Abstract: The invention relates to composite materials that contain a polymer matrix and aggregates, and in some embodiments, methods of making, and methods of using these materials. Preferably, the aggregates are calcium phosphate aggregates. Preferably, the material is resistant to fracture. In further embodiments, the materials are used in surgical procedures of bone replacement. In further embodiments, the materials contain polyhedral silsesquioxanes and/or biodegradable segments. In further embodiments, the polymer matrix comprises biomolecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials comprising siloxanes, preferably the materials have thermal-responsive properties. In some embodiments, the invention relates to silsesquioxane groups functionalized with polymers. In another embodiment, silsequioxane-polymer conjugates comprise polylactone segments. The silsequioxane-polymer conjugates may be crosslinked together to form a material, and these materials may be functionalized with bioactive compounds so that the materials have desirable biocompatibility or bioactivity when used in medical devices. In further embodiments, the invention relates to composite materials that contain a polymer matrix and aggregates, and in some embodiments, methods of making, and methods of using these materials. Preferably, the aggregates are calcium phosphate aggregates. Preferably, the material is resistant to fracture. In further embodiments, the materials are used in surgical procedures of bone replacement.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved monolithic drug delivery dosage form which releases a pharmaceutically active agent at a predetermined rate. The dosage form comprises a salted-out or crosslinked polymer and a pharmaceutically active agent. The salted-out or crosslinked polymer functions to polymerically entangle the pharmaceutically active agent but, progressively relax on contact with an aqueous medium in use to release the pharmaceutically active agent at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A method and device for local delivery of water-soluble or water-insoluble therapeutic agents to the surface of a normal or diseased body lumen is disclosed. An expandable structure of a medical disposable device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, is coated with an amphiphilic polymer coating comprising a therapeutic agent and an amphiphilic polymer or co-polymer. The medical disposable device is inserted into a body lumen, and expanded to contact the amphiphilic polymer coating against the body lumen. The total solubility of the polymer or co-polymer in vivo prevents any embolic hazard associated with the amphiphilic polymer coating.

Abstract: Nanoparticles that activate complement in the absence of biological molecules are described. The nanoparticles are shown to specifically target antigen presenting cells in specifically in lymph nodes, without the use of a biological molecule for targeting. These particles are useful vehicles for delivering immunotherapeutics. Surface chemistries and chemical formulations for the nanoparticles are described.

Abstract: There are provided disclosures relating to a conjugate of a perfluorocarbon compound and a cationic polymer wherein the conjugate is a blood substitute.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate having a charge bias with at least one antimicrobial agent to modify the release properties of the antimicrobial agent with respect to the substrate, the method includes eliminating, mitigating, or modifying the charge bias of the substrate by applying at least one first agent to the substrate, and applying the at least one antimicrobial agent to the substrate. Related articles are also described.

Abstract: Copolymer compositions are provided which include a cyclic monomer and an aromatic cyclic carbonate. The copolymer may be produced, in embodiments, by a ring-opening polymerization reaction initiated by the aromatic cyclic carbonate. The resulting copolymer may be utilized in producing medical devices, drug delivery devices, and/or coatings for medical devices.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a polymer comprising a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups, a crosslinker, and a sclerosing agent. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the steps of advancing into a region of a patient's lung via said patient's trachea a multi-lumen catheter lumen through a bronchoscope; and co-administering, through the multi-lumen catheter, a first mixture comprising a first amount of a polymer containing a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups; a second mixture comprising a second amount of a crosslinker; and a third mixture comprising a third amount of a sclerosing agent; thereby forming a hydrogel in said region. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema of the lung.

Abstract: The invention relates to graftable polymers comprising biologically active agents and the use of such polymers in the manufacture of shaped articles, such as implantable medical devices and catheters. The graftable polymers are covalently grafted to a surface via one or more grafting moieties incorporated into the pharmaceutically-active graftable polymer. The coated articles of the invention can further comprise tie-coats, and the ratio of polymer:tie coat can be used to adjust the rate of drug elution.

