Abstract: The invention provides a prepackaged dressing including dry particulate solids for forming a pourable, water-based natural or synthetic hydrocolloidal polyemeric gel to dress wounds. The gel contains a biologically active constituent. Liquid and dry, solid particulate components are separate and are mixed just before use. One dry constituent is the hydrocolloid which is contained in a compartment of a sealed container separate from moisture. After mixing with water, the dry hydrocolloid does not become fully hydrated immediately. The liquid component (water) provides a fluid consistency initially. At this stage, the admixture is sufficiently fluid in consistency to allow it to be poured or spread into a wound. Following application to the wound, the hydrated hydrocolloidal dispersion begins to solidify to form a solid, self-supporting flexible dressing structure consisting primarily of water, the hydrocolloid, as well as the biologically active constituent, e.g.

Abstract: A process employing a supercritical fluid anti-solvent for sizing prednisolone acetate is disclosed. The process optionally incorporates sterilization filters. Average particle sizes of about 1 .mu.m or less (number average) and narrow particle size ranges are obtainable. The process comprises the steps of (a) forming a solution by dissolving prednisolone acetate in acetone such that the concentration of prednisolone acetate is approximately 80% or less of its solubility in acetone; and (b) transporting the solution formed in step (a) through an orifice having a diameter of 50-100 .mu.m into a mixer/expander containing compressed CO.sub.2, wherein the compressed CO.sub.2 is at a temperature from about 40.degree. to 80.degree. C. and has a density less than the density of the solution by at least 0.3 g/cc, to expand the solution so that the acetone dissolves in the CO.sub.2 and the prednisolone acetate precipitates.

Abstract: A method of making an immunoisolatory vehicle comprised of a core comprising living cells dispersed in a biocompatible matrix is disclosed, the cells being capable of secreting a biologically active product or of providing a metabolic or immunologic function to an individual, and an external jacket surrounding said core which is a biocompatible, permselective thermoplastic or hydrogel, said jacket being free of said cells, comprising coextruding a suspension comprising said cells dispersed in a precursor matrix material comprising extracellular matrix components or a biocompatible hydrogel precursor, and a solution of a biocompatible jacket precursor from a nested dual-bore extrusion nozzle, wherein the suspension of (a) is coextruded from the inner bore and the solution of (b) is coextruded from the outer bore of the nozzle, to form said jacket as the solution of (b) and the suspension of (a) arc coextruded; and exposing the vehicle to a treatment that forms a core comprising a volume of at least 1 .mu.

Abstract: Immunoisolatory vehicles having a core and a surrounding jacket are disclosed, the core having a volume in excess of 1 .mu.l and at least about 10.sup.4 living cells capable of secreting a biologically active product or of providing a biological function to a patient, the cells dispersed in a biocompatible matrix formed of a hydrogel or an extracellular matrix component, and the external jacket being permselective, biocompatible and having a molecular weight cutoff permitting passage of molecules between the patient and the core through said jacket to provide said biological product or function.

Abstract: A method of providing a biologically active molecule or metabolic or immunologic function to a patient, comprising implanting into the body of the patient at least one immunoisolatory vehicle comprising a core comprising a volume in excess of 1 .mu.l and at least about 10.sup.4 living cells dispersed in a biocompatible matrix formed of a hydrogel or extracellular matrix components, said cells being capable of secreting a biologically active product or of providing a metabolic or immunologic function to the patient; and an external jacket surrounding said core, said jacket being formed from a thermoplastic or hydrogel, said jacket being free of said cells projecting externally therefrom, said jacket being biocompatible and having a molecular weight cutoff permitting passage of molecules between the patient and the core through said jacket to provide said biologically active product of function.

Abstract: An inhaler for powdered medicament in capsules has a swirling chamber which can be opened to allow access of a closed capsule into the swirling chamber for operation of capsule-opening means in the swirling chamber. Access to the swirling chamber is gained by a pivoting cover member (22) which is provided with interlock means associated with the capsule-opening means to ensure that the capsule opening means cannot be operated while the cover member is in its open position to allow access of the user's finger to the region (28) of the swirling chamber (26,28) where the capsule-opening pins (30) could damage the user's finger. A further embodiment of an inhaler has a removable capsule reservoir having a container portion (74) with a closure (76) removable to reveal the interior of said reservoir and closable to define one entire side face of said reservoir, the closure member (76) being hinged to the container portion at thin film hinge (78).

