Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical cream preparation for topical application in the form of an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion, containing the following constituents in the lipophilic phase: (i) an optionally substituted 1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as an active ingredient, (ii) at least one surface-active solubilising agent having an HLB value between 15 and 20, (iii) at least one emulsifier having an HLB value between 8 and 15, and (iv) optionally other carrier materials and additives known per se selected from the group containing triglycerides, penetration amplifiers, preserving agents and anti-oxidants. The invention also relates to the use of the preparation as a topical cream preparation for the treatment or prophylaxis of skin diseases.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically acceptable topical formulation for the treatment and/or prevention of skin ailments, more particularly of fibriotic nature such as fibriotic lesional tissues, contiguous warts, contact dermatitis, and keloids, and to assist the healing of burns after surgery, comprising as active ingredient a substituted pyridone of the formula: n-(R1)-R2-2-(1H)pyridone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, where R1 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, carboxyl and a carboxymethyl or carboxyethyl ester group, R2 is selected from phenyl, methylphenyl, ethylphenyl, propylphenyl, and a carboxyphenyl or carboxyethylphenyl ester group, and n is 3, 4 or 5, together with an excipient, characterized in that the excipient comprises, one or more plasticisers, one or more antioxidants, one or more gel-forming agents and sufficient pH adjusting agent to bring the pH of the formulation to a value from 4 to 8. The preferred active ingredient is 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)pyridone (Pirfenidone).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutically active composition containing a substance which is active against malaria parasites and shows a high level of activity against multiresistant lines of Plasmodium falciparum. The inventive composition is characterized in that it contains the active agent artemisinine and/or a derivative of artemisinine in a carrier material which is inert with the active agent, in a pharmaceutically active quantity and in that the carrier material is essentially free of compounds with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance between 7 and 9.9.

Abstract: Dihydroartemisinin hemisuccinate is prepared by acylation of dihydroartemisinin with 1.0 to 1.3 molar equivalents of succinic anhydride in the presence of 0.5 to 1.5 molar equivalents of tri(C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -alkyl)amine in a low-boiling, neutral, water-miscible, inert organic solvent or solvent mixture and subsequent isolation of the product at pH 5-8. The product is obtained directly in crystalline form and high yield.

Abstract: The product consists of tablets which contain at least 600 mg of ibuprofen and a binder, or a mixture of binders, based on cellulose and cellulose derivatives in the form of microspheres which are coated with an acrylic resin of defined nature and are compressed together with a disintegrant; the tablets are preferably also coated with a lacquer layer. As a consequence of the high content of active compound and its delayed release in the body, the therapeutic treatment with ibuprofen can be reduced to a minimum number of intakes and dose units per day.

Abstract: The process results in an adhesive plaster for the transdermal adminstration of pharmaceutical, in particular heat-sensitive, active substances, composed of an adhesive layer, a backing layer, a matrix layer containing the active substances, and a protective layer. The flux of active substance release is controlled by its diffusion from the matrix layer. The latter is produced by the hot melt method, by mixing an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and an involatile, hydrophobic excipient which is miscible with the latter, is compatible with the active substance and is tolerated by the skin, for example isopropyl myristate or a triglyceride, at the melting point of the mixture, and incorporation therein of a solution or dispersion of the active substance in a small amount of the same excipient.

Abstract: In addition to the active ingredient, the capsules contain a nonionic surfactant consisting of a polyglycol ester or ether having hydrophilic and lipophilic portions, and an organic polymer which is capable of forming a free-flowing composition with the active ingredient and the surfactant. The essential point for the delay in release is the matching of the water-solubility of the active ingredient and the hydrophilic/lipophilic character (HLB value) of the surfactant as follows:______________________________________ water-insoluble HLB value above 16; sparingly soluble HLB value between 10 and 16; and water-soluble HLB value below 10.

Abstract: In addition to indometacin, the gel-like ointment for the topical treatment of inflammation contains a water-soluble cellulose ether or/and a polyacrylic acid, the carboxyl groups of which are neutralized by a water-soluble amine, plus water and ethanol or isopropanol; the components are present in the ratio of amounts suitable for forming a gel. Determination of the level of indometacin in the serum of humans has shown that the absorption through the skin of the active compound from the new ointment is significantly higher than that from the most closely related products.