Abstract: Amphoteric liposomes are proposed, which comprise positive and negative membrane-based or membrane-forming charge carriers as well as the use of these liposomes.

Abstract: A method for the production of nano- or microcapsules having a diameter of from 20 nm to 40 ?m is suggested, wherein template particles are supplied in an aqueous medium, electrically recharged with a polyelectrolyte, re-recharged without separation or washing steps using a second polyelectrolyte having a complementary charge with respect to the first polyelectrolyte, and said process is optionally continued with alternately charged polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: An artificial tear film over the surface of an eye having a first layer in direct contact with the ocular surface, an aqueous layer over the first layer, and a layer of a phospholipid over the aqueous layer. The first layer has polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The phospholipid is derived from Amisol® Clear. The artificial tear film is effective in significantly prolonging the tear break up time in patients with dry eye syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the unexpected discovery that particles for pulmonary delivery of a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent that comprise a phospholipid and a sufficient amount of leucine can produce sustained effect of the agent. Specifically, particles for pulmonary delivery of a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent that contain a phospholipid or combination of phospholipids, wherein the phospholipid or combination of phospholipids is present in the particles in an amount of about 1 to 46 weight percent; and leucine, wherein leucine is present in the particles in an amount of at least 46 weight percent, can contribute to sustained effect of the agent. Particles that comprise at least 46 weight percent leucine but that do not contain phospholipids do not exhibit these same sustained effect properties.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel therapeutic agent for glioblastoma. In accordance with the present invention, it was found that compounds having an antagonistic action against AMPA receptor are useful as therapeutic agents for glioblastoma, particularly primary glioblastoma de novo with a high malignancy level, and the object has been attained.

Abstract: This invention relates to encapsulation of drugs and other agents into liposomes.

Abstract: Provided are lipid antiinfective formulations substantially free of anionic lipids with a lipid to antiinfective ratio is about 1:1 to about 4:1, and a mean average diameter of less than about 1 ?m. Also provided is a method of preparing a lipid antiinfective formulation comprising an infusion process. Also provided are lipid antiinfective formulations wherein the lipid to drug ratio is about 1:1 or less, about 0.75:1 or less, or about 0.50:1 or less prepared by an in line fusion process. The present invention also relates to a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary infection comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a lipid antiinfective formulation of the present invention. The present invention also relates to a method of treating a patient for cystic fibrosis comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a lipid antiinfective formulation of the present invention.

Abstract: A biocompatible biological component is provided comprising a membrane-mimetic surface film covering a substrate. Suitable substrates include hydrated substrates, e.g. hydrogels which may contain drugs for delivery to a patient through the membrane-mimetic film, or may be made up of cells, such as islet cells, for transplantation. The surface may present exposed bioactive molecules or moieties for binding to target molecules in vivo, for modulating host response when implanted into a patient (e.g. the surface may be antithrombogenic or antiinflammatory) and the surface may have pores of selected sizes to facilitate transport of substances therethrough. An optional hydrophilic cushion or spacer between the substrate and the membrane-mimetic surface allows transmembrane proteins to extend from the surface through the hydrophilic cushion, mimicking the structure of naturally-occurring cells.

Abstract: Esters of L-carnitine and alkanoyl L-carnitines are described which can be used as cationic lipids for the intracellular delivery of pharmacologically active compounds. New esters of L-carnitine and alkanoyl L-carnitines of formula (I) are also disclosed wherein the R groups are as defined in the description.

Abstract: The invention relates to antimicrobial polyester-containing articles utilizing chitosan and chitosan-metal complexes, whose wash durability is improved by covalently bonding the chitosan species to the polyester. The invention also relates to the methods of preparing said articles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the oral osmotic delivery of therapeutic compounds that have limited solubility in an aqueous environment due to inherent hydrophobicity or to saturation limitations in the core of the osmotic system. The present invention is suitable for the osmotic delivery of glipizide and other hydrophobic drugs, but runs the spectrum to other therapeutic agents with higher aqueous solubilities, yet having a solubility limitation in an osmotic dosage unit due to high drug load.

