Abstract: The invention relates to a silyl-containing polymer that is used, together with a tackifying resin to form an adhesive composition capable of storing and delivering drugs to the skin of a user. Typically the composition is formed into a patch which shows excellent adhesion to the skin even when drugs and other additives are dissolved into the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compositions comprising urea and amine functionalised silyl containing polymers which, in combination with tackifying resins, are used as pressure sensitive adhesives and specifically, drug delivery patches. Said compositions can be synthesised with less difficulty compared to urethane analogues and are compatible with a wide array of different drugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to transdermal drug delivery patches, in particular the provision of excipients that augment the drug release properties of the patches. The excipients typically involve a mixture of glycols, alkoxy alcohol and sulfoxides depending on the particular drug to be delivered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silyl-containing polymer that is used, together with a tackifying resin to form an adhesive composition capable of storing and delivering drugs to the skin of a user. Typically the composition is formed into a patch which shows excellent adhesion to the skin even when drugs and other additives are dissolved into the composition.

Abstract: The application provides a method of producing a comb polymer comprising the steps of: (a) Providing: (i) a plurality of monomers which are linear, branched or star-shaped, substituted or non-substituted, and have an olefinically unsaturated moiety, the olefinically unsaturated moiety being capable of undergoing addition polymerization; (ii) an initiator compound; the initiator compound comprising a homolytically cleavable bond. (iii) a catalyst capable of catalysing the polymerization of the monomer; and (b) Causing the catalyst to catalyse, in combination with the initiator, the polymerization of a plurality of the monomers to produce the comb polymer. Catalysts and polymers obtainable by the process are also provided. Preferably, the comb polymer is capable of binding proteins and may be produced from monomers which are alkoxy polyethers, such as poly(alkyleneglycol) or polytetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: The application provides a method of producing a comb polymer comprising the steps of: (a) Providing: (i) a plurality of monomers which are linear, branched or star-shaped, substituted or non-substituted, and have an olefinically unsaturated moiety, the olefinically unsaturated moiety being capable of undergoing addition polymerisation; (ii) an initiator compound; the initiator compound comprising a homolytically cleavable bond. (iii) a catalyst capable of catalysing the polymerisation of the monomer; and (b) Causing the catalyst to catalyse, in combination with the initiator, the polymerisation of a plurality of the monomers to produce the comb polymer. Catalysts and polymers obtainable by the process are also provided. Preferably, the comb polymer is capable of binding proteins and may be produced from monomers which are alkoxy polyethers, such as poly(alkyleneglycol) or polytetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transition metal living free radical and/or atom transfer polymerisation process comprising the steps of: (a) mixing (i) a transition metal living free radical and/or atom transfer radical catalyst, (ii) a plurality of polymerisable monomers, and (iii) an initiator comprising a transferable atom or group a to an amide group to form a mixture; (b) incubating the mixture at a first temperature; and then (c) raising the temperature of the mixture to a second temperature to allow polymerisation of the monomers to proceed to produce polymer. Products and initiators are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of augmenting an epithelial mucosal barrier, by contacting the barrier with a topical composition. This invention also provides the topical composition. The topical composition comprises, dispersed or dissolved in a topically acceptable vehicle, at least one polymer containing either a repeat unit of structure 1 or a repeat unit of structure 2, or a mixture This method and composition are useful in improving mucosal barrier function by, for example, topical application to an exposed or injured epithelial surface or by coating a compromised mucosal barrier in, for example, inflammatory bowel disease.