Abstract: The present invention provides pro-micelle compositions comprising a pharmaceutically active agent encapsulated with a membrane of esterified C12-C18 fatty acids. In the mammalian intestine, exposure to C12-C18 fatty acids results in conversion of the pro-micelle to a stable micelle that effectively delivers the pharmaceutically active agent to the systemic circulation. The present invention further provides methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides pro-micelle compositions comprising a pharmaceutically active agent encapsulated with a membrane of esterified C12-C18 fatty acids. In the mammalian intestine, exposure to C12-C18 fatty acids results in conversion of the pro-micelle to a stable micelle that effectively delivers the pharmaceutically active agent to the systemic circulation. The present invention further provides methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises microparticles in micelle. The microparticles contain at least one pharmaceutically-active agent, at least one water soluble or miscible phospholipid, at least one lipid soluble or miscible phospholipid, at least one non-ionic surfactant having an HLB value of about 15 or greater, at least one non-ionic surfactant having an HLB value of about or less, and at least one water soluble or miscible sterol compound. The microparticles are suspended in at least one fatty acid having a chain length of C.sub.14 or less. The composition may optionally contain at least one fatty acid having a chain length of C.sub.16 or greater in a concentration of about 5 w/v % or less. The composition is prepared by admixing the pharmaceutically-active agent, phospholipids, surfactants, and sterol, micronizing the admixture to form microparticles, and suspending the microparticles in at least one fatty acid of chain length of C.sub.14 or less to form microparticles in micelle.

Abstract: A Pharmaceutical formulation comprises a biologically active material such as insulin, erythropoietin, calcitonin and growth hormone, and, associated with it, a phospholipid for forming a material which participates in the alpha-glycerol or other pathways for the formation of lecithins which are found in the intestinal epithelial cell. Biologically active protein orally administered in such a formulation are bioavailable and bioactive.

Abstract: Orally or rectally administrable formulations of biologically active material comprise a water-in-oil microemulsion, wherein the hydrophilic phase of the microemulsion comprises the biologically active material and the hydrophobic phase comprises chylomicra or material capable of forming chylomicra in the intestinal mucosa after administration. The biologically active material may be any of a wide range of substances including insulin, calcitonin and somatotrophin or growth hormone. Formulations of the invention are particularly suitable for the oral administration of insulin in the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: A composition adapted to administer a pharmocologically effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent when ingested orally comprising (a) a pharmaceutical agent; (b) a lipid coating materials; and (c) an enteric coating materials optionally comprising water soluble coating materials; emulsifying and solubilizing agents; binding agents; stabilizing and enzyme inhibiting agents surfactants and antimicrobial agents. The composition can also include a low density lipoprotein composition and lipolytic enzymes.