Abstract: This invention to provide a process for producing an optically active threo-phenylnorstatin derivative which does not require a toxic cyanating agent or a costly reagent, or a complicated procedure, and can be practiced on a commercial scale. This invention is directed to a process for producing a &bgr;-amino-&agr;-hydroxy acid derivative which comprises treating either a &ggr;-amino-&bgr;-keto sulfoxide derivative with a halogenating agent to produce a &ggr;-amino-&agr;-halo-&bgr;-keto sulfoxide derivative, treating the same with an acid and an alcohol to produce a &bgr;-amino-&agr;-keto ester derivative or &bgr;-amino-&agr;-keto acid derivative, and followed by reducing.

Abstract: N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-&agr;-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester is produced by reductive alkylation and crystallization/isolation in methanol and water. The production method is efficient and low cost, as compared with conventional N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-&agr;-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester synthesis and results in high purity N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-&agr;-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for purifying &agr;-keto acids. In particular, the present invention pertains to the isolation of pivalic acid and other organic impurities from &agr;-keto acids. The process of the invention generally includes (i) the partial acidification of an aqueous solution of a sodium salt of the &agr;-keto acid (a“keto salt”), (ii) a first solvent extraction of the keto salt solution to remove organic impurities, (iii) further acidification of the keto salt solution, (iv) a second solvent extraction to remove the &agr;-keto acid, and (v) isolation of the &agr;-keto acid from the solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the preparation of trimethylpyruvic acid (TMPA) of enhanced purity.

Abstract: 2,2-Difluoro HETE derivatives and methods of their use for treating dry eye are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an acid derivative of ose containing n carbon atoms on the carbonic chain, characterised by the fact that an acid derivative of ose with n+1 carbon atoms containing at least one &agr; ketone function, and/or one of its salts, is brought into contact with hydrogen peroxide in a reaction medium without pH regulation.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining appropriate treatment for illnesses in humans or animals are disclosed. The method includes: providing a test kit containing a random arrangement of drug(s) and placebo(s) and/or alternative treatment(s) along with a questionnaire or other instrument designed to elicit data concerning the safety, efficacy and desirability of a treatment; administering the drug(s) and placebo(s) and/or alternative treatments to each member of the pool in a random, double blind fashion and following up on patient outcomes as appropriate post-study; assembling a database from the completed pool questionnaires and revealing the random schedule to uncover drug and placebo treatment periods; providing the same kit to a patient in need of the same treatment and comparing the results obtained from the single patient trial with those obtained from the pool to determine an optimal treatment for the patient with the drug; and administering a treatment consistent with the optimal treatment.

Abstract: A dicreatine citrate or tricreatine citrate, comprising two and three creatine cations per citrate anion, respectively. The dicreatine citrate has a melting point of about 146° F., and the tricreatine citrate has a melting point of about 154° F.