Abstract: This invention relates to botulinum toxin formulations that are stabilized without the use of any proteinaceous excipients. The invention also relates to methods of preparing and using such botulinum toxin formulations.

Abstract: A composition for topical application of a botulinum toxin (including botulinum toxin derivatives) comprises a botulinum toxin and a carrier comprising a polymeric backbone comprising a long-chain polypeptide or nonpeptidyl polymer having attached positively charged branching or “efficiency” groups. The invention also relates to methods for reducing muscle paralysis and other conditions that may be treated with a botulinum toxin, particularly paralysis of subcutaneous, and most particularly, facial, muscles, by topically applying an effective amount of the botulinum toxin and carrier, in conjunction, to the subject's skin or epithelium. Kits for administration are also described.

Abstract: Improved formulations for transdermal delivery of botulinum toxin are disclosed. The formulations include, for example, botulinum toxin non-covalently associated with a positively charged backbone having branching or efficiency groups. The formulations also include a partitioning agent, oligo-bridge, or polyanion bridge, and may optionally contain a viscosity modifying agent. The formulations are designed for topical application onto the skin of a patient and may be used to treat wrinkles, hyperhidrosis, and other health-related problems. Kits for administration are also described.

Abstract: Improved formulations for transdermal delivery of botulinum toxin are disclosed. The formulations include, for example, botulinum toxin non-covalently associated with a positively charged backbone having branching or efficiency groups. The formulations also include a partitioning agent, oligo-bridge, or polyanion bridge, and may optionally contain a viscosity modifying agent. The formulations are designed for topical application onto the skin of a patient and may be used to treat wrinkles, hyperhidrosis, and other health-related problems. Kits for administration are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to minocycline derivatives, and to compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, containing such minocycline derivatives. The invention also relates to methods of synthesizing minocycline derivatives and to methods for using such minocycline derivatives as anti-bacterial agents for treating or preventing infections.

Abstract: A composition for topical application of a botulinum toxin (including botulinum toxin derivatives) comprises a botulinum toxin and a carrier comprising a polymeric backbone comprising a long-chain polypeptide or nonpeptidyl polymer having attached positively charged branching or “efficiency” groups. The invention also relates to methods for reducing muscle paralysis and other conditions that may be treated with a botulinum toxin, particularly paralysis of subcutaneous, and most particularly, facial, muscles, by topically applying an effective amount of the botulinum toxin and carrier, in conjunction, to the subject's skin or epithelium. Kits for administration are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, such as non-protein non-nucleotide therapeutics and protein-based therapeutics excluding insulin, botulinum toxins, antibody fragments, and VEGF. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for topical delivery of antifungal agents and antigenic agents suitable for immunization. Alternatively, the composition can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: Improved formulations for transdermal delivery of botulinum toxin are disclosed. The formulations include, for example, botulinum toxin non-covalently associated with a positively charged backbone having branching or efficiency groups. The formulations also include a partitioning agent, oligo-bridge, or polyanion bridge, and may optionally contain a viscosity modifying agent. The formulations are designed for topical application onto the skin of a patient and may be used to treat wrinkles, hyperhidrosis, and other health-related problems. Kits for administration are also described.

Abstract: Methods of altering properties of tissues, by providing an effective modifying amount of zinc, which may be in the form of zinc ions. This is accomplished through the use of topical compositions containing one or more zinc-containing components such as salts and/or other zinc compounds or complexes, particularly zinc acetate. Altering properties of tissues includes increasing or decreasing fatty tissue, increasing or decreasing epidermal thickness, increasing elastin content, and preventing or treating gum regression or atrophy. Also disclosed is the provision of a contact lens coated with a zinc-containing material, to improve vision by increasing elastin content of the lens of the eye through release of zinc ions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, such as non-protein non-nucleotide therapeutics and protein-based therapeutics excluding insulin, botulinum toxins, antibody fragments, and VEGF. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for topical delivery of antifungal agents and antigenic agents suitable for immunization. Alternately, the compositions can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: Methods of altering properties of tissues, by providing an effective modifying amount of zinc, which may be in the form of zinc ions. This is accomplished through the use of topical compositions containing one or more zinc-containing components such as salts and/or other zinc compounds or complexes, particularly zinc acetate. Altering properties of tissues includes increasing or decreasing fatty tissue, increasing or decreasing epidermal thickness, increasing elastin content, and preventing or treating gum regression or atrophy. Also disclosed is the provision of a contact lens coated with a zinc-containing material, to improve vision by increasing elastin content of the lens of the eye through release of zinc ions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, including nucleic acids and therapeutic proteins including insulin, larger therapeutic proteins such as botulinum toxin and other biologically active agents such as a therapeutic protein which does not therapeutically alter blood glucose levels, a therapeutic nucleic acid-based agent, a non-protein non-nucleic acid therapeutic agent such as an antifungal agent or alternately an agent for immunization. The compositions can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a strategy for providing therapeutic or cosmetic benefit to skin by topically applying arginine chemically bound to a second (non-oligoarginine) compound in order to increase transepithelial delivery of arginine through a combination of increased solubility and flux across the skin. The arginine heteromers of the invention can add other complementary or beneficial properties for the skin beyond those that are arginine-related.

