Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory nucleic acid compositions and methods of using the compositions. The T-rich nucleic acids contain poly T sequences and/or have greater than 25% T nucleotide residues. The TG nucleic acids have TG dinucleotides. The C-rich nucleic acids have at least one poly-C region and/ore greater than 50% c nucleotides. These immunostimulatory nucleic acids function in a similar manner to nucleic acids containing CpG motifs. The invention also encompasses preferred CpG nucleic acids.

Abstract: An analgesic/anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises an effective amount of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of racemic 5-benzoyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-1-carboxylic acid, optically active forms thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or diluent, said dosage form being an intranasally administrable dosage form.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing libido and/or treating erectile dysfunction in a man. The methods include the administration of a formulation testosterone alone, another fast-acting drug to treat erectile dysfunction or a combination of the testosterone and the other drug where at least one is delivered by aersolization. The formulation is preferably aerosolized and inhaled into a patient's lungs where particles of testosterone and/or the fast-acting erectile dysfunction drug deposits on lung tissue and then enter the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: An agent for preventing and/or treating sinusitis, comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound of the formula (I): or a salt and/or hydrate thereof. The pranlukast hydrate is useful as an agent for preventing and/or treating sinusitis.

Abstract: Novel compositions for the treatment of IRDS and ARDS are indicated which contain a compound of formula (I), in which R1 is hydrogen or 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl and/or a pharmacologically tolerable salt of this compound and lung surfactant

Abstract: A method of providing relatively long term diminishment or prevention of painful disorders comprises the topical or intranasal administration of civamide or one of its salts in an amount of about 0.001% to 1.0% by weight in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle over a relatively short term treatment period to provide unexpectedly long-lasting pain relief.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of modulating the release of at least one endogenous compound in vivo. The method comprises delivering intranasally at least one micro-construct comprising an agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a locus comprising an agonist receptor and a heterologous receptor that is coupled to at least one common signaling molecule. The micro-construct used in the present inventive method provides sustained release of the agonist provided by erosion of an exterior surface defined by the micro-construct. Once released, the agonist effectively up- or down-regulates at least one signaling molecule common to both the agonist receptor and the heterologous receptor, thereby potentiating or desensitizing the heterologous receptor in order to modulate release of at least one endogenous compound under the control of the heterologous receptor.

Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for pulmonary delivery comprises glycopyrrolate in a controlled release formulation, wherein, on administration, the glycopyrrolate exerts its pharmacological effect over a period greater than 12 hours.

Abstract: A composition containing at least one NSAID formulated for topical administration to a mucous membrane and/or skin for prophylactic or symptomatic therapy. The composition may also contain an anti-irritant such as a non-nutritive sweetener, which improves compliance when applied to an oral or nasal mucous membrane. The composition may also contain a metalloproteinase inhibitor such as a tetracycline class compound at a neutral pH. The composition may be used for patients having or at risk for developing symptoms of viral infection such as cold sores, canker sores, or shingles, or for treatment of rashes due to allergies.

Abstract: There is provided according to the invention a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation which comprises: (i) fluticasone propionate and (ii) a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant, characterised in that the fluticasone propionate is completely dissolved in the formulation. The invention also provided canisters containing the formulation and uses thereof.

Abstract: A fluid gel obtainable by a process which comprises subjecting a solution comprising a mixture of xanthan and one or more non-gelling polysaccharides selected from galactomannans or glucomannans in a solvent to shear while cooling the solution from a temperature above the gelation temperature of the mixture, and recovering the resulting continuous gel. The gel is useful in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions where it may, for instance, be generated in situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the delivery of therapeutic agents, such as therapeutic drugs or genetic material, into the muscle or tissue that minimizes the loss of therapeutic agents due to contraction of the muscle. In one embodiment, an implant for delivering therapeutic agents into a muscle is provided, wherein the implant has at least one rod for insertion and delivery of therapeutic agents into the muscle and a patch that can be attached to the exterior surface of the muscle for preventing or minimizing therapeutic agent being expelled due to the contraction of the muscle, such as the beating of a heart muscle.

Abstract: This invention relates to attenuated pestiviruses characterised in that their enzymatic activity residing in glycoprotein ERNS is inactivated, methods of preparing, using and detecting these.

Abstract: Controlled release powder insufflation formulations are disclosed. The powder formulation includes cohesive composites of particles containing a medicament and a controlled release carrier which preferably includes one or more polysaccharide gums of natural origin.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using the S(+) enantiomer of desmethylselegiline (N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane), for the treatment of selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neuronal trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.

