Abstract: The present invention is directed to parenterally-administrable microparticles for providing sustained-release of a therapeutic agent in the body, where the microparticles include a polymeric core containing a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent disposed therein, a first film encapsulating the core, the first film prepared from a first biodegradable polymer soluble in an appropriate solvent therefore, and a second film encapsulating the core and the first film, the second film prepared from a biodegradable polymer soluble in an appropriate solvent therefore, wherein the first film is insoluble in the solvent used to prepare the second film, and to parenterally-administrable compositions containing such microparticles dispersed in a suitable carrier therefore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sustained release microparticle formulation for parenteral administration of biologically active substances, especially drugs. More specifically it relates to coated drug containing microparticles, wherein the coating is a synthetic, bioabsorbable, biocompatible polymeric wax that is the reaction product of a polybasic acid or derivative thereof, a polyol and a fatty acid, the polymeric wax having a melting point less than about 70° C., as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to parenterally-administrable microparticles for providing sustained-release of a therapeutic agent in the body, where the microparticles include a polymeric core containing a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent disposed therein, a first film encapsulating the core, the first film prepared from a first biodegradable polymer soluble in an appropriate solvent therefore, and a second film encapsulating the core and the first film, the second film prepared from a biodegradable polymer soluble in an appropriate solvent therefore, wherein the first film is insoluble in the solvent used to prepare the second film, and to parenterally-administrable compositions containing such microparticles dispersed in a suitable carrier therefore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sustained release microparticle formulation for parenteral administration of biologically active substances, especially drugs. More specifically it relates to coated drug containing microparticles, wherein the coating is a synthetic, bioabsorbable, biocompatible polymeric wax that is the reaction product of a polybasic acid or derivative thereof, a polyol and a fatty acid, the polymeric wax having a melting point less than about 70° C., as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for augmenting soft tissue, which composition includes a continuous phase that is a solid at temperatures less than about 10° C. or greater than about 30° C. and is a fluid at temperatures between about 10° C. and about 30° C., and which contains an aqueous solvent having dissolved therein a hydrogel and a dehydrating agent, and a discontinuous phase containing a plurality of hydrophilic hydrogel particles that are swellable in the aqueous solvent, that are not biodegradable for periods of time in excess of one year, and that have a hydrated diameter of greater than about 25 microns upon hydration by physiologic fluid; wherein the final volume of the hydrophilic hydrogel particles upon hydration by physiologic fluid is substantially the same as the initial volume of the composition used to augment the soft tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving hemostasis and pneumostasis along a staple line by utilizing a compliant bioabsorbable foam buttress which may be attached to one jaw of a surgical stapling apparatus by a biocompatible releasable adhesive.

Abstract: The invention presents classes of thermoplastic, biodegradable compositions. Tests indicate that these compositions exhibit good mechanical properties, and readily degrade in the presence of microorganisms. The compositions of this invention are useful for producing injection-molded, thin-walled articles that are capable of appreciably degrading in the sewage system within thirty (30) days.

Abstract: Improved hydrophilic materials, such as foams and films, are provided. These material find use in a wide variety of fluid absorbent products, especially those relating to the absorption of bodily fluids. The soft, absorbent, and resilient foams of this invention exhibit greater wet and dry mechanical strength when compared with those known in the art, as well as improved fluid wicking capacity and lower density. These improved properties are believed attributable to the incorporation into the foams of at least one polyfunctional aliphatic amine.The provided hydrophilic materials comprise the polymeric reaction product of a mixture which comprises at least one epoxy resin, at least one amine-terminated poly(alkylene oxide), and at least one polyfunctional aliphatic amine. Methods for preparing foams and other hydrophilic materials are also provided.