Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a collagen material that possesses physical properties to an extent that allows suturing while still maintaining the biochemical properties inherently possessed by collagen, and retains its shape for a certain amount of time even after application to the body; its production process; and, a medical material on which it is based, examples of which include a artificial tube for nerve, artificial tube for spinal cord, artificial esophagus, artificial trachea, artificial blood vessel, artificial valve or alternative medical membranes such as artificial endocranium, artificial ligaments, artificial tendons, surgical sutures, surgical prostheses, surgical reinforcement, wound protecting materials, artificial skin and artificial cornea, characterized by filling or having inside a substance having biocompatibility that can be degraded and absorbed in the body into a matrix of a non-woven fabric-like multi-element structure of collagen fibers having ultra-fine fiber

Abstract: A biocompatible wound dressing comprised of a pad for insertion substantially into a wound site and a wound drape for sealing enclosure of the foam pad at the wound site. The pad, comprised of a foam or other like material having relatively few open cells in contact with the areas upon which cell growth is to be encouraged so as to avoid unwanted adhesions, but having sufficiently numerous open cells so that drainage and negative pressure therapy may continue unimpaired, is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of fluid drainage, as known in the art. The pad is further comprised of an ultra-low density fused-fibrous ceramic, or a bioabsorbable branched polymer, or cell growth enhancing matrix or scaffolding.

Abstract: A packing material is in the form of packaging laminate for packing transdermal therapeutic systems. The packing material contains at least a sealable layer and a barrier layer, and the sealable layer is provided with a continuous abhesive layer. The sealable layer can be provided with a silicone film or a silicone layer as the abhesive layer. The abhesive layer can have a thickness of less than 10 ?m, preferably less than 5 ?m.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes a first layer located adjacent the wound and which comprises a material that is bioabsorbable, porous and adapted for serving as a scaffold for cell attachment and proliferation; and a second layer which is in contact with the first layer and which comprises an absorbent, gel forming material adapted for serving as a barrier to cell adhesion and penetration. A method of treating a wound with the dressing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more antimicrobial metals selected from silver, gold, platinum, and palladium but most preferably silver, preferably formed with atomic disorder, and preferably in a nanocrystalline form, for the treatment of a acne. The nanocrystalline antimicrobial metal of choice may be used in the form of a nanocrystalline coating of one or more antimicrobial metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more antimicrobial metals, or a solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more antimicrobial metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film-forming barrier composition useful for protecting the skin from body fluids, such as urine, feces, menses. The composition comprises a skin conditioning agent, a viscosity enhancing agent and an oleophilic film-forming agent. Optionally, the lotion may comprise skin care ingredients for treating or maintaining skin health. The composition may be applied to the skin by suitable delivery vehicles, such as absorbent articles or components thereof, sheet materials, pads, bandages, sponges, foam pads, pumps, sprays, depending on the viscosity of the composition.

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: The method of making a bioadhesive tablet for controlling testosterone blood level, especially in elderly men suffering from partial androgen deficiency, includes spray-drying an alcoholic solution or suspension of testosterone and at least one testosterone ester, preferably in a ratio of 1:10 to 1:1.5, separately or together, with an organic polymer and optionally one or more auxiliary ingredient to form an active ingredient premix. Then various other auxiliary ingredients are mixed, as needed, with the active ingredient premix to form the bioadhesive tablet with an active ingredient layer and an adhesive layer. The active ingredient layer contains an effective amount of the active ingredient premix. The adhesive layer includes auxiliary ingredients including the bioadhesive polymer. The bioadhesive tablet may be buccally administered to provide a predetermined timed release profile of testosterone, advantageously varying according to a circadian rhythm.

Abstract: Methods and products relating the preservation of cultured mammalian epithelial or mesenchymal cells are provided. The methods involve the pre-treatment of epithelial cells with a solution containing a cryoprotectant amount of monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. The treated cells then are frozen, dried or freeze-dried in a minimum volume of solution and stored for later use. The invention avoids the use of materials that must be washed away from the preserved tissue prior to application of the tissue to a wound bed. The invention also permits the storage of epithelial tissue in a dry state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible medical material and porous scaffold for use in tissue engineering, made from a biodegradable glycolide/?-caprolactone copolymer having a repeat unit of wherein x and y are integers greater than or equal to 18, the copolymer has an average molecular weight of about 10,000 daltons or more, and the molar ratio of glycolide: ?-caprolactone in the copolymer is about 4.0:6.0 to 6.0:4.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material including a substrate with a first and a second surface, a boundary layer which is comprised of one or more compositions, and a topical application. The boundary layer is applied on the first surface of the substrate, and the topical application is applied to a surface of the boundary layer opposite of the substrate. Transfer efficiency of the topical application is enhanced as the transfer forces necessary to separate the topical application from the boundary layer are lower than the transfer forces necessary to separate the substrate from the boundary layer.

Abstract: A calendered hydrocolloid dressing for the wound care and a one step method of manufacturing the hydrocolloidal dressing are described. In particular, the invention is concerned with a hydrocolloid dressing which is absorbent, non-damaging to the skin and comfortable to the user preferably having at least a thermoplastic elastomer backing and water absorbent polymeric adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel collagen peptides that are modified by grafting free or substitued thiol functions carried by mercaptoamine radicals. The aim of the invention is to provide thiol collagens that can be cross-linked in a sufficient and controlled manner by forming S—S bridges and which are biocompatible. This is achieved by means of the inventive thiol collagens which are characterized in that the mercaptoamine radicals are identical to or different from each other and are exclusively grafted on the aspartic and glutamic acids of the collagen chain by amide bonds. The invention also relates to a method for the production of said thiol and cross-linkable collagens. The novel modified cross-linkable and/or cross-linked collagens can be used as biomaterials.

Abstract: Cyclodextrins and other ecapsulating oligosaccharides can be bound to fibrous and/or polysaccharidic carriers by ionic bonds. The ionic bonds can be produced by introducing cationic or anionic groups into the cyclodextrins, and where appropriate, by introducing oppositely charged groups in the carrier material. The products can be used for odor control in the fibrous material.

Abstract: A flexible applicator for applying an oil-in-water emulsion comprises: (1) an allantoin-containing oil-in-water emulsion; and (2) a flexible element that adsorbs or absorbs the emulsion such that the emulsion is applied to the skin of a patient on whom the flexible applicator is placed. The allantoin-containing emulsion, containing allantoin and an emulsifier, has improved stability coming from the adjustment of the pH to a range of 3.0 to 6.0; preferably, the pH is in the range of 4.5 to about 5.8. The lower pH preserves the stability of the allantoin and the functionality of the emulsifier system is maintained. The emulsifier system can be a nonionic emulsifier or an anionic emulsifier plus beeswax. The acid used to adjust the pH can be an organic acid or an inorganic acid. The emulsion can further comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, chelating agents, preservatives, emollients, solvents, and fragrance.

Abstract: An aged skin equivalent comprising an epidermis equivalent and an aged dermis equivalent, wherein the aged dermis equivalent comprises glycated collagen. An aged dermis equivalent, the epidermis equivalent obtained and methods of producing the aged skin and/or aged dermis equivalent and/or the epidermis equivalent.

Abstract: Sutures fabricated from and/or coated with compositions including water-soluble glass are described herein. Pledgets containing water-soluble glass within the interstices of the pledget and/or coated with compositions including water-soluble glass are also described herein. The water-soluble glass optionally includes a therapeutic agent, e.g., silver to promote wound repair.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to medical devices or pharmaceutical composition, each containing a synthetic, biodegradable, biocompatible polymer that is the reaction product of a polybasic acid or derivative thereof, a monoglyceride, and a cationic polyol.

Abstract: Described is a water-absorbent composition containing from 30 to 100% by weight, based on the water-absorbent composition, of water-insoluble water-swellable hydrogels characterized by the following features: Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) of at least 24 g/g, Saline Flow Conductivity (SFC) of at least 80×10?7 cm3 s/g and Free Swell Rate (FSR) of at least 0.15 g/g s and/or Vortex Time of not more than 160 s.