Abstract: A method of orally administering jojoba for fat reduction, blood lipid reduction, and cancer prevention and treatment in humans is disclosed. The method incorporates a sufficient quantity of jojoba, defatted jojoba meal, jojoba extract, defatted jojoba meal extract, naturally derived or synthesized simmondsin, or any naturally derived or synthesized simmondsin derivative or analogue, including aglycon, or any mixture thereof into an individual's diet in the form of a food, dietary supplement, or drug to provide simmondsin component in an amount greater than 0.01% of one's total daily diet by weight, or 0.05 gram/day. The dosage amount and duration of the administration can vary to achieve and maintain one's desired body composition and blood lipid levels. The dosage and duration of administration are increased for cancer prevention and treatment.

Abstract: The use of calcium channel blockers administered intra-nasally to inhibit olfactory sensory perception to treat eating disorders, including obesity, is described. Also described is a method of reducing food intake in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a calcium channel blocker to the nasal mucosa, as well as screening methods for drugs to be used in treating obesity or associated disorders.

Abstract: Bioadhesive, closed-cell foam film, sustained release, delivery devices for administering an active agent or combination of active agents to a subject are provided. Methods for making such delivery devices and methods for using such delivery devices offering the controlled and sustained release of an active agent or combination of active agents to a subject, preferably a near zero-order release, are also provided.

Abstract: A water soluble, biodegradable reverse thermal gelation system comprising a mixture of at least two types of tri-block copolymer components is disclosed. The tri-block copolymer components are made of a hydrophobic biodegradable polyester A-polymer block and a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol B-polymer block. The drug release and gel matrix erosion rates of the biodegradable reverse thermal gelation system may be modulated by various parameters such as the hydrophobic/hydrophilic component contents, polymer block concentrations, molecular weights and gelation temperatures, and weight ratios of the tri-block copolymer components in the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for making a formulation for treating mucosal discontinuities, comprising: providing phenolic compounds and treating the purified phenolic compounds with sulfuric acid to make sulfonic acids and sulfonate salts. The present invention also includes formulations prepared by the method.

Abstract: A novel method of vehicle modulated administration of an anticonvulsive agent to the mucous membranes of humans and animals is disclosed. The vehicle system is an aqueous pharmaceutical carrier comprising an aliphatic alcohol (10–80%) or a glycol (10–80%), and their combinations with a biological surfactant such as a bile salt or a lecithin. The pharmaceutical composition provides a means to control and promote the rate and extent of transmucosal permeation and absorption of the medicaments via a single and multiple administration. Nasal administration of the pharmaceutical preparation produces a high plasma concentration of the anticonvulsant nearly as fast as intravenous administration. Such compositions are particularly suitable for a prompt and timely medication of patients in the acute and/or emergency treatment of status epilepticus and other fever-induced seizures.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are described that contain one agent for treatment of sinusitis and a surfactant. The compositions are prepared to have a surface tension that renders the composition effective for treatment of sinusitis.

Abstract: A medicament powder, system and method for nasal administration of a pharmacologically active peptide across the nasal mucous membrane. A free-flowing powder having a low moisture content includes a cross-linked cation exchange resin in anionic form and a pharmacologically active peptide in cationic form ionically bound together. The particles of the powder function as carriers of the peptide during nasal administration. The cation exchange resin is taken from the group consisting of divinyl benzene cross-linked polystyrene-sulfonates and Na, NH4 and K salts thereof. An N-saline solution is sprayed into the nasal cavity after administration of the powder to effect ion exchange of Na in the N-saline with the peptide from the resin for efficient delivery of the peptide.

Abstract: A quick and easy system and method for delivering a composition to a nasal membrane is presented. The applicator assembly includes a sleeve member which encases a swab having a portion that contacts a gelled composition. The sleeve member is manually severed to expose the applicator and the composition. The gelled composition contained on the applicator is applied to the nasal membrane.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of altering vaginal blood flow in a female individual to augment or lessen sexual arousal is provided. The method involves administering an individual odorant or odorant mixture for inhalation that is sufficient to alter vaginal blood flow of the female by about ?20% to about +30% compared to a baseline vaginal blood flow without inhalation of the odorant. Also provided is a method for screening an odorant for its capacity to increase or decrease vaginal blood flow, and an article of manufacture, or kit, containing an odorant and instructions for its use in altering vaginal blood flow.

