Abstract: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin, and other pharmaceutically active compounds, are formulated with bile acids or their salts and conjugates. Bile acids previously proposed for use in such formulations have placed an unacceptable toxic load on the liver and/or cells of the gastrointestinal tract, causing abnormal liver function or cell erosion. In this invention, the bile acid is a low detergent bile acid, such as ursodeoxycholate. Stabilization of the bile acid pool results in enhanced and predictable enterohepatic recycling of NSAIDs (and other drugs) and a reduced risk of toxicity.

Abstract: Enzymes, especially proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain, have been found to inhibit the action of heat-labile toxin (LT) of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. They are therefore useful in the prophylaxis, management and treatment of diarrhoea in humans.

Abstract: The application relates to the use of bromelain in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia and similar diseases. Bromelain is able to act as a bile acid receptor antagonist and therefore to prevent reabsorption of bile acids by the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Hard gelatin capsules contain: (a) a fat-soluble nutrient, such as a fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, E or K) or an unsaturated fatty acid glyceride; (b) a nonionic surfactant, such as a polyoxyethylated (optionally hydrogenated) castor oil, and/or a polyethylene glycol; (c) a gelatin softening agent such as glycerol, propylene glycol or, preferably, glyceryl mono-oleate; and optionally (d) water. The problems of embrittlement conventionally encountered with hard gelatin capsules containing fat-soluble nutrients are reduced or avoided.

Abstract: Hard gelatin capsules contain: (a) a fat-soluble nutrient, such as a fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, E or K) or an unsaturated fatty acid glyceride; (b) a nonionic surfactant, such as a polyoxyethylated (optionally hydrogenated) castor oil, and/or a polyethylene glycol; (c) a gelatin softening agent such as glycerol, propylene glycol or, preferably, glyceryl mono-oleate; and optionally (d) water. The problems of embrittlement conventionally encountered with hard gelatin capsules containing fat-soluble nutrients are reduced or avoided.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation comprises: (a) a C.sub.12 -C.sub.24 fatty acid, which may be saturated or mono- or poly-unsaturated, such as oleic or linoleic acid; and (b) a generally lipophilic pharmaceutically active substance. A portion of the C.sub.12 -C.sub.24 fatty acid is formulated for non-sustained release on non-parenteral administration and a portion of the C.sub.12 -C.sub.24 fatty acid and at least a portion of the pharmaceutically active substance are formulated for sustained release on non-parenteral administration. The pharmaceutically active substance may be a cardiovascular drug such as propranolol, verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem, metoprolol, nicardipine or labetolol. Such formulations promote absorption redistribution of the active substance(s) from the hepatic portal blood supply to the lymphatic system, thereby avoiding first-pass liver metabolism.