Abstract: A physicochemically stable pharmaceutical matrix composition is provided comprising: a pharmaceutical active and a water insoluble aliphatic or fatty acid ester, preferably stearyl stearate; a taste mask carrier for pharmaceutical actives comprising a taste masking effective amount of an aliphatic or fatty acid ester; and a method for preparing a pharmaceutical matrix without the use of organic and/or volatile solvents comprising the steps of: melting an aliphatic or fatty acid ester; admixing at least one pharmaceutical active with the molten aliphatic or fatty acid ester; and solidifying the admixture to produce a pharmaceutical matrix composition. The matrix is composed of an aliphatic, or fatty acid, ester that has a low melting point (50.degree.-100.degree. C.) and the melt exhibits: low viscosity, recongeals rapidly when cooled, does not exhibit polymorphism, and has good mold release properties.

Abstract: Plant extract containing pellets are formed by a dispersion of plant extract or extracts in a matrix, principally comprising a skeleton builder namely collagen, gelatin, fractionated gelatin, a collagen hydrolysate, gelatin derivative plant proteins, or plant protein hydrolysates. They are shelf stable and their pharmacological as well as cosmetic properties are substantially unchanged in comparison to the native extracts. They may be produced by a simple process in which a solution of the skeleton former is mixed with liquid plant extract or emulsified with solid extracts, dissolved or suspended, the dispersion of the skeleton former and the plant extract dropped into a very cold inert fluid, suitably liquid nitrogen, to form the pellets and the thus formed pellets dried.

Abstract: A sustained release oral solid dosage form of metoprolol pharmaceutical formulation includes a sustained release excipient including a gelling agent, an inert pharmaceutical diluent, a cationic cross-linking agent. The formulation provides release of metoprolol for at least about 24 hours.

Abstract: A solid oral sustained release oxybutynin formulation includes a sustained release matrix including a gelling agent, an inert pharmaceutical diluent, and a cationic cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A sustained release oral solid dosage form of metoprolol pharmaceutical formulation includes a sustained release excipient including a gelling agent, an inert pharmaceutical diluent, a cationic cross-linking agent, and metoprolol provides release of metoprolol for at least about 24 hours. In certain embodiments, the sustained release formulation further includes a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: Collagen-containing sponges comprising an absorbable gelatin sponge, collagen, and an active ingredient are disclosed as are methods of enhancing wound healing of external and internal wounds using such sponges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transdermal therapeutical system for the administration of physostigmine to the skin via a backing layer which is impermeable to active substances, an active substance deposit comprising at least one auxiliary agent with supporting and distributing function in the form of a textile fabric material, a matrix surrounding said deposit from all sides, and optionally a removable protective layer, the matrix of which comprises 10-90%-wt polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polymers on the basis of acrylate and/or methacrylate and esters of hydrogenated colophonium, 0-30%-wt softener on the basis of hydrocarbons and/or esters, and that the active substance deposit immediately after its production comprises 15-85%-wt of a 0.1-70%-wt physostigmine solution.

Abstract: Aloe vera juice containing pellets are formed by a dispersion of aloe vera juice in a matrix, principally comprising a skeleton builder namely collagen, gelatin, fractionated gelatin, a collagen hydrolysate, gelatin derivative, plant proteins, or plant protein hydrolysates. They are shelf stable and their cosmetic as well as pharmacological properties are substantially unchanged in comparison to the native extracts. They may be produced by a simple process in which a solution of the skeleton former is mixed with aloe vera juice extract, the dispersion of the skeleton former and the aloe vera juice into a very cold inert fluid, suitably liquid nitrogen, to form the pellets and the thus formed pellets dried.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dihydropyridine derivative containing pellets comprising a dispersion of the dihydropyridine derivatives in a matrix which is substantially formed of a skeleton builder such as gelatin, fractionated gelatin, a collagen hydrolysate and/or a gelatin derivative. The invention further directs to a process for the preparation of dihydropyridine derivative containing pellets as well as their use as acute dosage forms against heart/circulatory illnesses.

