Abstract: Anti-irritant botanical extracts, and a method for screening, and then preparing, anti-irritant botanical extracts for use in topical formulations, providing a natural ingredient capable of preventing skin irritation when in combination with other active and inactive ingredients that have the potential to irritant skin.

Abstract: Improvements are made to a novel media that replace the requirement for all protein growth factors by the addition to the medium of physiological concentrations of retinyl acetate. The media are serum-free, companion cell or feeder layer-free and organotypic, matrix free solutions for the cultivation of clonally competent basal keratinocytes. The media and methods are useful in the production of epidermal epithelial tissue that is suitable for skin grafting.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and systems for preventing an adverse reaction of the skin to the presence of a skin-sensitizing and/or skin-irritating agent by administering an effective amount of phenoxyacetic acid and/or a lower alkyl ester thereof to a warm blooded animal.

Abstract: Novel media and methods are disclosed for the growth of stem cells. The media are serum-free, companion cell or feeder layer free and organotypic, matrix free solutions for the isolation and cultivation of clonally competent basal epithelial cells. The media and methods of the invention are also useful in the production of epithelial tissues such as epidermis, cornea, gingiva and ureter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing and/or treating an adverse reaction of the skin to the presence of a skin-sensitizing and/or skin-irritating agent by administering an effective amount of a loop diuretic alone or in combination with at least one mast cell degranulator or at least one glucocorticosteroid.

Abstract: Media and methods are disclosed for the in vitro formation of a histologically complete human epithelium. The media are serum-free, companion cell or feeder layer free and organotypic, matrix free solutions for the isolation and cultivation of clonally competent basal epithelial cells. The media and methods of the invention are useful in the production of epithelial tissues such as epidermis, cornea, gingiva and ureter.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting or preventing the skin irritating or sensitizing effects of a skin irritating or sensitizing component of a dermal or transdermal drug delivery system are disclosed. The composition comprises a mast cell degranulating agent which is capable of inducing a state of immunological tolerance to the skin sensitizing agent by delivery prior to, or at the onset of transdermal drug delivery. Such an agent, preferably cis-urocanic acid or an analogue or metabolite thereof, can be administered before, during or after each transdermal drug delivery to achieve immune tolerance countersensitization. Alternatively, the agent can be used to induce countersensitization. The agent is preferably capable of permeating the epidermis and is administered transdermally. Novel methods and compositions comprising cis-urocanic acid or an analogue or metabolite thereof to obtain anti-inflammatory effects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel media and methods are disclosed for the in vitro formation of a histologically complete human epithelium. The media are serum-free, companion cell or feeder layer free and organotypic, matrix free solutions for the isolation and cultivation of clonally competent basal epithelial cells. The media and methods of the invention are useful in the production of epithelial tissues such as epidermis, cornea, gingiva and ureter.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and systems for preventing an adverse reaction of the skin to the presence of a skin-sensitizing and/or skin-irritating agent by administering an effective amount of phenoxyacetic acid and/or a lower alkyl ester thereof to a warm blooded animal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing and/or treating an adverse reaction of the skin to the presence of a skin-sensitizing and/or skin-irritating agent by administering an effective amount of a loop diuretic alone or in combination with at least one mast cell degranulator or at least one glucocorticosteroid.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing an adverse reaction of the skin to the presence of a skin-sensitizing agent by administering an effective amount of a potassium-sparing diuretic.

Abstract: Methods and formulations are disclosed for the in vitro formation of a histologically complete human epidermis in a serum-free, companion cell or cell feeder layer-free, and organotypic matrix-free culture system commencing with the isolation and cultivation of a unique population of clonally-competent basal epidermal cells and ending with the formation of a functional, histologically complete, human squamous epithelium. The formation of a histologically complete human epidermis is accomplished in a serum-free medium, without companion-cells or feeder layer cells or any organotypic support using a multi-step process that is controlled by manipulating the growth and differentiation factors requisite to the sequential development of a usable, functional, and completely differentiated epidermis.