Abstract: The invention pertains to cooling agents comprising N-substituted p-menthane-3-carboxamides, menthyl acetate and solubilizer, and methods for making the cooling agents. The invention also concerns pharmaceutical compositions comprising the cooling agents, including tablets, suspensions and liquid solutions having active pharmaceutical agents for treating upper gastrointestinal tract distress, and methods for treating upper gastrointestinal tract distress in humans.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for administering oxybutynin while minimizing the incidence and or severity of adverse drug experiences associated with oxybutynin therapy. In one aspect, these compositions and methods provide a lower plasma concentration of oxybutynin metabolites, such as N-desethyloxybutynin, which is presumed to be contributing at least in part to some of the adverse drug experiences, while maintaining sufficient oxybutynin plasma concentration to benefit a subject with oxybutynin therapy. The invention also provides isomers of oxybutynin and its metabolites that meet these characteristics of minimized incidence and/or severity of adverse drug experiences, and maintenance of beneficial and effective therapy for overactive bladder.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a macromolecular pharmaceutical agent in mixed micellar form are disclosed. The mixed micelles are formed from an alkali metal alkyl sulfate, and at least three different micelle-forming compounds as described in the specification. Micelle size ranges between about 1 and 10 nanometers. Methods for administering the compositions are also disclosed. A preferred method for administering the present composition is through the buccal region of the mouth, which has been demonstrated to achieve peak plasma levels of the pharmaceutical agent in about thirty minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more antimicrobial metals preferably selected from silver, gold, platinum, and palladium but most preferably silver, formed with atomic disorder, and preferably in a nanocrystalline form, for reducing inflammation or infection of the mucosal membrane. The antimicrobial metal may be formulated as, or used in the form of, a nanocrystalline coating of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals, or a liquid or solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medicinal aerosol suspension formulation and more particularly, to a medicinal aerosol formulation containing a particulate drug or a combination of at least two particulate drugs, a propellant and a stabilizing agent comprising a water addition.

Abstract: A mixed micellar pharmaceutical formulation includes a micellar proteinic pharmaceutical agent, an alkali metal C8 to C22 alkyl sulfate, alkali metal salicylate, a pharmaceutically acceptable edetate and at least one absorption enhancing compounds. The absorption enhancing compounds are selected from the group consisting of lecithin, hyaluronic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of hyaluronic acid, octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, chamomile extract, cucumber extract, oleic acid, linolenic acid, borage oil, evening primrose oil, trihydroxy oxo cholanylglycine, glycerin, polyglycerin, lysine, polylysine, triolein and mixtures thereof. Each absorption enhancing compound is present in a concentration of from 1 to 10 wt./wt. % of the total formulation, and the total concentration of absorption enhancing compounds are less than 50 wt./wt. % of the formulation. Methods for administering insulin to the buccal region are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to powdered preparations containing tiotropium for inhalation, processes for preparing them as well as their use in preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of respiratory complaints, particularly for the treatment of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of altering vaginal blood flow in a female individual to augment or lessen sexual arousal is provided. The method involves administering an individual odorant or odorant mixture for inhalation that is sufficient to alter vaginal blood flow of the female by about ?20% to about +30% compared to a baseline vaginal blood flow without inhalation of the odorant. Also provided is a method for screening an odorant for its capacity to increase or decrease vaginal blood flow, and an article of manufacture, or kit, containing an odorant and instructions for its use in altering vaginal blood flow.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: A method of hydrating nasal airway surfaces in a subject in need of such treatment comprises topically applying a sodium channel blocker to a nasal airway surface of the subject in an amount effective to inhibit the reabsorption of water by the surface. The channel blocker may be a pyrazinoylguanidine sodium channel blocker, such as benzamil, phenamil, amiloride, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The method may further comprise the step of topically applying a P2Y2 receptor agonist to a nasal airway surface of the subject in an amount effective to stimulate chloride secretion by the nasal airway surface. In a preferred embodiment, the sodium channel blocker is a covalent conjugate of a pyrazinoylguanidine sodium channel blocker and a non-absorbable carrier moiety (e.g., albumin, polyethylene glycol). Such compounds may also be administered to other mucosal surfaces where it is desired to inhibit the reabsorption of water.

Abstract: Metal carbonyls are used to deliver CO having biological activity, for example vasodilatation and inhibition of transplant rejection. The metal of the carbonyl is typically of groups 7 to 10, e.g. Fe and Ru. The carbonyl preferably has one or more ligands other than CO, such as amino acids, to modulate the CO release property and solubility.

