Patents by Inventor Darcy V. Spicer

Darcy V. Spicer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7029657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a method of contraception, in treatment of benign gynecological disorders, and in hormone replacement. The improved method includes administering intranasally an estrogenic compound and an androgenic compound, and in some embodiments an optional progestin compound, in a once-daily bolus formulation comprised of the two or three steroids complexed with a cyclodextrin. An intranasal delivery system for administration of the formulation is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Balance Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm C. Pike, Darcy V. Spicer, AnnaMarie Daniels, John R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 6960337
    Abstract: An improvement in a method of treating benign gynecological disorders is described. In the method, treatment of a benign gynecological disorder with a composition comprised of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) compound and an estrogenic compound, and optionally, an androgenic compound, is extended to premenopausal women who are not receiving an exogenously supplied progestin on a regular or periodic basis. Treatment in accord with the invention does not increase significantly the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. The method is also suitable for contraception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Balance Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne-Marie Daniels, John R. Daniels, Malcolm C. Pike, Darcy V. Spicer
  • Patent number: 6958142
    Abstract: A nasal spray formulation for use in female contraception or in the treatment of benign gynecological disorders is described. The nasal preparation is comprised of a GnRH compound and an estrogenic compound in the form of a water-soluble complex with a water-soluble cyclodextrin. The preparation effectively suppresses ovarian estrogen and progesterone production, and prevents signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency, without a significant increase in the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Balance Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Daniels, Malcolm C. Pike, Darcy V. Spicer, AnnaMarie Daniels
  • Publication number: 20040022739
    Abstract: A nasal spray formulation for use in female contraception or in the treatment of benign gynecological disorders is described. The nasal preparation is comprised of a GnRH compound and an estrogenic compound in the form of a water-soluble complex with a water-soluble cyclodextrin. The preparation effectively suppresses ovarian estrogen and progesterone production, and prevents signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency, without a significant increase in the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: John R. Daniels, Malcolm C. Pike, Darcy V. Spicer, AnnaMarie Daniels
  • Publication number: 20040022738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a method of contraception, in treatment of benign gynecological disorders, and in hormone replacement. The improved method includes administering intranasally an estrogenic compound and an androgenic compound, and in some embodiments an optional progestin compound, in a once-daily bolus formulation comprised of the two or three steroids complexed with a cyclodextrin. An intranasal delivery system for administration of the formulation is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Malcolm C. Pike, Darcy V. Spicer, AnnaMarie Daniels, John R. Daniels
  • Publication number: 20040023867
    Abstract: An improvement in a method of treating benign gynecological disorders is described. In the method, treatment of a benign gynecological disorder with a composition comprised of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) compound and an estrogenic compound, and optionally, an androgenic compound, is extended to premenopausal women who are not receiving an exogenously supplied progestin on a regular or periodic basis. Treatment in accord with the invention does not increase significantly the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. The method is also suitable for contraception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Anna-Marie Daniels, John R. Daniels, Malcolm C. Pike, Darcy V. Spicer
  • Publication number: 20010016578
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for use in preventing conception or treating benign gynecological disorders, wherein an effective amount of an antiprogestational agent [e.g., progesterone (progestin, progestogen, gestagen) antagonist or progesterone synthesis inhibitor] administered over a first period of time is combined with an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time. The antiprogestational agent is selected from single agents or mixtures thereof. The progestogen is selected from single agents or mixtures of natural or synthetic progestogens. The formulations are effective as contraceptive agents and for treatment of benign gynecological disorders including uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: Balance Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Darcy V. Spicer, Malcolm Cecil Pike, John R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 6225298
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for use in preventing conception or treating benign gynecological disorders, wherein an effective amount of an antiprogestational agent [e.g., progesterone (progestin, progestogen, gestagen) antagonist or progesterone synthesis inhibitor] administered over a first period of time is combined with an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time. The antiprogestational agent is selected from single agents or mixtures thereof. The progestogen is selected from single agents or mixtures of natural or synthetic progestogens. The formulations are effective as contraceptive agents and for treatment of benign gynecological disorders including uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Balance Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Darcy V. Spicer, Malcolm Cecil Pike, John R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5340584
    Abstract: Compositions and methods which are effective to inhibit conception and to treat benign gynecological disorders for extended periods of time are described, wherein an effective amount of a gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and an effective amount of an estrogenic composition are provided over a first period of time, in addition to a progestogen and optionally an androgenic composition. According to one protocol, the progestogen is provided for a second, shorter period of time; the progestogen is provided at a higher level for at least 5 to about 20 days, and then at a lower level for the remainder, if any, of the second period of time. In an alternative protocol, the progestogen is provided at a lower level substantially throughout the period of administration of gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and estrogenic composition. An effective amount of the androgenic hormone is optionally provided over the first period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Darcy V. Spicer, Malcolm C. Pike
  • Patent number: 5340585
    Abstract: Compositions and methods which are effective to treat benign gynecological disorders for extended periods of time in women in who the risk of endometrial stimulation is minimized or absent are described, wherein an effective amount of a gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and an effective amount of an estrogenic composition are provided over a period of time, optionally with addition of an androgenic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Malcolm C. Pike, Darcy V. Spicer
  • Patent number: 5340586
    Abstract: Compositions and methods which are effective to prevent symptoms of loss of ovarian function (e.g., in oophorectomized women) over a period of time are described, consisting essentially of an effective amount of an estrogenic composition and an effective amount of an androgenic composition. The levels of estrogens and androgens employed are sufficient to reduce bone mineral density loss and minimize other side effects observed after oophorectomy, and at such low doses as to minimize any adverse impact on the patient's long-term prognosis or (in the case of testosterone) result in additional side effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Malcolm C. Pike, Darcy V. Spicer
  • Patent number: 5211952
    Abstract: Contraceptive devices which are effective for extended periods of time are described, in the form of means for releasing an effective amount of a gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and means for releasing an effective amount of an estrogenic hormone over a first period of time, and means for releasing an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time, the second period of time being substantially shorter than and running simultaneously with a portion of the first period of time. The gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition is selected from gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone analogues, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone agonists, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone antagonists and mixtures thereof. Contraceptive methods employing the devices are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Darcy V. Spicer, Malcolm C. Pike