Abstract: Methods and formulations are provided for the treatment of localized edema, particularly localized edema resulting from chronic venous insufficiency. A metal ion sequestrant is topically administered to a subject afflicted with localized edema in combination with a permeation enhancer selected from methylsulfonylmethane and a combination of methylsulfonylmethane and dimethylsulfoxide. Topically administrable formulations for use in the aforementioned method are also provided.

Abstract: Flavored dosage forms, e.g., lozenges and gums, are provided for sustained release of a flavoring agent in the mouth. The dosage forms provide sustained release by virtue of a wet matrix formed by admixture of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, water-insoluble polymer such as ethylcellulose and a flavoring agent, particularly an essential oil or a constituent thereof, e.g., a terpene or sesquiterpene. The dosage forms may also include a second beneficial agent in addition to the flavoring agent. Exemplary such beneficial agents include ionizable zinc compounds and other cold remedies, local anesthetic and anti-infective agents, diet aids, fluoride-releasing compounds, and nicotine. The dosage forms, when formulated as lozenges, may be somewhat adhesive or substantially nontacky, depending primarily on the molecular weight of the hydrophilic polymer. Adhesive lozenges can serve as dosage forms that adhere to the teeth or gums for delivery of a beneficial agent thereto.

Abstract: A method for treatment of adverse biological conditions is provided, wherein a biologically active agent such as a macromolecular biomolecule, e.g., a nucleic acid or a peptidic compound, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment in a formulation containing a transport enhancer having the structure of formula (I) wherein Q, R1, and R2 are as defined herein. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a representative and preferred transport enhancer. Formulations are also provided.

Abstract: An method and formulation are provided for the prevention and treatment of adverse ocular conditions which are complications of diabetes. In one embodiment, the invention comprises administering to a person having diabetes, insulin resistance, or a risk factor for diabetes a formulation comprising a metal chelator and a transport enhancer. Most preferably, the metal chelator is EDTA or a salt of EDTA, and the transport enhancer is methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). The formulation may be in a form suitable for application to the eye itself, for example, in the form of eye drops.

Abstract: Methods and formulations are provided for the treatment of localized edema, particularly localized edema resulting from chronic venous insufficiency. A metal ion sequestrant is topically administered to a subject afflicted with localized edema in combination with a permeation enhancer selected from methylsulfonylmethane and a combination of methylsulfonylmethane and dimethylsulfoxide. Topically administrable formulations for use in the aforementioned method are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a sustained release dosage form that can be administered to an oral cavity, e.g., the mouth. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form is formulated as a lozenge or gum that may be administered to an oral cavity for the purpose of providing lubrication therein. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form not only provides lubrication to a mucosal surface of an oral cavity, but also provides for the sustained release of a flavoring and/or beneficial agent. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form includes a water-insoluble polymer, e.g., ethylcellulose, an essential oil component, and an effective amount of a film forming binder, e.g., xanthan gum.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a sustained release dosage form that can be administered to an oral cavity, e.g., the mouth. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form is formulated as a lozenge or gum that may be administered to an oral cavity of a user for the purpose of dissolving over a prolonged period of time and thereby delivering an essential oil component therein. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form includes a beneficial agent and, therefore, not only provides for the prolonged delivery of an essential oil component to an oral cavity, but also provides for the sustained release of a beneficial agent thereto. In certain embodiments, the sustained release dosage form includes a biocompatible, water-insoluble polymer, e.g.

Abstract: Flavored dosage forms, e.g., lozenges and gums, are provided for sustained release of a flavoring agent in the mouth. The dosage forms provide sustained release by virtue of a wet matrix formed by admixture of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, water-insoluble polymer such as ethylcellulose and a flavoring agent, particularly an essential oil or a constituent thereof, e.g., a terpene or sesquiterpene. The dosage forms may also include a second beneficial agent in addition to the flavoring agent. Exemplary such beneficial agents include ionizable zinc compounds and other cold remedies, local anesthetic and anti-infective agents, diet aids, fluoride-releasing compounds, and nicotine. The dosage forms, when formulated as lozenges, may be somewhat adhesive or substantially nontacky, depending primarily on the molecular weight of the hydrophilic polymer. Adhesive lozenges can serve as dosage forms that adhere to the teeth or gums for delivery of a beneficial agent thereto.

Abstract: Flavored dosage forms, e.g., lozenges and gums, are provided for sustained release of a flavoring agent in the mouth. The dosage forms provide sustained release by virtue of a wet matrix formed by admixture of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, water-insoluble polymer such as ethylcellulose and a flavoring agent, particularly an essential oil or a constituent thereof, e.g., a terpene or sesquiterpene. The dosage forms may also include a second beneficial agent in addition to the flavoring agent. Exemplary such beneficial agents include ionizable zinc compounds and other cold remedies, local anesthetic and anti-infective agents, diet aids, fluoride-releasing compounds, and nicotine. The dosage forms, when formulated as lozenges, may be somewhat adhesive or substantially nontacky, depending primarily on the molecular weight of the hydrophilic polymer. Adhesive lozenges can serve as dosage forms that adhere to the teeth or gums for delivery of a beneficial agent thereto.

Abstract: Intraocular administration of drugs such as .alpha.-2a interferon is employed in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Intraocular administration obviates the side effects associated with systemic administration, concentrates the drug at the site of the disease, and, where microcapsules are employed, provides continuous, long-lasting treatment.

Abstract: A tonometer for measuring the intraocular pressure of an eye featuring an acoustic signaling system for determining the beginning of a pressure measurement. The acoustic system includes a consumable cap having a pair of annular raised surface portions spaced by a recessed area. The raised surface portions provide an eye-engaging surface at the face of the tonometer. A pressure transmitting plunger concentrically suspended between the raised surface portions by a plurality of spider arms combines with the eye-engaging surface to provide a contour which complements a shape of an eye. The recessed area is open along the eye-engaging surface, yet defines a generally enclosed volume when full tonometer-to-eye contact is made. Spaced apart inlet and outlet apertures within the recessed area permit channeling of an acoustic signal to and from the recessed area. Prior to proper coupling of the tonometer to an eye, a substantial amount of the energy of the acoustic signal is lost to free air.