, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of insulin resistance, hyperpigmentation and/or inflammatory processes in the skin, a fungal disease, overweight and obesity, or a microbacterial infection.

Abstract: Tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and methods of treating disease are disclosed herein. The disclosed compounds are useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases mediated by chloride channel activity and/or protein trafficking, including, but not limited to, diseases associated with impaired mucociliary clearance such as cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, emphysema, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and their use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases caused by T-cell proliferation such as sepsis, inflammatory bowel diseases, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, or lupus. The compositions comprise disubstituted ureas of Formulas I, II, III or IV: R1—NH—CO—NH-Q-R2Formula I: Et-NH—CO—NH-Q-R2:??Formula (II) Et-NH—CO—NH—(CH2)3—NR6R7:??Formula (III) Me2N—(CH2)3—NH—CO—NH-Q-R2.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid and polyalkylene glycol (PAG) based materials have been found to exhibit a synergistic interaction, in which the viscosity of the mixture is more than twice as high as the viscosity expected from the viscosity of the individual components. The mixture otherwise has similar properties to those of its constituents, and in particular will crosslink to form covalently crosslinked gels if the PEG carries crosslinkable groups. The viscous formulation adheres well to tissue, and has applications as a tissue sealant and in tissue coating, prevention of adhesions, cell immobilization, regeneration of cartilage, bone and other tissue, as well as in controlled delivery of hyaluronic acid to sites in the body. Related materials exhibit similar effects.

Abstract: Methods for the simple, reliable application and local controlled release of selected anti-arrhythmia drugs from a hydrogel applied to or polymerized on the tissues of the heart or its vessels, especially in conjunction with cardiac bypass or other cardiac surgery, have been developed. The anti-arrhythmia drugs are incorporated into hydrogels that biodegrade and adhere to the tissues to which the anti-arrhythmic drugs are to be delivered. The hydrogels may be formed in vitro or in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the drugs are effective to lengthen atrial effective refractory period. A particularly preferred drug is amiodarone.

Abstract: A water insoluble, biocompatible composition that is formed by a method which combines, in an aqueous mixture, a polyanionic polysaccharide, a nucleophile, and an activating agent, under conditions sufficient to form the composition. Also, a water insoluble, biocompatible composition that is formed by a method which combines, in an aqueous mixture, a polyanionic polysaccharide, a modifying compound, a nucleophile and an activating agent under conditions sufficient to form the composition.

Abstract: Gel-forming macromers including at least four polymeric blocks, at least two of which are hydrophobic and at least one of which is hydrophilic, and including a crosslinkable group are provided. The macromers can be covalently crosslinked to form a gel on a tissue surface in vivo. The gels formed from the macromers have a combination of properties including thermosensitivity and lipophilicity, and are useful in a variety of medical applications including drug delivery and tissue coating.

Abstract: Delivery of bioactive molecules such as nucleic acid molecules encoding a protein can be significantly enhanced by immobilization of the bioactive molecule in a polymeric material adjacent to the cells where delivery is desired, where the bioactive molecule is encapsulated in a vehicle such as liposomes which facilitates transfer of the bioactive molecules into the targeted tissue. Targeting of the bioactive molecules can also be achieved by selection of an encapsulating medium of an appropriate size whereby the medium serves to deliver the molecules to a particular target. For example, encapsulation of nucleic acid molecules or biologically active proteins within biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric microparticles which are appropriate sized to infiltrate, but remain trapped within, the capillary beds and alveoli of the lungs can be used for targeted delivery to these regions of the body following administration to a patient by infusion or injection.

Abstract: A biologically active conjugate is disclosed comprising a biopolymer and a therapeutic agent joined by a disulfide bond. The conjugate, when formulated in a pharmaceutical composition with a suitable carrier, has improved in vivo stability and activity, and can be targeted to a variety of cells, tissues and organs.

Abstract: Single phase gels for preventing the formation of surgical adhesions are disclosed. The gels are prepared by reacting an aqueous solution of a polyanionic polysaccharide, such as hyaluronic acid or carboxymethyl cellulose, with divinyl sulfone, to form a gel, the solution is neutralized, and a solid is precipitated from the solution. The solid can be redissolved in water to form a gel having properties which can be modified to suit a particular application.

Abstract: A method for reducing the molecular weight of polymer comprises subjecting a solid phase polymer to a dose of gamma irradiation sufficient to permit the desired molecular weight reduction to occur.

Abstract: Water-soluble macromers including at least one hydrolysable linkage formed from carbonate or dioxanone groups, at least one water-soluble polymeric block, and at least one polymerizable group, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The macromers are preferably polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light or visible light excitation. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. The macromers can be used to encapsulate cells, deliver prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, plug leaks in tissue, prevent adhesion formation after surgical procedures, temporarily protect or separate tissue surfaces, and adhere or seal tissues together.