Abstract: A system and method for polymeric drug delivery vehicles activated by ultrasound is disclosed herein. The system and method include polymeric particles, partially filled with a gas or a gas precursor, and partially filled with a liquid containing a drug. The drug is then released locally by application of ultrasound. Because the drug is dissolved, the delivery thereof is more efficient than for drugs incorporated with or in the polymeric shell of such particles.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of, e.g., visible and/or tactile irregularities of human skin, by applying topically, to the skin, a composition containing, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least 5% by weight of one or more surfactants comprising at least one alkyl chain having from 6 to 16 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A formulation containing a biologically active compound having a chemical structure with hydrogen bonding sites, a first biocompatible, hydrolytically degrading polycarbonate with hydrogen bonding sites and tyrosine-derived diphenol monomer units, and a second biocompatible hydrolytically degrading polymer that is less hydrophobic than the polycarbonate, wherein the second polymer degrades hydrolytically to form acidic degradation products that promote the release of the active compound. Methods for active compound delivery are also disclosed.

Abstract: Biodegradable polyphosphazene polymers containing pyrrolidone side groups, and the biomedical use of such polyphosphazene polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: Degradable blend of polycaprolactone and crystallization modifier especially suitable for use in the controlled release of biologically active proteins

Abstract: Bioerodible poly(ortho esters) useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents from dioxane-based di(ketene acetals). Block copolymers contain these bioerodible poly(ortho esters). These block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents.

Abstract: Novel thickeners for oil-containing compositions are crystalline polymers, preferably side chain crystalline polymers, which (a) have a crystalline melting point, Tp, and an onset of melting temperature, To, such that Tp?To is less than Tp0.7; (b) are soluble in the oil at temperatures above Tp, and (c) have been dispersed in the oil by a process which comprises (i)dissolving the polymer in the oil at a temperature above Tp, and (ii) cooling the solution from step (i) to crystallize the polymer in the oil.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising a polymer and a surfactant in a solvent exhibiting a common solubility for the polymer and the surfactant. The composition provides a dosage form for administering a drug over time.

Abstract: Thickeners for oil-containing compositions, particularly cosmetic and personal care compositions, are side chain crystalline polymers which are uniformly dispersed as a crystallized solid in the oil.

Abstract: A composition exhibiting reverse thermal gellation properties comprises a block polymer having the structure: {[An(BCB)An]}m wherein A is a polyester unit, B is a poly(ethylene oxide) unit, C is a poly(propylene oxide) unit, E is a chain extender unit, n=0-20, and m is greater than 2. The ethylene oxide:propylene oxide ratio ranges from about 0.2:1 to about 40:1. The composition has a final viscosity at a final temperature of more than twice the initial viscosity at an initial temperature wherein the final temperature is at least 10° C. higher than the initial temperature. The composition is combined with either a cellular material for tissue engineering, a cellular material for effecting repair or healing in a patient, or a bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester urethanes comprising polypentadecalactone segments. These polyester urethanes do show good properties which may be adjusted in a controlled manner. In preferred embodiments the polyester urethanes display additionally polycaprolactone segments. Such polymer may show shape memory effects.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition having a gel consistency at room temperature and suitable for the treatment of a vaginal infection comprises, on a total composition weight basis, about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent of benzydamine hydrochloride, about 16 to about 35 weight percent of a polyoxyalkylene block copolymer, and about 2 to about 30 weight percent of propylene glycol, in water having a pH value in the range of about 3.5 to about 7. The weight ratio of water to polyoxyalkylene block copolymer in the composition is less than about 4:1. Optionally, the gel compositions can also contain glycerin, physiologically tolerable preservatives and buffers, as well as other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

