Abstract: A process for the preparation of a conjugate between a poly (ethylene glycol) and a protein or glycoprotein, the process comprising specifically binding the domain to a specific binder, to shield the domain from the poly (ethylene glycol) in the following conjugating step, thereafter conjugating the poly (ethylene glycol) to the protein or glycoprotein, wherein conjugation of the poly (ethylene glycol) to the domain is avoided and thereafter releasing the specific binder from the domain without releasing the poly (ethylene glycol) from the protein or glycoprotein, wherein the protein or glycoprotein is other than a proteolytic enzyme selected from the group consisting of trypsin, urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, plasmin, chymotrypsin, elastase and kallikrein.

Abstract: PEGylated drugs complexed with bioadhesive polymers, wherein the PEGylated drugs comprise a polyethylene glycol covalently bonded to the drugs are disclosed. The PEGylated drug/bioadhesive polyner complex and compositions thereof may be topically administered to body fluids or mucosal tissues. Methods of administering the PEGylated drug/bioadhesive polymer complex and compositions thereof to an animal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hair care compositions containing nonpolar graft thermoplastic elastomeric copolymers and a water insoluble volatile solvent for the copolymer. This invention relates to styling products such as sprays and mousses, to hair conditioning products such as rinses and leave on conditioners, and to shampoo products useful for both cleansing and conditioning the hair.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving blood compatibility of interpenetrating multicomponent polymer by controlling various factors affecting phase separation such as composition ratio, synthetic temperature, synthetic pressure, cross-linking density and hydrophilicity of polyurethane in the course of synthesizing interpenetrating polymer network ("IPN") where hydrophilic urethane resin and hydrophobic styrene derivative are cross-linked each other. IPN materials of the invention may be widely used in various applications such as artificial organ or surface finishing material which are in direct contact with blood, since they inhibit thrombogenesis by suppressing platelet adhesion and agglutination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a plant capable of growing in the presence of at least water and light, a nonionic water-absorptive polymer, and water, and a method of use of the composition as well as a method of fabricating a revegetation material.

Abstract: This invention designs cosmetic compositions for improving the appearance of skin and nails. The invention provides a cosmetically acceptable composition for removing the appearance of wrinkles and for hardening nails. A method for reducing the appearance of wrinkles according to the invention comprises applying to the skin a cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent ionic: polymer or copolymer comprising acrylate and/or acrylamide monomers or other suitable highly hydrophilic polymer in a topically acceptable vehicle, and allowing the vehicle to dry, so as to immediately and temporarily reduce all appearance of wrinkles without forming a visible film. The invention also encompasses a method for hardening nails, comprising repeatedly applying to the nails a cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of a polymer of an acrylamide and/or acrylate monomer in an acceptable vehicle, so as to cause a desirable hardening of the nails after repeated use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing comprising a biopolymer matrix comprising gelatin cross-linked with an oxidized polysaccharide. Preferably said oxidized polysaccharide comprises an oxidized dextran or an oxidized xanthan. Preferably said matrix is in the form of a hydrated film, a hydrated or dry foam, dry fibers which may be fabricated into a woven or non-woven tissue, hydrated or dry microbeads, dry powder; or said matrix is covered with a semipermeable film, so as to control the humidity of the wound covered with the dressing, with the permeability chosen so as to maintain this humidity within a therapeutically optimal window. A polysulfated polysaccharide with a M.W. greater than 30,000 kDa is mechanically entrapped during the formation of said matrix.

Abstract: A method of treating diseases caused by sebaceous gland disorders, in humans and animals, which comprises administering to said humans and animals a composition comprising a sebaceous gland secretion inhibiting amount of an active compound comprising an acyl coA cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) inhibitor or prodrug therefor.A composition for use in treating diseases caused by sebaceous gland disorders such as acne in humans and animals which comprises a sebaceous gland secretion inhibiting amount of an acyl coA cholesterol acyl tanferase (ACAT) inhibitor or prodrug therefor and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A non-abusable, non-inflammatory, biocompatible, non-biodegradable, subcutaneous, polymeric implant for the prolonged, controlled release of hydromorphone with near zero-order kinetics is described. Methods of alleviating cancer pain and treating opioid drug addiction with the implant are also described.

