Abstract: Sampler for self-sampling of samples from a body cavity, such as cervical samples. Optimum accessibility of the cervix is achieved through the fact that the sampler comprises a rigid plastic tube which is rounded at the front side. As a result, during its introduction by the user, the sampler can accurately be moved to the cervix. Moreover, the sampler is surrounded by the vagina and it is possible to prevent leakage of flushing liquid, and consequently it is possible to make do with a relatively small quantity of flushing liquid while at the same time producing a sample with a high concentration of cervical cells. In this way, it is possible to reach the sampling location in a simple and more accurate way which does not damage tissue. As a result of the tube simultaneously being designed as a cylinder for a plunger, it is possible, firstly, to flush the desired location with a solution using a cylinder-plunger assembly obtained in this way and, secondly, to take the sample by drawing the plunger back.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing estrogen-suppressed tumours in a mammal, said method comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an estrogenic component to said mammal, wherein the estrogenic component is selected from the group consisting of: substances represented by the following formula (I) in which formula R1, R2, R3, R4, independently are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group with 1-5 carbon atoms; precursors capable of liberating a substance according to the aforementioned formula when used in the present method; and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned substances and/or precursors. The estrogenic component according to the invention is particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of colorectal and prostate cancer and, unlike commonly used estrogens, does not simultaneously enhance the risk of estrogen-stimulated cancers such as breast cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in a mammalian female, said method comprising administration to said female of a substance having follicle stimulating hormone activity (FSH substance) in an amount effective to stimulate follicular development and of anti-P in an effective amount to prevent a premature endogenous LH-surge, followed by the administration of a meiosis and luteinisation inducing substance (ML substance) in an amount effective to stimulate resumption of meiosis and luteinisation, and of a progestogen and/or a precursor thereof in an amount effective to prevent or suppress symptoms of progesterone antagonism and/or deficiency, wherein the progestogen and/or the precursor thereof is administered within 24 hours of the first administration of the ML substance.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of treating neurological and/or mental disorders that are associated with, or pathogenetically related to deficient serotonin neurotransmission. The invention relates to a method of treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress syndrome or premenstrual syndrome, said method comprising the administration of serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SRI) in a daily amount of at least 0.4 mg, wherein a vitamin B6 component is co-administered in a daily amount of between 0.01 and 10 mmoles to improve the responder rate or to advance the onset of action of the treatment with SRI, and wherein the method does not include the application to the brain of an AC pulsed magnetic field of at least 7.5 picotesia flux density for at least 15 minutes. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical formulations containing SRI and vitamin B6 component and comprising a dosage unit that provides a sustained release of the vitamin B6 component.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing an immune mediated disorder in a mammal, said method comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an estrogenic component to said mammal, wherein the estrogenic component is selected from the group consisting of: substances represented by the following formula: in which formula R1, R2, R3, R4 independently are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group with 1-5 carbon atoms; each of R5, R6, R7 is a hydroxyl group; no more than 3 of R1, R2, R3, R4 are hydrogen atoms; precursors capable of liberating a substance according to the aforementioned formula when used in the present method; and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned substances and/or precursors. Another aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the aforementioned estrogenic component, an immunotherapeutic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: A cosmetic method of treating human skin by delivering an estrogenic component to said skin, the method comprising applying to the skin a composition containing: (i) at least 5 ?g/g of an estrogenic component selected from the group consisting of substances represented by the following formula in which formula R1, R2, R3, R4 independently are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group with 1-5 carbon atoms; each of R5, R6, R7 is a hydroxyl group; no more than 3 of R1, R2, R3, R4 are hydrogen atoms; precursors capable of liberating a substance according to the aforementioned formula when used in the present method; and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned substances and/or precursors; and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle. Other aspects of the invention relate to therapeutic methods of treating or preventing vaginal dryness or acne and a therapeutic method of promoting wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a kit for use in a hormonal contraceptive method or hormone replacement therapy in mammalian females, said kit comprising at least 10 oral dosage units containing at least 1 ?g of one or more steroids selected from the group consisting of estrogens and progestogens; at least 0.1 mg of one or more tetrahydrofolate components selected from the group consisting of (6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 10-formyl-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5,10-methylene-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5,10-methenyl-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formimino-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these tetrahydrofolic acids and glutamyl derivatives of these tetrahydrofolic acids; and at least 0.1 mg vitamin B 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating benign estrogen sensitive gynaecological disorders in a female mammal, wherein the method comprises the administration to said female mammal of a combination of progestogen and androgen in an amount that is therapeutically effective to prevent or reduce the symptoms of these disorders. The present method is particularly suitable for preventing or treating disorders selected from the group consisting of endrometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. Another aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical kit comprising a plurality of oral dosage units which comprise a progestogen in an amount equivalent to 3-500 ?g levonorgestrel and either 5 to 250 mg dehydroepiandrosterone or 1 to 50 mg testosterone undecanoate.