Abstract: A non-aqueous, chewable composition for oral delivery of unpalatable drugs is provided along with preparative methods therefor. The composition contains the drug intimately dispersed or dissolved in a pharmaceutically-acceptable lipid that is solid at room temperatures. The composition also has a matrix that contains a granulating agent for the total composition and a rapid dispersal agent and optionally additives such as buffering agents, flavoring agents, surfactants, and the like.

Abstract: When a transdermal therapeutic composition which contains a pharmaceutically effective ingredient, a water-soluble absorption enhancer, a fat-soluble absorption enhancer and a super water-absorbent resin is applied to the skin of mammals, release of the pharmaceutically effective ingredient and the absorption enhancers is controlled and the pharmacological action lasts for a long period of time.

Abstract: Gemfibrozil formulations prepared from a single granulation of gemfibrozil and a release-control agent are disclosed. The release-control agent is present in an amount sufficient to provide both immediate and controlled release of gemfibrozil. A method of preparing the formulation and a compressed tablet are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a collagen preparation of improved adhesive properties and formed of microparticulate collagen of a particle size of from 0.5 to 2 .mu.m, preferably 0.5 to 1.0 .mu.m preferably submicrosized in a delivery system, such as an aerosol, and thus in sprayable form as a wound dressing alone, or with releasing drugs or other active agents. The microparticulate collagen is formed by ball milling collagen for a time sufficient to form the microparticulate collagen having a particle size of from 0.5 to 2 .mu.m, preferably 0.5 to 1 .mu.m.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of solid forms of active substances, which forms have good redispersibility in aqueous systems, which comprises mixing PEG and dextran with water and--if phase separation occurs--removing the upper phase, dissolving an active substance in the mixture, where appropriate adding a physiologically tolerated amphiphile, and subsequently removing the water.

Abstract: A drug diffusion polymer system for the sustained release of drugs includes a composition comprising a polymeric matrix containing a uniform dispersion of a matrix expander and a drug. The matrix expander and drug are each present in the form of solid particulate. Upon exposure to body fluid or water, the matrix expander swells to cause the ingress of fluid into the polymeric matrix for solubilizing and diffusing the drug. Devices may incorporate such drug diffusion compositions as a coating or as a primary material of construction. Such devices may be formed by molding the compositions at room or elevated temperatures depending on the polymer used.

Abstract: Compositions and methods which are effective to prevent symptoms of loss of ovarian function (e.g., in oophorectomized women) over a period of time are described, consisting essentially of an effective amount of an estrogenic composition and an effective amount of an androgenic composition. The levels of estrogens and androgens employed are sufficient to reduce bone mineral density loss and minimize other side effects observed after oophorectomy, and at such low doses as to minimize any adverse impact on the patient's long-term prognosis or (in the case of testosterone) result in additional side effects.

Abstract: Compositions and methods which are effective to inhibit conception and to treat benign gynecological disorders for extended periods of time are described, wherein an effective amount of a gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and an effective amount of an estrogenic composition are provided over a first period of time, in addition to a progestogen and optionally an androgenic composition. According to one protocol, the progestogen is provided for a second, shorter period of time; the progestogen is provided at a higher level for at least 5 to about 20 days, and then at a lower level for the remainder, if any, of the second period of time. In an alternative protocol, the progestogen is provided at a lower level substantially throughout the period of administration of gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and estrogenic composition. An effective amount of the androgenic hormone is optionally provided over the first period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound secretion absorbing hydrogel of the following composition:______________________________________ a) 20 to 70%-wt of at least one multivalent alcohol b) 10 to 35%-wt of at least one natural thickener (biopolymer) c) 0.05 to 12%-wt of at least one uncross-linked copolymer of one or more vinylcar- boxylic acids and their salts (syn- thetic polymer) d) 0.05 to 10%-wt of a cross-linking agent e) 0 to 50%-wt of a water or physiological saline ______________________________________as well as to the use of this hydrogel as wound dressing.