Abstract: An orally administrable sustained-release dosage form includes particles of an active pharmaceutical ingredient which is coated with a polymeric material that is water-insoluble, but water-permeable and water-swellable, so that the sustained-release dosage form provides controlled release which is independent of certain variable physiological factors such as pH. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the active pharmaceutical ingredient is acetaminophen and the coated acetaminophen particles are combined with uncoated acetaminophen particles to provide a combination immediate-release/sustained-release dosage form.

Abstract: A hair-growing agent comprising proanthocyanidin as the active ingredient. The present invention provides a hair-growing agent having strong pharmaceutical effects.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for enhancing the bioadhesive properties of polymers used in drug delivery devices. The bioadhesive properties of a polymer are enhanced by incorporating a metal compound into the polymer to enhance the ability of the polymer to adhere to a tissue surface such as a mucosal membrane. Metal compounds which enhance the bioadhesive properties of a polymer include water-insoluble metal compounds such as water-insoluble metal oxides, including oxides of calcium, iron, copper and zinc. The metal compounds can be incorporated within a wide range of polymers including proteins, polysaccharides and synthetic biocompatible polymers. In one embodiment, metal oxides can be incorporated within polymers used to form or coat drug delivery devices, such as microspheres, which contain a drug or diagnostic agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to fiber-forming bioabsorbable poly(ester-amide)s made by the polymerization of diamidediols with 3,6-dioxaoctanedioic acid, also known as "triglycolic acid". More specifically it relates to diol terminated poly(ester-amide)s of triglycolic acid that are optionally further reacted with glycolide, lactide, trimethylene carbonate, epsilon-caprolactone, or p-dioxanone, or mixtures of said cyclic monomers to produce the corresponding block copolymers. Said polymers are useful in the production of surgical sutures having superior performance characteristics including low bending stiffness and in the production of other fiber-based bioabsorbable implants and molded devices.

Abstract: There are disclosed stable fluidized polymer suspensions containing cationic polysaccharide, stabilizing agent and emollient. The preferred cationic polysaccharides are cationic guar and cationic hydroxypropyl guar, and preferred emollients are hydrocarbons, silicone oils and esters. Processes for preparing personal care compositions utilizing the fluidized polymer suspensions are also disclosed. Using the fluidized polymer suspensions in the processes provides the advantages of more rapid dissolution and avoidance of lumps and gels when compared to using dry, powdered cationic polysaccharides.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition and process for treating blepharitis employing the composition of 0.5-10% of available nonionic surfactant in water to emulsify and remove lipids from the corneal surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a topical composition for the treatment of psoriasis. The composition comprises a film forming agent, a plasticizer, an aqueous alcoholic solution and an amount of alkali effective to prevent the gellation of the film forming agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to inhibit bacteria from adhering to a submergible surface. The method contacts the submergible surface with an effective amount of at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the submergible surface. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling biofouling of an aqueous system. This method adds an effective amount of at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester to inhibit bacteria from adhering to a submerged surface within the aqueous system. This method effectively controls biofouling without substantially killing the fouling organisms. The present invention also relates to a composition containing polyglycol fatty acid esters and useable in the above methods. The compositions comprise at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester in an amount effective to inhibit bacteria from adhering to submergible or submerged surfaces.

Abstract: A polymeric composition capable of releasing nitric oxide including a polymer and a nitric oxide-releasing N.sub.2 O.sub.2.sup.- functional group bound to the polymer; pharmaceutical compositions including the polymeric composition; and methods for treating biological disorders in which dosage with nitric oxide is beneficial. The compositions can be used as and/or incorporated into implants, injectables, condoms, prosthesis coatings, patches, and the like for use in a wide variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are biocompatible prepolymer compositions comprising a compatible antimicrobial agent and, in particular, a compatible iodine containing antimicrobial agent. These compositions provide for in situ formation of an antimicrobial polymeric film on mammalian skin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to particulate carriers useful as drug carries 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 composition containing a combination of the graft copolymer (A) and at least one graft copolymer 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.