Abstract: Esters of L-carnitine and alkanoyl L-carnitines are described which can be used as cationic lipids for the intracellular delivery of pharmacologically active compounds. New esters of L-carnitine and alkanoyl L-carnitines of formula (I) are also disclosed wherein the R groups are as defined in the description.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable active ingredient depot for therapeutically active substances. The fields of application are in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. The implantable active ingredient depot is constituted of a lipid matrix capable of forming cubic phases into which modifier molecules have been integrated and contains pharmaceutically active substances. A preferred lipid matrix is monooleine. The implantable depot of the invention is useful for the treatment of tumors in oncological therapy and in gene therapy. A rational membrane design allows control of the release of the active ingredients over time and also control of the amount released.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for targeted and specific delivery of beneficial compounds, including hair dyes, melanin, proteins, and nucleic acids for gene therapy, to hair follicle cells using liposomes encapsulating the beneficial compound. Particularly preferred methods describe delivery of hair dyes, melanin or tyrosinase to the hair follicle for the purpose of improving hair color or condition, the delivery of compounds which prevent alopecia or stimulate hair growth, either by encapsulating a compound in liposomes, or by encapsulating a nucleic acid capable of expressing a protein in liposomes. Also described are liposome compositions for practicing the methods.

Abstract: Lipidated glycosaminoglycan particles are prepared by reacting a glycosaminoglycan with at least one lipid to cross-link the carboxylic acid groups in the glycosaiminoglycan with a primary amine in the lipid. These particles can be used to encapsulate active ingredients, such as drugs for use in the treatment of pathological conditions in an animal.

Abstract: Provided, among other things, is a method of treating or ameliorating pulmonary infection in a cystic fibrosis patient comprising pulmonary administration of an effective amount of a liposomal/complexed antiinfective to the patient, wherein the (i) administrated amount is 50% or less of the comparative free drug amount, or (ii) the dosing is once a day or less, or (iii) both.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral delivery systems for functional ingredients, such as drugs, nutritional supplements, botanicals, and vitamins. The delivery systems comprise an ingestible matrix within which the functional ingredient(s) are substantially uniformly and completely dispersed and in which degradation of the functional ingredient(s) is minimised. The matrix comprises 1) one or more carbohydrate; 2) one or more sugar, sugar syrup and/or sugar alcohol; 3) one or more hydrocolloid; 4) one or more polyhydric alcohol; 5) one or more source of mono- or divalent cations, and 5) water. The combination of carbohydrate and hydrocolloid in the matrix ensures that the delivery system readily retains the solvent component and thereby prevents separation of the solvent from other components of the matrix. The invention also provides methods of preparing and using the delivery systems.

Abstract: Systemic delivery of insulin to a mammalian host is accomplished by inhalation of a dry powder of insulin. It has been found that dry insulin powders are rapidly absorbed through the alveolar regions of the lungs.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting or preventing toxicity and other unwanted effects (a) caused by solvents for pharmaceuticals which solvents or emulsifier which contain amphiphilic molecules such as polyethoxylated oils or a derivative thereof, or (b) caused by a drug in a vehicle containing amphiphilic molecules such as phopholipids or derivative thereof, emptying a complement inhibitor. Drug compositions containing amphiphilic molecules, or derivatives thereof and a complement inhibitor, and pharmaceutical compositions including a drug, solvent or carrier containing amphiphilic molecules or derivatives thereof, and a complement inhibitor are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to biologically active lipophilic compositions comprising a biologically active covalently attached to, or encapsulated within, a lipid. Preferably, a biologically active agent is both covalently attached to a lipid and encapsulated within a lipid composition. Preferred lipid components include triglycerides and fatty acids. The resulting composition is preferably adapted for oral administration.