Abstract: A process is described for preparing microspheres, films and coatings from protein or modified protein in which the protein product is stabilized by carrying out the preparation in the presence of an aqueous solution of at least one &agr;-hydroxy acid. The microspheres, films and coatings so produced have improved stability in aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing microspheres, films and coatings from protein or modified protein in which the protein product is stabilized by carrying out the preparation in the presence of an aqueous solution of at least one alpha-hydroxy acid. Preferred alpha-hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, alpha-hydroxybutyric acid or a mixture of two or more thereof. The microspheres, films and coatings so produced have improved stability in aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing microspheres, films and coatings from protein or modified protein in which the protein product is stabilized by carrying out the preparation in the presence of an aqueous solution of at least one .alpha.-hydroxy acid. Preferred .alpha.-hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, .alpha.-hydroxybutyric acid or a mixture of two or more thereof. The microspheres, films and coatings so produced have improved stability in aqueous solution.

Abstract: A composition for delivering an active agent to the lymphatic system comprises a plurality of colloidal particles and an active agent associated with each particle, wherein the surface of each particle has a hudrophobicity ratio as defined of less than 10, or wherein a modifying agent is adsorbed onto the surface of each particle such that the modifying agent gives an advancing contact angle as defined of less than 60.degree. or wherein the adsorbed layer thickness as defined is less than 10 nm or the albumin uptake ratio is between 0.2 and 0.5. The composition may satisfy one or more of these requirements. Preferred modifying agents are non-ionic surfactants, in particular block copolymers containing polyethyleneglycol.

Abstract: A composition for delivering an active agent to the lymphatic system comprises a plurality of colloidal particles and an active agent associated with each particle, wherein the surface of each particle has a hydrophobicity ratio of less than 10 as defined by hydrophobic interaction chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for producing microparticles useful in the formulation of pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention further describes a method of immunizing a mammal against diseases comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of antigen containing microparticles. In particular, the present invention describes a method of potentiating an immune response in a mammal comprising administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition to a mammal. The present invention further describes a vaccine comprising a pharmaceutical composition containing said microparticles. An antigen delivery system comprising microparticles containing entrapped antigens is further described by the present invention. A pharmaceutical composition comprising microparticles and a pharmaceutical carrier is also provided.

Abstract: A stable active substance emulsion of the oil-in-water type with a phospholipid as emulsifier is described, where the active substance dissolved in the lipid phase has one or more basic groups, is hydrophobic and oil-soluble, and has a pKa of at least 7.5, the aqueous phase is set at an acid pH, and the disperse phase gives a positive zeta potential of at least +15, but preferably +30, mV after dilution of the emulsion ready for administration to a fat content of 0.08% by weight.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oil-in-water emulsion of a drug which is poorly soluble in water wherein the drug (e.g. amphotericin B) is dissolved in a solution of high or low pH prior to the formation of the drug emulsion. The solution of high pH is preferably a 0.5M solution of sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide and the solution of low pH is preferably a 0.5M solution of hydrochloric acid. The process comprises the steps of (a) dissolving the drug in a solution of high or low pH, (b) adding the resulting solution to a pre-formed emulsion, (c) adding to the emulsion an amount of an acid, base or buffer appropriate to neutralise at least substantially the product of step (b), and (d) where an acid or base is added in step (c), optionally adding sufficient buffer to adjust the pH of the product of step (c) to a desired value. A drug emulsion made by the process is also provided, in which the drug is primarily associated with the oil droplets.

Abstract: Increased stability is conferred on oil-in-water emulsions of perfluorocarbons by addition of a minor (0.1-5% w/v) amount of a fluorinated compound of higher boiling point than the perfluorocarbon being emulsified. The added fluorinated compound is preferably a perfluorinated saturated polycyclic hydrocarbon. The most preferred additive is perfluoroperhydrofluoranthene.

Abstract: A carrier base material combined with a therapeutically active medicament and shaped and compressed to a solid unit dosage form having a controlled and prolonged release pattern upon administration, the carrier base material being a mixture of one or more nonionic cellulose ethers and an anionic surfactant, and wherein at least one of the cellulose ethers is a modified hydroxypropylmethylcellulose having a number average molecular weight of less than 50,000 and has been modified by successive or concurrent exposure to moisture and air.