Abstract: The present invention provides for bioavailable oral dosage forms containing esters of 17-hydroxyprogesterone as well as related methods. The oral dosage forms can be formulated for pregnancy support and can include a therapeutically effective amount of an ester of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutically acceptable oral dosage form for pregnancy support is provided. The pharmaceutically acceptable oral dosage can include a therapeutically effective amount of an ester of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The oral dosage form can, when measured using a USP Type-II dissolution apparatus in 900 mL of deionized water with 0.5 (w/v) of sodium lauryl sulfate at 50 RPM at 37° C., release at least 20 wt % of the dose of the ester of 17-hydroxyprogesterone after 60 minutes, or in the alternative release at least 20 wt % more after 60 minutes than an equivalently dosed oral dosage form without the carrier.

Abstract: Certain bile acids, including novel bile acids, and derivatives thereof can be used to inhibit the germination of C. difficile spores and/or the growth of C. difficile cells. The methods and compositions of the invention are useful for preventing and treating C. difficile-associated diseases, including but not limited to C. difficile colitis.

Abstract: The sulfated oxysterol 5-cholesten-3?, 25-diol 3-sulphate, a nuclear cholesterol metabolite that decreases lipid biosynthesis and increases cholesterol secretion and degradation, is provided as an agent to lower intracellular and serum cholesterol and/or triglycerides, and to prevent or treat lipid accumulation-associated inflammation and conditions associated with such inflammation. Methods which involve the use of this sulfated oxysterol to treat conditions associated with high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides and/or inflammation (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, atherosclerosis, etc.) are also provided.

Abstract: Treating and Preventing mastitis employing cationic steroidal antimicrobials (CSAs). Treating or preventing clinical mastitis in a mammal includes administering a cationic steroidal anti-microbial compound (CSA) formulation to the intra-mammary organ of a mammal (e.g., a dairy cow), such as by injection into the mammary organ (e.g., through the teat of the mammary organ), and/or topical application. The dairy cow can be lactating and have a somatic cell count (SCC) less than or equal to 500,000 cells/mL at the time of administering the CSA formulation. Alternatively, the dairy cow can be lactating and have a somatic cell count (SCC) greater than 500,000 cells/mL at the time of administering the CSA formulation. The dairy cow can be taken out of production during the administration of the CSA formulation for a period of time of about 3 days or less, 2 days or less, or 1 day or less.

Abstract: The invention provides, in part, polyhydroxylated bile acids for treating biliary disorders, for example, biliary disorders arising out of cholestasis of portal hypertension. The invention also provides, in part, polyhydroxylated bile acids for stimulating bile flow. New compounds 2?,3?,7?,12?-tetrahydroxy-5?-cholanoic acid and 3?.4?,7?,12?-tetrahydroxy-5?-cholanoic acid are disclosed, uses thereof and synthesis thereof.

Abstract: A low toxicity, highly efficient transfection composition is described with an amphipathic compound containing at least one imidazole. The composition may be used in the process of transfecting nucleic acids into an animal cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula A: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, or prodrug thereof. The compounds of Formula A are TGR5 modulators useful for the treatment of various diseases, including obesity, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, cholestasis, and bile desaturation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses administering steroid hormones to mammals to treat autoimmune related diseases, more particularly, Th1-mediated (cell-mediated) autoimmune diseases including: multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoimmune thyroiditis and uveitis. Most preferably the invention is used to treat a patient with a therapeutically effective amount of estriol of 8 milligrams once daily via oral administration to treat the symptoms or prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for conferring cytoprotection on a population of cells which comprises administering to that population of cells a compound comprising a hydroxy-substituted aromatic ring structure and a non-fused polycyclic, hydrophobic substituent attached thereto. In particular, the present invention is directed to such a process wherein the administered compound is phenolic, such as a steriod (e.g., estrogen), and has a non-fused polycyclic, hydrophobic substituent attached to the hydroxy-substituted A-ring thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides transdermal delivery systems, medical kits, and methods for using the transdermal delivery systems and kits for medical applications, such as delivery of contraceptive agents to control fertility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of estriol in the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation for vaginal administration with the capacity to self-limit the absorption of estriol, for the prevention and/or the treatment of urogenital atrophy in women, said women having a high probability of developing an estrogen-dependent tumor or suffering or having suffered from an estrogen-dependent tumor.

