Abstract: The narrow poly- or mono-dispersed oligomers of the present invention are polyureas, polycarbonates, polyesters or polyamides having a recurring unit of from 3 to 50. These oligomers are water-soluble, preferably have a rigid backbone, have recurring units coupled by carbonyl linking moieties which have anionic groups, display predominantly linear geometry such that regular spacing between anionic groups exists in an aqueous medium, and are pharmaceutically-acceptable. The narrow poly- or mono-dispersed oligomers are useful for the treatment and/or diagnosis of AIDS and/or ARC or HSV.

Abstract: There are disclosed a controlling agent and an antifouling composition against harmful aquatic organisms, which include a particular N-phenylisothiazolone derivative of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are the same or different and are independently hydrogen, chlorine or bromine; and R is haloalkoxy. Also disclosed is a method for preventing or inhibiting the adhesion of harmful aquatic organisms to water-exposed articles, which includes applying the antifouling composition to the water-exposed articles.

Abstract: An improved method for orally administering buspirone to a human subject wherein the bioavailability of buspirone is increased and its elimination, metabolite formation, and variability of these pharmacokinetic parameters is decreased, the improvement comprises the concurrent administration of a sufficient amount of nefazodone to effect these pharmacokinetic changes for orally administered buspirone.

Abstract: (Meth)acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers for improving mucosal permeability and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are described.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a composition of matter comprising high viscosity sodium alginate, cellulose sulfate and a multi-component polycation. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for making capsules, measuring capsule permeability to immunologically-relevant proteins and treating disease in an animal using encapsulated cells.Over one thousand combinations of polyanions and polycations were examined as polymer candidates suitable for encapsulation of living cells and thirty-three pairs were effective. The combination of sodium alginate, cellulose sulfate, poly(methylene-co-guanidine) hydrochloride, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride produced the most desirable results. Pancreatic islets encapsulated in this multicomponent capsule demonstrated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vitro and reversed diabetes without stimulating immune reaction in mice.

Abstract: A cosmetic product is provided for removing keratotic skin plugs. The product is a strip sealed for storage having 2 to 12% moisture within a pouch. The strip includes a flexible substrate sheet onto which a composition containing an adhesive polymer is deposited. The composition is treated to become dry non-tacky to the touch yet upon being wetted for use the composition again turns tacky and mobile. The method of application involves either directly moistening the product or indirectly moistening by first wetting a consumer's face in an area where the product is applied. Thereafter, water is allowed to evaporate leaving a film to which the keratotic plugs are bonded. The film is then peeled away concommittingly removing the plugs.

Abstract: A method is provided to treat a human afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia syndrome by the administration of certain butyrate derivatives.

Abstract: Topical compositions for application to the stratum corneum include a polyester and an active ingredient which is a chemical exfoliating agent, sunless tanning agent, skin lightening agent and/or an insect repellent. The polyester substantially retains the active ingredient on or in the stratum corneum. A method for improving the effect of the active ingredient in a topical composition includes providing a polyester which functions to substantially retain the active ingredient on or in the stratum corneum to improve the effect of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oil-in-water emulsion compositions that are useful for personal cleansing and for depositing an active ingredient upon the skin surface. The active ingredient in these compositions has a solubility parameter from about 7 to about 13. A preferred active ingredient is salicylic acid.

Abstract: Bioadhesive/mucoadhesive composition in a suspension or emulsion form that delivers drugs to the target tissue in a sustained manner is formulated. A composition, method of manufacture and its application in treatment of mammalian tissue are disclosed. The composition includes a bioadhesive/mucoadhesive polymer in an emulsion or suspension form along with a treating agent. The treating agent could be as simple as water as in the case of mucoadhesive moisturizing agent. The bioadhesive/mucoadhesive polymer is a water dispersible high molecular weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid copolymer with free carboxylic acid groups further crosslinked with a combination mono, di and polyvalent metal ions, cationic polymers and surfactants. Type of metal ion and their concentration can be adjusted to get the desired bio/mucoadhesive properties along with several physical properties that are important to the formulation of dosage forms.

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: The narrow poly- or mono-dispersed oligomers of the present invention are polyureas, polycarbonates, polyesters or polyamides having a recurring unit of from 3 to 50. These oligomers are water-soluble, preferably have a rigid backbone, have recurring units coupled by carbonyl linking moieties which have anionic groups, display predominantly linear geometry such that regular spacing between anionic groups exists in an aqueous medium, and are pharmaceutically-acceptable. The narrow poly- or mono-dispersed oligomers are useful for the treatment and/or diagnosis of AIDS and/or ARC or HSV.

Abstract: A hair treatment composition which can imparts an excellent set-retaining power to the hair while maintaining the natural hair texture.The hair treatment composition contains a polymer capable of forming a polymer film having a water vapor transmission coefficient, which is determined on the basis of a water vapor transmission rate measured in accordance with "Testing Methods for Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Moisture-proof Packaging Materials" [Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) Z0208-1976], at a temperature of 20.degree. C. under a relative humidity of 90%, of 0.8.times.10.sup.-3 g.multidot.m.sup.-1 .multidot.hr.sup.-1 or below.

Abstract: A biocompatible monomer composition includes: (A) at least one monomer, which forms a medically acceptable polymer; (B) at least one plasticizing agent present in the composition in an amount of from 0.5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the composition; and (C) at least one acidic stabilizing agent having a pK.sub.a ionization constant of from about 1 to about 7. The composition can be applied to a variety of materials and is particularly suitable as in vivo tissue adhesive. A method of joining together in vivo two surfaces, e.g.

Abstract: A composition for delivering a biologically active agent to a host. The composition comprises a product including a biologically active agent encapsulated in a matrix comprising a polyetherester copolymer, such as a polyethylene glycol terephthalate/polybutylene terephthalate copolymer. The polyetherester copolymer protects the biologically active agent (including proteins, peptides, and small drug molecules) from degradation or denaturation, and therefore such copolymers may be employed in a variety of drug delivery systems and vaccines.

Abstract: A medicament for preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of hyperphosphatemia which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable anion exchange resin such as a 2-methylimidazole/epichlorohydrin copolymer, cholestyramine resin, or colestipol. The medicament is orally available and has lowering effect on blood phosphate concentration and reducing effect on urinary phosphate excretion, and is useful for the treatment of conditions caused by hyperphosphatemia including renal dysfunction and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water or alcohol soluble or dispersible 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 delivereing and/or transdermally transporting active ingredients to or thorugh the skin.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug-resin complex and a chelating agent in which the composition is in the form of a solid or a gel. The invention also provides a method of making such a composition and a method for improving the stability of a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Provided is a medical material useful for wound dressings or a drug delivery system, which material is safe and has high healing effects, more specifically, which is free from cytotoxicity or other side effects caused by a drug and permits the selective healing of the diseased site in a small dosage without damaging the sites other than the diseased site.The medical material so provided is a polymer gel having a sequence represented by the formula: A-Sp1-E-Sp2-G wherein A represents a water-swelling polymer gel, Sp1 represents the first spacer, E represents a cleavable group with the main chain to be cleaved via an enzymatic reaction, Sp2 represents the second spacer and G represents a drug. When the polymer gel is used, the cleavable group (E) is cleaved according to an amount of an enzyme existing at the diseased site to release the drug in accordance with the amount of the enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to oral care products such as toothpastes with an improved sensorially-perceivable cleaning benefit. This is achieved by the inclusion in the oral care products of agglomerates, substantially free from organic and/or inorganic binding agents, whereby the agglomerates are made of at least two, chemically and/or physically different particulate materials of specified particle sizes. The inclusion of materials having a therapeutic benefit on the teeth or gums in the agglomerates such as zinc citrate provides for a further benefit in that this material is slowly released from the agglomerates, thus providing for a delivery of this material over a longer period. Upon use, the gritty-feeling agglomerates will break-down into smaller particles, thus giving the consumer the feeling of initial cleaning and subsequent polishing.