Abstract: Deodorant compositions containing at least two aldehydes include at least one aldehyde selected from acyclic aliphatic aldehydes, non-terpenic aliphatic aldehydes, non-terpenic alicyclic aldehydes, terpenic aldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes substituted by an aromatic group and bifunctional aldehydes; and one aldehyde selected from aldehydes possessing a non-aromatic unsaturation carried by the carbon which is alpha to the aldehyde, aldehydes possessing an unsaturation alpha to the aldehyde function conjugated with an aromatic ring, and the aldehydes in which the aldehyde group is on an aromatic ring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are stable microemulsions that contain insecticides or other insect control agents, and methods for their use. The microemulsions have above 20% hydrocarbon, yet use below 7.5% emulsifier. They can be delivered in aerosol form using a hydrocarbon propellant. A phenol sanitizer can also be included.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biodegradable film dressing with or without additional therapeutic agents, an apparatus for spray delivery and a method for formation of the film dressing-on a human or animal tissue. The film dressing is formed from a liquid composition of at least one biodegradable/bioerodible thermoplastic polymer in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. The spray apparatus includes a vessel containing the liquid composition with a dispensing means. The film is formed by dispensing, preferably by spraying, the liquid composition onto a tissue site and contacting the liquid composition with an aqueous based fluid to coagulate or solidify the film onto the human or animal tissue. The biodegradable film can be used to protect and to promote healing of injured tissue and/or to deliver biologically active agents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of manufacture for producing a medicament composition capable of absorption through the mucosal tissues of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. The present invention relates to such compositions and methods which are useful in administering lipophilic and nonlipophilic drugs in a dose-to-effect manner such that sufficient drug is administered to produce precisely a desired effect. The invention also relates to a manufacturing technique that enables a therapeutic agent or drug to be incorporated into a flavored dissolvable matrix. An appliance or holder is preferably attached to the dissolvable matrix. Employing the present invention the drug may be introduced into the patient's bloodstream almost as fast as through injection, and much faster than using the oral administration route, while avoiding the negative aspects of both of these methods.

Abstract: The present application is directed to aerosol formulations comprising (1) a medicament which is selected from the group consisting of salmeterol, fluticasone esters, 4-amino-3,5-dichloro-.alpha.-???6-?2-(2-pyridinyl)ethoxy!hexyl!amino!methy l!benzenemethanol and physiologically acceptable salts and solvates thereof in particulate form and having a surface coating of a surfactant, and (2) a hydrogen-containing fluorocarbon or chlorofluorocarbon propellant. The invention also describes methods for preparation of these aerosol formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selectively removable nicotine-containing dosage form for use in the transmucosal delivery of nicotine to a patient. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a nicotine-containing dosage-form comprising an attached holder member which may be used to manipulate the dosage form within the mouth of the patient as part of an effective smoking cessation program or in situations where smoking is undesirable or not permitted. Nicotine is released from a dosage form and absorbed through the intra-oral mucosal surfaces as the nicotine-containing matrix releases nicotine within the user's mouth. The user may selectively insert and remove the dosage form as desired to control the release of nicotine. In addition, the user may manipulate the dosage form by use of the holder means in such a manner to meet the user's psychological need or desire for ritualistic oral stimulation similar to cigarette smoking.

Abstract: A non-residual, pediculicidal mousse composition for treating head lice consisting essentially of about 0.1 to about 10% w/w of pediculicidal agent, about 70 to about 97% w/w of a foaming agent, which includes water, a surface active agent, a fatty alcohol and a surface active agent, and about 3 to about 20% w/w of an aerosol propellant. In one aspect of the invention, the pediculicidal agent and the foaming agent of the foregoing composition act synergistically against head lice and their eggs.

Abstract: Improved aqueous gliadin-containing hairspray formulations are provided which include form about 0.5-10% by weight gliadin dispersed in an aqueous alcohol-containing solvent system at a pH of from about 3-5.5. The preferred formulations have a VOC content of up to about 55% and contain little or no synthetic polymer.

Abstract: A transmucosal drug delivery device in the form of a sheet material. The device contains an acid-containing particulate polymeric resin dispersed throughout a polytetrafluoroethylene support matrix.

Abstract: A method for administering to a patient having at least one affliction of infections, immunodeficiency syndromes, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, foreign body transplants, or requiring immuno-regulation of tumor diseases, which is present in the lungs. The method administers a non-systemic inhalation of an aerosol composition to the lungs effective to reduce the affliction. The aerosol composition is a solution of a cytokine and a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier solution. The aerosol composition is uniformly administered to the patient over a course of treatment of several months.

Abstract: Methods are provided for administering .alpha.1-antitrypsin dry powder pulmonarily to a patient. In these methods, .alpha.1-antitrypsin is provided in a dry powder form which is aerosolized and administered to the patient. Apparatus are also provided for carrying out these methods. These methods and apparatus are may generally be used in the treatment of patients suffering from .alpha.1-antitrypsin deficiency and the functional derangements of emphysema.

Abstract: An osmotic device (10) for delivering a beneficial drug, such as an anti-fungal, into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device (10) has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device (10) comprises a wall (12) surrounding a compartment (13) housing a layer of an agent (14) that is insoluble to very soluble in aqueous biological fluids, e.g., saliva, and a layer (16) of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway (17) in the wall (12) connects the agent (14) with the exterior of the device (10). The wall (12) is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer (16). In one embodiment the beneficial agent (14) has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer (16). The wall (12) is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of drug/beneficial agent (14) remaining to be delivered.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical aerosol formulations substantially free of chlorofluorocarbons and comprising a therapeutically effective amount of flunisolide in solution with ethanol and a propellant selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane and a mixture thereof are used for the treatment of bronchial asthma. The formulation may be delivered by a metered dose inhaler with a canister that is inert to flunisolide.

Abstract: A dual seal configuration for an aerosol canister containing a medicinal aerosol formulation. The canister includes a vial body and valve ferrule sealed by first and second sealing members to form a chamber that contains the medicinal aerosol formulation. The dual seal configuration reduces leakage of contents, and is particularly helpful where the formulation includes hydrofluorocarbon propellant and an ethanol cosolvent. The first seal can be selected to be a barrier to the formulation components, while the second seal can be relatively more labile to such components.