Abstract: Pressurized aerosol composition for administration by inhalation comprising a liquefied hydrofluoroalkane, a powdered medicament dispersed therein, and a suspending agent comprising a polymer soluble in the liquefied hydrofluoroalkane which is selected from polymers including recurring amide containing structural units, copolymers of amide containing units and carboxylic acid ester units, polyvinylacetate and acrylic acid/methacrylic acid ester copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical implant for controllably releasing a drug in a subject and methods for manufacturing and administering the implant. The implant is made of associated microparticles of a drug dispersed in a biodegradable polymer. The microparticles are sufficiently associated so that the implant maintains a predetermined shape but are not fused together so as to form a single monolithic structure. The drug can be controllably released in a subject by administration of the pharmaceutical implant without the need of a suspending fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns cosmetic compositions containing, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, as thickening system: (A) at least a non-ionic associative polyurethane and (B) at least a non-ionic polymer comprising at least a fatty chain.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked-polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dermal barrier composition which contains a hydrophilic polymer emulsion and a hydrophobic polymer emulsion. The dermal barrier composition is moisture activated, and remains inert until the hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymer emulsions contact a suitable substrate such as human skin. The dermal barrier composition is itself an emulsion, and can optionally contain a biocidal agent for antimicrobial and antiviral efficacy. The dermal barrier composition can also contain other active agents such as sunscreens, insect repellents and fungicides. The dermal barrier composition can be applied topically to skin, where it forms a protective or barrier layer against a number of pathogenic and chemical irritants.

Abstract: An antibacterial liquid dish cleaning composition with desirable cleansing properties comprising a C8-18 ethoxylated alkyl ether sulfate, two anionic surfactant, a betaine surfactant, a hydroxy containing organic acid, an organic thickener, polyethylene glycol and water.

Abstract: A pharmaceutic composition includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, comprising a reverse thermally viscosifying polymer. The polymer includes a linear block copolymer, wherein at least one block comprises a poloxamer; and at least one block comprises a biocompatible polymer or oligomer, in an aqueous medium. The composition also includes an active agent which imparts a pharmaceutic or cosmetic effect. The composition viscosifies in response to an environmental stimulus. The composition is suitable for administration of the pharmaceutical agent across dermal, otic, rectal, vaginal, ophthalmic, esophageal and nasal mucosal membranes.

Abstract: Antimicrobial/pharmaceutical preparations (e.g., solutions, gels, ointments, creams, sustained release preparations, etc.) which comprise chlorite (e.g., a metal salt of a chlorite) in combination with a peroxy compound (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), and methods for using such preparations for disinfection of articles or surfaces (e.g., contact lenses, counter tops, etc.), antisepsis of skin or other body parts, prevention or deterrence of scar formation and/or treatment and prophylaxis of dermal (i.e., skin or mucous membrane) disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, cold sores, ulcerations, psoriasis, acne, or other scar-forming lesions).

Abstract: Non-gelling polyoxyalkylene compositions, and methods of their use for inhibiting surgical adhesion formation/reformation in mammals are disclosed. The useful non-gelling compositions preferably comprise polyoxyalkylene block copolymer at desired concentrations with or without a therapeutic agent. When used with an incorporated drug, the non-gelling compositions serve as a carrier providing sustained or prolonged release of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of preventing adhesion formation between tissues in an animal by placing a sterile polyoxaester adhesion prevention barrier between the tissues of the animal to prevent an adhesion from forming.

Abstract: Mesomorphic complexes of vitamin A acid and cationic polyelectrolytes, their preparation and use. The cationic polyelectrolyte, for example PDADMAC, PM4VP, poly (ionene-6,3), polyethyleneimine or a poly-L-amino acid, is mixed with vitamin A acid to produce mesomorphic complexes. Uses of these mesomorphic complexes include the transport of vitamin A in the human body, the treatment of severe cases of acne externally, courses of skin rejuvenation, and the inhibition of malignant tumors.

Abstract: The invention concerns stable emulsions, a method for preparing said emulsions and the elastomer films containing them. Said stable emulsions of at least one chemical substance x in an elastomer solution, to be used for preparing an elastomer film, comprise (1) a phase A containing an elastomer dissolved in an organic apolar or slightly polar solvent a, wherein is dispersed (2) a phase B containing at least said chemical substance x, in solution or dispersed in a polar solvent b, non-miscible with phase A and (3) at least a dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of block or grafted polymers.

