Abstract: A colonic delivery system for delivering a drug to the colon is provided. The system comprises a drug in combination with a matrix, wherein the matrix comprises a saccharide-containing polymer. According to the invention, the matrix is resistant to chemical and enzymatic degradation in the stomach and small intestine. The matrix is degraded in the colon by bacterial enzymatic action, and the drug is released. The system is useful for targeting drugs to the colon in order to treat colonic disease. The system is also useful for enteric administration of drugs such as proteins and peptides which are otherwise degraded in the stomach and small intestine.

Abstract: The invention relates methods for the treatment of gingivitis, oral plaque and oral or dermatological fungal infections by the administration of a liquid methacrylic acid copolymer composition that contains a release adjusting agent and a pharmacological agent. The composition forms a solid film upon drying, and is capable of accomplishing the sustained release of the pharmacological agent such as to permit its use in the treatment or prevention of dental or dermatological conditions.

Abstract: A unique storage stable liquid polymer composition is described containing a water-soluble, low viscosity cellulosic polymer, bleaching agent and vehicle. Also, described are uses of this composition for the bleaching of teeth, treatment of dental plaque, gingivitis, and other oral and periodontal diseases that respond to chemical oxidizing agents.

Abstract: A system for controlled release, site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents, particularly myocardial agents such as antiarrhythmic agents, comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix with an incorporated therapeutic agent for direct placement at the epicardium. Advantageously, the dosage form can be fabricated in such a manner as to tailor the release characteristics as required by the nature of the physical condition desired to be treated. In a specific illustrative embodiment, lidocaine, an antiarrhythmic depressant, is incorporated in polyurethane by a unique method which permits drug-loading of the polymeric matrix from about 5% up to 40% by weight, with about 25% to 30% in a preferred embodiment. A novel FeCl.sub.3 catalyst causes the polyurethane to polymerize despite the presence of drug in the polymeric matrix mixture.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic materials, either natural or synthetic, are treated with trivalent aluminum or iron cations, or salts, to prevent in vivo calcification. Such bioprosthetic materials include porcine aortic valve leaflets, bovine pericardium, aortic homografts, biocompatible elastomers, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Simple incubation of the natural bioprosthetic materials in an ion-containing solution, such as aqueous AlCl.sub.3 or FeCl.sub.3, prior to implantation has been found to inhibit calcification of the biomaterial over a prolonged period, and to do so without adverse side effects. Incorporation of an aluminum-containing compound into the formulation for polymers, such as polyurethane, has also been found to inhibit calcification with no adverse side effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oral composition for plaque prevention or tooth hypersensitivity comprising either an antibacterial agent or a hypersensitivity agent embedded in a sustained release carrier such as an acrylic polymer, and a method for the use of said compositions in preventing dental caries, periodontal disease, and tooth hypersensitivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid methacrylic acid copolymer composition that contains a release adjusting agent and a pharmacological agent. The composition forms a solid film upon drying, and is capable of accomplishing the sustained release of the pharmacological agent such as to permit its use in the treatment or prevention of dental or dermatological conditions.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic materials, either natural or synthetic, are treated with trivalent aluminum cations to prevent in vivo calcification. Such bioprosthetic materials include porcine aortic valve leaflets, bovine pericardium, aortic homografts, biocompatible elastomers, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Simple incubation of the natural bioprosthetic materials in an aluminum ion-containing solution, such as aqueous AlCl.sub.3, prior to implantation has been found to inhibit calcification of the biomaterial over a prolonged period and to do so without adverse side effects. Incorporation of an aluminum-containing compound into the formulation for polymers, such as polyurethane, has also been found to inhibit calcification with no adverse side effects.