Abstract: Methods and topical pharmaceutical formulations are provided for the treatment of nail fungus (onychomycosis). The invention involves a pharmacologically active antifungal agent, plus a pharmaceutically acceptable base in a formulation having a pH of 7.5 to about 13.0, preferably about 8.0 to 11.5, and most preferably about 8.5 to 10.5. These basic formulations permeate the nail and are effective in treating fungal infections of the nail and surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A plaster comprising a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer 10-40 wt %, a rosin-based resin 5-30 wt %, a plasticizer 20-70 wt %, polyisobutylene 6-40 wt %, an antioxidant 0.1-5 wt %, and felbinac as a medicinally effective component 1.1-10 wt %, wherein the plaster does not contain crotamiton which is a solubilizer for the felbinac, the felbinac is uniformly dispersed in a semi-solubilized state in the plaster, wherein solubilized felbinac and microcrystalline felbinac coexist in the plaster, and a thickness of the plaster is 50-300 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polymer particle vaccine delivery systems in which a water insoluble protein antigen, e.g. a lipidated HpaA protein, is incorporated with particles comprising a polymer matrix. The present invention also concerns a method for incorporating such a water insoluble protein antigen with a polymer matrix in order to produce a polymer particle vaccine delivery system. In addition, the invention also provides a vaccine composition comprising the polymer particle delivery system. The vaccine can be used to treat and/or reduce the risk of for example Helicobacter infection.

Abstract: A permeation enhancer composition is provided for increasing the permeability of skin or mucosal tissue to topically or transdermally administered pharmacologically or cosmeceutically active agents. The composition is comprised of a hydroxide-releasing agent and a lipophilic co-enhancer such as a fatty alcohol, a fatty ether, or a fatty acid ester, including fatty acid esters of polyols such as propylene glycol and glycerol. Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations containing a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent in addition to the aforementioned enhancer composition, methods for administering active agents topically or transdermally with enhanced permeation, and drug delivery systems for application to an individual's skin or mucosal tissue, wherein the systems are formulated so as to contain an active agent to be administered and an effective permeation enhancing amount of an enhancer composition of the invention.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery composition comprising at least one skin permeation enhancer and at least one active ingredient or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The combination of components in the composition of the present invention enhances transdermal absorption of the active ingredient. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plasters for prophylaxis and/or treatment of dysfunctions or disorders of nails, especially onychomycosis, onychocryptosis, nail psoriasis, melanonychia striata, and onychodystrophy, the use of said plasters and methods for prophylaxis and/or treatment of a dysfunction or disorder of nails using said plasters. Said dysfunction or disorder of nails may be induced or caused by drugs, systemic diseases, chemical compounds, physical influences, fungal, yeast, or bacterial infection of the nails and/or the nail beds, or in the context of skin diseases. The plaster shows good therapeutically effects on said dysfunction or disorder of nails without the need of drilling a hole into the nail and/or daily scraping of the nail. A preferred embodiment of the plaster consists of an occlusive backing layer and a contact layer attached to said backing layer. The contact layer comes in close contact with the nail and optionally with the surrounding skin.

Abstract: A plaster comprising a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer 10-40 wt %, a rosin-based resin 5-30 wt %, a plasticizer 20-70 wt %, polyisobutylene 6-40 wt %, an antioxidant 0.1-5 wt %, and felbinac as a medicinally effective component 1.1-10 wt %, wherein the plaster does not contain crotamiton which is a solubilizer for the felbinac, the felbinac is uniformly dispersed in a semi-solubilized state in the plaster, wherein solubilized felbinac and microcrystalline felbinac coexist in the plaster, and a thickness of the plaster is 50-300 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water insoluble, protective, adhesive skin patch useful for treating or preventing psoriasis, dermatitis, and/or eczema. The adhesive patch includes a backing that is treated with a sizing agent (e.g., a fluorocarbon solution, a silicone-containing compound, or a combination thereof). The present invention also provides a method for treating or preventing at least one of psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema in a mammal (e.g., human) and a method for exfoliating the skin surface of a mammal.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system which comprises at least one physiologically active agent or prodrug thereof and at least one dermal penetration enhancer; characterised in that the dermal penetration enhancer is a safe skin-tolerant ester sunscreen.

Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system (TTS), in particular a patch, is described, comprising: a detectable protective layer a pressure-sensitive adhesive reservoir layer and a backing layer with or without a coating of pressure-sensitive adhesive and featuring a unintentionally, preferably longitudinally, elastic material having an elasticity of at least 20%. The TTS is particularly suitable for use as a multi-day plaster, for the treatment, for instance, of pain or of drug dependency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) which is provided with a peel-off film which exhibits a reduced resistance to tearing in a (1 dimensional direction).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a preparation for topically delivering and localizing therapeutic agents, comprising: a vasoconstrictor for retarding vascular dispersion of a therapeutic agent; and a penetration enhancer for facilitating penetration of the vasoconstrictor and the therapeutic agent through a patient's skin. Further disclosed is an associated method of topically delivering and localizing therapeutic agents, comprising the steps of: using a vasoconstrictor for retarding vascular dispersion of a therapeutic agent; in combination with using a penetration enhancer for facilitating penetration of the vasoconstrictor and the therapeutic agent through a patient's skin. Also disclosed are various courses of treatment which comprise applying the various disclosed combinations of agents to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dermal composition comprising enalapril ethyl ester or another prodrug corresponding to a pharmaceutically active form of an ACE inhibitor in an amount corresponding to a therapeutically effective amount of enalaprilat (or other pharmaceutically active form of enalapri) or pharmaceutically active form of the ACE inhibitor in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier is a pressure-sensitive adhesive matrix comprising a polymer or polymer blend. The dermal composition is applied in a method of substantially increasing the flux of enalaprilat through the skin of a human or an animal by maintaining the dermal composition in contact with the skin.

Abstract: The adhesive agent composition of the present invention comprises from 50 to 90% by weight of an acrylic adhesive agent, 2.5 to 50% by weight of a polyhydric alcohol-containing liquid component, and 0.01 to 10% by weight of a salt of a mono- to tri-valence metal of an aliphatic acid that contains a hydrocarbon group of 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The adhesive agent composition shows good adhesion, cohesive force and permeability, and an adhesive drug composition having the above properties can be prepared by adding a drug (medicine, etc.) to the adhesive composition. An adhesive tape excellent in permeability or an adhesive tape preparation excellent in permeability and cutaneous absorption of the drug can be produced by coating a substrate with the adhesive agent composition or adhesive drug composition.

Abstract: The compress is of the type including a contact surface with the wound or burn which has an elastomeric matrix highly plasticized with a non-polar oil or grease, the elastomeric matrix containing a hydrocolloid in dispersion. The elastomeric matrix also contains, in dispersion, at least one antiseptic and at least one surfactant with a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than 10. The invention is applicable particularly to compresses and dressings.

Abstract: A multi layered wound dressing which comprises an adhesive layer, an absorbent layer overlying said adhesive layer on the surface furthest from the wound, and a moisture transmitting cover layer overlying the absorbent layer, the dressing having a total thickness of less than 1.5 mm.

Abstract: Bioadhesive Compositions which comprise a hydrophobic polymer wherein the concentration of the polymer at the surface of the adhesive is greater than its concentration in the bulk of the adhesive are described; and biomedical electrodes, fixation products and wound dressings containing them.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system (TDS) for use in treatment of living bodies may be applied as an open (liquid, gel) or closed (patch) article. The TDS is composed of a particular active agent which dictates an associated selection of certain solvents, solvent modifiers, solute modifiers and skin stabilizers with which the medicament forms a true solution that rapidly crosses the skin barrier. The associated selection of the particular solvents, solvent modifiers, solute modifiers and skin stabilizers is based on a balancing of the molecular properties of all the components against the molecular properties of all the components plus the particular active agent. The TDS may also include a source of cellular energy to induce CAMP or cGMP. The TDS improves delivery of active agents having a molecular weight greater than 340 Daltons and increases dosage above 0.25 mg/day for such active agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) for transcutaneously administering tolterodine over a period of several days and to a method for producing the same. The TTS contains a self-adhesive layer-shaped matrix composition which contains a (meth)acrylate copolymer comprising ammonium groups. The TTS also contains at least one plasticizer and up to 25 wt, % of tolterodine.

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: The present invention features methods and apparatus'for improving administration of drugs through the use of specifically controlled heat and other physical means. The present invention relates to the use of heat and other physical means in conjunction with specially designed dermal drug delivery systems, conventional commercial dermal drug delivery systems, or drugs delivered into a sub-skin depot site via injection and other methods to alter, mainly increase, the drug release rate from the dermal drug delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

Abstract: A multi-layered film which contains an active substance and which is made of film-forming polymers. The film comprises at least one covering layer, at least one layer containing the active substance, and an adhesive layer. A method and apparatus for producing such a multi-layered film and a preferred use as a transmucosal galenic formulation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Drug or foods and drink for prevention or treatment of diseases caused by abnormalities in cartilage tissues in which said drugs or foods and drinks have omega-9 unsaturated fatty acid as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Cosmetic skin care method based on the application to the skin of a combination of the South pole of a static magnet and a cosmetic composition. Also disclosed is a cosmetic dual patch comprising a static magnet layer and a non-woven, transdermal, hydrogel or silicone sheeting patch carrying a cosmetic benefit ingredient wherein the two layers are adhesively bound to each other.

