Abstract: An intravaginal antimicrobial drug delivery device is disclosed having an antimicrobial agent dispersed throughout a biocompatible elastomeric system. Also disclosed is a method of making the antimicrobial drug delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention is a di-steroidal prodrug of estradiol having the following formula:

Abstract: The present invention is a di-steroidal prodrug of ethinyl estradiol according to formula I:

Abstract: The invention concerns a topical composition comprising an emulsion of at least one discontinuous phase in a continuous phase, the or each discontinuous phase including a eutectic mixture of first and second pharmaceutically acceptable components which are both pharmacologically active agents and the continuous phase being provided by a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, the eutectic mixture having a melting point below 40° C. The topical composition may additionally comprise, in the eutectic mixture, a third or fourth pharmaceutically acceptable component.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage unit for oral administration to a human female comprising a therapeutically effective amount of 17&bgr;-estradiol-3-lower alkanoate, most preferably 17&bgr;-estradiol-3-acetate, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for treating a human female in need of 17&bgr;-estradiol and a contraceptive method by oral administration of the pharmaceutical dosage unit and a method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition that may be used to form the pharmaceutical dosage unit of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chewable, palatable oral contraceptive tablet, comprising an oral contraceptive agent, a chewable carrier suitable for human consumption, and not comprising a ferrocene compound, as well as use of these tablets in a method of human female oral contraception, and in a method of enhancing compliance with a human female oral contraceptive regimen.

Abstract: This invention relates to an intravaginal shell or core drug delivery device suitable for administration to female humans or animals comprises testosterone or a testosterone precursor in a polymer matrix, surrounded by a sheath, and is capable of releasing the testosterone or testosterone precursor in a substantially zero-order pattern on a daily basis for at least three weeks. The device is intended to restore circulating testosterone levels to the normal physiol, range or to induce supratherapeutic testosterone levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intravaginal drug delivery device for administration to a female mammal of certain 17.beta.-oestradiol precursors at a substantially constant rate for a period of at least three weeks. The 17.beta.-oestradiol precursor is a 17.beta.-oestradiol moiety in which the, or each, hydroxyl group of the 17.beta.-oestradiol moiety is blocked by a blocking group, which blocking group is readily removed from the 17.beta.-oestradiol in vivo. The 17.beta.-oestradiol precursor must have either a solubility in liquid silicone of not less than 0.1 mg/100 ml or a standard k value of not less than 0.1 .mu.g/day/mm. The 17.beta.-oestradiol precursor must also have a solubility in distilled water of not less than 1 .mu.g/100 ml.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure device (11) for a container (10) has a tear tab (17) which can be at least partially detached by tearing to leave an opening through which the contents of the container (10) can be removed. A roller (18) integral with one edge (17b) of the tab (17) has an operating member (19) for manually rotating the roller (18) back across the tab (17) from the one edge (17b) such that during such rotation the tab (17) is progressively torn away starting at the one edge (17b).