Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating constipation and compositions useful in said method. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose having high elastic modulus coupled with high absorbance capacity when swollen in simulated gastric fluid/water (1:8) and simulated intestinal fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and modified foods and foodstuffs useful for weight management and glycemic control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of managing weight, and treating overweight or obesity and treating or preventing diabetes in a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) orally administering to the subject from about 0.7 g to about 4 g of crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose; and (b) orally administering to the subject at least about 100 mL of water per gram of crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose. Steps (a) and (b) are conducted prior to or with at least one meal per day.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of managing weight, and treating overweight or obesity and treating or preventing diabetes in a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) orally administering to the subject from about 0.7 g to about 4 g of crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose; and (b) orally administering to the subject at least about 100 mL of water per gram of crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose. Steps (a) and (b) are conducted prior to or with at least one meal per day.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating constipation and compositions useful in said method. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose having high elastic modulus coupled with high absorbance capacity when swollen in simulated gastric fluid/water (1:8) and simulated intestinal fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a polymer hydrogel comprising the steps of: (1) preparing an aqueous solution of a water soluble polysaccharide derivative and a polycarboxylic acid; (2) optionally agitating the solution, for example, by stirring; (3) isolating a polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite from the solution; and (4) heating the polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite at a temperature of at least about 80° C., thereby cross-linking the polysaccharide with the polycarboxylic acid. The invention also provides polymer hydrogels produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions comprising an anti-cholinergic agent for decreasing saliva production and treating sialorrhea.

Abstract: The present invention provides crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose having high elastic modulus coupled with high absorbance capacity when swollen in simulated gastric fluid/water (1:8) and simulated intestinal fluids. The invention further provides methods of making the crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose, compositions comprising the crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose and methods of using the crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose, for example, for treating overweight or obesity or for enhancing glycemic control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a polymer hydrogel comprising the steps of: (1) preparing an aqueous solution of a water soluble polysaccharide derivative and a polycarboxylic acid; (2) optionally agitating the solution, for example, by stirring; (3) isolating a polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite from the solution; and (4) heating the polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite at a temperature of at least about 80° C., thereby cross-linking the polysaccharide with the polycarboxylic acid. The invention also provides polymer hydrogels produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions comprising an anti-cholinergic agent for decreasing saliva production and treating sialorrhea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of managing weight, and treating overweight or obesity and treating or preventing diabetes in a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) orally administering to the subject from about 0.7 g to about 4 g of crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose; and (b) orally administering to the subject at least about 100 mL of water per gram of crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose. Steps (a) and (b) are conducted prior to or with at least one meal per day.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions comprising an anti-cholinergic agent for decreasing saliva production and treating sialorrhea.

Abstract: Methods of enabling or improving the ability of a hydrogel to swell in the stomach of an animal and/or increasing the amount of time said hydrogel remains swollen in the stomach are described herein. In one embodiment, a polymer is administered in combination with one or more pH modifying agents which raise and maintain the pH of the micro environment of the polymer and/or the stomach in order inducing swelling in the polymer. The polymer can be a homopolymer, a copolymer, or a polymer blend or composite. In one embodiment, the polymer is a superabsorbent polymer (“SAP”). The polymers can also be administered with one or more active agents, such as appetite suppressants. The pH modifying agent and/or the active agent can be administered simultaneously with the polymer in the same dosage form, simultaneously with the polymer in separate dosage forms, or sequentially. The compositions are formulated for oral administration.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices (e.g., polymeric vaginal rings) and related methods of manufacture and treatment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a manufacturing process for drug delivery devices is disclosed that includes a compounding extrusion process and an injection molding process. The various manufacturing parameters associated with these processes can be optimized to produce a drug delivery device with a favorable release profile and other characteristics. In particular, reducing the energy introduced into the system during manufacture can unexpectedly result in drug delivery devices with improved release profiles, especially in the case of large molecule drugs or in devices with a relatively low drug loading or drug particle size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic device for the delivery of therapeutic agents, e.g. a peptide such as leuprolide, via the vagina to a female mammal. In some embodiments, the invention also relates to methods for the treatment of obesity and eating disorders, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian disease, various cancers such as breast cancer, acne, hirsutism, microbial or fungal or viral infections such as bacterial vaginosis or AIDS/HIV, and chronic diseases using a disclosed vaginal device.

Abstract: Provided are orally administrable thin film dosage forms adapted to adhere to a mucosal tissue of a patient, wherein said film comprises mixtures of polymers and insulin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a polymer hydrogel comprising the steps of: (1) preparing an aqueous solution of a water soluble polysaccharide derivative and a polycarboxylic acid; (2) optionally agitating the solution, for example, by stirring; (3) isolating a polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite from the solution; and (4) heating the polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite at a temperature of at least about 80° C., thereby cross-linking the polysaccharide with the polycarboxylic acid. The invention also provides polymer hydrogels produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and modified foods and foodstuffs useful for weight management and glycemic control.

Abstract: Compositions are described that comprise a modafÊnil component that is a combination of the d- and l-enantiomers of modafinil and wherein the modafÊnil component is greater than 50% by weight d-modafÊnil for use in promoting or enhancing the state of wakefulness, alertness, and/or central nervous system stimulation in an individual.