Abstract: Topical patch preparations that contain a delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer, e.g., 1-dichloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB), and methods for using the same are provided. The subject topical patch preparations are made up of an adhesive gel composition that is present on a support, where the adhesive gel composition includes the delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer, a water-soluble polymer gel, water and a water holding agent. In using the subject topical patch preparations, the topical patch preparations are applied to a skin surface of a subject and maintained at the site of application for a period of time sufficient for an effective amount of the delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer to be administered to the subject, where this maintenance period typically does not exceed about 60 minutes.

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 to 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: The present invention is directed to a method and system for delivering a drug into the systemic circulation. The method comprises establishing a drug depot in a patient's skin and/or sub-skin tissues by applying a transdermal drug delivery system on the patients skin, for a predetermined time so that a drug depot is formed in said user's skin and/or sub-skin tissues. A heating source is placed proximate to the skin area to rapidly release a bolus of the drug from the depot into the systemic circulation when there is a need to rapidly increase the drug's concentrations in the systemic circulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for increasing the transdermal permeation of medications. The invention is characterized in that a constituent which effects a local increase in temperature and/or an increase in blood flow or the skin is administered in a addition to the transdermally applied active substance.

Abstract: A non-invasive and non-systemic method for administering a local anesthetic. The method comprises topical application of a local anesthetic in combination with an intradermal-penetration agent selected from the group consisting an aloe composition, a triglyceride, and a mixture thereof.

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: An adhesive bandage for the treatment of warts on the human skin is provided, comprising an upper layer of polyethylene coated cloth having a color and texture resembling a conventional bandage and visible upon application to the skin, the upper layer further including a center section and at least one side portion extending from the center section; and a lower layer permanently bonded to and coextending with the center section and the side portion, the lower layer having a rubber-based, waterproof, and nonbreathable adhesive material. The rubber-based adhesive material includes adhesive qualities identical in all respects to that of conventional duct tape. Optionally, the rubber-based adhesive material may be present only directly beneath the center section, while a skin-releasable adhesive material is present only directly beneath the side portion. A method of using the bandage for the treatment of warts is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite laminate, especially a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) that contains in at least one layer a component that is sensitive to moisture. Said system further comprises one layer that is spatially separate from said at least one moisture-sensitive layer and that is capable of absorbing moisture. The spatial separation can be achieved by means of a horizontal or vertical separation layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a percutaneous absorption preparation which comprises a supporting body, a medicine storage layer, a permeation controlling film, a layer of an adhesive and a release liner and which is featured in that the above-mentioned permeation controlling film is plasticized by moisture volatilized from the skin at the time of application of the preparation.

Abstract: A composition and a method for increasing the permeability of membrane junctions or cell membranes for delivery of a drug to target tissues are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and devices for local drug delivery.

Abstract: The adhesive capability of matrix-type transdermal devices for the delivery of drugs, cosmetics, emollients and the like is altered by incorporating into the pressure-sensitive adhesive an effective amount of a polydiorganosiloxane polymer fluid adhesion adjusting agent. The properties of the pressure-sensitive adhesive are modified to enable a matrix-type patch to adhere temporarily to the skin for a period sufficient to accomplish its desired delivery purpose and then be removed without causing skin damage or irritation and without leaving substantial adhesive residue on the skin. Polydimethylsiloxanes (dimethicones) are preferred adhesion adjusting agents and acrylic-based polymers are preferred pressure-sensitive adhesives. Matrix-type patches containing anti-wrinkle agents formulated with dimethicones in the adhesive for application to areas on the face and particularly around the eyes are especially useful.

Abstract: A patch comprising a matrix having adhesive properties in the dry state and containing at least one active substance, said matrix being attached via one face to a backing and being for application via its other face to the skin. Said backing is selected in such a manner as to be capable of containing a predetermined liquid suitable for dissolving at least in part the active substance(s) contained in the matrix, and said matrix is permeable to the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal system that is characterized by a content in a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor, especially (−) rolipram or (R)-(−)-5-(4-methoxyphenyl-3-propoxy)-5-methyl-2-oxazolidinone.

Abstract: A device for treating antifungal infections of toenails and fingernails is made up of an occlusive backing layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive matrix layer in which is uniformly dispersed an effective amount of an antifungal agent and, optionally, a chemical enhancer. The matrix layer has a first surface adhering to the backing layer and a second surface adapted to be in diffusional contact with the infected nail and surrounding skin area. The device is configured, when applied, to cover and adhere to the nail and surrounding skin areas for an extended period of time without causing irritation to the skin or inhibiting normal physical activity while providing a continuous delivery of antifungal agent to the infected area.

