Abstract: Water-soluble, high-viscosity grade cellulose ether compositions are useful for the reduction of serum lipid levels, particularly total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and/or attenuate the postprandial rise of blood glucose levels in animals. The pharmaceutical uses of compositions for reducing cholesterol levels additionally include the treatment of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia, with avoidance of many of the undesirable side effects associated with other forms of treatment. The composition may be in the form of a prehydrated ingestible composition, such as a gelatin, or a comestible, such as a cookie. In addition, the compositions of the present invention are palatable to the patient, thereby enhancing patient compliance with the regimen.

Abstract: Water-soluble, high-viscosity grade cellulose ether compositions are useful for the reduction of serum lipid levels, particularly total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and/or attenuate the postprandial rise of blood glucose levels in animals. The pharmaceutical uses of compositions for reducing cholesterol levels additionally include the treatment of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia, with avoidance of many of the undesirable side effects associated with other forms of treatment. The composition may be in the form of a prehydrated ingestible composition, such as a gelatin, or a comestible, such as a cookie. In addition, the compositions of the present invention are palatable to the patient, thereby enhancing patient compliance with the regimen.

Abstract: A dosage system for administering drugs and conducting gastric flow studies is configured in the form of a multiplicity of substantially spherical subunits which have advantageously preselected particle diameter and density to customize the flow rate of the subunits with respect to the rate of flow of at least certain portions of the chyme. The diameter and density are related to one another in accordance with a relationship: ##EQU1## where N.sub.V is a dimensionless group having a predetermined value representing gastric residence time, g is the gravitational constant, .DELTA.p is the difference in density between the subunits and the chyme, and <v> is the linear velocity of the chyme. The flow rate of the subunits can be made slower, faster, or substantially equal to that of the chyme, as required to treat certain disease states. Also, the subunits can be provided with an enteric coating which permits more precise administration of certain drugs, such as those used in enzyme supplementation therapy.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a lipid osmotic pump, comprising:(A) a core, comprising:(i) a beneficial amount of at least one substantially water insoluble active agent which is lipid soluble and/or lipid wettable;(ii) a sufficient amount of at least one water immiscible lipid carrier, which is liquid at the temperature of intended use, to dissolve and/or suspend said active agent; and(iii) a sufficient amount of at least one osmotic agent to ensure release of said lipid carrier from the pump; and(B) surrounded by a water insoluble wall:(i) having a thickness of about 1 to 1000 microns;(ii) which is preferentially wetted by said lipid carrier over an aqueous solution of said osmotic agent;(iii) having a water permeability of about 1.times.10.sup.-18 to 4.times.10.sup.-15 cm.sup.