Abstract: The invention includes a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and a method of operating it. The shunt includes: a ventricular catheter for transferring CSF from the ventricle of a brain of a patient; a pressure sensor communicated to the ventricular catheter to measure the pressure of the CSF as delivered to the pressure sensor; a temperature sensor communicated to the ventricular catheter to measure the temperature of the CSF as delivered to the temperature sensor; a wireless data transmitter to transmit the measured pressure and temperature to an attending physician; a nonprogrammable reporting valve or programmable valve communicated to the pressure sensor and temperature sensor to regulate flow of the CSF; and peritoneal tubing communicated to the programmable valve for delivering CSF to the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: The prodrug of the invention is a modified form of a therapeutic agent and comprises a therapeutic agent, an oligopeptide of three amino acids, a stabilizing group and, optionally, a linker group. The prodrug is cleavable by a trouase enzyme such as Thimet oligopeptidase. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the prodrug compounds.

Abstract: Implantable drug delivery systems target delivery of small volumes of drugs to specific tissues. In some cases, a drug delivery system includes an implantable osmotic pump connected to a drug-containing housing, with that housing connected to a needle, cochlear implant or other type of component for ultimate delivery to the target tissue. In some implementations, a subcutaneous port receives a fluid from an external pump. The port is connected to a needle or other component for delivery of one or more drugs to the target tissue. Both solid and liquid drug formulations can be used. In embodiments using solid drugs, a separate drug vehicle (such as saline) can be used to dissolve a portion of the solid drug, with the drug-loaded vehicle then delivered to the target tissue.

Abstract: The compounds of the invention are modified forms of therapeutic agents. A typical prodrug compound of the invention comprises a therapeutic agent, an oligopeptide having an isoleucine residue, a stabilizing group and, optionally, a linker group. The prodrug is cleavable by an enzyme associated with the target cell. Methods of making and using the compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a needle for sustained delivery of drugs and other agents to the inner ear or other tissues of a human or an animal. The needle can include an insertion stop, and can be placed through the round window membrane or through a surgically-prepared hole in a bone. The needle can be in fluid communication with a port and/or with a micro-infusion or osmotic pump. A cochlear implant electrode can be used instead of a needle.

Abstract: Improved formulations of gacyclidine for direct administration to the inner or middle ear.

Abstract: The present invention provides analogues of duocarmycins that are potent cytotoxins. Also provided are peptidyl and disulfide linkers that are cleaved in vivo. The linkers are of use in forming prodrugs and conjugates of the cytotoxins of the invention as well as other diagnostic and therapeutic moieties. The invention provides prodrugs and conjugates of the duocarmycin analogues with the linker arms of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compound of formula (I), that are potent inhibitors of &agr;4&bgr;1 mediated adhesion to either VCAM or CS-1 and which could be useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Specifically, the molecules of the present invention can be used for treating or preventing &agr;4&bgr;1 adhesion mediated conditions in a mammal such as a human. This method may comprise administering to a mammal or a human patient an effective amount of the compound or composition as explained in the present specification.