Abstract: A protectant composition comprising vernix for a skin curative and skin protectant effect and a method of using the composition. A natural or synthetic vernix is dispersed in an effect amount and is applied to a surface. The method may be used to repel a naturally occurring agent such as water, or a synthetic agent to which exposure may occur, for example, in an occupational setting.

Abstract: Compounds of prostaglandin E group (PGE compounds) are stabilized as non-aqueous compositions that include the compound together with a bulking agent that can be a non-aqueous liquid or a solid in a sheet, film or powder form. The composition can optionally include a skin penetration enhancer. A non-aqueous, solid dosage form comprises a PGE compound substantially uniformly distributed in a carrier sheet or film.

Abstract: The invention relates to new biologically degradable aliphatic copolymers of the polyesteramide or polyesterurethane type. The invention further relates to a method for preparing the copolymers and to products which can be manufactured from the new copolymers.

Abstract: A medical method and dressing for application, and maintenance of medication on healthy, damaged or infected living tissue. Medication is applied to body tissue and then coated with a bioadhesive providing medication maintenance on tissue and protection from body and other liquids or abrasion thereby preventing removal of the medication during a healing or treatment process.

Abstract: Tissue sealant compositions containing human recombinant fibrinogen, human recombinant factor XIII and human recombinant thrombin. Also disclosed are preferred formulations and uses therefore.

Abstract: A collagen preparation for the controlled release of active substances is characterized in that it has mixtures of acid-insoluble collagens with different molecular weight distributions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified, easily produced poly-&bgr;-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine (p-GlcNAc) polysaccharide species. The p-GlcNAc of the invention is a polymer of high molecular weight whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a &bgr;-1→4 conformation, and which is free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, derivatives and reformulations of p-GlcNAc are described. The present invention further relates to methods for the purification of the p-GlcNAc of the invention from microalgae, preferably diatom, starting sources. Still further, the invention relates to methods for the derivatization and reformulation of the p-GlcNAc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the uses of pure p-GlcNAc, its derivatives, and/or its reformulations.

Abstract: A system for delivering solute to a target location within a mammalian body, the system including a medical device, a thermosensitive cellulose gel structure over the medical device, and a biologically active solute within said gel structure. The gel structure deswells and expels the biologically active solute with an increase in gel temperature. The invention includes a method of delivering solute to a target location, where the method includes the steps of providing a thermosensitive cellulose gel structure, wherein the gel structure is loaded with a solute; positioning the loaded gel structure to the target location; and increasing the temperature of the loaded gel structure.

Abstract: This invention is a prosthetic device generally placed on the outside surface of the vessel or graft which then elutes antiproliferative drugs or agents from a drug-eluting matrix material. Methods of perivascular antiproliferative drug administration also are disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-microbial body care product comprising in the part contacting the human or animal skin and/or mucosa and organic matrix containing homogeneously dispersed particles of a metallic silver having a particle size in the range of 1 to 50 nm (silver nanoparticles) in an amount providing on the surface of said part and anti-microbially effective but less than cytotoxic silver concentration. Preferred body care products are disposable absorbent articles, toothbrushes, cosmetic products and baby comforting products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition for efficiently releasing hydrophilic or water-soluble skin care actives from an oleaginous composition. The substantially oleaginous composition of the present invention comprises: (1) at least one skin care active; (2) a release agent having an HLB of at least about 3; and (3) a hydrophobic barrier protectant. The novel release composition may be topically applied to skin using a dispensing means such as an absorbent article, a wipe, a bandage, a pad, a canister, a stick, an aerosol dispenser, a sprayer, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting healing of wounds which result from skin resurfacing procedures, e.g., from laser surgery to remove or alter superficial features of the skin. The methods involve the application of a sheet of cultured epithelial cells to the laser skin resurfacing would of a subject in need of such treatment. The methods promote faster healing of skin resurfacing wounds relative to prior art methods of healing such wounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a material for use in a wound dressing or wound implant, the material comprising a plurality of beads, wherein each bead comprises a porous core of a first bioabsorbable material and a substantially non-porous layer of a second bioabsorbable material around the core. The porous core is preferably a sponge formed by freeze-drying a liquid suspension of the first bioabsorbable material. The preferred diameter of the beads is 0.1-4.0 mm, and the beads are preferably dispersed in a liquid or solid matrix. The invention also provides a method of making beads for use in the materials of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioerodable constructs for controlled release of bioactive materials. In a preferred mode, the constructs may be utilized adjacent to a biological surface. The constructs are based on a blend of two or more poly(ester-amide) polymers (PEA). Such polymers may be prepared by polymerization of a diol (D), a dicarboxylic acid (C) and an alpha-amino acid (A) through ester and amide links in the form (DACA)n. An example of a (DACA)n polymer is shown below in formula II. Suitable amino acids include any natural or synthetic alpha-amino acid, preferably neutral amino acids.