Abstract: A method for preventing or treating a blood clotting disorder is disclosed. The method includes administering a therapeutic effective amount of at least one nanoparticle-based anticoagulant to a subject afflicted with blood clotting disorder or potentially afflicted with a blood clotting disorder, wherein the at least one nanoparticle-based anticoagulant is a substituted fullerene, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer or combination thereof.

Abstract: PEG and related polymer derivatives having weak, hydrolytically unstable linkages near the reactive end of the polymer are provided for conjugation to drugs, including proteins, enzymes, small molecules, and others. These derivatives provide a sufficient circulation period for a drug-PEG conjugate, followed by hydrolytic breakdown of the conjugate and release of the bound molecule. In some cases, drugs that demonstrate reduced activity when permanently coupled to PEG maintain a therapeutically suitable activity when coupled to a degradable PEG in accordance with the invention. The PEG derivatives of the invention can be used to impart improved water solubility, increased size, a slower rate of kidney clearance, and reduced immunogenicity to a conjugate formed by attachment thereto. Controlled hydrolytic release of the bound molecule into an aqueous environment can then enhance the drug's delivery profile by providing a delivery system which employs such polymers and utilizes the teachings provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders with otic structure modulating compositions administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disorder, through direct application of these compositions and compositions onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a macromolecule having a controlled terminal group stoichiometry, the macromolecule including a surface layer, at least one subsurface layer and at least two terminal groups including: a first terminal group which is a residue of a pharmaceutically active agent, a derivative thereof or precursor therefor; and a second terminal group selected to modify the pharmacokinetics of the pharmaceutically active agent and/or macromolecule, wherein terminal group stoichiometry refers to the number and type of terminal groups.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel non-hydrolyzable, linear, random block copolymers comprising units of polysiloxanes and polyalkyleneoxides linked by bis-aminofunctional groups. These copolymers have been successfully applied as textile enhancers as well as conditioning agents for hair and skin care products.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering drugs. Crystalline polymeric systems, referred to as CYC carriers, are associated with the drugs, through chemical bonding or through physical association. The crystallinity of the CYC carriers results from the presence of crystallizable side chains, for example long chain n-alkyl moieties, which results in relatively low and sharp melting temperatures. One class of CYC carriers, referred to as CYSC polymers, have a majority of the crystallizable side chains pendant from the polymer backbone. Another class of CYC carriers, referred to as ECC polymers, have a majority of the crystallizable side chains attached to terminal units of the polymer backbone. The ECC polymers can for example be obtained by modification of PLGA polymers. The CYC carriers in another class are non-polymeric.

Abstract: Aqueous solubility of drugs including insoluble or poorly soluble drugs such as ziprasidone is improved using a functional polymer to form an ionic conjugate with said drug.

Abstract: A synthetic nucleus pulposus is provided that is useful in treatment of degenerative disc disease, augmentation of a degenerate disc, and alleviation of back pain. In an embodiment the synthetic nucleus pulposus comprises hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages. The synthetic nucleus pulposus restores or improves the water-retention capability of the disc. A method of treating an intervertebral disc with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules is also provided. A method of regenerative therapy to address loss of cells of nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc based on treatment with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules and mesenchymal stem cells is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for making formulations of drugs and crystalline side chain polymers which formulations provide controlled and/or sustained release drug formulations.

