Abstract: Materials and methods for reducing the incidence of preterm birth involving the use of polymeric compositions are provided.

Abstract: Prodrugs which can be activated by enzymes, are formulated for sequential administration, with enzyme conjugates. Either or each component comprises a polymeric carrier which allows it to be directed preferentially to the target tissue. A new polymer-prodrug conjugate is cleavable by cathepsin-B or othe invention is of particular utility for targeting solid tumours.

Abstract: The present invention describes a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaamide polymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce hydrogels, surgical devices such as catheters, molded devices, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to particulate carriers useful as drug carriers in a drug delivery system (DDS) and to pharmaceutical compositions making use of such carriers. The invention is characterized by the use, as the particulate carrier, of: graft copolymer (A) whose graft chain is poly N-alkylacrylamide chain, poly N-alkylmethacrylamide chain, etc.; and a composition containing a combination of the graft copolymer (A) and at least one graft copolymers selected from the group consisting of graft copolymers (B-1) having polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid as the graft chain and graft copolymers (B-2) having a polyvinyl amine compound as the graft chain.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is described comprising a porous biocompatible solid having at least one therapeutic drug within its pores, the therapeutic drug being removable from the pores by immersion in an aqueous solution. This may also be described as a drug delivery device comprising a porous annulus comprising a biocompatible solid having at least one therapeutic drug within its pores, the therapeutic drug being removable from the pores by immersion in an aqueous solution, the annulus having a top outer surface with an outside diameter, an inner surface with an inside diameter, and a side surface, at least one of the side surface and the top outer surface having openings of the pores exposed on that surface. The device may comprise pores having an average size of the greatest dimensions within the pores of between about 10−6 and 10−1 mm. The device may have a medical device or component of a medical device pass through an opening in the annulus.

Abstract: Emollient compositions for topical administration consisting of hydrophilic:hydrophobic emulsions containing a polyacrylate carrier, a vehicle, a mixture of C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 fatty acids and derivatives as penetrants, a balanced mixture of unsaturated C18:2, C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, a natural analgesic compound, a natural estrogenic compound and a fragrance; Methods of their use for ameliorating symptoms of disease including mammary fibrocystic disease, cyclic mastitis, inflammation and general and specific pre- and post-menopausal pain and swelling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide-polysiloxane copolymers, to their preparation by thermal copolymerization of amino acids with organofunctional polysiloxanes, and to their use as interface-active substances.

Abstract: A creamy composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, characterized in that it contains at least one anionic emulsifier which is liquid at room temperature, and at least 5% by weight of one or more waxes relative to the total weight of the composition, and in that the oily phase is in the form of a soft paste at room temperature. The anionic emulsifier is preferably a surfactant containing a phosphate group, such as octyldecyl phosphate. The present invention also relates to the uses of the said composition in cosmetics and dermatology, in particular for caring for, treating and/or making up the skin and/or mucous membranes, and more particularly for treating wrinkles and/or fine lines of the skin and/or for treating dry skin. The invention also relates to a process for preparing this composition, characterized in that at least one step of the process is carried out using a mixer-extruder.

Abstract: Fermented milk products produced by a culture comprising at least one strain of the group Er-2 with the strain N.V. Er 317/402 of Lactobacillus acidophilus and, optionally, a Lactobacillus salivarius strain and therapeutic benefits of the products are described.

Abstract: This invention provides novel formulations for N-[4-(5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-10(11H)ylcarbonyl)-3-chlorophenyl]-5-fluoro-2-methyl-benzamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and processes for making them, the formulations comprising from about 1% to about 20% of active ingredient, from about 1% to about 18% of a surfactant component, from about 50% to about 80% of a component of one or more polyethylene glycols, from about 1% to about 20% of a component of one or more sucrose fatty acid esters and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable preservatives or antioxidants

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic compositions comprising (A) at least one amide derivative having a specified formula; and (B) at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of (B-1) polyhydric alcohols, (B-2) vegetable extracts and (B-3) organic acids or salts thereof. The compositions can enhance the water-retaining ability of the horny layer and have excellent effects for improving skin roughness and preventing the formation of wrinkles.

Abstract: A process for solubilizing in water and in aqueous vehicles sparingly water-soluble pharmaceutically active substances, comprising the following operations: 1) forming a complex of the pharmaceutically active substance with a pharmaceutically acceptable non-ionic polymer capable of forming complexes with the substance, and isolating the complex in solid form; 2) dissolving again the thus obtained complex in an aqueous medium by means of a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. The method allows to markedly increase the water-solubility of pharmaceutically active organic compounds which are intrinsically poorly or negligibly soluble in water, in order to obtain preparations that are stable in aqueous solution and contain therapeutically and commercially useful concentrations of active ingredient.

Abstract: A cosmetic and/or dermatological composition in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion comprising (1) at least one silicone emulsifier, (2) at least one branched-chain hydrocarbonaceous oil and (3) at least one volatile silicone oil, the total amount of branched-chain hydrocarbonaceous oil and of volatile silicone oil representing at least 50% by weight of the oily phase. This composition may be used, for example, for caring for, making up, cleansing and/or removing make-up from the skin, mucous membranes, eyes and/or hair.

Abstract: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, over 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 10 times stronger than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene. Astaxanthin has also been shown to enhance and modulate the immune system and diminish the damaging effects of UVA sunlight. Disclosed is a method for retarding and ameliorating fever blisters (cold sores) and canker sores. The method comprises administering a source of astaxanthin in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent, retard and ameliorate fever blisters and canker sores. The astaxanthin may be administered orally, topically, or in a combination of oral and topical dosage.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing irbesartan, alone or in combination with a diuretic, providing tablets with a high relative amount of active agent and excellent wetting and disintegration properties.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel pharmaceutical compositions of lipid lowering agents which can be administered to a mammal suffering from hyperlipidemia, obesitas or atherosclerosis, whereby a single such dosage form can be administered once daily, and in addition at any time of the day independently of the food taken in by said mammal. These novel compositions comprise particles obtainable by melt-extruding a mixture comprising a lipid lowering agent and an appropriate water-soluble polymer and subsequently milling said melt-extruded mixture.

Abstract: A dividable tablet is not chipped, can be divided easily and accurately, has excellent impact resistance and rarely causes twining in the film-coating step, wherein a dividing line is formed along a center line on the upper surface of the tablet, ridgelines are each located on an inner side of the peripheral portion of the tablet to surround the dividing line in two areas defined by the dividing line on the upper surface of the tablet, the lower surface of the tablet gradually rises from the peripheral portion of the tablet toward the center portion thereof, and areas around the ridgelines are each formed by a convex surface.

Abstract: A medical composition is here disclosed which comprises a hydroxy acid-based oligomer (A) and a drug (B), wherein the hydroxy acid-based oligomer (A) is an oligomer in which the carboxylic acid-terminals are at least partially esterified, and the oligomer (A) has a function of becoming pH 5 to 8 when administered into an organism, and the oligomer (A) shows fluidity at 25° C. This composition sustainedly releases the drug (B) to deliver it into an organism by a syringe or the like, and scarcely gives rise to irritation, inflammation or the like.

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: The present invention refers to a method for producing vasodilation or analgesia in a mammal, comprising the use of vegetal material derived from the bark of a Trichilia species.