Abstract: A keratotic plug remover composition comprising a polymer compound having a salt forming group is disclosed. The composition according to the invention can effectively remove keratotic plugs in the skin pores, so that the conspicuousness of the skin pores is mitigated and clean and healthy skin pores can be maintained. The composition does not hurt the skin.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly method of loading nicotine onto cation exchange resins under anhydrous conditions is described. The method eliminates many of the processing problems that are associated with loading in aqueous media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of oxidized thymosin &bgr;4 in therapy, more particularly in the treatment of diseases or conditions associated with an inflammatory response of septic shock.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical modified release multiple-units composition for the administration of a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective amount of a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug substance to obtain both a relatively fast onset of the therapeutic effect and the maintenance of a therapeutically active plasma concentration for a relatively long period of time is disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article for inhibiting the production of exoproteins from Gram positive bacteria, such as potentially harmful proteins produced by Staphylococcus species, is described. The absorbent article is particularly useful for inhibiting the production of TSST-1, alpha-toxin and/or enterotoxins A, B and C from S. aureus bacterium. An alkyl polyglycoside is incorporated into the absorbent article. For example, alkyl polyglycoside may be coated on the fibers of a liquid-permeable cover of a catamenial tampon.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a drug delivery material and device comprising cross-linking a biological polymer with a cross-linking agent and loading the cross-linked biopolymer with a bioactive agent. Preferred embodiments are disclosed wherein the drug delivery material is used in a catheter securing, drug delivery device, in a wound dressing, and in a wound dressing for percutaneous catheters.

Abstract: A process for preparing ultrafine powders of biological macromolecules comprises atomizing liquid solutions of the macromolecules, drying the droplets formed in the atomization step, and collecting the particles which result from drying. By properly controlling each of the atomization, drying, and collection steps, ultrafine dry powder compositions having characteristics particularly suitable for pulmonary delivery for therapeutic and other purposes may be prepared.

Abstract: A method for producing an intraocular lens, comprising the steps of injecting a high-refractive index, low viscosity composition of crosslinkable units into an enclosure and initiating polymerization under pressure to create a synthetic polymer lens. The method is especially suitable for producing an intraocular lens directly in the capsular bag of the eye from an injected aqueous solution of macromolecular particles, which can undergo a crosslinking reaction to a solid lens when exposed to light.

Abstract: A drug delivery system which includes a plurality of microcapsules, each microcapsule containing a plasminogen activator entrapped in a biocompatible, biodegradable, substantially water-soluble polymeric matrix such that the plasminogen activator is releasable therefrom upon exposure of the microcapsules to an aqueous environment, as well as methods for preparing same. Methods of treating a thrombotic condition and reducing the time required for reperfusion of an occluded blood vessel are also described, which include parenterally administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition which includes a plurality of such microcapsules.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions which reduce the possibility of inducing microbial resistance. The compositions comprise a fast-acting antimicrobial agent and a long-lasting antimicrobial agent. The combined effect of the antimicrobial agents reduces microbial infection and resistance. Articles comprising the compositions of the present invention and methods for their manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the potentiation of formation of inclusion complexes of electroneutral and anionic compounds. Included are compositions containing complexes of two different cyclodextrin species. New complexes containing as guest molecules active agents which have been first converted to salts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A preformed object for delivering an active agent for a subject, the preformed object including crosslinked protein, and methods of making and using.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sustained release composition for the targeted delivery of biologically active agents to specific tissues and cells. The composition comprises microparticles containing a biocompatible polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the biologically active agent is an antigen or an immunomodulator. In another embodiment, the biologically is a labile agent. The microparticles have a number median diameter of greater than 20 microns upon administration. The water-soluble polymer is present in the sustained released composition in at least about 20% of the dry weight of the microparticle. The sustained release composition provides for the dissolution of the water-soluble polymer of the composition upon hydration, at a much greater rate than the degradation of the biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a topical composition for treating, preventing or ameliorating hyperpigmentation in human skin. The composition has a de-pigmenting agent in an amount effect to reduce or diminish pigmentation at an area of skin to which it is applied, and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Suitable de-pigmenting agents include 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid, kaempferol-7-glucoside, perilla oil, and clofibrate and clofibrate analogs and derivatives. There is also provided methods for treating, preventing or ameliorating hyperpigmentation in human skin.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method that can control, treat, and prevent Diabetes Mellitus. The method includes means of administering a potent product, including mainly the active ingredient Linalool, in any one of several forms, alone or with other additives and catalysts, such as vitamin E to enable the body to handle and control, then correct the complications of Diabetes Mellitus. A modest percentage of users suffering from this disease can be cured completely while the majority of others improve remarkably and experience lower blood glucose and reduce the glycated hemoglobin HbAlc readings to what are medically acceptable and healthy levels. Others, who are vulnerable to the disease due to hereditary factors, or other reasons, can help prevent it. The method works in several ways, including activation of the pancreas and re-establishing the ability of body cells to utilize and handle better and well, the glucose in the blood, and regulate the level of natural insulin in the body.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical dosage forms provide for pulsatile delivery of methylphenidate, i.e., release encapsulated drug in spaced apart “pulses.” The dosage forms are comprised of first, second and optionally third dosage units, with each dosage unit having a different drug release profile. The dosage forms may comprise capsules housing compressed tablets or drug-containing beads or particles, or may comprise a single tablet with the first, second and optionally third dosage units each representing an integral and discrete segment thereof. Methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical dosage forms are provided as well.

Abstract: There is provided a coating composition that masks the undesirable taste of a pharmaceutically active ingredient, i.e. drug or medicine, that is consumed orally. The coating composition has polyvinyl acetate, and a dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and neutral methacrylic acid ester. Optionally, an alkaline modifier may be included in the coating composition to enhance release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the preparation of crosslinked water-swellable polymer particles. First, an aqueous polymer solution containing a water-soluble polymer having at least one functional group or charge, is combined with aqueous medium. The aqueous polymer solution is then mixed under moderate agitation with an oil medium and an emulsifier to form an emulsion of droplets of the water-soluble polymer. A crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the functional groups and/or charges in the water-soluble polymer is then added to the emulsion to form crosslinked water-swellable polymer particles. The invention also includes the particles formed by the process and aqueous dispersions containing the particles which are useful for administering to an individual. The particles of the invention are useful for implantation, soft tissue augmentation, and scaffolding to promote cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water or alcohol soluble or dispersible silicone grafted thermoplastic elastomeric copolymers and to cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions containing these copolymers. This invention especially relates to copolymers useful for hair styling purposes, and to hair styling compositions containing these copolymers. This invention further relates to copolymers useful for providing cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions for topical application to the skin. These topical skin care compositions are useful for delivering and/or transdermally transporting active ingredients to or thorugh the skin.