Abstract: A dental restorative composition comprises a resin composition comprising a low shrinkage, polymerizable oligomer contains units of the structure: AB??(I) wherein A is an organic radical having 1 to about 6 (meth)acrylate groups and 0 to about 5 hydroxy groups; B is an organic radical having 1 to about 5 epoxide groups, and wherein A and B are linked through the reaction of an epoxide and a hydroxy group; and a filler composition comprising a polyhedral silsequioxane and a sol-derived filler. These polymerizable dental composites may be used for a variety of dental materials, treatments, and restorative functions, including crown and bridge materials, fillings, adhesives, sealants, luting agents or cements, denture base materials, orthodontic materials and sealants, and other dental restorative materials.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a PGGA-PTX conjugate are prepared. The pharmaceutical compositions are used to treat a variety of cancers, such as lung cancer, skin cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer and spleen cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one dispersion of polymer particles in a liquid silicone medium, the polymer being a copolymer comprising at least one first block that is soluble and at least one second block that is insoluble in the silicone medium. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dispersion of polymer particles in a liquid silicone medium, and also to a cosmetic process for making up, cleansing, protecting against the sun, shaping, dyeing or caring for keratin materials, such as the body or facial skin, the nails, the hair and/or the eyelashes, and for use with the present composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new cosmetic cleansing composition with improved skin conditioning and stability properties. Said cleansing composition contains (in % by weight) 5-60% of a surface-active agent, 0.1-10% of a diblock or triblock copolymer or a mixture thereof, 0.1-10% of a saturated liquid oligomer of an unsaturated fatty acid, said oligomer having more than 30 carbon atoms, 0.1-30% of an oil or fat, 10-80% of water, nd has an improved average foam stability ranging between 35 and 60 mm according to the foam stability test.

Abstract: A sanitising formulation comprising a solution of an acidic polymer and an anionic surfactant in a liquid vehicle. Suitable acidic polymers are those which include adjacent —[—CR1.COOH—]— units where R1 is defined in their structure, for example polymers based on maleic acid moieties which typically include —[—CH.COOH—CH.COOH—]— units, such as known Gantrez™ polymers. A suitable anionic surfact is sodium lauryl sulphate.

Abstract: Dispersions of particles of surface-stabilized polymer, in a nonaqueous medium, in which the polymer contains 5% to 50% by weight of ethylenic monomers which can contain a PEG (polyethylene glycol) part. Dispersions can be used in cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions such as lipstick or hair. The composition can be used to treat keratin materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antimicrobial agents that are quaternary ammonium functionalized glycodendrimers. In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium functionalized glycodendrimers are compounds of Formula (I): (Q+?-S-L)z-DnX? wherein: D is a dendrimer; n is the generation number of the functionalized dendrimer; z is an integer less than or equal to 2(n+2); L is a linking group; Q+ represents a quaternary ammonium moiety; and S represents a carbohydrate moiety. The present invention further provides formulations containing the antimicrobial agents of the invention, methods of making the agents and formulations of the invention, and methods of using the same as effective and/or broad spectrum antimicrobial agents. The agents and formulations of the invention find use in medicine, for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions or diseases, for example, and have numerous industrial applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing water-soluble polymer derivatives bearing a terminal carboxylic acid or ester thereof. The method involves the hydrolyzing an ortho ester of a water-soluble polymer so as provide the corresponding acid. In addition, the invention provides water-soluble polymers bearing a terminal carboxylic acid or ester thereof, intermediates and reagents useful in carrying out the method, as well as gels, pharmaceutical formulations, conjugates related to the described water-soluble polymer derivatives.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of polypeptides, wherein each polypeptide (a) is a copolymer of the amino acids L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine, and (b) may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; and wherein in the mixture (i) the polypeptides have an average molecular weight in the range 13,500 to 18,500 daltons, (ii) 13% to 38% of the polypeptides have a diethylamide group instead of a carboxyl group present at one end thereof, and (iii) 68% of the polypeptides have a molecular weight between 7,000 and 41,000 daltons. In an embodiment, the average molecular weight is 16,000 daltons. The invention also provides a method of treating a human subject afflicted with a neurodegenerative disease comprising administering to the human subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the disclosed compositions so as to thereby treat the human subject.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] A novel podophyllotoxin derivative, which is capable of releasing a drug without depending on biological enzymes and can be expected to have an effective therapeutic effect and is soluble in water has been demanded. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A polymer having a polyethyleneglycol structural unit and two or more succinic monoamide structural units, particularly a polymer conjugate of a podophyllotoxin in which a carboxylic acid group of polyethyleneglycol/polyaspartic acid copolymer and a hydroxyl group of podophyllotoxin and linked via an ester bond is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing bile salts from a patient in need thereof and compositions useful in the method. The method comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a salt of an alkylated and crosslinked polymer. The alkylated and crosslinked polymer salt comprises the reaction product of crosslinked polymers, or salts and copolymers thereof having amine containing repeat units, with at least one aliphatic alkylating agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are titanium oxide composite particles and a dispersion of the titanium oxide composite particles, which can improve retentivity in blood and accumulation in cancer cells while satisfactorily developing the catalytic activity of titanium oxide particles to be excited upon exposure to ultrasonic waves or ultraviolet light. The titanium oxide composite particles comprise titanium oxide particles; and a nonionic hydrophilic polymer bound to the surface of the titanium oxide particles through at least one functional group selected from carboxyl-group, amino group, diol group, salicylic acid group, and phosphoric acid group. The composite particles can be rendered cytotoxic upon ultrasonic or ultraviolet irradiation to efficiently kill cells to be killed, such as cancer cells.

