Abstract: A simulated capsule-like medicament comprising a subcoating of a mixture of a water-soluble, film-forming polymer, e.g. hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and a hydrophobic plasticizer, e.g. castor oil, which promotes a smooth uniform and substantially bubble free outer coating, e.g. gelatin, for the capsule-like medicament; capsule-like medicaments which are slightly bowed in shape; and a process of making such medicaments.

Abstract: Polymeric drug formulations containing a non-releasing single-phase dispersion of a water-soluble drug in a water-insoluble tissue-compatible polymer matrix. Polymeric drug formulations are also disclosed containing a single-phase dispersion of a water-soluble drug and a water-insoluble tissue-compatible polymer matrix, and a second, phase-disrupting polymer that is non-miscible with the tissue-compatible polymer and is present in an amount sufficient to form phase-separated microdomains of the second polymer in the tissue-compatible polymer matrix, so that the release rate of the water-soluble drug from the tissue-compatible polymer matrix is related to the amount of the second polymer. Methods of preparing the polymeric drug formulations are also described, as well as methods for site-specific drug delivery utilizing the polymeric drug formulations.

Abstract: A bioadhesive composition formed by polymerizing a homogeneous aqueous reaction mixture comprising from about 5% to about 50%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one ionic water soluble monomer, from about 10% to about 50%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one plasticizer (other than water), up to about 50%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one non ionic water soluble monomer, up to about 40%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of water, optionally as well as up to about 10%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one surfactant and from about 1% to about 30%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of at least one hydrophobic monomer and/or polymer. An electrolyte may be present, to enhance electrical conductivity, e.g. for use in biomedical electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with solid oral dosage forms of comprising a) an active agent selected from valsartan and optionally HCTZ, and b) Pharmaceutically acceptable additives suitable for the preparation of solid oral dosage forms by compression methods.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms are provided having improved stability to moisture-induced degradation when compared with conventional dosage forms, especially tablets. The invention features low compression forms of thyroid drugs together with excipients, preferably in encapsulated forms. In other embodiments, relatively non-volatile oils can be admixed with the drug and/or the excipients to stabilize the formulation toward moisture-induced degradation. Hydrophobic powders are also optionally added to the formulations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a bioadhesive composition comprising the steps of preparing a solution of a solvent and a polymer mixture wherein the polymer mixture comprises at least one natural or synthetic polycarboxylated polymer and at least one polysaccharide; drying the solution to form a solid; and heat treating the solid to effect cross-linking and to form the bioadhesive composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable salts of O-acetylsalicylic acid with basic amino acids, a process for their preparation and their use as medicaments.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug paclitaxel) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in the form of suspended particles coated with protein (which acts as a stabilizing agent). In particular, protein and pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing medium are subjected to high shear, in the absence of any conventional surfactants, and also in the absence of any polymeric core material for the particles. The procedure yields particles with a diameter of less than about 1 micron. The use of specific composition and preparation conditions (e.g., addition of a polar solvent to the organic phase), and careful election of the proper organic phase and phase fraction, enables the reproducible production of unusually small nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter, which can be sterile-filtered.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing tinea pedis, commonly known as Athlete's Foot, includes applying a polymerizable monomer adhesive composition to an area of skin afflicted with or susceptible to tinea pedis, optionally with at least one of an additional anti-fungal agent or a foot care additive, and allowing the polymerizable monomer composition to polymerize to form a polymer film over the area of skin.

Abstract: A topical testosterone formulation is disclosed. In one aspect, the formulation may include a therapeutically effective amount of micronized testosterone, an arginine ingredient, and a tocopherol ingredient admixed with a poloxamer lecithin organogel. Additional ingredients may be included, such as melatonin, oxytocin, DHEA, and progesterone.

Abstract: Aqueous pharmaceutical solution compositions preserved with a cationic preservative and comprising a cationic drug and a sulfonated styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer are disclosed. The compositions are particularly well suited for topical ophthalmic use, but may also be used as topically administrable otic or nasal compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved somatotropin composition consisting of somatotropin having in vivo, at least one of lipid-soluble vitamins and at least one of pharmaceutically acceptable lubricants, which improves poor syringeability under cold temperature which has been a defect of the conventional somatotropin formulation using vitamins, and which shows at least the equivalent effect to that of the conventional formulation.

Abstract: A patch comprising a matrix having adhesive properties in the dry state and containing at least one active substance, said matrix being attached via one face to a backing and being for application via its other face to the skin. Said backing is selected in such a manner as to be capable of containing a predetermined liquid suitable for dissolving at least in part the active substance(s) contained in the matrix, and said matrix is permeable to the liquid.

Abstract: A polymer blend is prepared by dissolving chitosan and a second polymer in an acidic aqueous solution to form an aqueous polymer blend, dehydrating said aqueous polymer blend, and recovering said polymer blend. The second polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyether glycols including polyethylene glycols; cellulose esters including cellulose acetate; poloxamers; polysaccharides including dextran and guar; polyvinylpyrrolidones; polyvinyl alcohols; and mixtures or copolymers thereof. These polymer blends swell in an acidic environment and deswell in a more neutral or basic environment. This technology is valuable for the dispensing of biologically active material or drugs into a surrounding environment, especially the environment as is found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a gel mass based on reaction products of polyols and polyisocyanates, wherein the polyol component consists of one or more polyols with hydroxyl numbers below 112 and where appropriate other polyols and additives known from polyol chemistry, the isocyanate number of the reaction mixture lies in the range of 15 to 59.81 and the product of the isocyanate functionality and the functionality of the polyol components is at least 6.15, as a coupling medium for transmitting acoustic waves from a sound source onto the body of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for enhancing the pharmacological activity of a water-soluble silicate polymer which comprises the water-soluble silicate polymer and a saturated fatty acid in pharmaceutically effective amounts for use as a medicine such as anti-allergic agent. The water soluble silicate polymers used according to the present invention may be obtained by polymerization and/or by extraction from plants, animals or fungi, or inflammatory tissue. The saturated fatty acid contained as an effective ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be a straight chain or branched chain saturated fatty acid having about 8 carbon atoms to about 26 carbon atoms. The saturated fatty acid and water-soluble silicate polymer, effective ingredients of the present invention, can be formulated for various pharmaceutical compositions by combining with a suitable carrier or diluent for medical use.

Abstract: An edible, hardenable coating composition containing microcrystalline cellulose and carrageenan and at least one of a strengthening polymer, a plasticizer, a surface active agent or a combination thereof. The coating composition of the present invention may be applied to pharmaceutical and veterinary solid dosage forms, confectionery, seeds, animal feed, fertilizers, pesticide tablets, and foods and provides an elegant prompt release coating which does not retard the release of active ingredients from the coated substrate.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for oral administration of an active compound having a bioavailability of 20% or less. The composition comprises, based on its total weight, from 0.01% to about 15% (w/w) of said active compound molecularly dissolved in the composition, from 30 to 80% (w/w) of an edible lipid matrix and from 1 to 20% (w/w) of an edible emulsifier, the ratio between the dose weight of the active compound and its solubility in the composition being equal to or greater than 0.6 ml. The high percentage of fat (30-80%) enables a considerable increase the amount of the drug that is molecularly dispersed in the dosage form, thus allowing a significant reduction in the number of unit doses that must be taken daily-by patients.

Abstract: The invention features core-shell microsphere compositions, hollow polymeric microspheres, and methods for making the microspheres. The microspheres are characterized as having a polymeric shell with consistent shell thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for obtaining a composition comprising peptides bound to one or more heat shock protein(s) and for possibly recovering from said composition the bound peptides, wherein the peptides resulting from a previously in-vitro hydrolysis of at least one immunogenic and antigenic macromolecular structure, are mixed in-vitro with one or more heat shock protein(s). The present invention is also related to the compositions obtained by said process.