Abstract: The present invention is a saccharide-bsed matrix and the product resulting therefrom made from a maltodextrin feedstock subjected to conditions which induce flash flow of the maltodextrin so that the matrix possesses a physically- or chemically-altered structure from the feedstock. The present invention also includes a method of producing the matrix and of making products which take advantage of the unique properties of the matrix. Such products include, but are not limited to, unique colloidal-like dispersions and suspensions made from the matrix.

Abstract: A process for delivering the orally administered active ingredients which are safe even in their successive administrations for a long period to the large intestine without elution of the ingredients before reaching the large intestine is disclosed. The process according to the present invention comprises a step of administering orally to animals including human a composite comprising a core containing the active ingredients, an internal layer comprising chitosan with which the core is coated, and an external layer comprising a gastric acid resistant material with which the internal layer is coated, wherein all of the materials in the composite have the empirically established safety to humans. When a material having an iron cation scavenging ability, particularly phytin is used as the active ingredient, it is possible to treat colon cancer efficiently by the process according to the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for transporting a biologically active agent across a cellular membrane or a lipid bilayer. A first method includes the steps of: (a) providing a biologically active agent which can exist in a native conformational state, a denatured conformational state, and an intermediate conformational state which is reversible to the native state and which is conformationally between the native and denatured states; (b) exposing the biologically active agent to a complexing perturbant to reversibly transform the biologically active agent to the intermediate state and to form a transportable supramolecular complex; and (c) exposing the membrane or bilayer to the supramolecular complex, to transport the biologically active agent across the membrane or bilayer. The perturbant has a molecular weight between about 150 and about 600 daltons, and contains at least one hydrophilic moiety and at least one hydrophobic moiety.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydrophilic membrane wherein a hydrophilic cellulose derivative of a number average molecular weight of 2000˜8000 is adsorbed irreversibly to a hydrophobic membrane of an aromatic polymer. Since an amount of leaching substances is extremely small, the membrane can be used suitably in such fields as medical applications, electronics, etc. where even a quite small quantity of leaching substances from the membranes is limited especially small.

Abstract: Microspheres, having a size lower than 1&mgr; and comprising a biocompatible polysaccharidic polymer, are prepared with a process comprising the precipitation of polymer induced by means of a supercritical antisolvent (SAS). These microspheres are used as vehicling agents or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions administrable by oral, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal or rectal route. These microspheres can also be advantageously used as vehicling agent or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of human diseases associated with genic defects, for the preparation of diagnostics and in the agro-alimentary industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complexion-improving beauty composition comprising disintegrable granules and a blood circulation accelerator. The composition can synergistically exhibit a blood circulation-accelerating effect in a short period of time, is excellent in the effect of improving a complexion, and does not irritate the skin and eyes, thus being highly safe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition which is suitable for the administration of medicaments by inhalation. In particular, the pharmaceutical composition comprises microfine particles of medicament and at least one lactose pellet having a diameter of from about 10 to about 1500 micrometers, which pellet comprises a plurality of microfine lactose particles. A method of treating respiratory disorders which comprises administration by inhalation of an effective amount of medicament selected from the group consisting of anti-allergics, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory steroids and mixtures thereof in the pharmaceutical composition as defined is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to vectors for delivering medicinal, nutritional, plant-protection or cosmetic active principles, these delivery particles being of small, controllable and adjustable particle size, which protect the active principle, and being biocompatible, biodegradable, non-immunogenic, stable and free of solvent. The particles do not denature the active principle and allow the active principle to be released. The microparticles of the invention are of a cohesive structure made of a physicochemically stable and integral composite gel which includes an oil such as coconut oil, an aqueous phase and a linear, non-crosslinked copolyamino acid of Leu/Glu type (random or diblock). The microparticles have a controllable and adjustable size of between 0.05 and 500 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A polyol composition useful for the production of tablets for consumption. The polyol is obtained by co-spray drying or co-fluidized bed granulating at least two polyols, one of which is a non-hygroscopic polyol, and the non-hygroscopic polyol is present in an amount of at least 80% by weight. An optional binder may be present. An active medicament may be present.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition includes an inorganic material in granular form which, under condition of use of the cosmetic composition, breaks down to a particle size wherein less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 2% by weight, most preferably less than 1% by weight is above 45 microns, as measured by wet sieve analysis.

Abstract: An extended release formulation of diltiazem which is suitable for once-daily oral administration comprises a quantity of a quick release preparation of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically active salt thereof, mixed with a quantity of a slow release (or delayed release) preparation of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically active salt thereof. The quick release preparation used obtains a maximal release of diltiazem within approximately 1-2 hours after administration, and then falls toward baseline levels. The delayed release preparation individually shows a maximal release of diltiazem at between approximately 6-8 hours after administration.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing diseases or conditions, which are associated with or caused or contributed to by an opportunistic or pathogenic microorganism in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a culture of lactic acid fermentation microorganisms of the species Lactobacillus acidophilus are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving the taste of solid formulations containing one or more active ingredients.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for humans and hair-bearing pets such as dogs and cats, comprising safflower oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, soya oil, cod liver oil, lecithin, natural flavors, herbs, garlic, and zinc. When fed to a dog or cat daily in a proper dosage, the supplement reduces or eliminates non-seasonal shedding and promotes healthy skin and a glossy coat, silky coat, without affecting the dog's or cat's natural shedding cycle and without causing any harmful effects. The composition also may be administered topically to a human to reduce hair loss.

Abstract: An ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) composition in a nonaqueous or substantially anhydrous silicone vehicle has superior stability. Particulate ascorbic acid is substantially insoluble in the disclosed polyorganosiloxane vehicles, and the vehicle substantially excludes environmental oxygen. The ascorbic acid particles have surprisingly been found to have a high degree of bioavailability and effectiveness, for example in topical applications to reduce wrinkles and increase collagen growth and elasticity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extended-release solid oral dosage forms of a drug having low solubility in water are obtained by dissolving the drug in polyethylene glycol having a mean molecular weight of at least 1000 and adding thereto a hydrophilic gel-forming polymer.

Abstract: A method for reducing the formation of sunburn cells in mammalian skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation, comprising applying a cosmetic composition containing stabilized ascorbic acid to the the skin prior to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition and a process for the preparation of a tablet containing a growth hormone secretagogue as the active ingredient. The tablet is prepared by forming a powder blend of the active ingredient N-[1(R)-[(1,2-dihydro-1-methanesulfonyl-spiro[3H-indole-3,4'-piperdin]-1'- yl)carbonyl]-2-(phenylmethyl-oxy)ethyl]-2-amino-2-methyl-propanamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in particular the methanesulfonate salt, with a binder/diluent, a first diluent, a second diluent, a first portion of a disintegrant, and a lubricant; wet granulating the powder blend with a solution of ethanol/water to form granules; drying the granules to remove the ethanol/water; adding a second portion of a disintegrant; lubricating the granules; and compressing the dried granules into the desired tablet form.

Abstract: A method of preparing parenterally administrable sustained release microparticles, which comprises preparing core particles in an aqueous medium that is essentially free from organic solvent, a biologically active substance being entrapped therein during or after said preparation, drying the core particles and coating the same with a release-controlling polymer by air suspension technique so as to create a shell on the core particles without any detrimental exposure of the active substance to organic solvent. Microparticles obtainable by such a method also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a controlled release device suitable for introduction into a human or animal body. The process comprises coextruding a continuous external body comprising a silicone elastomer and one or more elements comprising a synthetic pharmaceutical agent within the continuous external body.