Abstract: An adhesive composition is described which has improved initial tack, long-term adhesion, water uptake and translucency characteristics and may be prepared by melt extrusion. Uses of these compositions are also described, for example, their use as blister pads and wound dressings.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, an array of microprotrusions is formed by providing a mold with cavities corresponding to the negative of the microprotrusions, casting atop the mold a first solution comprising a biocompatible material and a solvent, removing the solvent, casting a second solution atop the first cast solution, removing the solvent from the second solution, and demolding the resulting array from the mold. The first solution preferably contains an active ingredient.

Abstract: Lightweight information management operations described herein enable information management operations to be performed while, e.g., network bandwidth is limited and/or while network bandwidth use is costly. In some implementations, an information management system assigns priority to files/folders/data objects on a client device based on a user's interactions with the device. The information management system then performs backup operations on higher priority files/folders/data objects prior to lower priority files/folders/data objects, so that if network bandwidth decreases or is interrupted, the more important data objects are preserved. In some implementations, an information management system synchronizes versions of a data object by sending the difference between two versions of a data object from a client to a server. The server uses the received difference to update one or more copies or instances of the data object.

Abstract: A rapidly dissolving film is provided for delivery of an active agent to a moist body surface, e.g., mucosal tissue. The film comprises a film-forming binder, a rapidly dissolving polymeric material, and an active agent.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is provided that is water-insoluble yet water-absorbent, i.e., capable of absorbing up to 15 wt. % water or more. The composition in composed of a film-forming hydrophilic polymer with at least one linear segment having a plurality of recurring polar groups along the polymer backbone, a complementary multifunctional polymer with a plurality of recurring functional groups that non-covalently bind to the polar groups on the film-forming polymer, and plasticizer. A method for manufacturing the adhesive composition is provided as well.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, an array of microprotrusions is formed by providing a mold with cavities corresponding to the negative of the microprotrusions, casting atop the mold a first solution comprising a biocompatible material and a solvent, removing the solvent, casting a second solution atop the first cast solution, removing the solvent from the second solution, and demolding the resulting array from the mold. The first solution preferably contains an active ingredient.

Abstract: A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer or a water-soluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding to the hydrophilic polymer. The composition also includes a second water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer that provides for a phase separating film forming composition. Active ingredients, such as a whitening agent, may be included. The composition finds utility as an oral dressing, for example, a tooth whitening composition that is applied to the teeth in need of whitening, and removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer with a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen or electrostatic bonding to the hydrophilic polymer. The composition also includes a backing member. Active ingredients, such as a whitening agent, may be included. The composition finds utility as an oral dressing, for example, a tooth whitening composition that is applied to the teeth in need of whitening. The composition can be designed to be removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved or left in place and allowed to erode entirely. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding to the hydrophilic polymer, and a whitening agent, preferably a peroxide. The composition finds utility as a tooth whitening composition and is applied to the teeth in need of whitening, and then removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microprojection array is provided, comprising an approximately planar base and a plurality of microprojections, wherein the array comprises a vaccine and a polymeric material. The array may have multiple layers. The vaccine may be placed in only one layer. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of preventing a disease is provided, comprising insertion into the skin of a patient an array of microprojections comprising a layer which comprises a vaccine for that disease and a polymer.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and methods for improving the aesthetic appearance of skin are described. In one embodiment, the compositions, devices and methods reduce fine lines and/or wrinkles, and in other embodiment, the compositions, devices and methods improve skin tone by reducing regions of hyperpigmentation. The cosmetic compositions and devices described are formulated for topical application for extended wear, and comprise one or more agents to achieve the desired beneficial effect. The composition is preferably an adhesive composition that is secured to the skin for an extended time for sustained release of the one or more beneficial agents.

Abstract: A microprojection array is provided, comprising an approximately planar base and a plurality of microprojections, wherein the array comprises a vaccine and a polymeric material. The array may have multiple layers. The vaccine may be placed in only one layer. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of preventing a disease is provided, comprising insertion into the skin of a patient an array of microprojections comprising a layer which comprises a vaccine for that disease and a polymer.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, a composition for making a patch for the transdermal delivery of tamsulosin is provided. The composition comprises (a) at least about 1 wt % tamsulosin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of tamsulosin, (b) at least about 40 wt % polyisobutylene adhesive or hydrophobic synthetic rubber adhesive, (c) about 1-20 wt % of an aprotic solvent in which tamsulosin dissolves readily, (d) about 1-20 wt % of an unsaturated fatty acid or an alpha-hydroxy acid or a mixture of unsaturated fatty acids or alpha-hydroxy acids or of both unsaturated fatty acids and alpha-hydroxy acids, (e) a lipophilic permeation enhancer, and (f) a matrix modifier.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is provided that is water-insoluble yet water-absorbent, i.e., capable of absorbing up to 15 wt. % water or more. The composition in composed of a film-forming hydrophilic polymer with at least one linear segment having a plurality of recurring polar groups along the polymer backbone, a complementary multifunctional polymer with a plurality of recurring functional groups that noncovalently bind to the polar groups on the film-forming polymer, and plasticizer. A method for manufacturing the adhesive composition is provided as well.

Abstract: A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding to the hydrophilic polymer, and a whitening agent, preferably a peroxide. The composition finds utility as a tooth whitening composition and is applied to the teeth in need of whitening, and then removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Applicators for a microprojection array capable of multiple impacts and methods of using the applicators are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using and manufacturing microstructure arrays are described.

Abstract: Microstructure arrays and methods for using and manufacturing the arrays are described.

Abstract: A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer with a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen or electrostatic bonding to the hydrophilic polymer. The composition also includes a backing member. Active ingredients, such as a whitening agent, may be included. The composition finds utility as an oral dressing, for example, a tooth whitening composition that is applied to the teeth in need of whitening. The composition can be designed to be removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved or left in place and allowed to erode entirely. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Applicators for a microprojection array and methods of using the applicators are described.