Abstract: A method for treating pulmonary hypertension and other diseases involving a defect in collagen metabolism, by administration of an effective amount of a liposome encapsulated copolymer conjugate antifibrotic composition, is disclosed. The antifibrotic agent is preferably a proline analog, such as cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline (cHyp). Consistent, high loadings (>98%) of the antifibrotic agent are achieved by first forming a dipeptide with L-lysine, after which the dipeptide is copolymerized with the polymer component to form the copolymer conjugate. The polymer is preferably poly(ethylene glycol) having a weight average molecular weight of from about 500 to about 15,000. There is thus provided the efficient delivery and rateable release of the antifibrotic agent to inhibit collagen accumulation and thereby treat the diseases involved.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for controlled release of a protein or polypeptide comprising a hydrophobic biodegradable polymer and a protein or polypeptide. A physical interaction is present between the polymer and the protein or polypeptide, thus, allowing protection and controlled release of the protein or polypeptide in-vivo. The drug delivery system may be prepared by a polymer precipitation technique or a microsphere technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a plaster-based solid composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, this process comprising the following steps: a pulverulent mixture comprising at least calcium sulphate hemihydrate in powder form is prepared, an aqueous phase is added to the pulverulent mixture, the pulverulent mixture and the aqueous phase are blended together so as to obtain a castable mixture, the castable mixture is poured into a mould, the mixture is left to cure by hydration of the calcium sulphate hemihydrate into calcium sulphate dihydrate, characterized in that a non-aqueous liquid preserving system is added to the pulverulent mixture before adding the aqueous phase. The invention also relates to a composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, which can be obtained by the process.

Abstract: The invention features a physiologically acceptable cream that contains estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone molecules that are identical to the estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone molecules naturally produced by the human body. The cream may be self-administered to the skin and is useful as a means of hormone replacement therapy, which may begin at around the time of menopause.

Abstract: Hair styling agents, and aqueous base hair care compositions containing them, wherein the hair styling agent comprises a water-insoluble hair styling polymer with a volatile, water-insoluble diluent. The water-insoluble hair styling polymer consists essentially of hydrophobic monomer units. These compositions are particularly useful for application to the hair in the form of a rinse-off hair care composition comprising the hair styling agent and an aqueous carrier providing a gel-like rheology.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lubricant for contact lenses or dry eye or to provide relief from eye irritation. In particular, the composition contains a biguanide preservative in combination with polyvinylpyrollidone. An ophthalmic solution containing such a combination of components can be applied, in the form of droplets, to the eye or to contact lens in the eye. In one embodiment of the invention, the composition is used as a universal lubricant, meaning that the same solution can be used with or without contact lenses, depending on the needs of the user, whether in the context of a contact-lens care or general eye care.

Abstract: A transdermal formulation for providing antiviral effect in dermis or epidermis, wherein comprising (a) 0.01 to 30 weight percent of antiviral drug; (b) 0.05 to 20 weight percent of a Chinese medicine enhancer; and (c) a pharmaceutical acceptable vehicles. The antiviral drug is selected from the group consisting of ACV(Acyclovir), Carbovir, DDA(2',3'-Dideoxyadnosine), HPMPA(1-(3-Hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxylpropyl)-adenosine), DHPG(Ganciclovir), Desciclovir, IDC (5-Iodo-2'-deoxy-cytidine), Vidarabine(Ara-A), DDI(2',3'-Dideoxyinosine), Cordycepin, Cytarabine, Deoxyguanosine, d4T(2',3'-Didehydro-3'-deoxythymidine), FIAC(2'-Fluoro-5-iodoaracytosine), AZT(ZDV, Zidovudine), Ara-T(1-.beta.-D-Ara-binofuranosylthymine), Deoxythymidine, Ribavirin, EDU(5-Ethyl-2'-deoxy-uridine), Enviroxime, Amantadine, Arildone, HPMPC(9-(3-Hydroxy-2-phosphonyl-methoxyl-propyl)cytidine), Riboxamide, Rimantidine, Tromantadine, Foscamet sodium, Moroxydine, F3T(5-Trifluoro-methyl-2'-deoxy-uridine), BVDU (Bromovinyldeoxyuridine).

Abstract: Air or gas filled microballoons bounded by an interfacially deposited polymer membrane which can be dispersed in aqueous carrier liquids to be injected into living organisms or administered orally, rectally and urethrally for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes (echography). The properties of the polymeric membrane of the microballoons (elasticity, permeability, biodegradability) can be controlled at will depending on the selected polymer, the interfacial deposition conditions, and the polymer additives.

Abstract: A fluid composition is provided in the form of a wax dispersion in a liquid vehicle which is comprised of a single phase. The dispersed phase is a stable microdispersion comprised of particles having a size lower than 0.5 .mu.m. The particles are constituted essentially of a mixture of at least one wax, at least one emulsifying agent and optionally at least one oil and/or at least one liposoluble active ingredient. This mixture has a end melting point greater than 50.degree. C. and lower than 100.degree. C. The composition contains, by weight, from 0.1 to 40% of wax and from 0.01 to 25% of emulsifying agent. The emulsifying agent is a cationic emulsifier. The concentration of oil, when it is present, is less than or equal to 30 weight percent relative to the weight of the wax or mixture of waxes.

Abstract: The availability of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain is increased by administering a serotonin reuptake inhibitor with a serotonin 1A antagonist and L-tryptophan or 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan.