Abstract: Drug delivery systems and methods for administering a glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide to the buccal mucosa for transmucosal drug delivery are described. The drug delivery systems comprise a drug composition containing an effective amount of the glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide and an effective amount of a permeation enhancer for enhancing permeation of glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide through the buccal mucosa and means for maintaining the drug composition in a drug transferring relationship with buccal mucosa. These systems can be in free form, such as creams, gels, and ointments, or can comprise a device of determined physical form, such as tablets, patches, and troches. A preferred glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide is GLP-1(7-36)amide.

Abstract: A composition for transmucosally administering a drug to the oral cavity comprises an adhesive layer comprising a hydrophilic polymer having one surface adapted to contact a first tissue of the oral cavity and adhere thereto when wet and an opposing surface in contact with and adhering to an adjacent drug-containing layer comprising an effective amount of a drug and optionally an effective amount of a permeation enhancer, wherein the drug-containing layer is adapted to contact and be in drug transfer relationship with a mucosal tissue of the oral cavity when the adhesive layer contacts and adheres to the first tissue. Preferred drugs include peptides, such as glucagon-like insulinotropic peptides. A method of transmucosally administering a drug to the oral cavity is also disclosed.

Abstract: Drug delivery systems and methods for administering a glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide to the buccal mucosa for transmucosal drug delivery are described. The drug delivery systems comprise a drug composition containing an effective amount of the glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide and an effective amount of a permeation enhancer for enhancing permeation of glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide through the buccal mucosa and means for maintaining the drug composition in a drug transferring relationship with with buccal mucosa. These systems can be in free form, such as creams, gels, and ointments, or can comprise a device of determined physical form, such as tablets, patches, and troches. A preferred glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide is GLP-1(7-36)amide.

Abstract: A method of decreasing patient time in a catabolic state after a traumatic injury. The patient is administered systemically human growth hormone releasing factor or a biologically active analog of human growth hormone releasing factor. Administration in the case of voluntary traumatic injury such as surgery occurs just prior to commencing the surgery and thereafter continuing until recovery. In this way the time in a catabolic state is significantly decreased, and the patient moves more quickly to desired anabolic state necessary for recovery.