Abstract: An insulin resistance marker, a method of evaluating insulin resistance, a method of screening a substance that improves insulin resistance, and a pharmaceutical composition for improving insulin resistance are provided. The insulin resistance marker includes a polypeptide comprising at least any 15 continuous amino acids in the specific amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 (sequence of a proepithelin protein). The insulin resistance marker includes a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of (1) a polynucleotide comprising at least any 45 continuous bases in the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 encoding the above specific amino acid sequence, and (2) a polynucleotide that is complementary to the polynucleotide of (1).

Abstract: It is provided an insulin resistance marker, a method of evaluating insulin resistance, a method of screening a substance that improves insulin resistance, and a pharmaceutical composition for improving insulin resistance. An insulin resistance marker including a polypeptide comprising at least any 15 continuous amino acids in the specific amino acid sequence (sequence of a proepithelin protein). An insulin resistance marker including a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a polynucleotide comprising at least any 45 continuous bases in the base sequence encoding the above specific amino acid sequence, and a polynucleotide that is complementary to the polynucleotide.

Abstract: It is provided an insulin resistance marker, a method of evaluating insulin resistance, a method of screening a substance that improves insulin resistance, and a pharmaceutical composition for improving insulin resistance. An insulin resistance marker including a polypeptide comprising at least any 15 continuous amino acids in the specific amino acid sequence (sequence of a proepithelin protein). An insulin resistance marker including a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a polynucleotide comprising at least any 45 continuous bases in the base sequence encoding the above specific amino acid sequence, and a polynucleotide that is complementary to the polynucleotide.

Abstract: A method for producing a sustained-release preparation, which comprises dispersing a physiologically active polypeptide into an organic solvent solution of a biodegradable polymer and removing the organic solvent, wherein the polypeptide is a powder obtained by lyophilizing an aqueous solution of the polypeptide which solution has a water-miscible organic solvent and/or a volatile salt; which improves the ease of handling of the physiologically active polypeptide powder in the process for producing the preparation; which makes it possible to industrially produce the sustained-release preparation in large scale; which provides a sustained-release preparation showing high and stable concentration of the active component in blood in long term, low initial release ratio of the physiologically active polypeptide, and high entrapment ratio of the polypeptide into the sustained-release preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex of human growth hormone and zinc containing human growth hormone and zinc at a molar ratio of about 1:1.6 to about 1:2.4, and a sustained-release preparation which comprises the complex of human growth hormone and zinc and a biodegradable polymer and which has a high entrapment ratio of human growth hormone and exhibits a stable sustained-release suppressing the initial burst.

Abstract: A method of producing sustained-release microcapsules which comprises dispersing a physiologically active polypeptide into a solution of a biodegradable polymer and zinc oxide in an organic solvent, followed by removing the organic solvent; which provides a sustained-release preparation showing a high entrapment ratio of the physiologically active polypeptide and its constant high blood concentration levels over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide sustained-release microcapsules which contains high amount of a drug, suppresses initial release and shows stable release, and the production method of which comprises adding a physiologically active substance to biodegradable polymer in an organic solvent containing a fat and oil (in particular, vitamin E) and dispersing and emulsifying the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention includes a formulation which comprises an antibacterial substance and an antiulcer substance, wherein at least either of them is formulated into a gastrointestinal mucosa-adherent solid preparation. The formulation of the present invention shows long retention time in the gastrointestinal tract because of adhesion to the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, synergetically enhances the pharmaceutical effects of an antibacterial substance, specially antibiotic against Helicobacter pylori (HP) and an antiulcer substance, with very low doses of active ingredients, particularly the anti-HP antibiotic with low prevalence of side effects. The present agent is useful as an antiulcer agent, showing potent anti-HP activity.

