Abstract: The invention provides a method for manipulating or formulating a solid substance which melts under pressure of a gas without degrading at a temperature lower than the melting point of the substance at atmospheric pressure including: applying to the substance a liquefied gas or dense gas to melt the substance without degrading the substance; then contacting the molten substance with a carrier fluid, which is at substantially the same pressure as the liquefied gas or dense gas, to form a solution or mixture of at least a part of the molten substance and the carrier fluid; and passing the solution or mixture into a vessel of lower pressure than the pressure of the liquefied gas or dense gas and carrier fluid to form particles of the substance; and particles formed by the method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming fine particles of a substance, the method including contacting a non-gaseous fluid containing the substance with a dense gas to expand the fluid, the dense gas including (a) an anti-solvent and (b) a modifying agent which modifies the polarity of the anti-solvent, and particles formed by the method.

Abstract: The use of IFN-&agr; subtypes as vaccine adjuvants is disclosed, together with vaccine compositions comprising them. Methods of vaccinating a subject comprising co-administration of IFN-&agr; subtypes are also provided.

Abstract: Individual subtypes of interferon-.alpha. (IFN-.alpha.) have been found to have different antiviral activity in different cell types and are therefore used to prevent or treat viral infections in cell types in which they are most active. The individual subtype of choice has relatively low antiviral activity in other celltypes to reduce the risk of side effects. IFN-.alpha..sub.10 and/or IFN-.alpha..sub.17 are preferred for use in treating viral lung infections and IFN-.alpha..sub.8 is preferred for use in treating viral liver infections.

Abstract: 3-Isochromanone is prepared by reacting o-tolyacetic acid with sulphuryl chloride in the presence of a free radical initiator, e.g. AIBN, followed by ring closure of the 2-chloromethylphenylacetic acid so formed with a base, e.g. potassium bicarbonate.

Abstract: "One-pot" process for preparing methyl 2-(2-methylphenyl)-3-methoxypropenoate by the formylation and subsequent methylation of methyl o-tolylacetate in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an alkali metal base and a phase transfer catalyst. The product of the process is useful as an intermediate in the manufacture of fungicides such as those described in EP 370629.