Abstract: Gel compositions are provided that can be utilized as carriers for beneficial agents when injected into a subject and which can provide sustained release of the beneficial agent over time. In particular, gel compositions containing an agent that renders the composition thixotropic to facilitate injection of the gel into a subject with minimal discomfort to the subject are described.

Abstract: There is disclosed block and graft copolymers, and hydrogels thereof, which, in one embodiment, contain both a temperature-sensitive polymer component and a pH-sensitive polymer component, and the use of such copolymers for topical drug delivery to a treatment area. The block and graft copolymers may be physically mixed with one or more drugs (or with other polymers) to form a copolymer-drug mixture. These mixtures may be applied as solid particles suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or as a liquid which gels upon contact with the treatment area. Upon contact with the treatment area, the pH-sensitive polymer component hydrates and swells, thereby causing release of the drug from the mixture. In addition, such hydration and swelling causes the pH-sensitive polymer component to adhere to the tissue of the treatment area, thus prolonging contact time.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of hydroxythiol compounds by reacting a hydroxyl-protected halide compound having the structure: X—R—OPg with magnesium in a Grignard-suitable solvent to form a hydroxyl-protected magnesium halide compound, wherein R is selected from substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic radicals, substituted or unsubstituted cyclic aliphatic radicals, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radicals, substituted or unsubstituted araliphatic radicals and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic radicals; Pg is a protecting group; and X is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I; then reacting said hydroxyl-protected magnesium halide compound with sulfur in the Grignard-suitable solvent to form a hydroxyl-protected thiomagnesium halide compound; and hydrolyzing the protected hydroxyl group to form a hydroxythiomagnesium halide compound and converting the thiomagnesium halide to a thiol; wherein the protecting group is selected so that species formed by the de-protection

Abstract: This invention provides rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices that are stable over time and exhibit more predictable and consistent membrane functionality. According to another aspect, the membranes have enhanced permeability. According to the invention, the rate controlling membrane of a controlled drug delivery device is subjected to a pre-treatment annealing process wherein it is subjected to an elevated temperature for a predetermined time period and subsequently cooled to ambient conditions before incorporation into a controlled drug delivery device.

Abstract: This invention provides rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices that are stable over time and exhibit more predictable and consistent membrane functionality. According to another aspect, the membranes have enhanced permeability. According to the invention, the rate controlling membrane of a controlled drug delivery device is subjected to a pre-treatment annealing process wherein it is subjected to an elevated temperature for a predetermined time period and subsequently cooled to ambient conditions before incorporation into a controlled drug delivery device.

Abstract: Osmotic delivery system semipermeable body assemblies that control the delivery rate of a beneficial agent from an osmotic delivery system incorporating one of the semipermeable body assemblies. A semipermeable body assembly or plug includes a semipermeable body which is positionable in an opening of an osmotic delivery system. The semipermeable body has a hollow interior portion having a size selected to obtain a predetermined liquid permeation rate through the semipermeable body. Because the beneficial agent in the osmotic delivery system is delivered at substantially the same rate the osmotic agent imbibes liquid which has permeated through the plug from a surrounding environment, the liquid permeation rate through the plug controls the delivery rate of the beneficial agent from the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: Osmotic delivery system semipermeable body assemblies that control the delivery rate of a beneficial agent from an osmotic delivery system incorporating one of the semipermeable body assemblies. A semipermeable body assembly or plug includes a semipermeable body which is positionable in an opening of an osmotic delivery system. The semipermeable body has a hollow interior portion having a size selected to obtain a predetermined liquid permeation rate through the semipermeable body. Because the beneficial agent in the osmotic delivery system is delivered at substantially the same rate the osmotic agent imbibes liquid which has permeated through the plug from a surrounding environment, the liquid permeation rate through the plug controls the delivery rate of the beneficial agent from the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent includes an implant capsule containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic agent which swells on contact with water causing the release of the beneficial agent over time. The osmotic delivery system has a membrane plug which allows water to pass through the plug from an exterior of the capsule while preventing the compositions within the capsule from passing out of the capsule. A delivery rate for delivery of the beneficial agent from the implant capsule is controlled by varying a core diameter of the membrane plug within a constant diameter capsule. The membrane plug has a variable water permeation rate depending on an extent to which the membrane plug is constrained by the capsule walls.

Abstract: Sensors (20, 50, 70) for use in detecting the presence of sugars and other analytes (target molecules). The sensor is composed of a metal complex that binds to the target molecule and releases a proton or includes an exchangable ligand which is exchanged for the target molecule during the binding interaction between the metal complex and the target molecule. The result of the binding interaction is the release of a proton, hydroxide ion or ligand species generated during the ligand exchange. Measurement of the release of proton, hydroxide ion or other ligand species from the sensor (20, 50, 70) provides an indirect indication of target molecule concentration. The metal complexes may be attached to support structures (10, 12) to provide both anchoring and positioning of the metal ions to increase selectivity of sugar/metal complex interactions. Detection systems in which pH is used as an indication of proton or hydroxide release are disclosed, as are detection systems in which Cl.sup.- release is used.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of hydroxythiol compounds by reacting a hydroxyl-protected halide compound having the structure:X--R--OPgwith magnesium in a Grignard-suitable solvent to form a hydroxyl-protected magnesium halide compound, wherein R is selected from substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic radicals, substituted or unsubstituted cyclic aliphatic radicals, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radicals, substituted or unsubstituted araliphatic radicals and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic radicals; Pg is a protecting group; and X is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I; then reacting said hydroxyl-protected magnesium halide compound with sulfur in the Grignard-suitable solvent to form a hydroxyl-protected thiomagnesium halide compound; and hydrolyzing the protected hydroxyl group to form a hydroxythiomagnesium halide compound and converting the thiomagnesium halide to a thiol; wherein the protecting group is selected so that species formed by the de-protection of the protect

Abstract: Hydrophobically-modified bioadhesive polyelectrolytes containing a bioadhesive polyelectrolyte and a hydrophobic component are disclosed. Also disclosed are polyelectrolyte-agent compositions wherein the hydrophobically-modified bioadhesive polyelectrolyte is loaded with a pharmaceutically, cosmetically, or prophylactically acceptable agent. Suitable agents have hydrophobic and/or ionic character, and include drugs. The polyelectrolyte-agent compositions may be formulated for administration by topical, oral and/or systemic routes. Methods of administering such agents to an animal are also disclosed, and include administration of an effective amount of the polyelectrolyte-agent composition to the animal.