Abstract: Methods for treating rhinitis in a subject are provided herein. The methods of the present invention comprise intranasal administration of a topical composition comprising a purified botulinum neurotoxin, a carrier and a viscosity modifier to one or more inner surfaces of the nose. The methods disclosed herein provide alternative methods for delivery of botulinum neurotoxin to the nasal anatomy for the treatment of rhinitis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a strategy for providing therapeutic or cosmetic benefit to skin by topically applying arginine chemically bound to a second (non-oligo arginine) compound in order to increase transepithelial delivery of arginine through a combination of increased solubility and flux across the skin. The arginine heteromers of the invention can add other complementary or beneficial properties for the skin beyond those that are arginine-related.

Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial peptides that exhibit a broad range of antimicrobial activity to gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as fungi, mold, and virus. The antimicrobial peptide of the invention is a cationic peptide, and may contain an HIV-TAT or reverse HIV-TAT sequence, or derivative thereof. The present invention further provides antimicrobial compositions containing the cationic peptide. Such compositions are especially useful for topical application to the skin, hair, nail, vagina, urethra, ear, oral cavity, nasal passage, respiratory system, opthalmic region, and various mucosal regions. The compositions of the present invention improve the condition and/or appearance of the treated region, and are suited for long-term and/or routine use to, for example, prevent or prevent the recurrence of microbial infection. The present invention further provides kits for use in improving the condition or appearance of skin, nail, or treated area.

Abstract: This invention provides anti-acne kits that are useful for treating acne, especially severe cases of acne. The anti-acne kits include a vasoconstrictor and an anti-acne agent, and optionally one or more of a a skin lightening therapeutic, a sealing layer, a skin cleanser, an astringent, a skin penetration enhancer, a sunscreen, and nutritional supplements that promote healing of acne lesions. This invention also provides methods for treating acne using a vasoconstrictor in conjunction with an anti-acne agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions of botulinum toxin that can be applied topically for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The compositions may include botulinum toxin complexes, wherein the amounts of hemagglutinin, non-toxin non-hemagglutinin and/or exogenous albumin are selectively and independently reduced compared to conventional commercially available botulinum toxin. The compositions may further contain molecules that are not native to botulinum toxin and that bind non-covalently to the botulinum toxin complexes, thereby acting as skin-tropic “adhesion molecules” to improve the ability of the toxin complexes to adhere to and to penetrate the skin epithelium. The compositions have an improved safety profile compared to existing botulinum-containing compositions that are injected subcutaneously. Methods for the use of such compositions are also contemplated by this invention.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the appearance of wrinkles in a subject are provided herein. The methods of the present invention comprise identifying a wrinkle distribution on a subject and applying a topical composition comprising at least one chemodenervating agent onto and along the wrinkle distribution. The methods disclosed herein provide alternative methods for delivery of chemodenervating agents to the skin for the treatment of wrinkles.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions of botulinum toxin that can be applied topically for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The compositions may include botulinum toxin complexes, wherein the amounts of hemagglutinin, non-toxin non-hemagglutinin and/or exogenous albumin are selectively and independently reduced compared to conventional commercially available botulinum toxin. The compositions may further contain molecules that are not native to botulinum toxin and that bind non-covalently to the botulinum toxin complexes, thereby acting as skin-tropic “adhesion molecules” to improve the ability of the toxin complexes to adhere to and to penetrate the skin epithelium. The compositions have an improved safety profile compared to existing botulinum-containing compositions that are injected subcutaneously. Methods for the use of such compositions are also contemplated by this invention.