Abstract: The application discloses esters of hyaluronic acid, wherein a first part of the carboxylic functions is esterified with an araliphatic alcohol and a second part is esterified with at least one long-chain, straight aliphatic alcohol with between 10 and 22 carbon atoms. The possible remaining non-esterified carboxylic functions, if present, are salified. The application further discloses biocompatible threads having a multifilament conformation comprising filaments formed by the aforesaid esters, and their use in the fields of medicine and surgery.

Abstract: The present invention involves compositions for use as granular bone replacements. The compositions of the present invention are comprised of hyaluronic acid esters or salts of hyaluronic acid in association with a pharmacologically active compound wherein the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid is below 250,000 and either artificial or natural bone granules. The present invention further involves a method of promoting the growth or repair of damaged or defective bones in either humans or animals using the compositions of hyaluronic acid derivatives and bone granules.

Abstract: The application discloses esters of hyaluronic acid, wherein a first part of the carboxylic functions is esterified with an araliphatic alcohol and a second part is esterified with at least one long-chain, straight aliphatic alcohol with between 10 and 22 carbon atoms. The possible remaining non-esterified carboxylic functions, if present, are salified. The application further discloses biocompatible threads having a multifilament conformation comprising filaments formed by the aforesaid esters, and their use in the fields of medicine and surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing an autocross-linked form of hyaluronic acid as a first component in a mixture with a second component noncross-linked hyaluronic acid, and possibly also in combination with another pharmacologically active substance. These compositions can be used in the treatment of arthropathies due to their unique viscoelastic properties.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hyaluronic acid fraction having an average molecular weight comprised between 5000 and 300,000 and a polydispersion index lower than 1.7, comprising treating the starting high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, contemporaneously with sodium hypochlorite and ultrasounds.

Abstract: Microspheres, having a size lower than 1&mgr; and comprising a biocompatible polysaccharidic polymer, are prepared with a process comprising the precipitation of polymer induced by means of a supercritical antisolvent (SAS). These microspheres are used as vehicling agents or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions administrable by oral, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal or rectal route. These microspheres can also be advantageously used as vehicling agent or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of human diseases associated with genic defects, for the preparation of diagnostics and in the agro-alimentary industry.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to inner esters of gellan, wherein the carboxy groups are esterified with hydroxy groups from either the same or different molecules of gellan. The present invention is further drawn to methods of using the present inner esters of gellan in the fields of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in sanitary and surgical articles. The present invention is further drawn to products made from inner esters of gellan and to be used in the indicated fields.

Abstract: Processes are provided for coating the surfaces of objects with hyaluronic acid, its derivatives or other natural or semisynthetic polymers, for applications in the fields of surgery, health care and diagnostics. The processes make it possible to bind such polymers in a stable manner to the surfaces of objects made of a wide range of materials. Surfaces treated according to the processes are characterized by a high degree of wettability, and are able to inhibit the adhesion of cells or bacteria present in the biological fluids.

Abstract: Artificial human skin is disclosed which is based on: (a) a microperforated membrane based on a hyaluronic acid derivative on which keratinocytes have been seeded and cultured; (b) an underlying non-woven tissue based on a hyaluronic acid derivative wherein fibroblasts have been seeded and left to proliferate.The artificial human skin may be used in medical, surgical, diagnostic and controlled release drug delivery applications. The artificial human skin may be safely frozen to -80.degree. C. or stored in liquid nitrogen in order to have a skin tissue bank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microsphere for the controlled release of a biologically active molecule which comprises a biologically active molecule and an ester of hyaluronic acid or mixtures of said esters of hyaluronic acids, and wherein said biologically active molecule is surrounded by or adhered to said ester of hyaluronic acid, and wherein said microsphere has a diameter of between 1 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microsphere for the controlled release of a biologically active molecule which comprises a biologically active molecule and an ester of hyaluronic acid or mixtures of said esters of hyaluronic acids, and wherein said biologically active molecule is surrounded by or adhered to said ester of hyaluronic acid, and wherein said microsphere has a diameter of between 1 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hyaluronic acid fraction having an average molecular weight comprised between 5000 and 300,000 and a polydispersion index lower than 1.7, comprising treating the starting high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, contemporaneously with sodium hypochlorite and ultrasounds.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to medical devices comprising biodegradable guide channels for use in the repair and regeneration of nerve tissue. The guide channels of the present invention comprise interlaced threads imbedded in a matrix, wherein both the matrix and the threads comprise biocompatible and bioabsorbable esters of hyaluronic acid. The matrix of the present invention further optionally comprises biologically or pharmacologically active factors in association with the guide channels.

