Abstract: An osmotic delivery system has a membrane plug retention mechanism which can also be used to control the delivery rate of a beneficial agent from the osmotic delivery system. The osmotic delivery device includes an implant capsule containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic agent. Holes are formed along a side wall of the implant capsule at an open end of the capsule. When the membrane plug is inserted into the open end of the capsule, the membrane material swells into the holes in the capsule side wall creating a large frictional force which prevents expulsion of the membrane plug. A beneficial agent delivery rate of the osmotic delivery system is controllable by varying the size and number of the holes to change the amount of exposed surface area of the membrane plug. An increase in the surface area of the membrane plug exposed to the exterior environment causes a corresponding increase in the liquid permeation rate of the membrane and thus, increases the beneficial agent delivery rate.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for enhancing the inhibiting action of drugs against multidrug resistant cells, apparently by reversing or inhibiting the glycoprotein “pumps” associated with such cells.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for enhancing the inhibiting action of drugs against multidrug resistant cells, apparently by reversing or inhibiting the glycoprotein “pumps” associated with such cells.

Abstract: A flexible applicator for applying an oil-in-water emulsion comprises: (1) an allantoin-containing oil-in-water emulsion; and (2) a flexible element that adsorbs or absorbs the emulsion such that the emulsion is applied to the skin of a patient on whom the flexible applicator is placed. The allantoin-containing emulsion, containing allantoin and an emulsifier, has improved stability coming from the adjustment of the pH to a range of 3.0 to 6.0; preferably, the pH is in the range of 4.5 to about 5.8. The lower pH preserves the stability of the allantoin and the functionality of the emulsifier system is maintained. The emulsifier system can be a nonionic emulsifier or an anionic emulsifier plus beeswax. The acid used to adjust the pH can be an organic acid or an inorganic acid. The emulsion can further comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, chelating agents, preservatives, emollients, solvents, and fragrance.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of HIV infection. In particular, the present invention provides non-nucleoside inhibitors of reverse transcriptase (RT), as well as methods to treat HIV infection using these non-nucleoside inhibitors of RT. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of substituted benzimidazoles, effective in the inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RT.

Abstract: A method for alleviating chronic fatigue syndrome with the administration of antiviral agents. Based on clinical tests, chronic fatigue syndrome is a persistent herpes virus infection including incomplete virus multiplication and thus administration of antiviral agents are shown to alleviate the symptoms associated with the disorder. Based on therapeutic trials, patients receiving the recommended antiviral treatment, have experienced significant reduction or elimination of the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. A method of diagnosis of the chronic fatigue syndrome is further disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical combination useful for the treatment of viral infections comprising a at least one antiviral active compound of formula (1): and at least one further therapeutic agent chosen from nucleoside analogues; NNRTIs; and protease inhibitors.

Abstract: A bioreductive conjugate comprises a bioreductive moiety with at least one therapeutic agent linked thereto and physiologically acceptable derivatives thereof. The bioreductive moiety incorporates an aromatic ring substituted with a nitro group and the conjugate is such that bioreduction of the nitro group causes release of the therapeutic agent by a through bond elimination and the residue of the bioreductive moiety to undergo an intramolecular cyclization reaction in which the nitrogen of the original nitro group provides an atom of the thus formed ring.

Abstract: An enteral composition and method for providing nutrition to metabolically stressed patients. The enteral composition has an energy density of about 1.4 to 1.8 kcal/ml. The enteral composition includes a protein source providing 15% to 20% of the energy of the composition, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source. The enteral composition has a ratio of non-protein calories per gram of nitrogen of at least about 90:1.

Abstract: An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an EP4 receptor ligand in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of neuropathic pain, colon cancer, migraine, and for increasing the latency of HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enteral composition and method for providing nutrition to metabolically stressed patients. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition has an increased caloric density of approximately 1.4 to 1.8 kcal/mL. The enteral composition includes a peptide based protein source, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source.

Abstract: Novel imides are inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alpha and can be used to combat cachexia, endotoxic shock, and retrovirus replication. A typical embodiment is (R)-2-Phthalimido-3-(3?,4?-dimethoxyphenyl)propane.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds related to lactacystin and lactacystin ?-lactone, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of use.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the elimination half-life of key metabolites such as d4T by administering an aryl phosphate derivative of d4T having an electron withdrawing substituent on the aryl group and an amino acid substituent on the phosphate group are described. A preferred aryl phosphate derivative of d4T is HI-113 (d4T-5′-[p-bromophenyl methoxyalaninyl phosphate]). The administration of HI-113 results in more prolonged systemic exposure to the key metabolites, Ala-d4T-MP and d4T, than administration of an equimolar dose of either metabolite. Each metabolite has a significantly longer elimination half life when formed in vivo from the administration of HI-113 than when the metabolite is administered directly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inhibiting retroviral integrase in a subject in need of such treatment. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective retroviral integrase inhibiting amount of a bis-benzimidazole compound such as bis[5-amidino-2-benzimidazolyl]methane, 1,2-bis[5-amidino-2-benzimidazolyl]ethane, 1,2-bis[5-amidino-2-benzimidazolyl]ethene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for combatting retroviral infections is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds, preparations and methods for immunosuppressive treatment of autoimmune disorders, graft rejection and/or graft/host disease. Therapeutically effective amounts of certain substituted triarylmethane compounds, such as 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole, are administered to mammalian patients to selectively inhibit the calcium-activated K+ channel (IKCa1) in lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, platelets or endothelial cells without concomitant inhibition of P450-dependent enzyme systems, resulting in reduction of antigen-, cytokine-, or mitogen-induced calcium entry through store operated calcium channels in these cells, suppression of cytokine production by these cells, and inhibition of activation of these cells. Such inhibition of the Ca++ activated K+ channel (IKCa1) prevents the pre-Ca++ stage of cell activation and thus causes immunosuppression and an anti-inflammatory response.

Abstract: Compositions comprising glutamine in combination with other ingredients such as N-acetyl-cysteine are disclosed. Such compositions can be administered to treat patients with certain conditions of the body.

Abstract: Substantially nontoxic manganese complexes of compounds of the formula: wherein n=0, 1 or 2, R1 and R2 are hydrogen or alkyl groups of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 and R4 are hydrogen, alkyl groups of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or halogen, are useful for enhancing magnetic resonance images of body organs and tissues. Illustrative manganese complexes of such compounds include dihydrogen bis(N-[N′-(2,6-Diisopropylphenyl)-carbamoylmethyl-]iminodiaceto)manganese(II) monohydrate, dihydrogen bis[N-[N′-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-carbamoylmethyl]iminodiaceto)-manganese(II) trihydrate, and dihydrogen bis(N-[N′-(2,6-dimethylpheny)carbamoylmethyl]iminodiaceto) manganese(II) dihydrate.

Abstract: A cosmetic material comprising as essential cosmetic constituents (A) a silicone-branched silicone compound and (B) a silicone-branched polyether-modified silicone compound.