Abstract: Biocompatible compositions comprising polyanionic polysaccharides combined with hydrophobic bioabsorbable polymers as well as methods for making and using the compositions are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable, non-hygroscopic salts of L-carnitine and lower alkanoyl L-carnitine endowed with enhanced nutritional and /or therapeutical efficacy with respect to their inner salts congeners and tom solid compositions containing such salts particularly suited to oral administration.

Abstract: An especially useful fibrin glue composition comprises a biocompatible, bioabsorbable hyaluronic acid derivative material, upon which are applied or chemically bonded fibrinogen and thrombin, along with other optional constituents, such as additional coagulation factors, anti-fibrinolytics, stabilizers and biologically active substances. The fibrinogen, thrombin and other components can take the form of a dry preparation, an aqueous or nonaqueous preparation, or as a combination thereof. Such a fibrin glue composition can be placed directly on a wound site and is fully reabsorbed into the body.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to the preparation of cellulosic foam products prepared from silver alginate and derivatives thereof and the process for preparing them. The silver alginate products and related silver products are amenable for use in the preparation of medical and veterinary dressings for the treatment of burns, wounds, ulcerated lesions, and related pathological states.

Abstract: Methods of promoting healing through enhanced regeneration of tissue (e.g. hard tissue or soft tissue) by contacting the tissue or the surrounding tissue with an anti-inflammatory agent. These methods are useful in a variety of dental and orthopedic applications.

Abstract: A fibrous polymer implant loaded with one or more bioactive agents is prepared using a wet spinning technique. Preferably, an aqueous solution of bioactive agent is added to a solution of amphiphilic block copolymer containing hydrophilic blocks such as polyalkylene glycol and hydrophobic blocks such as an aromatic ester dissolved in a first solvent immiscible with water to form an emulsion. The emulsion is injected through a nozzle into a second solvent miscible with the first solvent in which the copolymer is essentially insoluble to form a solid copolymer fiber loaded with the bioactive agent. The fiber is shaped into an implant. Water content of the aqueous solution of bioactive agent affects rate of release of the bioactive agent in vivo. Bioactive agents include peptides, oligopeptides, polypeptides and proteins. The implant may be used as a carrier for controlled drug release or as a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for systemically minimizing the inflammatory effects of TNF-&agr; are disclosed. The compositions include particles of bioactive glass with a particle size less than about 20 &mgr;m, alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory agents and other therapeutic agents. The compositions can include an appropriate carrier for oral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intravenous administration. When administered to a patient, the particles bring about elevated levels of IL-6 and do not cause elevated levels of TNF-&agr;.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating vascular diseases where nitric oxide insufficiency is a contributing factor by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one antioxidant, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one of isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate, and, optionally, at least one nitrosated angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, nitrosated beta-adrenergic blocker, nitrosated calcium channel blocker, nitrosated endothelin antagonist, nitrosated angiotensin II receptor antagonist, nitrosated renin inhibitor, and/or at least one compound used to treat cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidant is preferably a hydralazine compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing an adherable biomaterial patch. The subject patch is capable of being joined onto a tissue substrate. The invention is also directed to the patch per se, and to a method for producing the adherable biomaterial patch which is joined onto a tissue substrate. A preferred patch can even function in a highly acidic environment. The method of the present invention comprises providing a biomaterial patch consisting essentially of elastin or an elastin-based biomaterial having at least one outer surface. Next, at least one outer surface of the biomaterial patch is treated with a selected cyanoacrylate adhesive to produce a adherable biomaterial patch.

