Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, such as non-protein non-nucleotide therapeutics and protein-based therapeutics excluding insulin, botulinum toxins, antibody fragments, and VEGF. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for topical delivery of antifungal agents and antigenic agents suitable for immunization. Alternately, the compositions can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: A composition for topical application of a botulinum toxin (including botulinum toxin derivatives) comprises a botulinum toxin and a carrier comprising a polymeric backbone comprising a long-chain polypeptide or nonpeptidyl polymer having attached positively charged branching or “efficiency” groups. The invention also relates to methods for reducing muscle paralysis and other conditions that may be treated with a botulinum toxin, particularly paralysis of subcutaneous, and most particularly, facial, muscles, by topically applying an effective amount of the botulinum toxin and carrier, in conjunction, to the subject's skin or epithelium. Kits for administration are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, including nucleic acids and therapeutic proteins including insulin, larger therapeutic proteins such as botulinum toxin and other biologically active agents such as a therapeutic protein which does not therapeutically alter blood glucose levels, a therapeutic nucleic acid-based agent, a non-protein non-nucleic acid therapeutic agent such as an antifungal agent or alternately an agent for immunization. The compositions can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: Methods of altering properties of tissues, by providing an effective modifying amount of zinc, which may be in the form of zinc ions. This is accomplished through the use of topical compositions containing one or more zinc-containing components such as salts and/or other zinc compounds or complexes, particularly zinc acetate.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices using zinc, and methods therefore, provide one or more advantageous effects to a tissue. In one embodiment, at least one zinc-containing component is coupled with a stent via one or more zinc chelators to enhance resistance of the stent to plaque formation and in-stent restenosis. Elastin production may also be enhanced by devices coupled with zinc. Enhanced elastin production may be used, for example, to treat a blood vessel in location at or near an aneurysm. In some embodiments, both elastin production and plaque resistance are enhanced. For example, zinc may be applied via a gel or other carrier substance to a venous graft for enhancing elastin and resisting plaque formation. Implantable devices coupled with zinc may provide improved results of medical and surgical procedures involving implantable devices, thus reducing the need for repeat procedures.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery of therapeutic agents, including nucleic acids. The compositions can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: A method for inducing or stimulating new hair growth, increasing hair growth or preventing hair regression in a mammalian subject in need of or desirous of such treatment is provided that comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically or cosmeceutically effective amount of a composition comprising vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a VEGF receptor agonist, a prodrug form of the foregoing or a salt form thereof in a non-covalent association complex with a positively-charged backbone having a plurality of attached efficiency groups.