Abstract: A semi-solid delivery vehicle contains a polyorthoester and an excipient, and a semi-solid pharmaceutical composition contains an active agent and the delivery vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition may be a topical, syringable, or injectable formulation; and is suitable for local delivery of the active agent. Methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: PEG-POE, PEG-POE-PEG, and POE-PEG-POE block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents, especially when the POE block(s) contain at least one unit containing an &agr;-hydroxy acid.

Abstract: Block copolymers based on poly(ortho esters) containing amine groups. These block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents.

Abstract: Bioerodible poly(orthoesters) useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents contain hydrogen bonding groups and &agr;-hydroxy acid-containing groups.

Abstract: Bioerodible polyorthoesters useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents contain hydrogen bonding groups and &agr;-hydroxy acid-containing groups.

Abstract: Bioerodible polyorthoesters useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents contain amine functionalities and &agr;-hydroxy acid-containing groups.

Abstract: Bioerodible polyorthoesters useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents contain hydrogen bonding groups and &agr;-hydroxy acid-containing groups.

Abstract: Bioerodible polyorthoesters useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents contain hydrogen bonding groups and &agr;-hydroxy acid-containing groups.

Abstract: Degradable polyacetal polymers and functionalized degradable polyacetal polymers have properties favorable for use in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The degradable polyacetal polymers are relatively stable at physiological pH with favorable biodistribution profiles, and degrade readily in low pH conditions. Conjugates of the polymers with drugs, especially anticancer drugs, and methods of treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A semi-solid delivery vehicle contains a polyorthoester and an excipient, and a semi-solid pharmaceutical composition contains an active agent and the delivery vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition may be a topical, syringable, or injectable formulation; and is suitable for local delivery of the active agent. Methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for the sequestration and sustained delivery of an active ingredient in the form of porous particles, the composition comprising the product of the controlled dehydration of particles formed by the reaction of a polymeric anionic material with a polyvalent cation. The composition may be loaded with an active ingredient by soaking the particles in a solution of the active ingredient; and may then be dehydrated. They may then be soaked in a solution of a polymeric cationic material, to form particles providing the controlled release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: A composition for the sequestration and sustained delivery of an active ingredient in the form of porous particles, the composition comprising the product of the controlled dehydration of particles formed by the reaction of a polymeric anionic material with a polyvalent cation. The composition may be loaded with an active ingredient by soaking the particles in a solution of the active ingredient; and may then be dehydrated. They may then be soaked in a solution of a polymeric cationic material, to form particles providing the controlled release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: Polymers useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents are prepared in such a manner that the rate and degree to which they are hydrolyzed can be controlled without addition of exogenous acid. This control results from the incorporation of esters of short-chain .alpha.-hydroxy acids such as esters of glycolic acid, lactic acid or glycolic-co-lactic acid copolymer into the polymer chain and variation of the amount of these esters relative to the polymer as a whole.

Abstract: PEG-POE, PEG-POE-PEG, and POE-PEG-POE block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents, especially when the POE block(s) contain at least one unit containing an .alpha.-hydroxy acid.

Abstract: Bioerodible ortho ester polymers useful for preparing bioerodible pharmaceutical compositions such as implants, ointments, creams, gels and the like are provided. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are useful for the controlled release of therapeutic agents, and may be administered for a variety of purposes, such as for the treatment of deep wounds, including burns, and for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Abstract: Bioerodible ortho ester polymers useful for preparing solid form bioerodible pharmaceutical compositions such as pellets, capsules, suppositories and the like are provided. A novel synthetic method for preparing the polymers is provided as well as is a novel triol reactant. Synthesis involves a one-step reaction between a monomeric ortho ester and a triol. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are useful for the controlled release of therapeutic agents, and may be administered for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: A composition for the transdermal delivery of a biologically active peptide having a molecular weight of about 5,000 or less comprising at lest one biologically active peptide, at least one higher alcohol, ester and/or higher amide in combination with at least one pyrrolidone compound of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.5 is hydrogen or a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.6 is hydrogen or a lower alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and n is 3, 4 or 5. A method for percutaneously administering such a composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bioerodible ortho ester polymers useful for preparing bioerodible pharmaceutical compositions such as implants, ointments, creams, gels and the like are provided. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are useful for the controlled release of therapeutic agents, and may be administered for a variety of purposes, such as for the treatment of deep wounds, including burns, and for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Abstract: A method of percutaneously administering a physiologically active agent which comprises applying to the skin of a mammal a physiologically active agent in a carrier system which comprises at least one adjuvant, at least one solvent and at least one diol and/or triol moderator. The adjuvant can be selected from aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogen substituted aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohol esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids, mono- or di-ethers, ketones, higher monoalcohols or mixtures thereof. The solvent can be selected from thioglycerols, lactic acid and esters thereof, cyclic ureas, compounds represented by the general formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2 NCONR.sub.3 R.sub.4, pyrrolidone-type compounds, amides, lactones or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A family of composites suitable for use as materials of construction for implantable medical devices is disclosed. In the most preferred embodiment, the substrate polymer is an ortho ester polymer formed by the reaction of a ketene acetal having a functionality of two or more with a polyol. Also in the most preferred embodiment, the reinforcement material in the composites is calcium-sodium metaphosphate ("CSM") fibers. In other embodiments, the composites may replace either (but not both) of the substrate or the reinforcement with materials of the art.