Abstract: This invention lies in the technology of transdermal and topical drug delivery. In particular, the present invention relates to enhancement of the penetration of transdermally or topically applied drugs and with the reduction of skin irritation that often accompanies transdermal and topical drug delivery.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefor are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating a variety of urogenital disorders, such as, for example, vaginismus, dyspareunia, vulvodynia (including vulvar vestibulitis), interstitial cystitis, nonspecific urethriris (i.e., nonspecific pain and/or burning of the urinary tract) and sexual dysfunctions, such as, for example, female sexual arousal disorders and female sexual orgasmic disorders, using a variety of compounds, including, but not limited to, NO donors, calcium channel blockers, cholinergic modulators, &agr;-adrenergic receptor antagonists, &bgr;-adrenergic receptor agonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activators (e.g.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of anorectal disorders are provided in which certain combinations of NO donors, PDE inhibitors, superoxide (O2−) scavengers, &bgr;-adrenergic agonists, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activators, &agr;1-adrenergic antagonists, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, estrogens, ATP-sensitive K+ channel activators and smooth muscle relaxants are used.

Abstract: This invention provides concentrated inflammation modifiers obtained from various plant, animal, and mineral sources, and methods for the preparation of such concentrated inflammation modifiers. Also provided are methods of preventing and treating inflammation using the concentrated inflammation modifiers. The invention also provides methods of treating inflammation of the skin and mucosal membranes by administering compositions that contain concentrated inflammation modifiers as active ingredients. The methods are useful for treating inflammatory diseases, as well as for reducing or eliminating inflammation that results from transdermal delivery of a drug, or from cosmetics and skin care products. The concentrated inflammation modifiers and methods are also useful for enhancing wound healing and skin aging.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of skin and mucous membranes suffering from a follicular dermatosis. The compositions include one or more pyridine-thiols and tautomers with attached metallic moieties. Administration of the compounds to aging skin and mucous membranes in topical formulations, either as the only active ingredient or in combination with other known active ingredients to treat a follicular dermatosis. Additional compositions for treating follicular dermatosis contain one or more sulfides and oxides of these same metallic ions, either alone or in combination with other molecules. Topical formulations containing both a pyridine-thiol and tautomers with attached metallic moiety and a metallic sulfide and/or metallic oxide effectively treat skin and mucous membranes suffering from a follicular dermatosis.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains a nitric oxide donor and advantageously an optional corticosteroid and/or topical anesthetic. The composition is useful in a method for treating anal disorders such as anal fissure, anal ulcer, hemorrhoidal disease, levator spasm, and so forth, by topical application to or proximate the affected area.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of anorectal disorders are provided in which certain combinations of NO donors, PDE inhibitors, superoxide (O2−) scavengers, &bgr;-adrenergic agonists, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activators, &agr;1-adrenergic antagonists, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, estrogens, ATP-sensitive K+ channel activators and smooth muscle relaxants are used.

Abstract: This invention lies in the technology of transdermal and topical drug delivery. In particular, the present invention relates to enhancement of the penetration of transdermally or topically applied drugs and with the reduction of skin irritation that often accompanies transdermal and topical drug delivery.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of anorectal disorders are provided in which certain combinations of NO donors, PDE inhibitors, superoxide (O2−) scavengers, &bgr;-adrenergic agonists, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activators, &agr;1-adrenergic antagonists, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, estrogens, ATP-sensitive K+ channel activators and smooth muscle relaxants are used.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefore are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for preventing and reversing the signs and symptoms of intrinsic and photo aging. The compositions include one or more pyridine-thiols and tautomers with attached metallic moieties. Administration of the compounds to aging skin and mucous membranes in topical formulations, either as the only active ingredient or in combination with other known active ingredients, prevents and reverses aging symptoms. Additional compositions for preventing and reversing aging contain one or more sulfides and oxides of these same metallic ions, either alone or in combination with other molecules known or suspected to exhibit age reversing properties. Topical formulations containing both a pyridine-thiol and tautomers with attached metallic moiety and a metallic sulfide and/or metallic oxide effectively prevent and reverse the signs and symptoms of mucocutaneous aging.

Abstract: The permeation of a therapeutic agent through the epithelium by topical administration is enhanced by the further topical administration of a stearylamine, transvaccenic acid or a combination of a stearylamine and transvaccenic acid.

Abstract: A method for enhancing penetration of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent in a host in need of the topical administration thereof which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, an effective amount of one or more penetration enhancing epithelial sterols and the therapeutic or prophylactic agent.

Abstract: A method for enhancing penetration of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent in a host in need of the topical administration thereof which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, the agent and an effective amount of one or more penetration enhancing epithelial proton pump inhibitors.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of a formulation comprising certain of the three major epidermal lipid species or their structurally similar precursors, isomers, or analogs in certain proportion ranges. This invention utilizes the following lipid species in unique combinations of two or more components: cholesterol, an acylceramide, a ceramide, and essential and nonessential fatty acids. These combinations are effective both as moisturizing agents and agents for the restoration of barrier function. Some of these combinations are further enhanced by the addition of known moisturizers such as petrolatum and glycerine.

Abstract: Noninfectious inflammatory and hyperpigmentation skin diseases, thermal injuries and premalignant skin tumors induced by radiation or virus, in both humans and animals, are treated with topical formulations of an ester or amide of a monocarboxylic acid, the acid moiety of which is 9 to 18 carbon atoms.