Abstract: A method for preparing porous microparticles containing phytosterol, by preparing a homogeneous melt of phytosterol and a partially water soluble component, cooling the melt to obtain an amorphous solid material, processing the material into a fine powder, and bringing the powder into contact with an aqueous phase under stirring conditions. A composition suitable for preparing a porous microparticle containing phytosterol. A porous microparticle containing phytosterol. A pharmaceutical or food product useful for lowering the cholesterol level in blood.

Abstract: Bile acids and related compositions and methods of synthesis and use. More specifically, deoxycholic acid and related compositions, said compositions being free of all moieties of animal origin and free of pyrogenic moieties.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention concerns a cosmetic method of treating human skin by delivering an estrogenic component to said skin. The method comprises applying to the skin a composition containing: (i) at least 5 ?g/g of an estrogenic component selected from the group consisting of substances represented by the following formula (I) in which formula R1, R2, R3, R4 independently are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group with 1-5 carbon atoms; each of R5, R6, R7 is a hydroxyl group; no more than 3 of R1, R2, R3, R4 are hydrogen atoms; precursors capable of liberating a substance according to the aforementioned formula when used in the present method; and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned substances and/or precursors; and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle. Other aspects of the invention relate to therapeutic methods of treating or preventing vaginal dryness or acne and a therapeutic method of promoting wound healing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of determining a treatment course of action. In particular, the present disclosure relates to mutations in the gene encoding estrogen receptor and their association with responsiveness to estrogen therapies for cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a synthetic compound, Oxy149, having the structure (Formula I) or a bioactive or pharmaceutical composition comprising Oxy149 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods are also disclosed for using the compound or bioactive or pharmaceutical composition to treat a variety of disorders, including e.g. bone disorders, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders. Oxy149 can be delivered either locally or systemically.

Abstract: A hydrophobic cationic steroidal anti-microbial (ceragenin) compound forms an amphiphilic compound having a hydrophobic sterol face and a hydrophilic cationic face. The hydrophobic CSA also includes a hydrophobic substituent that gives the ceragenin compound a C Log P value of at least 6.0, 6.25, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, or 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug conjugate including a drug and a plant steroid. The drug conjugate may target the drug for intestinal cell delivery, and thus may be used to treat diseases, including intestinal diseases, or to affect intestinal metabolism. The invention therefore also relates to treating intestinal diseases and affecting intestinal metabolism with the drug conjugate.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of liver damage or disease in a subject in need thereof are provided. The methods involve providing the sulfated oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol-3-sulfate (25HC3S) to the subject e.g. by 1) administering 25HC3S to the subject; or 2) overexpressing, in the subject, the hydroxysterol sulfotransferase enzyme SULT2B1b, which catalyzes the sulfation of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) to form 25HC3S.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of this disclosure, pharmaceutical compositions comprising solubilized estradiol are provided. In various embodiments, such compositions are encapsulated in soft capsules which may be vaginally inserted for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutically acceptable complex formulae comprising complexes of Fulvestrant, or a salt, or derivatives thereof and complexation agents and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, process for the preparation thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The complex formulae of the present invention have improved physicochemical properties which makes the compound orally available and makes oral administration of the compound possible in the treatment of hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following anti-estrogen therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for inhibiting the growth and/or proliferation and/or infectivity of a virus in a cell, such as a mammalian cell (e.g. for inhibiting entry of the virus into the cell), comprising administering, or causing to be administered, to the cell, 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) in an amount sufficient to inhibit the growth and/or proliferation and/or infectivity of the virus in the cell. The method can be carried out in vivo or in vitro. Among the viruses that can be inhibited are, e.g., VSV, HSV, MHV68, HCV, HIV, EBOV, RVFV, RSSEV and Nipah virus. In one embodiment of the invention, the 25HC is administered topically, e.g. to a mucosal surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the prophylactic and therapeutic applications of certain estrogenic components, such as estetrol, in neurological disorders, such as neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing estrogen-sensitive tumours in a mammal, said method comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an estrogenic component to said mammal, wherein the estrogenic component is selected from the group consisting of: substances represented by the following formula in which formula R1, R2, R3, R4 independently are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group with 1-5 carbon atoms; precursors capable of liberating a substance according to the aforementioned formula when used in the present method; and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned substances and/or precursors. The estrogenic component according to the invention does not have undesirable proliferative effects on breast and/or endometrial tissue and displays sufficient estrogenicity to prevent that its administration will lead to hypoestrogenism and/or climacteric complaints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with endometriosis and risk of developing endometriosis, and methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis and the use of such risk information in selectively administering a treatment that at least partially prevents or compensates for an endometriosis related symptom.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to composition comprising stable particles comprising ganaxolone, wherein the volume weighted median diameter (D50) of the particles is from about 50 nm to about 500 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid pharmaceutical composition comprising solid amorphous fulvestrant, said composition being formulated in combination with a solubilizing composition. The invention also relates to a method for preparing said composition and a kit including the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutically active compounds and compositions as receptor antagonists and methods of use thereof. In one aspect, the compounds are useful in modulating pain, inflammation and acute phase reactions by inhibiting the PGE2 receptors including PGE2 EP1, EP2 and EP4 receptors.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a synthetic compound, Oxy133, having the structure [Formula I] or a bioactive or pharmaceutical composition comprising Oxy133 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods are also disclosed for using the compound or bioactive or pharmaceutical composition to treat a variety of disorders, including e.g. bone disorders, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods comprising providing a tyrosine derivative and a solid particulate material (and, optionally, melanin) and applying force to said tyrosine derivative and said solid particulate material for a time and under conditions effective to impregnate at least one of said tyrosine derivative and said solid particulate material with the other of said tyrosine derivative and said solid particulate material. The invention also provides compositions comprising at least one of a tyrosine derivative impregnated with a solid particulate material and a solid particulate material impregnated with a tyrosine derivative.