Abstract: Biomaterials are disclosed comprised of biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioabsorbable non-woven fabric materials for use in surgery for the guided regeneration of tissues. The non-woven fabric materials constitute threads embedded in a matrix, wherein both the matrix and the threads constitute auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to medical devices comprised of biodegradable guide channels for use in repair and regeneration of nerve tissue. The guide channels are comprised of threads embedded in a matrix and coextruded with active factors wherein both the matrix and the threads are comprised of biocompatible and bioabsorbable esters of hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayered of nonwoven material comprising a surface layer which comes into contact with the skin, and one or more other layers which do not come into contact with the skin, wherein said surface layer which comes into contact with the skin is a member selected from the group consisting of a surface layer comprising at least one hyaluronic acid ester, a surface layer comprising a mixture of said at least one hyaluronic acid ester and at least one natural polymer, semisynthetic polymer, or synthetic polymer, and a surface layer comprising a natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic biocompatible perforated membrane compatible with cell growth on its surface. This material can be employed in a wide variety of medical and sanitary applications, including surgery and as a non-adhesive covering material.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to hyaluronic acid fractions having molecular weights in the range of from about 20,000 to about 60,000 daltons, wherein these hyaluronic acid fractions possess osteoinductive activity. The present invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising such hyaluronic acid fractions to be used in the treatment of various types of bone disorders, as well as methods of treating such disorders using the pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Provided are orthopedic fasteners and replacements such as nails, screws, pins, hip and knee replacements, etc., coated with hydrogels and other biocompatible/biodegradable materials which expand in the presence of liquids. Swelling of such coatings causes the fastener or replacement to be securely fixed into position once inserted into bone material. Useful coating materials include methacrylates, hyaluronic acid esters, and crosslinked esters of hyaluronic acid resulting from the esterification of hyaluronic acid with polyhydric alcohols. Also provided is a method for fixing a bone or bone replacement in position employing such coated orthopedic fasteners or replacements.

Abstract: Provided is a biomaterial comprising an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), wherein one of the polymer components is an acidic polysaccharide or a semi-synthetic derivative thereof. The polysaccharide can be hyaluronic acid, and the second polymer component can be a non-toxic, non-carcinogenic synthetic chemical polymer. The derivative can be a total or partial hyaluronic acid ester or a hyaluronic acid salt. The ester or salt can be formed with a pharmacologically active molecule. Methods for preparing the IPN are also disclosed. The acidic polysaccharide or derivative thereof and the synthetic chemical polymer comprising the IPN can be cross-linked, or the synthetic chemical polymer can be grafted onto the acidic polysaccharide. The cross-linking or grafting can be achieved using compounds capable of generating radicals, or via functional groups on the acidic polysaccharide and the synthetic chemical polymer. The IPN can be formed prior to cross-linking or grafting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of producing a DNA sequence encoding human osteogenic protein, OP-1, using recombinant DNA techniques. The DNA sequence encoding OP-1 is utilized in the preparation of recombinant baculovirus, which is then used to infect cells from Spodoptera frugiperda. The present invention is further drawn to the production of physiologically active OP-1 protein by culturing the infected insect cells and to recombinant baculovirus containing DNA encoding human OP-1 as well as insect cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus. The recombinant OP-1 produced by the present invention may be used to produce pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of bone diseases, orthopedic diseases, bone defects, and trauma.