Abstract: Desoxypeganine and its pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can be used in the treatment of alcoholism. Said substances are administered preferably in a continuos and controlled manner. The pharmaceutical administration form enables controlled release, e.g. for oral, transdermal or another route of parenteral administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for controlling the absorbency and other properties of collagen flakes. The process comprises using freeze-dried collagen material and heating the freeze dried collagen material to a predetermined temperature range between 80 C. and 200 C. for a selected period of time. The collagen flakes will have an improved absorbency, density, porosity, and color. The color of the collagen flakes varies from white to brown. The porosity, absorbency, density and color of the collagen is selectively dependent upon the time and temperature used to heat the collagen flakes. The absorption of the collagen material is selected to be between two to twenty times the weight of the product, and the density of the collagen material is selected to be between 0.1 g/cc to 1.0 g/cc. The collagen flakes are ground into a powder after heating, for use as a wound dressing for medium to high exudative wounds.

Abstract: Resorbable polylactide polymer scar tissue reduction barrier membranes and methods of their application are disclosed. The scar-tissue reduction barrier membranes are constructed entirely of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The scar tissue reduction barrier membranes are formed to have thicknesses on the order of microns, such as, for example, thicknesses between 10 and 300 microns. The membranes are preshaped with welding flanges and stored in sterile packaging.

Abstract: An aged skin equivalent comprising an epidermis equivalent and an aged dermis equivalent, wherein the aged dermis equivalent comprises glycated collagen. An aged dermis equivalent, the epidermis equivalent obtained and methods of producing the aged skin and/or aged dermis equivalent and/or the epidermis equivalent.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable hydrogel polymers of natural, recombinant or synthetic origin, or hybrids thereof, are introduced in a dry, less hydrated, or substantially deswollen state and rehydrate in a physiological environment to undergo a volumetric expansion and to affect sealing, plugging, or augmentation of tissue, defects in tissue, or of organs. The hydrogel polymers may deliver therapeutic entities by controlled release at the site. Methods to form useful devices from such polymers, and to implant the devices are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anti-adhesion patch, which is constructed using a tissue equivalent technique. The anti-adhesion patch comprises a collagenous material and at least one non-living cellular component. Also provided is a method for preventing tissue adhesions between organs and other tissues being operated upon during surgical procedures by utilizing the anti-adhesion patch disclosed herein.

Abstract: A bicomposite material based on collagen is prepared which has two closely bound layers and is biocompatible, non-toxic, hemostatic and biodegradable in less than a month, and can be used in surgery to achieve hemostasis and prevent post-surgical adhesion. To prepare the material, a solution of collagen or gelatin, which may contain glycerine and a hydrophilic additive such as polyethylene glycol or a polysaccharide, is poured onto an inert support to form a layer 30 ?m to less than 100 ?m thick. Then a polymeric porous fibrous layer is applied during gelling of the collagen or gelatin, and the resultant material is dried. The polymeric porous fibrous layer may be made of collagen or a polysaccharide, and have a density of not more than 75 mg/cm2, a pore size from 30 ?m to 300 ?m and a thickness of 0.2 cm to 1.5 cm.

Abstract: This invention provides supplemented tissue sealants, methods for their production and use thereof. Disclosed are tissue sealants supplemented with at least one cytotoxin or cell proliferation inhibiting composition. The composition may be further supplemented with, for example, one or more antibodies, analgesics, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory compounds, antimicrobial compositions, cytokines, drugs, growth factors, interferons, hormones, lipids, deminearlized bone or bone morphogenetic proteins, cartilage inducing factors, oligonucleotides polymers, polysaccharides, polypeptides, protease inhibitors, vasoconstrictors or vasodilators, vitamins, minerals, stabilizers and the like.