Abstract: An analgesic and a delivery agent are combined in a pharmaceutical composition such that, on introduction into the nasal cavity of a patient to be treated, the analgesic may be delivered to the bloodstream to produce within 30 minutes a therapeutic plasma concentration, Cther, of 0.2 ng/ml or greater which is maintained for a duration Tmaint of at least 2 hours. The analgesic may be an opioid analgesic or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for the intranasal administration of zolpidem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Preferred compositions of the invention are in the form of aqueous solutions. Optionally the compositions of the invention comprise a cyclodextrin and/or chitosan, a salt or derivative thereof or a salt of a derivative of chitosan. The compositions can be used for the treatment or prevention insomnia or the treatment of neurological disorders such as those arising from brain trauma, stroke and spinocerebellar ataxia or in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Liquid pharmaceutical compositions for administration to a mucosal surface, including fentanyl and a pectin with a low degree of esterification are described. Such compositions gel, or can be adapted to gel, at the site of application in the absence of an extraneous source of divalent metal ions.

Abstract: Liquid pharmaceutical compositions for administration to a mucosal surface, including a therapeutic agent and a pectin with a low degree of esterification are described. Such compositions gel, or can be adapted to gel, at the site of application in the absence of an extraneous source of divalent metal ions.

Abstract: There is provided a powder formulation for nasal delivery including a protein having a molecular weight of 10 kDa or greater and chitosan or a derivative thereof or a salt of chitosan or a salt of a derivative of chitosan. Preferably the protein is human growth hormone.

Abstract: An anti-theft mailbox insert installed inside of a petestal mail box for limiting access to delieverd mail. The insert has a horizontal shelf located just below the mailbox mail slot. When mail is inserted into the mailbox slot it falls to the bottom of the mailbox and the anti-theft mailbox insert prevents a person's hand from reaching in through the mailbox slot and stealing the mail. The mail can be retrieved using the locking rear door of the mailbox.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for the intranasal administration of granisetron or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Preferred compositions are in the form of an aqueous solution. Optionally, the compositions comprise chitosan, a salt or derivative thereof or a salt of a derivative of chitosan. The compositions can be used for the treatment or prevention of nausea and/or vomiting.

Abstract: An analgesic and a delivery agent are combined in a pharmaceutical composition such that, on introduction into the nasal cavity of a patient to be treated, the analgesic may be delivered to the bloodstream to produce within 30 minutes a therapeutic plasma concentration, Cther, of 0.2 ng/ml or greater which is maintained for a duration Tmaint of at least 2 hours. The analgesic may be an opioid analgesic or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: Aqueous formulations suitable for intranasal administration comprise buprenorphine or a physiologically acceptable salt or ester thereof and (a) a pectin having a degree of esterification of less than 50%, (b) chitosan and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer (poloxamer) or (c) chitosan and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Such formulations can induce rapid and prolonged analgesia when delivered intranasally to a patient. The buprenorphine or buprenorphine salt or ester may be delivered to the bloodstream to produce within 30 minutes a therapeutic plasma concentration of buprenorphine, Cther, of 0.2 ng/ml or greater which is maintained for a duration Tmaint of at least 2 hours.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for a nasal administration that includes leuprolide and one bioadhesive material that is chitosan. Methods of administration of leuprolide to a mammal suffering from a leuprolide modulated condition, such as endometriosis, prostate cancers, hypogonadism, pre-menstrual syndrome, or uterine leiomyomas.

Abstract: An oral drug delivery composition comprises a solid foam forned from a protein. The foam dissolves rapidly in the mouth. The foam contains a therapeutic agent, such as a drug, an antigen or a vaccine. The foam may be prepared by a heating, freeze-drying or vacuum drying step.