Abstract: Disclosed are invasive and non-invasive central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery methods and devices for use in these methods that essentially circumvent the blood-brain barrier. More specifically, the disclosed methods and devices utilize iontophoresis as delivery technique that allows for enhanced delivery of a biologically active agent into the CNS of a mammal as well as for (pre)-programmable and controlled transport.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition designed to adhere to a mucous membrane for preventing or treating radiotherapy-related and chemotherapy-related mucositis, induced by radiotherapy or combined radiochemotherapy, comprising an effective amount of an antiradical compound mixed with a vehicle, which is liquid at room temperature and gels at the mucous membrane temperature and capable of adhering to the mucous membrane by its gelled status.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating snoring of a patient includes providing an implant for altering a dynamic response of a soft palate of the patient to airflow past the soft palate. The implant is embedded in the soft palate to alter the dynamic response. The implant has multiple fibers braided along a length of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a method of contraception, in treatment of benign gynecological disorders, and in hormone replacement. The improved method includes administering intranasally an estrogenic compound and an androgenic compound, and in some embodiments an optional progestin compound, in a once-daily bolus formulation comprised of the two or three steroids complexed with a cyclodextrin. An intranasal delivery system for administration of the formulation is also described.

Abstract: Physiologically acceptable films, including edible films, are disclosed. The films include a water soluble film-forming polymer such as pullulan. Edible films are disclosed that include pullulan and antimicrobially effective amounts of the essential oils thymol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol and menthol. The edible films are effective at killing the plaque-producing germs that cause dental plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. The film can also contain pharmaceutically active agents. Methods for producing the films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water soluble, biodegradable reverse thermal gelation system comprising a mixture of at least two types of tri-block copolymer components is disclosed. The tri-block copolymer components are made of a hydrophobic biodegradable polyester A-polymer block and a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol B-polymer block. The drug release and gel matrix erosion rates of the biodegradable reverse thermal gelation system may be modulated by various parameters such as the hydrophobic/hydrophilic component contents, polymer block concentrations, molecular weights and gelation temperatures, and weight ratios of the tri-block copolymer components in the mixture.

Abstract: An aerosol solution composition for use in an aerosol inhaler comprises an active material, a propellant containing a hydrofluoroalkane, a cosolvent and optionally a low volatility component to increase the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the aerosol particles on actuation of the inhaler. The composition is stabilized by using a small amount of mineral acid and a suitable can having part or all of its internal metallic surfaces made of stainless steel, anodized aluminium or lined with an inert organic coating.

Abstract: A veterinary delivery system in the form of a pliable film comprising at least one binder, at least one lubricant, at least one solvent for the binder and lubricant, and an effective amount of at least one effective agent. According to one embodiment, a flavorant is included in a pliable hydrophilic film in order to enhance oral acceptability by the animal. In other embodiments, the films preferably have a moisture content of about 2–15%, preferably about 3–7% by weight. The hydrophilic films most preferably have at least one effective agent distributed homogeneously throughout the film.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the intravaginal or rectal delivery of selected serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to the systemic circulation. Such methods and compositions are useful in the treatment of depression, migraine headaches, chronic pain, psychoactive substance abuse disorders, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and obsessive compulsive disorders. The compositions may be formulated for the immediate release or controlled release of SSRIs over an extended period of time. A preferred SSRI is fluoxetine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mucosal originated drug delivery systems and methods for using the drug delivery system to treat conditions in animals. Conditions amenable to treatment according to the invention are also described. The described mucosal drug delivery systems provide for drug release across a mucosal membrane as well as release away from the mucosal membrane.

Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsule using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprises formulation I: aqueous polar solvent 30-99.89%, active compound 0.001-60%, optionally containing flavoring agent 0.1-10%. Propellant 2-10%. The non polar composition of the invention comprises formulation II: non-polar solvent 20-85%, active compound 0.005-50%, and optionally flavoring agent 0.1-10% and propellant 50-80%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasogastric formulation comprising an amino acid source, a carbohydrate source, a lipid source, and a fatty acid delivery agent wherein the fatty acid has a bond hydrolysable in the colon to deliver free fatty acids such as short chain fatty acid acetate without having an adverse affect on the capacity to pass through a tube for tube feeding.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical or cosmetic carrier or composition for topical application characterized by rheological properties which render the carrier or composition semi-solid at rest and a liquid upon application of shear forces thereto. The composition or carrier are prepared by mixing 1–25 percent of a solidifying agent and 75–99 percent of a hydrophobic solvent, by weight, wherein at least one of them has therapeutic or cosmetic benefits, in the presence or absence of a biologically active substance.