Abstract: A sustained-release preparation is provided which comprises a drug and a bioabsorbable polymer hydrogel, wherein a concentration gradient of the drug is formed in the hydrogel. Also disclosed is a method of sustained release of a drug in vivo using the sustained-release preparation of the invention. The directionality of the drug release may be controlled by employing the sustained-release preparation of the invention. The sustained-release preparation of the invention is particularly useful as an anti-cancer agent.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing particles which is capable of producing particles in simple and easy steps. The objective is to provide with a high yield particles having a homogeneous particle diameter and a superior dispersibility in liquid. The method includes (1) preparing an aqueous solution containing one or more polymer; and (2) introducing the aqueous solution as droplets into a solvent capable of dissolving water by 1 mass % or more and less than 50 mass % to form the polymer into dispersed particles in the mixture of the aqueous solution and the solvent in the mixture of the aqueous solution and the solvent.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing particles which is capable of producing particles in simple and easy steps. The objective is to provide with a high yield particles having a homogeneous particle diameter and a superior dispersibility in liquid. The method includes (1) preparing an aqueous solution containing one or more polymer; and (2) introducing the aqueous solution as droplets into a solvent capable of dissolving water by 1 mass % or more and less than 50 mass % to form the polymer into dispersed particles in the mixture of the aqueous solution and the solvent in the mixture of the aqueous solution and the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a polysaccharide to enhance transfection of a cell with a nucleic acid. The present invention also provides a method for transfecting a cell with a nucleic acid comprising the steps of forming a polyionic complex of the nucleic acid and a polysaccharide; and bringing about uptake of the polyionic complex by the cell. Preferably, the cell is selected from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, nervous system cell lines, adipose tissue stem cells, immunocytes, neurons, and chondrocytes. Moreover, preferably the polysaccharide is a cationized pullulan derivative, a cationized dextran derivative, or a cationized mannan derivative.

Abstract: A sustained-release preparation is provided which comprises a drug and a bioabsorbable polymer hydrogel, wherein a concentration gradient of the drug is formed in the hydrogel. Also disclosed is a method of sustained release of a drug in vivo using the sustained-release preparation of the invention. The directionality of the drug release may be controlled by employing the sustained-release preparation of the invention. The sustained-release preparation of the invention is particularly useful as an anti-cancer agent.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for therapy of coronary artery narrowing or blockage, which comprises a sustained release preparation containing an angiogenesis factor or a gene encoding the same and a gelatin hydrogel is disclosed. Examples of the angiogenesis factor which may be used include e.g., bFGF and other FGFs, VEGF, HGF, PDGF, TGF, angiopoietin, HIF, cytokine, chemokine, adrenomeduline and the like.