Abstract: A composition for topical application comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent(s), a flexible, finite, pharmaceutically acceptable, bioadhesive carrier, and a solvent for the pharmaceutical agent(s) in the carrier and a method of administering the pharmaceutical agent to a mammal are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing pharmaceutical and other matrix systems that comprises solidifying a matrix composition dissolved or dispersed in a first solvent and subsequently contacting the solidified matrix with a second solvent that is substantially miscible with the first solvent at a temperature lower than the solidification point of the first solvent, the matrix components being substantially insoluble in the second solvent, whereby the first solvent is substantially removed resulting in a usable matrix.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing pharmaceutical and other matrix systems that comprises solidifying a matrix composition dissolved or dispersed in a first solvent and subsequently contacting the solidified matrix with a second solvent that is substantially miscible with the first solvent at a temperature lower than the solidification point of the first solvent, the matrix components being substantially insoluble in the second solvent, whereby the first solvent is substantially removed resulting in a usable matrix.

Abstract: Freeze-dried polymer latices, which can be reconstituted in water to give aqueous polymer dispersions having high polymer solids content, are described. The reconstituted polymer dispersions are useful in preparing sustained-release drug formulations, particularly of water-soluble drugs, by the wet granulation method without over wetting.

Abstract: A controlled release preparation of an active material comprising a reaction product obtained by reacting (a) a copolymer consisting essentially of maleic anhydride and at least one polyalkylene glycol ether represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein B represents a residue of a compound having from 2 to 8 hydroxyl groups; R.sup.1 represents an alkenyl group having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms; AO represents an oxyalkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms or a combination thereof which may be linked together in blocks or at random; R.sup.2 represents a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms; a represents a positive integer, b and c each represents 0 or a positive integer, and a+b+c=2 to 8; l.gtoreq.0, m.gtoreq.0, n.gtoreq.0, and l+m+n =1 to 1000; and (b) an active material. The preparation is soluble both in water and in an organic solvent and exhibits activity for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical active principle delivery system has a pharmaceutical active principle contained in solution or solid form in an excipient gel formed with gelling agents which provide for a pseudoplastic and more or less thixotropic water-dispersible gel which may be packed in a dispenser having a metering pump for delivering therapeutic doses of the composition.

Abstract: A method of increasing the adhesiveness of a shaped pressure sensitive adhesive, comprising adding an adhesiveness and drug release increasing amount of a clay to said adhesive prior to casting of the adhesive.A dermal composition comprising a drug, a pressure sensitive adhesive, an adhesiveness increasing amount of a clay and a solvent.A dermal composition comprising a drug, a multipolymer of ethylene vinyl acetate, an acrylic polymer, a natural or synthetic rubber and a clay, along with optional ingredients known for use in transdermal drug delivery systems.

Abstract: A tablet that rapidly disintegrates in aqueous solution includes a partially collapsed matrix network that has been vacuum-dried above the collapse temperature of the matrix. The matrix is preferably at least partially dried below the equilibrium freezing point of the matrix. Vacuum drying the tablet above its collapse temperature instead of freeze drying it below its collapse temperature provides a process for producing tablets with enhanced structural integrity, while rapidly disintegrating in normal amounts of saliva. The tablet preferably carries a drug, such as acetaminophen. The matrix network of the tablet preferably includes a gum, a carbohydrate and the drug. Especially preferred embodiments also include a flavoring, a sweetener and surfactant. The gum is preferably acacia, guar, xanthan, carrageenan or tragacanth gum. The carbohydrate is preferably mannitol, dextrose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, maltodextrin or corn syrup solids.

Abstract: A preparation for the once-daily, percutaneous administration of nicotine comprises nicotine uniformly distributed in a solid, semi-solid or mucilaginous medium which can be placed in intimate contact with the skin, the solid, semi-solid or mucilaginous medium is formed by adding a given amount of nicotine to a solution of a solidifying or gel-forming agent or mixture thereof in a suitable solvent or mixture of solvents and mixing or heating the mixture thereby obtained so as to form the solid, semi-solid or mucilaginous medium. The preparation can be used in a method of treating withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation and for combating the psychological dependence that occurs through frequent smoking.

Abstract: A salt of an uncrosslinked copolymer of a monoethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid and an alkyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid is suitable as a pressure-sensitive skin adhesive for plasters, for transdermal pharmaceutical forms, or for fastening bandages, which is permanently flexible and can be washed off with water, for which the proportion of carboxylic acid has to be sufficient to make the copolymer water-soluble in the salt form.