Abstract: Methods of treating, reducing, or preventing lung infections or lung inflammation include identifying a patient in need of treatment and administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one cationic steroid antimicrobial (CSA), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Treatment of cystic fibrosis lung infections, COPD lung infections, inflammation of the lungs in these patient populations, and lung scarring in these patient populations is also described.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation.

Abstract: A process is provided for the making of estetrol starting from a 3-A-oxy-estra-1,3,5(10),15-tetraen-17-one, wherein A is an C1-C5 alkyl group, preferably a methyl group, or a C7-C12 benzylic group, preferably a benzyl group. This process is particularly suitable to industry.

Abstract: A tablet that includes a solid solution of soluble fiber and one or more sugar alcohols, the solid solution having a glass transition temperature of less than 40° C., and one or more additives dispersed in the solid solution such that at least one additive is released from the tablet when the tablet is chewed or dissolved within an oral cavity.

Abstract: This application is directed to the use of aminosteroid compounds for the selective inhibition of the enzyme PTP1B in a mammal for the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula (A): (A) or a salt, solvate, hydrate, or amino acid conjugate thereof. The compounds of formula A are TGR5 modulators useful for the prevention and treatment of disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for alleviating the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome are provided. The compositions are based on use of a transdermal gel formulation delivery system for androgens, either alone or in combination with other hormones.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving the emotional development of an infant by performing controlled exposure of the infant aged less than six months old to human fear pheromone, preferably with visual fear stimuli, so that the natural synaptic connections in the brain associated with normal fear mechanisms are stimulated and exercised. This can reduce the occurrence of mental illness later in life, in particular reduce the occurrence of schizophrenia. Advantageously the exposure to fear pheromone and visual fear stimuli is terminated and followed by comforting stimuli such as feeding, physical contact, or comforting or happy visual or audible stimuli such as laughter.

Abstract: Particulate ceragenin materials may be manufactured by (i) providing a ceragenin feed material comprised of ceragenin molecules, each having a sterol backbone and a plurality cationic groups attached thereto; (ii) fracturing the ceragenin feed material in a milling apparatus to produce a ceragenin particulate material having a particle size distribution with a median particle size in a range from 5 nm to 20 ?m; and (iii) during fracturing, maintaining the ceragenin feed with a moisture content of less than or equal to 10% by weight.

