Abstract: A method for producing a bigel, the method comprising: (a) providing an oleogel comprising at least one oily agent gelled with at least one cellulose polymer; (b) providing an aqueous gel comprising at least one component whose viscosity is pH dependent, such as a carbomer; (c) mixing the oleogel and the aqueous gel together to form a bigel; and (d) subsequently adjusting the viscosity of the bigel under high flow and low shear stirring to obtain a bigel of a desired viscosity.

Abstract: A method of assessing growth hormone deficiency in a human or animal subject, the method comprising administering orally to the subject EP 1572 (Formula I) or EP 1573 (Formula II), obtaining a post-administration sample from the subject, determining the level of growth hormone in the sample and assessing whether the level of growth hormone in the sample is indicative of growth hormone deficiency in the subject. Preferably, the GH level in the sample is measured by immunoassay. Also disclosed is a kit of parts constituting a diagnostic kit comprising: (a) EP 1572 or EP 1573 formulated for oral administration; and (b) means for determining the level of growth hormone in a sample.

Abstract: A method for identifying a test compound that has an anti-tumoral effect whilst not significantly activating unrelated transduction signals, the method comprising the steps of: (a) selecting at least one test compound; (b) assaying the compound for anti-tumoral effect; (c) selecting at least one distinct intracellular event which is modulated, at least partially, by the GnRH receptor; (d) testing for the ability of said test compound not to modulate the selected intracellular event; and (e) selecting the test compound which selectively demonstrates an anti-tumoral effect and does not modulate said other selected intracellular event.

Abstract: An effervescent formulation comprising desmopressin, preferably comprising multilayer effervescent microspheres containing an acidic substance, a basic substance and water-soluble isolating agent. An effervescent formulation comprising desmopressin wherein dissolution in water of the multilayer effervescent microspheres leads, after almost immediate effervescence, to a solution or a homogeneous dispersion of the desmopressin. The formulation is used for treating diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, postoperative polyuria or polydipsia, nocturia associated with multiple sclerosis, mild to moderate haemophilia or von Willebrand's disease.

Abstract: An effervescent formulation comprising oxytocin, preferably comprising multilayer effervescent microspheres containing an acidic substance, a basic substance and water-soluble isolating agent. An effervescent formulation comprising oxytocin wherein dissolution in water of the multilayer effervescent microspheres leads, after almost immediate effervescence, to a solution or a homogeneous dispersion of the oxytocin. The formulations used for the induction or augmentation of labour or treatment or prevention of postpartum haemorrhage or treatment of missed abortion or facilitation of lactation.

Abstract: An effervescent formulation comprising apomorphine, preferably comprising multilayer effervescent microspheres containing an acidic substance, a basic substance and water-soluble isolating agent. An effervescent formulation comprising apomorphine wherein dissolution in water of the multilayer effervescent microspheres leads, after almost immediate effervescence, to a solution or a homogeneous dispersion of the apomorphine. The formulation is used for the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preventing gel formation of a hydrophobic peptides by contacting the hydrophobic peptide with a counter-ion in an amount and at a molar ratio with the peptide that are sufficient to provide a fluid, milky microcrystalline aqueous suspension of the peptide without formation of a gel. The invention also relates to a fluid, milky microcrystalline aqueous suspension of a hydrophobic peptide and a counter-ion in water, wherein the peptide and counter-ion are present in amounts and at a molar ratio sufficient to form, upon mixing, the suspension without formation of a gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical implant for controllably releasing a drug in a subject and methods for manufacturing and administering the implant. The implant is made of associated microparticles of a drug dispersed in a biodegradable polymer. The microparticles are sufficiently associated so that the implant maintains a predetermined shape but are not fused together so as to form a single monolithic structure. The drug can be controllably released in a subject by administration of the pharmaceutical implant without the need of a suspending fluid.