Abstract: The present invention provides wound healing or wound care polymer compositions that can be formulated to release a wound healing agent at a controlled rate by adjusting the various components of the composition. The compositiona can be used in an external wound dressing, as a polymer implant for delivery of the wound healing agent to an internal body site, or as a coating on the surface of an implantable surgical device to deliver wound healing agents that are dispersed in a biodegradable polymer or hydrogel, or both. Methods of using the invention bioactive polymer compositions to deliver wound healing agents that promote natural healing of wounds, especially chronic wounds, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioactive polymer compositions that can be formulated to release a wound healing agent at a controlled rate by adjusting the various components of the composition. The composition can be used in an external wound dressing, as a polymer implant for delivery of the wound healing agent to an internal body site, or as a coating on the surface of an implantable surgical device to deliver wound healing agents that are covalently attached to a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer and/or embedded within a hydrogel. Methods of using the invention bioactive polymer compositions to promote natural healing of wounds, especially chronic wounds, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that stents can be coated with biodegradable, bioactive polymers that promote endogenous healing processes at a site of stent implantation. The polymers biodegrade over time, releasing agents which establish or re-establish the natural healing process in an artery. Preferably, the stent is implanted at the time an artery is damaged, such at the time of angioplasty to protect the damaged artery against deleterious blood-borne factors that initiate proliferation of smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vivo methods for detection of vulnerable plaque in a subject in need thereof. In the invention method the subject is administered a diagnostic amount of a biologically compatible detectable lipid-avid agent, the detectable lipid-avid agent is allowed to penetrate arterial walls and attach to any lipid accumulations of oxidized LDL-cholesterol in arterial walls in the wall of an artery; unbound detectable lipid-avid agent is allowed to clear from the body by natural processes, and the presence of the detectable lipid-avid agent attached to the lipid accumulation in the wall of the artery is detected. Detection of bound lipid-avid agent indicates the presence of a vulnerable plaque and predicts a heightened risk of lethal heart attack or thrombus. The detectable lipid-avid agent is selected for its ability to penetrate arterial walls and bind with oxidized LDL-cholesterol in the lipid accumulation in a vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vivo methods for detection of vulnerable plaque in a subject in need thereof. In the invention method the subject is administered a diagnostic amount of a biologically compatible detectable lipid-avid agent, the detectable lipid-avid agent is allowed to penetrate arterial walls and attach to any lipid accumulations of oxidized LDL-cholesterol in arterial walls in the wall of an artery; unbound detectable lipid-avid agent is allowed to clear from the body by natural processes, and the presence of the detectable lipid-avid agent attached to the lipid accumulation in the wall of the artery is detected. Detection of bound lipid-avid agent indicates the presence of a vulnerable plaque and predicts a heightened risk of lethal heart attack or thrombus. The detectable lipid-avid agent is selected for its ability to penetrate arterial walls and bind with oxidized LDL-cholesterol in the lipid accumulation in a vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: A method of treating herpes eye infections with an ophthalmic composition comprising 5-propyl-2'-deoxyuridine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an externally applicable, antiviral pharmaceutical composition accumulating in the skin for treating herpes infections, which composition comprises 0.2-5% by mass of 5-isopropyl-2'-.beta.-deoxyuridine admixed with carriers, diluents and/or other additives conventionally used in the production of pharmaceutical compositions for external use.