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 to novel compositions of borulinum toxin that are stabilized using HIV-TAT fragments or derivatives of HIV-TAT fragments. The composition can be administered for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The invention also provides method for stabilizing botulinum toxin using HIV-TAT fragments or derivatives or HIV-TAT fragments.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel transport molecules that comprise a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues arranged in a sequence that is the reverse-sequence of basic portion of the HIV-TAT protein. The novel transport polypeptides are useful for transmembrane or intracellular delivery of cargo molecules, non-limiting examples of which include polypeptides and nucleic acids. The novel transport polypeptides may be covalently or non-covalently bound to the cargo modules.

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: 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 therapeutic methods are provided that are useful agent 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 VEGE 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: A stent based drug delivery system. A biological agent of interest is entrapped within a matrix, which is loaded into channels on the surface of a stent. The matrix allows for release, usually sustained release, of the entrapped agent. The stent and matrix is sheathed with a covalently bound gel. In one embodiment of the invention, the stent is used to deliver therapeutic agents to a patient, providing the advantage of efficient delivery and sustained release of an agent at a localized site. In another embodiment of the invention, the drug delivery system is used for testing and comparison of candidate drugs in an in vivo setting.

Abstract: Restenosis is inhibited through local delivery of anti-restenotic agents including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; nicotine receptor agonists, agents that increase concentrations of nitric oxide, anti-angiogenic agents, agonists of the TGF-beta receptor; death domain receptor ligands; and thrombin inhibitors. In one embodiment of the invention, the localized delivery is effected through the use of a stent modified for delivery of the agent at the site of injury from balloon angioplasty.

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.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices using zinc, and methods therefore, provide one or more advantageous effects to a tissue. In one embodiment, at least one zinc-containing component is coupled with a stent via one or more zinc chelators to enhance resistance of the stent to plaque formation and in-stent restenosis. Elastin production may also be enhanced by devices coupled with zinc. Enhanced elastin production may be used, for example, to treat a blood vessel in location at or near an aneurysm. In some embodiments, both elastin production and plaque resistance are enhanced. For example, zinc may be applied via a gel or other carrier substance to a venous graft for enhancing elastin and resisting plaque formation. Implantable devices coupled with zinc may provide improved results of medical and surgical procedures involving implantable devices, thus reducing the need for repeat procedures.

Abstract: A stent based drug delivery system. A biological agent of interest is entrapped within a matrix, which is loaded into channels on the surface of a stent. The matrix allows for release, usually sustained release, of the entrapped agent. The stent and matrix is sheathed with a covalently bound gel. In one embodiment of the invention, the stent is used to deliver therapeutic agents to a patient, providing the advantage of efficient delivery and sustained release of an agent at a localized site. In another embodiment of the invention, the drug delivery system is used for testing and comparison of candidate drugs in an in vivo setting.

Abstract: Restenosis is inhibited through local delivery of anti-restenotic agents including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; nicotine receptor agonists, agents that increase concentrations of nitric oxide, anti-angiogenic agents, agonists of the TGF-beta receptor; death domain receptor ligands; and thrombin inhibitors. In one embodiment of the invention, the localized delivery is effected through the use of a stent modified for delivery of the agent at the site of injury from balloon angioplasty.