Abstract: Activated fatty acids, topical compositions including activated fatty acids and methods for using activated fatty acids to treat a variety of diseases.

Abstract: Bile acids and related compositions and methods of synthesis and use. More specifically, deoxycholic acid and related compositions, said compositions being free of all moieties of animal origin and free of pyrogenic moieties.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement composed of phytosterols, anti-oxidants, and other complexes, including essential fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, proline rich polypeptides and digestive enzymes is described. The nutritional supplement may be used by individuals suffering from or at risk of developing immune system diseases; breast cancer, colon and prostate cancer; HIV infection; high cholesterol; or enlarged prostate. In the preferred form, the invention comprises phytosterols and antioxidants, together with essential fatty acids derived from amino acids, short chain peptides, proline rich polypeptides and digestive enzymes, and a microcellulose filler.

Abstract: Novel sterol derivatives, the preparation method thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and use thereof for treating diseases involving transformed astrocyte cells or for treating malignant haemopathies. The treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, as well as of other cancers, such as lymphomas, neuroblastomas and melanomas is also described.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes, as an active ingredient, a compound according to formula 1436 as shown in FIG. 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Various pharmaceutical products may be produced including this pharmaceutical composition. Such pharmaceutical products may be used for the treatment of obesity or diabetes. Methods for using the pharmaceutical compositions also are described. In these methods, various diseases are treated or other body functions are activated or inhibited by administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition. For example, diabetes and obesity may be treated by administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical compositions. Weight gain and growth factor production can be inhibited by administering an effective amount of these pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A topical application formulation of estrogen and estrogen analogs or other estrogen receptor modulators is disclosed for the treatment of primary or secondary dry eye syndrome (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)). Preferred formulations include 17-?-estradiol and its derivatives in lipid, liposomes, polymers, or aqueous or non-aqueous vehicles for the topical treatment of the ocular surface tissues particularly as time-release or micro-dose formulations. These formulations may also be useful in treating other conditions where KCS may occur, such as post-operative refractive surgery and corneal transplant patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing estrogen-suppressed tumors in a mammal, said method comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an estrogenic component to said mammal, wherein the estrogenic component is selected from the group consisting of: substances represented by the following formula (I) in which formula R1, R2, R3, R4, independently are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group with 1-5 carbon atoms; precursors capable of liberating a substance according to the aforementioned formula when used in the present method; and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned substances and/or precursors. The estrogenic component according to the invention is particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of colorectal and prostate cancer and, unlike commonly used estrogens, does not simultaneously enhance the risk of estrogen-stimulated cancers such as breast cancer.

Abstract: Described are embolization devices which carry M1 macrophage promoting agents and/or M2 macrophage inhibiting agents, as well as methods for their manufacture and use. An illustrative embolization device of the disclosure comprises an embolic body and one or more M1 macrophage promoting agents and/or M2 macrophage inhibiting agents carried by a surface of the embolic body. In certain embodiments the embolic body of the present disclosure comprises an embolic coil or an embolic bead.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention are of use for the production of emulsion-based microparticles containing a biological or chemical agent. In particular, the apparatus provides a vessel; packing material situated inside such vessel and may further provide material capable of insertion into both ends of said vessel for enclosure of the packing material. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus is a packed bed apparatus. The methods include production of emulsion based microparticles containing a biological or chemical agent. The usefulness of the present invention is that the apparatus and methods of the present invention provide for a low-shear, non-turbulent, production of emulsion-based microparticles that provides a narrow, reproducible, particle size distribution, capable of use with both large and small volumes that is capable of being conveniently scaled up while providing predictable emulsion properties.

Abstract: Methods of preventing or retarding or reversing or abolishing the onset and preventing the onset of neurodegenerative disease are discussed. This is achieved through the administration of a bile acid, a salt of the bile acid, an analog of the bile acid or any combinations of these compounds. The bile acid abolishes or interferes or down-regulates metabolic pathways leading to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. The bile acid also activates metabolic pathways leading to the slowing or reversing or complete abolishment of the progression of neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preventing or alleviating the symptoms of and inflammation associated with inflammatory diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, those involving the esophagus. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions useful for the methods of the present invention.