Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing male contraception using a specified androgen without the need of a separate sterilizing agent. The invention also describes methods for non-contraceptive androgen replacement and devices useful for carrying out both processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transdermal dosage forms for delivery of androgens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaginal ring intended for the release of at least one drug over a prolonged time period. The vaginal ring contains a ring body made of a first polymeric material having at least one hollow internal channel defining an opening to the exterior of said body and which channel is adapted to receive a drug-containing core through said opening, and an intravaginally administerable drug-containing core disposed in the channel. The core is positioned in the vaginal ring body suitably prior to use in order to substantially avoid initial bursts of drug into the tissues of the subject and resultant side effects such as nausea and vomiting. The core contains a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one intravaginally administerable drug dispersed in a second polymeric material. The first and second polymeric materials may be the same or different. Representative drugs include contraceptive agents and other steroidal substances for use in hormone replacement therapy.

Abstract: This invention features an implantable system for use as a male contraception and as a treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy and other conditions. The implant system includes an implant intended for subcutaneous or local administration having a core comprising a silicone elastomer and drug matrix which is encased in an ethyl vinyl acetate coating or membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaginal ring intended for the release of at least one drug over a prolonged time period. The vaginal ring contains a ring body made of a first polymeric material having at least one hollow internal channel defining an opening to the exterior of the ring body and which channel is adapted to receive a, drug-containing core through the opening, and an intravaginally administerable drug-containing core disposed in the channel. The core is positioned in the vaginal ring body suitably prior to use in order to substantially avoid initial bursts of drug into the tissues of the subject and resultant side effects such as nausea and vomiting. The core contains a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one intravaginally administerable drug dispersed in a second polymeric material. The first and second polymeric materials may be the same or different. Representative drugs include contraceptive agents and other steroidal substances for use in hormone replacement therapy.

Abstract: A particular group of androgens is not metabolized to their 5.alpha.-reduced form in the prostate and other tissues. Thus, administration of these compounds--testosterone derivatives with a non-hydrogen substituent in the 6.alpha. or 7.alpha. position--allows one to provide androgen supplementation therapy without stimulating abnormal prostate growth. A preferred compound for use in the invention is 7.alpha.-methyl-19-nortestosterone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medicated device for insertion into the uterus or cervix comprising a T-shaped platform and a drug release attachment thereon, the platform having a vertical stem portion with a rounded knob portion at the top thereof and two flat flexible downwardly slanting arms extending from the knob, the arms tapering to a lesser dimension at the end from the knob to the end of the arms and the arms having a downward bend of about 45.degree.-110.degree. proximate the end of each arm.

Abstract: Method for making a medicated IUD including a preexisting contraceptive intrauterine platform and an attachment formed as a cylindrical sleeve of base polymer containing a drug such as an antifertility agent. Local controlled release administration of the drug is added to the contraceptive effect of the preexisting platform. The IUD attachment can be made by centrifuging a medical grade of RTV silicone rubber to remove reinforcing fillers therefrom. A selected quantity of the drug is mixed into the fillerless silicone rubber, and the drug and silicone mixture is injected into a multicavity mold. After the mixture sets and the sleeves are removed from the mold, the sleeves are trimmed, then swollen by immersion in a solvent, and slipped onto a stem of the chosen IUD to shrink about the stem. An outer covering over the sleeve can control the drug release rate and impart greater strength to the fillerless silicone rubber of the attachment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved intravaginal ring for use as a contraceptive comprising an inert elastomer core, a medicated layer encircling the core and an outer inert elastomer layer and method of manufacturing the intravaginal ring.

Abstract: Method of purifying the beta sub-unit of chorionic gondotropin which includes contacting a preparation of the beta sub-unit of chorionic gonadotropin with an insolubilized anti alpha sub-unit of chorionic gondotropin serum and the highly purified beta sub-unit of chorionic gonadotropin obtained by this method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bioabsorbable fused implant for subcutaneous administration in mammals of a constant and effective amount of a steroid over a prolonged period comprising a solid dispersion of an effective amount of a steriod uniformly dispersed in a matrix of a lipoid carrier the weight of steroid to lipoid carrier being within the approximate range of 99:1 to 80:20, respectively, and to the method of manufacturing the fused implants.