Abstract: An aromatic polyanhydride comprising a repeating unit having the structure is disclosed, wherein Ar and R are selected so that the aromatic polyanhydride hydrolyzes to form a therapeutic salicylate, another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, an antifibrotic aminobenzoate, or a vasoconstricting phenylethanolamine. Implantable medical devices, such as scaffolding implants for tissue reconstruction, drug delivery systems prepared from the aromatic polyanhydrides, as well as therapeutic dosage forms and treatment methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods that can serve as a prosthetic and/or, for tissue engineer applications, as a supporting matrix in the stabilization of the myocardium.

Abstract: An alcohol- or glycol-soluble, water-insoluble, disinfectant composition and a method of using the same for disinfecting and for providing a prolonged antimicrobial property to a variety of surfaces, including skin. The composition comprises at least one alcohol or glycol and an antimicrobial polymer that is capable of imparting an antimicrobial property to a surface without the use of a metal or a metal-containing compound. The composition is applied to a surface and allowed to evaporate leaving a coating of antimicrobial polymer. Alternatively, the composition is incorporated into or within the substrate.

Abstract: A cell-targeted polymeric drug delivery system was designed based on the specific interaction between hyaluronic acid (HA) and its cell surface receptors overexpressed on cancer cell surface. The invention relates to compounds composed of a carrier molecule, wherein the carrier molecule contains at least one residue of an anti-cancer agent and at least one residue of a hyaluronic acid. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the compounds thereof.

Abstract: The invention features polymeric biomaterials formed by nucleophilic addition reactions to conjugated unsaturated groups. These biomaterials may be used for medical treatments.

Abstract: A dendrimer complex comprising a dendrimer and an antimicrobial agent with the dendrimer complex placeable directly into a fluid to inhibit growth of microbes or rid the fluid of microbes. In a further embodiment of the invention the dendrimer complex is secured to a carrier, which is placed in a body of fluid and allowed to dispense the antimicrobial agent into the fluid. Once the antimicrobial agent is dispensed, the dendrimer complex can be removed and recycled to add functional groups to the dendrimer so that the dendrimer can be reused.

Abstract: Provided herein are water-soluble prodrugs, compositions comprising such prodrugs, and related methods of making and administering the same. The prodrugs of the invention comprise a water-soluble polymer having three or more arms, at least three of which are typically covalently attached to an active agent, e.g., a small molecule. The conjugates of the invention provide an optimal balance of polymer size and structure for achieving improved drug loading, since the conjugates of the invention possess three or more active agents releasably attached to a multi-armed water-soluble polymer. The prodrugs of the invention are therapeutically effective, and exhibit improved properties in-vivo when compared to unmodified parent drug.