Abstract: A decoy which includes the attraction, aggregation and attachment components of bont tick pheromones is used to attract hungry male, female, and nymph bont ticks to a location where an acaricide can kill the ticks. The decoy can be disk shaped and can be attachable to the hair or fur of an animal. The decoy may also be in the form of a tail band decoy where the decoy is used to dispense the pheromones and acaricide on those portions of the host animal's body not normally protected by grooming mechanisms.

Abstract: Osteoprogenitor cells encapsulated in alginate and alternatively, additionally encapsulated in poly-L-lysine and/or agarose promote regeneration of bone at the site of implantation. The present invention provides a composition comprising osteoprogenitor cells embedded or encapsulated in alginate and the use of said microcapsules for the facilitation of bone regeneration.

Abstract: A stabilized physiologically active benzimidazole derivative having the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group, phenyl group or an aralkyl group, R.sup.2 is hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the adjacent nitrogen atom form a ring, and each of R.sup.3a, R.sup.3b, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4b and R.sup.4c independently is hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a lower alkoxycarbonyl group or an amino group. The stabilized benzimidazole derivative is in amorphous form or present in contact with a basic material.

Abstract: A prolonged-release unit dosage formulation or pharmaceutical composition, preferably in tablet form, is described. The composition consists essentially of a gel-forming dietary fiber, a biologically-absorbable drug or other active therapeutic agent, and a disintegrant, namely, a mineral salt which releases a physiologically-acceptable gas upon ingestion, preferably carbon dioxide, e g., a mineral carbonate or bicarbonate, and advantageously dextrose or like soluble sugar. A physiologically-acceptable acid may optionally be included in the composition to further facilitate disintegration. The dietary fiber-containing composition, when compressed into a tablet together with the drug and the specific disintegrants, provides a unique and efficient prolonged-action drug-delivery system.

Abstract: A confectionery compressed tablet designed to dissolve in the oral cavity and containing a flavor ingredient intimately bound with a bioadhesive is disclosed. The flavor and bioadhesive composition provide a unique mouthfeel so that as the confection dissolves in the oral cavity, a coating of flavor adheres to the moist areas of the oral cavity. There is also provided a confectionery compressed tablet characterized by a single product body with discrete phases contained therein which act to provide timed release of at least one flavor ingredient sequentially. A flavor and bioadhesive mixture can be prepared with a hydrophilic delivery system providing rapid initial delivery of the flavor and unique mouthfeel or as a part of a hydrophobic delivery system providing extended periods of flavor delivery and unique mouthfeel. There is also provided a process for preparing confectionery compressed tablets containing the unique flavor delivery system and mouthfeel.

Abstract: A three dimensional porous matrix, such as a reticulated open-cell foam, having within its matrix structure a mechanically-fractured hydrogel containing a network of fracture channels. The mechanically-fractured hydrogel may be a gel that has been partially dewatered by compression of the gel in situ.The porosity of the gel-in-matrix makes it useful for chromatographic applications and for immobilization of biologically-active components, where efficient, intimate contact of the hydrogel with a liquid medium is important.

Abstract: Therapeutic gels are provided which promote the healing of wounds and which have a minimum yield point of about 800 poise and a maximum apparent viscosity of about 100,000 cps, which gels comprise water, sodium chloride, and a gelling agent.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical tablet is provided herein having an effective dissolution rate. The tablet contains a pharmaceutically-active ingredient and a substantially linear, i.e. non-crosslinked K-30 to K-120 PVP as a binding agent. The PVP used herein is made by an initiated polymerization process in which vinyl pyrrolidone monomer is polymerized in the presence of an initiator which produces a linear PVP polymerization, i.e. is a poor hydrogen abstractor of PVP polymer backbones, which would produce a disadvantageous crosslinked PVP product. Suitable initiators include low energy peroxyester free radical initiators, such as t-amylperoxy pivalate, an azo initiator, or a redox initiator which can perform at low temperatures.Preferably the residual initiator level in the PVP is reduced to less than 500 ppm, thereby further precluding the possibility of crosslinking of the PVP polymer during the shelf-life of the tablet.