Abstract: This invention provides a claycy and sticky substance as a new biomaterial that cannot be found in the current medical field, which is bioresorbable, shows tackiness, plasticity and shape holding ability at a temperature of approximately from 30 to 40° C. and can give unrestricted shapes at body temperature or more by increasing its fluidity. This clayey and sticky substance comprises a copolymer of two or more bioresorbable monomers, preferably any one of copolymers of p-dioxanone with D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, D,L-lactic acid, trimethylene carbonate and &egr;-caprolactone, or a mixture of two or more of these copolymers. This clayey and sticky or clayey substance is suited for a hemostatic material, an adhesive material for tissues, a prosthetic material for tissue reconstruction use, a carrier of drug delivery system, a plugging material, an accretion-preventing material and a scaffold material for tissue engineering use.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hydroxyapatite composite is disclosed. This method comprises alternately soaking a matrix which has been made hydrophilic at least on its surface, in a calcium ion aqueous solution containing calcium ions and substantially free of phosphate ions and in a phosphate ion aqueous solution containing phosphate ions and substantially free of calcium ions to securely form hydroxyapatite at least on the surface of the matrix. Also disclosed is a biocompatible material composed of the hydroxyapatite composite obtained by the method.

Abstract: A dermatologically-compatible composition comprising a hydrophilic gel which comprises a blend of a chitosan and a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl lactam) having a K value of less than 60.

Abstract: A polylactide in a purified state, which meets the requirements of the color strengths of reference solutions B2-B9 of the brown color test of the European Pharmacopoeia, 2nd Edition (1980) part I, Section V, 6.2 and containing one or more metals in cationic form, the metal ion(s) having a concentration of at most 10 ppm. The polylactide is especially suitable for use as microparticles or implants, and contains preferably a hydrophilic drug, like octreotide or a lipophilic drug like bromocriptine.

Abstract: Vaccine adjuvants comprising a liquid medium contain polymers with anionic constitutive repeating units and hydrophobic constitutive repeating units. Advantageously, the adjuvants are aqueous solutions of partially esterified polyacrylic acids. The novel adjuvants are highly stable, effective and have a relatively low level of local toxicity. Further, vaccines comprising such adjuvants and a process for producing them are described.

Abstract: The aqueous suspension can be prepared by incorporating, in an aqueous suspension of a hardly soluble drug, a water-soluble polymer within the concentration range from the concentration at which the surface tension of the aqueous suspension of the drug begins to decrease up to the concentration at which the reduction in surface tension ceases. The resulting aqueous suspension shows ready redispersibility and will not undergo aggregation of dispersed particles or caking. Because of its good redispersibility, the suspension is useful as a parenteral preparation, eye drops, nasal drops, a preparation for oral administration, a lotion or the like.

Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric matrices, especially those comprising IL-6 as an active ingredient. Specific novel poly(ethylene carbomate) polymers are also provided for more general use as matrix materials in sustained release compositions containing pharmacologically active compounds, as are methods of using of IL-6 for treatment of conditions mediated by IL-1 and/or TNF&agr;, e.g., certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as well as septic shock.

Abstract: A method for alleviating the symptoms of a cosmetic or dermatologic skin condition is described. An effective amount of a poly(hydroxy acid)/polymer conjugate in a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable vehicle is provided. Topical compositions of the conjugates with another cosmetic or dermatological agent, and compounds of the conjugates having attached physiologically active functional groups, are also provided.

Abstract: A clear, one-phase, efficacious aqueous microemulsion of an agriculturally active pyrethroid insecticide for delivery at a high loading of active is provided herein which is free of nonylphenol ethoxylate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of arresting, preventing and/or reversing the impairment of central and peripheral nervous system function comprising reducing insoluble protein deposit burden by the administration of branched polycationic compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such branched polycationic compounds. The compounds used in the preferred method of the invention are branched dendritic polycations.