Abstract: A one step process is described for forming metal nanoparticles in polymers at atmospheric pressure and room temperature or with mild heating and stirring. The inventive process includes addition of nanoparticle precursor salts, e.g. HAuCl4 or AgNO3 into a “reducing” polymer resin, for example polyurethane resins, derivitized polyurethanes, polyurethane acyrlates and combinations thereof. With stirring, often at room temperature, the salts are rapidly reduced to form metal nanoparticles, usually less than 100 nm in size and often in the size range of 20-40 nm, and even as small 2 nm, depending on the concentration of salt precursor used and the exact polymer composition. The resultant metal nanoparticle-containing polymer resins have a wide range of utility for making coatings and other polymeric materials with properties potentially useful for anti-bacterial use, optical coatings, or catalysts.

Abstract: Conjugates of a Factor VIII moiety and one or more water-soluble polymers are provided. Typically, the water-soluble polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) or a derivative thereof. Also provided are compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of making the conjugates, and methods of administering compositions comprising the conjugates to a patient.

Abstract: Methods of treating body tissue including repairing defects in body tissue as well as augmenting body tissue. Body tissue defects are repaired by injecting a polymeric adhesive composition through an injector into the region of the defect and allowing the adhesive composition to cure to repair the defect or to form an implant that adheres to at least one surface tissue in the region of the defect. Body tissue is augmented by filling a defect void with a polymeric adhesive composition and allowing it to cure.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric delivery systems including a multi-substituted aromatic moiety. Methods of making the polymeric delivery systems and methods of treating mammals using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the surprising discovery that agents that increase intracellular accumulation of NADH+H+ enhance the anti-cancer effects of angiogenesis inhibitors. Furthermore, treatment of a mammal with a combination of at least one angiogenesis inhibitor and at least one agent that enhances intracellular accumulation of NADH+H+ allows for the enhanced treatment and/or prevention of angiogenic diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a phosphate ion adsorbent comprising a polymer or a salt thereof with a metal complex group represented by the following general formula (II): bound thereto directly or through a spacer. The phosphate ion adsorbent of the present invention is advantageous not only in that the adsorbent specifically adsorbs phosphate ions in a living body, but also in that the adsorbent has high adsorbability to phosphate ions, thus useful in removing the phosphate ions from the living body.

Abstract: Compounds exhibiting angiogenic properties incorporating the structure of Formula I: R3—NH—NH—C(?O)—R2—P—R1 ??(I) wherein P is a water-soluble, biodegradable polymer, R1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or —R2—C(?O)—NH—NH—R3; each R2 is independently —CH2—, —NH— or O; and each R3 is independently hydrogen or a residue of a naturally occurring alpha-L-amino acid or dipeptide thereof. Polymer networks crosslinked with hydrazide compounds are also disclosed, together with implantable medical devices incorporating the compounds and crosslinked polymers, and angiogenesis-promoting treatment methods, including wound-treatment methods.

Abstract: Novel compounds, including PEGylated proteins of the formula, methods for preparing such compounds, methods of using such compounds, and other compositions and methods, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cosmetic use, especially for the cosmetic treatment of keratin materials, of amphoteric polysaccharide compounds containing cationic polymer chain(s), which may be obtained by grafting and polymerization of ethylenic monomers of formula (I), Q? onto an anionic polysaccharide of formula (II): in the presence of a catalytic system based on potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one cosmetic active agent and at least one of these amphoteric polysaccharide compounds, in a cosmetically acceptable medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for joining together non-conjoined lumens in a patient's body including vascular lumens.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions, devices, and methods for the production, use and administration of the composition having a non-thermoreversible block copolymer composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hydrolytically stabilized maleimide-functionalized water soluble polymers and to methods for making and utilizing such polymers and their precursors.