Abstract: The present invention provides collagen constructs and methods of making and using such constructs. The present invention also provides tissue equivalents having improved characteristics and methods of making and using such tissue equivalents. This invention also provides methods of producing highly concentrated solutions of collagen.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent composition. A polymeric material characterized as having surface anionic reactive sites is mixed with a source of multivalent metal ions to render the polymeric material sorbent of aqueous liquids. A dispersant is then added to form a wet slurry which is subsequently dried to a granular consistency.

Abstract: A high content of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid is achieved in a pharmaceutical composition by solidifying molten 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid to provide a unit dose composition. The composition may be prepared by heating the 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)-propionic acid until molten, optionally mixing with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, forming into a unit dosage presentation and allowing the composition to solidify. Preferably the composition contains greater than 80% ibuprofen or S(+)-ibuprofen and is filled into a hard gelatin capsule.

Abstract: An insect bait station comprising a first compartment with a hydrated macel containing at least one species of entomopathogen and a second compartment containing a hydrated water retentive compound layer which acts as a water-reservoir for the entomopathogen.

Abstract: A polymeric substrate such as rubber or latex incorporates povidone-iodine as a control release biologically active agent.

Abstract: A composition for topical application comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent(s), a flexible, finite, pharmaceutically acceptable, bioadhesive carrier, and a solvent for the pharmaceutical agent(s) in the carrier and a method of administering the pharmaceutical agent to a mammal are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing pharmaceutical and other matrix systems that comprises solidifying a matrix composition dissolved or dispersed in a first solvent and subsequently contacting the solidified matrix with a second solvent that is substantially miscible with the first solvent at a temperature lower than the solidification point of the first solvent, the matrix components being substantially insoluble in the second solvent, whereby the first solvent is substantially removed resulting in a usable matrix.

Abstract: An article for controlled delivery of an active substance into an aqueous phase has a first layer containing an active substance, and a second layer of a crystalline polymer matrix and a non-ionic surface active agent, the second layer also containing the same or different active substance substantially homogeneously dispersed therein. The article enables release of a drug at a constant plateau level, followed by a pulse of drug after a predetermined time, thus making the composition of the invention especially suitable for use in, e.g., treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or related disorders with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: Preparation for preventing or combating complications in diabetes, characterized in that it comprises:(a) insulin or a salt or complex thereof, and(b) a peptide of the general formula I:H-L-Met(X)-L-Glu-L-His-L-Phe-D-Lys-L-Phe-Yor a salt or a N-acyl derivative thereof, whereinMet(X) represents the amino acid radical Met, Met(O) or Met(O.sub.2),Y represents the group Gly-Z or Z, andZ represents the hydroxyl group, an esterified hydroxyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted amino group.

Abstract: Contraceptive devices which are effective for extended periods of time are described, in the form of means for releasing an effective amount of a gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and means for releasing an effective amount of an estrogenic hormone over a first period of time, and means for releasing an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time, the second period of time being substantially shorter than and running simultaneously with a portion of the first period of time. The gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition is selected from gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone analogues, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone agonists, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone antagonists and mixtures thereof. Contraceptive methods employing the devices are also described.

Abstract: An aqueous gel based on hyaluronic acid and on deoxyribonucleic acid usable in cosmetics, and a method of preparation.The invention relates to an aqueous gel formed by a homogeneous mix of:a) an alkaline salt or an ammonium salt of hyaluronic acid in the form of an aqueous gel;b) a mineral or organic salt of high molecular weight deoxyribonucleic acid in the form of an aqueous gel;c) at least one hydrophilic polymer having the property of forming aqueous film-forming gels.Application to the preparation of masks in cosmetics.

Abstract: Controlled release verapamil tablets are disclosed. The tablets include an excipient having a hydrophilic material, preferably containing a mixture of xanthan gum/locust bean gum, and an inert diluent.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for the parenteral administration of an essentialy uniform and continuous amount of a phenylethanolamine derivative over an extended period of time. The invention also relates to the preparation and administration of said compositions.

Abstract: A chewing gum that contains porous polymeric beads impregnated with active gum ingredients together with a method of making such a chewing gum.