Abstract: The invention relates to the use of hydrophilic aromatic alcohols to enhance the uptake of molecules, including biologically active macromolecules, into the body across the intestinal wall from the lumen of the gut; to compositions for oral administration which consists of an enteric capsule capable of withstanding transit through the stomach, containing a mixture comprising: (a) an active principal, and (b) a hydrophilic aromatic alcohol absorption enhancer; and to the user of the composition in medical treatment and diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of hydrophilic aromatic alcohols to enhance the uptake of molecules, including biologically active macromolecules, into the body across the intestinal wall from the lumen of the gut; to compositions for oral administration which consists of an enteric capsule capable of withstanding transit through the stomach, containing a mixture comprising: (a) an active principal, and (b) a hydrophilic aromatic alcohol absorption enhancer; and to the user of the composition in medical treatment and diagnosis.

Abstract: Single phase preparations of hydrophilic species, in particular macromolecular compounds such as proteins or glycoproteins in a hydrophobic solvent such as an oil can be obtained by preparing a hydrophile/amphiphile array in which the hydrophilic head groups of the amphiphile are orientated towards the hydrophilic species and bringing the array into contact with the hydrophobic solvent. The preparations of the invention can be used alone or can be combined with an aqueous phase to form emulsions in which the hydrophilic species is present in the hydrophobic phase. The compositions of the present invention are versatile and have application in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, chemical and agricultural industries.

Abstract: Hydrophobic preparations which are useful as, among other things, pharmaceutical delivery systems comprise: (i) an oil phase comprising one or more medium chain monoglycerides, such as Akoline MCM™; (ii) at least one amphiphile, preferably including a phospholipid such as phosphatidyl choline; and (iii) a hydrophilic species, which may be a protein such as insulin or calcitonin or another macromolecule, solubilized or otherwise dispersed in the one or more glycerides. The hydrophilic species is one that is not normally soluble in the glycerides.

Abstract: Methods for preserving micro-organisms including viruses, such that infectivity is retained, are provided, as well as the use of such methods in preparing e.g. vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a single phase hyudrophobic preparation comprising a hydrophilic species in a hydrophobic solvent wherein a compound which is:(a) a low molecular weight compound having at least some degree of polarity; and/or(b) a lipid-soluble organic acid; and/or(c) an amphiphile; and(d) glycerol or other polyhydric alcohols;is added during the process to aid solubilisation.

Abstract: Compositions containing a bile salt and a buffer such as a carbonate or bicarbonate salt which is adapted to buffer the gut to a pH of from 7.5 to 9 are capable of increasing the bioavailability of an active molecule whilst minimising the toxic side effects which are generally associated with bile salts.