Abstract: The methane sulphonate salt of morphine and compositions thereof have medicinal uses, particularly in the treatment of pain. Compositions comprising a methane sulphonate salt of an opioid analgesic also have medicinal uses, adapted for nasal delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery composition comprising a lipid vehicle containing a drug and Vitamin E to enhance the solubility of the active drug in the lipid vehicle. The composition is particularly useful for drugs which are poorly soluble. The composition may be in the form of a liposome or an oil-in-water emulsion. The Vitamin E may be mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable oil such as a marine oil or a vegetable oil.

Abstract: A drug delivery composition for nasal administration is provided which comprises the antiviral agent ICAM-1 and a bioadhesive material. The bioadhesive material may be a chitosan solution, a liquid formulation comprising a polymeric material or a plurality of bioadhesive microspheres. The polymeric material is preferably gellan gum or alginate. The microspheres may comprise starch, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, or gelatin.

Abstract: A colonic drug delivery composition is provided and comprises a starch capsule containing a drug, the starch capsule being provided with a coating such that the drug will only be released from the capsule in the colon. The coating may be a pH sensitive material, a redox sensitive material, or a material broken down by specific enzymes or bacteria present in the colon. The drug to be delivered may be one for local action in the colon or a systemically active drug to be absorbed from the colon.

Abstract: A colonic drug delivery composition is provided and comprises a starch capsule containing a drug, the starch capsule being provided with a coating such that the drug will only be released from the capsule in the colon. The coating may be a pH sensitive material, a redox sensitive material, or a material broken down by specific enzymes or bacteria present in the colon. The drug to be delivered may be one for local action in the colon or a systemically active drug to be absorbed from the colon.

Abstract: A valve comprising a body adapted to be associated with an opening in the wall of a fluid reservoir or flowline, to provide a flow path, from an inlet (111) at the opening, to an outlet (114), a valve seat (117) located across the flow path at the inlet (111), a valve member (116) movably supported from the body to be movable between a closed position at which it is in sealing engagement with the valve seat (117) and an open position at which it is spaced from the valve seat (117), an elongate clearing element (128) which is slidably supported from the valve member (116), said clearing member (128) having an outer end (129) which is movable towards and away from the valve member (116) between an extended position at which it extends from the valve member (116) through the valve seat (117) beyond the opening and a retracted position closely adjacent the valve (116) member, a drive means (120) to cause movement of the valve member (116) between the open and closed positions and to cause movement of the clearing

Abstract: Apparatus for administering an ingestible oral fluid to a patient takes the form of an elongate tubular member (10) closed at the extremity of one end portion shaped as a hook (11), the hook having a hollowed outward projection (16) which is resilient at least over its area facing in the same general direction as the mouth of the hook, with this area also being formed with an orifice (17). The overall geometry of the apparatus is such that the hook passes over the lower mouth of the patient to locate and retain the projection or oral actuation, while the remainder of the member hangs across the jaw of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering oral fluid from a reservoir (60) to a patient comprises: a chamber (10,30) suitably formed by connection of a mouthpiece (30) to be held adjacent the gums and/or teeth and a nipple (10) or diaphragm (310) at the mouthpiece rear for tongue activation, with fluid inlet and outlet openings (34,12) formed respectively in the former and latter; a tube (40) connected between the chamber inlet opening and reservoir; and a fluid flow control valve (50) connected in the tube, such valve suitably having a cylinder housing (51) with inlet and outlet ports (54,53) at its ends and a piston valve member (55) freely reciprocable therein a clearance fit to close and open the outlet port. The valve is preferably effectively symmetrical with a ball piston (55) reciprocable also to close and open the inlet port.

Abstract: Equipment for laying a layer of elongate material adjacent to a newly exposed rock or mineral surface formed by a mining machine cutter as the machine traverses along the working face, a loading member for cut rock or mineral being positioned adjacent to the rear of the cutter, comprises a support bracket secured to the rear of the members, arm means pivotally mounted on the support bracket and supporting a store of elongate material, and means for urging the arm towards the newly exposed rock or mineral surface such that in use elongate material is dispensed from the store and laid adjacent to the newly exposed surface.