Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivering vitamin D to a subject. In one embodiment the invention provides a transdermal patch for the transdermal administration of vitamin D comprising: (a) a backing layer that serves as the outer surface of the patch during use; (b) an adhesive drug reservoir layer for affixing the patch to skin; and (c) a release liner, which upon removal exposes the adhesive drug reservoir layer. The adhesive drug reservoir layer can include vitamin D, a polymeric adhesive, an organic solvent, and a permeation enhancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivering vitamin D to a human subject. In one embodiment the invention provides a transdermal patch for the transdermal administration of vitamin D comprising: (a) a backing layer that serves as the outer surface of the patch during use; (b) an adhesive drug reservoir layer for affixing the patch to human skin; and (c) a release liner, which upon removal exposes the adhesive drug reservoir layer. The adhesive drug reservoir layer can include vitamin D, a polymeric adhesive, an organic solvent, and a permeation enhancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivering vitamin D to a human subject. In one embodiment the invention provides a transdermal patch for the transdermal administration of vitamin D comprising: (a) a backing layer that serves as the outer surface of the patch during use; (b) an adhesive drug reservoir layer for affixing the patch to human skin; and (c) a release liner, which upon removal exposes the adhesive drug reservoir layer. The adhesive drug reservoir layer can include vitamin D, a polymeric adhesive, an organic solvent, and a permeation enhancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivering vitamin D to a human subject. In one embodiment the invention provides a transdermal patch for the transdermal administration of vitamin D comprising: (a) a backing layer that serves as the outer surface of the patch during use; (b) an adhesive drug reservoir layer for affixing the patch to human skin; and (c) a release liner, which upon removal exposes the adhesive drug reservoir layer. The adhesive drug reservoir layer can include vitamin D, a polymeric adhesive, an organic solvent, and a permeation enhancer.

Abstract: A skin-contacting adhesive composition is described which has improved initial tack, long-term adhesion, water uptake and translucency characteristics and may be prepared by melt extrusion. Uses of these compositions are also described, for example, their use in wound dressings, adhesive cushions, and transdermal drug delivery devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, electrodes are brought into the vicinity of a biological membrane such as human skin. Through those electrodes, a current is driven. As a result of that current, at one electrode there occurs a reaction in which the pH of the water or other fluid in a small area of the membrane is lowered or raised. The lowered or raised pH causes substances present in the membrane to denature or decompose, resulting in the formation of a channel in the membrane. In another embodiment of the invention, a high volatility fluid is applied to a membrane from the outside. A small area of the membrane is heated. The high volatility fluid expands and then vaporizes. As a result of the expansion and vaporization of the fluid, a channel is created in the membrane.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is described which has improved initial tack, long-term adhesion, water uptake and translucency characteristics and may be prepared by melt extrusion. Uses of these compositions are also described, for example, their use as blister pads and wound dressings.

Abstract: A dermal, transdermal, mucosal or transmucosal delivery device includes a backing layer overlying an ingredient containing reservoir, and having a microprotrusion array attached thereto, a cover for the reservoir having at least one opening therethrough, an adhesive layer and a liner layer. Upon removal of the liner layer, the device may be placed over the desired area of the skin or mucosa and adhesively applied thereto allowing the ingredients to flow from the reservoir through the at least one opening to the skin or mucosa.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is provided that is water-insoluble yet water-absorbent, i.e., capable of absorbing up to 15 wt. % water or more. The composition is composed of a film-forming hydrophilic polymer with at least one linear segment having a plurality of recurring polar groups along the polymer backbone, a complementary multifunctional polymer with a plurality of recurring functional groups that noncovalently bind to the polar groups on the film-forming polymer, and a plasticizer. A method for manufacturing the adhesive composition is provided as well.

Abstract: A rapidly dissolving film is provided for delivery of an active agent to a moist body surface, e.g., mucosal tissue. The film comprises a film-forming binder, a rapidly dissolving polymeric material, and an active agent.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for topical administration of a local anesthetic agent. The composition comprises (a) a therapeutically effective amount of a local anesthetic agent and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable, nonliposomal carrier comprised of a monohydric alcohol, a penetration enhancer, and polymer, which may be a hydrophilic polymer, a hydrophobic polymer or a combination thereof. The composition can be in the form of a gel, or it may form a film following application to a patient's body surface and evaporation of the monohydric alcohol. The composition provides rapid onset of local anesthesia as well as penetration of the active agent into the skin. Methods and drug delivery systems for administration of local anesthetic agents are also provided.

Abstract: A method of selecting components for use in water-absorbing pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions is provided. The method involves selecting a film-forming polymer, a ladder-like non-covalent crosslinker that is capable of forming a ladder-like interpolymer complex with the film-forming polymer selected, and selecting a carcass-like non-covalent crosslinker that is capable of forming a carcass-like complex with at least one of the film-forming polymer selected or the ladder-like non-covalent crosslinker selected. The adhesive hydrogels provide high adhesion in a swollen state and bridge the gap between conventional pressure sensitive adhesives and bioadhesives. Methods for preparing and using the resulting compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing an adhesive composition that contains both a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase, wherein the hydrophobic phase is composed of a crosslinked hydrophobic polymer composition and the hydrophilic phase is a water-absorbent blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of crosslinking the hydrophilic polymer through hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, and/or covalent bonding. The composition is useful as a bioadhesive, for affixing drug delivery systems, wound dressings, bandages, cushions, or the like to a body surface such as skin or mucosal tissue.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is provided that contains both a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase, wherein the hydrophobic phase is composed of a crosslinked hydrophobic polymer composition and the hydrophilic phase is a water-absorbent blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of crosslinking the hydrophilic polymer through hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, and/or covalent bonding. The composition is useful as a bioadhesive, for affixing drug delivery systems, wound dressings, bandages, cushions, or the like to a body surface such as skin or mucosal tissue.