Abstract: Methods and systems for chromatographically purifying a botulinum neurotoxin are provided. These methods and systems allow for efficient purification of a non-complexed form of the botulinum neurotoxin in high purity and yield that can be used as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methods and compositions for treating a patient having a skin condition characterized by vascular hyper-reactivity, such as chronic or episodic flushing or blushing, and/or rosacea. The method comprises applying a topical composition to affected areas of the patient's skin. The topical composition comprises an effective amount of a botulinum neurotoxin for decreasing vasodilation in cutaneous microvasculature, and a carrier for effectively transporting the botulinum toxin to the cutaneous microvasculature. The invention thereby provides a safe, effective, comfortable, and/or convenient manner of treating vascular hyper-reactivity in skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to botulinum toxin formulations that are stabilized without the use of any proteinaceous excipients. The invention also relates to methods of preparing and using such botulinum toxin formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transdermal application of oligopeptides for reducing synaptic transmission in tissues of an animal. In one aspect, this invention relates to compositions comprising an oligopeptide and optionally a carrier comprising a positively charged “backbone” having positively charged branching or “efficiency” groups, as described herein. Most preferably the positively charged carrier is a long-chain positively charged polypeptide or a positively charged nonpeptidyl polymer, for example, a polyalkyleneimine. The invention further relates methods for producing a biologic effect of reducing synaptic transmission in a tissue by topically applying an effective amount of such a composition, preferably to the skin, of a subject or patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for reducing hyperpigmentation. In preferred embodiments, the compositions are topical compositions that contain kojic acid and a carrier molecule for enhancing the transdermal penetration of kojic acid. This invention also provides kits for treating hyperpigmentation.

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: This invention provides novel injectable compositions comprising botulinum toxin that may be administered to a subject for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The injectable compositions contemplated by the invention exhibit one or more advantages over conventional botulinum toxin formulations, including reduced antigenicity, a reduced tendency to undergo unwanted localized diffusion following injection, increased duration of clinical efficacy or enhanced potency relative, faster onset of clinical efficacy, and/or improved stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transdermal application of oligopeptides for reducing synaptic transmission in tissues of an animal. In one aspect, this invention relates to compositions comprising an oligopeptide and optionally a carrier comprising a positively charged “backbone” having positively charged branching or “efficiency” groups, as described herein. Most preferably the positively charged carrier is a long-chain positively charged polypeptide or a positively charged nonpeptidyl polymer, for example, a polyalkyleneimine. The invention further relates methods for producing a biologic effect of reducing synaptic transmission in a tissue by topically applying an effective amount of such a composition, preferably to the skin, of a subject or patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for safely reconstituting and administering topical therapeutic or cosmetic compositions. The topical applicator according to the invention is particularly well suited for storing, reconstituting, and administering or applying highly toxic substances.

Abstract: Methods and systems for chromatographically purifying a botulinum neurotoxin are provided. These methods and systems allow for efficient purification of a non-complexed form of the botulinum neurotoxin in high purity and yield that can be used as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations.

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: This invention relates to botulinum toxin formulations that are stabilized without the use of any proteinaceous excipients. The invention also relates to methods of preparing and using such botulinum toxin formulations.

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: The present invention provides antimicrobial peptides that exhibit a broad range of antimicrobial activity to gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as fungi, mold, and virus. The antimicrobial peptide of the invention is a cationic peptide, and may contain an HIV-TAT or reverse HIV-TAT sequence, or derivative thereof. The present invention further provides antimicrobial compositions containing the cationic peptide. Such compositions are especially useful for topical application to the skin, hair, nail, vagina, urethra, ear, oral cavity, nasal passage, respiratory system, opthalmic region, and various mucosal regions. The compositions of the present invention improve the condition and/or appearance of the treated region, and are suited for long-term and/or routine use to, for example, prevent or prevent the recurrence of microbial infection. The present invention further provides kits for use in improving the condition or appearance of skin, nail, or treated area.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for reducing hyperpigmentation. In preferred embodiments, the compositions are topical compositions that contain kojic acid and a carrier molecule for enhancing the transdermal penetration of kojic acid. This invention also provides kits for treating hyperpigmentation.

Abstract: This invention provides novel injectable compositions comprising botulinum toxin that may be administered to a subject for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The injectable compositions contemplated by the invention exhibit one or more advantages over conventional botulinum toxin formulations, including reduced antigenicity, a reduced tendency to undergo unwanted localized diffusion following injection, increased duration of clinical efficacy or enhanced potency relative, faster onset of clinical efficacy, and/or improved stability.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel transport molecules that comprise a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues arranged in a sequence that is the reverse-sequence of basic portion of the HIV-TAT protein. The novel transport polypeptides are useful for transmembrane or intracellular delivery of cargo molecules, non-limiting examples of which include polypeptides and nucleic acids. The novel transport polypeptides may be covalently or non-covalenty bound to the cargo molecules.

Abstract: This invention provides anti-acne kits that are useful for treating acne, especially severe cases of acne. The anti-acne kits include a vasoconstrictor and an anti-acne agent, and optionally one or more of a a skin lightening therapeutic, a sealing layer, a skin cleanser, an astringent, a skin penetration enhancer, a sunscreen, and nutritional supplements that promote healing of acne lesions. This invention also provides methods for treating acne using a vasoconstrictor in conjunction with an anti-acne agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transdermal application of oligopeptides for reducing synaptic transmission in tissues of an animal. In one aspect, this invention relates to compositions comprising an oligopeptide and optionally a carrier comprising a positively charged “backbone” having positively charged branching or “efficiency” groups, as described herein. Most preferably the positively charged carrier is a long-chain positively charged polypeptide or a positively charged nonpeptidyl polymer, for example, a polyalkyleneimine. The invention further relates methods for producing a biologic effect of reducing synaptic transmission in a tissue by topically applying an effective amount of such a composition, preferably to the skin, of a subject or patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Improved formulations for transdermal delivery of botulinum toxin are disclosed. The formulations include, for example, botulinum toxin non-covalently associated with a positively charged backbone having branching or efficiency groups. The formulations also include a partitioning agent, oligo-bridge, or polyanion bridge, and may optionally contain a viscosity modifying agent. The formulations are designed for topical application onto the skin of a patient and may be used to treat wrinkles, hyperhidrosis, and other health-related problems. Kits for administration are also described.