Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating and/or preventing bronchoconstriction induced by neutrophil elastase and tissue kallikrein activity. The method includes administration of aerosolized hyaluronic acid in an amount sufficient to bind to RHAMM (CD168) receptors along the apical surface of the airway epithelium, wherein the hyaluronic acid binds and retains secreted tissue kallikrein, thereby treating and/or preventing bronchoconstriction due to kallikrein activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite and a method for reducing post-operative adhesion of tissues. The composite includes a biocompatible, biodegradable support, and a water-insoluble hyaluronic acid derivative at the support. The hyaluronic acid derivative includes an N-acylurea that results from cross-linking by the reaction of hyaluronic acid with a multifunctional carbodiimide. Optionally, a monocarbodiimide also may be employed. A pharmaceutically-active molecule may be added to the N-acylurea derivative of hyaluronic acid. Although the composite includes material that prevents adhesion between tissues, in order to reduce the need for suturing when the composite is being used during a surgical procedure, a material that enhances adhesion of the composite to tissues may be applied to a surface of the composite.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for preparing water-insoluble biocompatible gels, films and sponges by reacting hyaluronic acid, or a salt thereof, with a carbodiimide in the absence of a nucleophile or a polyanionic polysaccharide. The water-insoluble gels, films and sponges of this invention may be used as surgical aids to prevent adhesions of body tissues and as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of respiratory therapeutics, and in particular to the treatment of disorders of the lung matrix caused by damage to the elastic fibers of the lung matrix. More specifically, methods and materials are disclosed for the delivery to the lungs of polysaccharides, derivatives thereof and/or drug conjugates, used in the treatment and/or prevention of pulmonary disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite and a method for reducing post-operative adhesion of tissues. The composite includes a biocompatible, biodegradable support, and a water-insoluble hyaluronic acid derivative at the support. The hyaluronic acid derivative includes an N-acylurea that results from cross-linking by the reaction of hyaluronic acid with a multifunctional carbodiimide. Optionally, a monocarbodiimide also may be employed. A pharmaceutically-active molecule may be added to the N-acylurea derivative of hyaluronic acid. Although the composite includes material that prevents adhesion between tissues, in order to reduce the need for suturing when the composite is being used during a surgical procedure, a material that enhances adhesion of the composite to tissues may be applied to a surface of the composite.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for preparing water-insoluble biocompatible gels, films and sponges by reacting hyaluronic acid, or a salt thereof, with a carbodiimide in the absence of a nucleophile or a polyanionic polysaccharide. The water-insoluble gels, films and sponges of this invention may be used as surgical aids to prevent adhesions of body tissues and as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for preparing water-insoluble biocompatible gels, films and sponges by reacting hyaluronic acid, or a salt thereof, with a carbodiimide in the absence of a nucleophile or a polyanionic polysaccharide. The water-insoluble gels, films and sponges of this invention may be used as surgical aids to prevent adhesions of body tissues and as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing solid hyaluronic acid includes autoclaving solid hyaluronic acid, whereby the solid hyaluronic acid is exposed to saturated steam at positive gauge pressure for a period of time that is sufficient to sterilize the solid hyaluronic acid. In one embodiment, autoclaving includes exposing the solid hyaluronic acid to saturated steam at a gauge pressure of about one atmosphere for a period of time between about fifteen and thirty minutes.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for preparing water-insoluble biocompatible gels, films and sponges by reacting hyaluronic acid, or a salt thereof, with a carbodiimide in the absence of a nucleophile or a polyanionic polysaccharide. The water-insoluble gels, films and sponges of this invention may be used as surgical aids to prevent adhesions of body tissues and as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for preparing water-insoluble biocompatible gels, films and sponges by reacting hyaluronic acid, or a salt thereof, with a carbodiimide in the absence of a nucleophile or a polyanionic polysaccharide. The water-insoluble gels, films and sponges of this invention may be used as surgical aids to prevent adhesions of body tissues and as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound site wherein a porous, adhesive backed dressing is utilized. A vacuum and/or heat is applied to the wound site through the dressing so as to draw the tissue adjacent the wound site to the dressing so as to minimize trauma to the wound and increase the adherence of the adhesive.