Abstract: The present invention features devices and methods for delivery of drug to an internal organ surface by delivery of drug directly to the surface of the organ such that the drug traverses the organ surface and enters the organ tissue. The device is in the form of an implantable drug delivery patch comprising a first layer, which is generally substantially drug-impermeable. When the first layer is placed on an outer surface of an organ, a drug reservoir is defined by the first layer and the organ surface.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a transdermal drug delivery systern for anti-Inflammatory analgesic. agent comprising diclofenac diethylammonium salt, wherein a backing film (1), a matrix layer (2) containing active ingredients, a release liner (3) which is removed before application onto the skin are laminated therein. Mome particularly, the invention herein relates to a transdermal drug delivery system for anti-inflammatory analgesic agent comprising diclofenac diethylammonum salt, wherein the transdermal penetration and adhesion of the patch to the body are enhanced by means of a matrix layer which comprises a diclofenac diethylammonum salt as active ingredient in addition to acrylic polymer as adhesive constituent, non-ionic surfacant as absorption enhancer, terpene and dissolution assistant, and the volatile and non-volatile constituents of the composition arc separately applied therein for significantly reducing the manufacturing time thereof.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and drug delivery systems are provided for the transdermal administration of a pharmacologically active amine. The active agent is administered with a hydroxide-releasing agent that serves as a permeation enhancer. Exemplary hydroxide-releasing agents are inorganic hydroxides, inorganic oxides, and alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of weak acids. Inorganic hydroxides include, for example, ammonium hydroxide, alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to percutaneous sorbefacients for electroporation consisting of monoterpene and being useful in elevating percutaneous absorbability of drugs, etc. By adding these percutaneous sorbefacients to compositions for electroporation, the percutaneous absorbability of drugs can be elevated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing adhesive die-cut articles with internal cut-outs 3 from an endless web 1, the web having a carrier layer 4, at least one adhesive layer 5 and, if appropriate, a matrix layer 6, and to a die-cut article produced by the method. In order to produce a die-cut article with an internal cut-out 3 whilst avoiding the use of a hollow punch, the contour 17 of the internal cut-out 3 and the external contour 10 of the respective die-cut article are die-cut out of the adhesive layer 5 and, if appropriate, the matrix layer 6 one after another, the external contour 10 not having any common point with the die-cutting line of the internal cut-out 3, the carrier layer 4 with the die-cutting residues from the internal cut-out 3 being pulled off over a pull-off edge, and the remaining web being transferred to a protective film 8 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for releasing active agents, characterized in that at a frequency of 0.1 rad/s, it has a glass transition temperature of less than 15° C., contains at least 3% by weight of an SEPS block copolymer and contains at least one substance with a local or systematic effect which does not cause hyperaemia. The device is not foamed.

Abstract: Composition of matter for application to a body surface or membrane to administer fenoldopam by permeation through the body surface or membrane, the composition comprising fenoldopam to be administered, at a therapeutically effective rate, in combination with a permeation enhancer or mixture. Also disclosed are drug delivery devices and methods for the transdermal administration of fenoldopam for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic and acute renal failure.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for using desmethylselegiline. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using desmethylselegiline for 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. Desmethylselegiline is the R-(−) enantiomer of N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane. Claimed compositions include both the R-(−) isomer and mixtures of the R-(−) and S(+) isomers. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may also be used. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.

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: A system and methods for local intradermal treatment of a dermal injury carrying the risk of innoculation with an identified pathogen or pathogens carried by an identified vector is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a multidrug pharmaceutical composition specifically targeting the pathogen or pathogens known to be carried by the identified vector. The pharmaceutical composition is applied to a dermal patch, which is applied to the skin at the site of dermal injury. The pharmaceutical composition further includes an enhancer for facilitating the penetration and absorption of the pharmaceutical composition into the dermal layers. The pharmaceutical composition provides local, intradermal drug concentrations which are sufficient to substantially eradicate or inhibit a pathogen while it remains intradermally localized.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more noble metals selected from silver, gold, platinum, and palladium but most preferably silver, in a nanocrystalline form, for the treatment of a hyperproliferative skin disorder or disease such as psoriasis. Among the noble metals, silver is preferred for such treatment. The nanocrystalline noble metal of choice may be used in the form of a nanocrystalline coating of one or more noble metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more noble metals, or a solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more noble metals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method/system for remote and local controlled delivery of pharmaceutical compounds or biomolecule collection using electromagnetic energy. Controlled electromagnetic energy driven systems are integrated into patches and other delivery devices. Also provided is a drug delivery or biomolecule collection patch electronically monitored by global positioning system.