Abstract: Drug delivery compositions which are suitable for vaginal administration for the treatment of diseases and disorders in the urogenital tract are described. The compositions may be in the form of a tablet, liquid suspension or dispersion, dried powder, topical ointment, cream, foam, suppository, or aerosol. The drug delivery compositions are administered directly to the vagina and do not require the use of a solid device. This method of administration reduces the systematic levels of the drugs.

Abstract: Drug delivery compositions which are suitable for vaginal administration for the treatment of diseases and disorders in the urogenital tract are described. The compositions may be in the form of a tablet, liquid suspension or dispersion, dried powder, topical ointment, cream, foam, suppository, or aerosol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for the production of both optically active and racemic 5,5-disubstituted-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-[(4-aryl)-3-butynyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-(2-arylthio)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; and 5-(2-aryloxy)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones. This invention further relates to the use of the above mentioned compounds as anti-inflammatory agents through their action as mixed inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. The invention further relates to the use of such compounds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease wherein reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators are contributing deleterious factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for the production of both optically active and racemic 5,5-disubstituted-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-[(4-aryl)-3-butynyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-(2-arylthio)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; and 5-(2-aryloxy)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones. This invention further relates to the use of the above mentioned compounds as anti-inflammatory agents through their action as mixed inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. The invention further relates to the use of such compounds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease wherein reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators are contributing deleterious factors.

Abstract: Formulations of racemic or optically active 3,4-dihydroxy-5-aryl-2(5H)-furanoncs are provided for topical administration to the skin for the inhibition and prevention of sunburn cell formation resulting from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and other sources of damage, and for the treatment of skin aging. The compounds may be formulated in combination with a sunscreen, and may be applied before, during, and/or after exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for the production of both optically active and racemic 5,5-disubstituted-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-[(4-aryl)-3-butynyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-(2-arylthio)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; and 5-(2-aryloxy)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones. This invention further relates to the use of the above mentioned compounds as anti-inflammatory agents through their action as mixed inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. The invention further relates to the use of such compounds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease wherein reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators are contributing deleterious factors.