Abstract: The present invention includes a formulation which comprises an antibacterial substance and an antiulcer substance, wherein at least either of them is formulated into a gastrointestinal mucosa-adherent solid preparation. The formulation of the present invention shows long retention time in the gastrointestinal tract because of adhesion to the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, synergetically enhances the pharmaceutical effects of an antibacterial substance, specially antibiotic against Helicobacter pylori (HP) and an antiulcer substance, with very low doses of active ingredients, particularly the anti-HP antibiotic with low prevalence of side effects. The present agent is useful as an antiulcer agent, showing potent anti-HP activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained-release preparation characterized in that it is produced by dispersing in an oil phase a rapidly dried product containing a bioactive polypeptide and a surfactant, and subsequent shaping, and a method of its production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex of human growth hormone and zinc containing human growth hormone and zinc at a molar ratio of about 1:1.6 to about 1:2.4, and a sustained-release preparation which comprises the complex of human growth hormone and zinc and a biodegradable polymer and which has a high entrapment ratio of human growth hormone and exhibits a stable sustained-release suppressing the initial burst.

Abstract: A method of producing sustained-release microcapsules which comprises dispersing a physiologically active polypeptide into a solution of a biodegradable polymer and zinc oxide in an organic solvent, followed by removing the organic solvent; which provides a sustained-release preparation showing a high entrapment ratio of the physiologically active polypeptide and its constant high blood concentration levels over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex of human growth hormone and zinc containing human growth hormone and zinc at a molar ratio of about 1:1.6 to about 1:2.4, and a sustained-release preparation which comprises the complex of human growth hormone and zinc and a biodegradable polymer and which has a high entrapment ratio of human growth hormone and exhibits a stable sustained-release suppressing the initial burst.

Abstract: A sustained-release preparation containing a bioactive polypeptide is prepared using a starting material containing a lyophilized product of an aqueous solution or suspension of the bioactive polypeptide in a non-ionic surfactant. The lyophilized product is dispersed in an oil phase, which further contains a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a non-peptide osteogenesis-promoting substance and a polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, which can be advantageously used as a agent for preventing or treating various bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis) in view of the high oral absorbability and stability of the active ingredient.

Abstract: A sustained-release microcapsule contains an amorphous water-soluble pharmaceutical agent having a particle size of from 1 nm-10 .mu.m and a polymer. The microcapsule is produced by dispersing, in an aqueous phase, a dispersion of from 0.001-90% (w/w) of an amorphous water-soluble pharmaceutical agent in a solution of a polymer having a wt. avg. molecular weight of 2,000-800,000 in an organic solvent to prepare an s/o/w emulsion and subjecting the emulsion to in-water drying.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation is provided by a microcapsule containing a physiologically active substance which is water-soluble only at a pH of about 3 or below, and a polymer which is biodegradable upon oral administration. A process for producing the microcapsule is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a formulation which comprises an antibacterial substance and an antiulcer substance, wherein at least either of them is formulated into a gastrointestinal mucosa-adherent solid preparation. The formulation of the present invention shows long retention time in the gastrointestinal tract because of adhesion to the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, synergetically enhances the pharmaceutical effects of an antibacterial substance, specially antibiotic against Helicobacter pylori (HP) and an antiulcer substance, with very low doses of active ingredients, particularly the anti-HP antibiotic with low prevalence of side effects. The present agent is useful as an anti ulcer agent, showing potent anti-HP activity.

Abstract: This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a non-peptide osteogenic promoting substance and a biodegradable polymer, which can be safely used as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for various bone diseases (e.g., bone fractures).

Abstract: A microcapsule contains a pharmaceutically effective amorphous water-soluble 2-piperazinone-1-acetic acid compound or salt thereof and a polymer binder and a method of preparing said microcapsule. The microcapsule is produced by dispersing in an aqueous phase a dispersion of the amorphous water-soluble 2-piperazinone-1-acetic acid compound or salt thereof in a solution of a polymer in an organic solvent to give an s/o/w type emulsion and subjecting the emulsion to in-water drying. The sustained-release microcapsule entraps 2-piperazinone-1-acetic acid compound or the salt thereof, as a drug, in high concentration, and in reducing the initial release of the drug, thereby reducing undesirable side effects of the drug.