Abstract: Tablet containing living micro-organisms, produced from a pressed tablet material comprising micro-organisms and oligosaccharides and/or polysaccharides, the tablet material also comprising at least one slime-forming agent. The invention also relates to a process for the production of such a tablet.

Abstract: Methods for preparing products containing moisture-sensitive materials, including biological materials such as proteins, peptides or live cells, comprising at least the steps: (i) providing a coating liquid comprising at least one active, a sugar polymer and a water soluble/miscible solvent; (ii) providing a quantity of microparticles comprising at least water soluble gel forming solid particles; (iii) fluidizing said quantity of microparticles within a processing chamber of a of a suitable apparatus to form a fluidized bed of said microparticles; (iv) spraying said coating liquid onto said fluidized bed from beneath the fluidized bed to coat said microparticles therewith under saturated moisture conditions; and (vi) allowing coated microparticles to dry, are described. Also described are compositions and uses.

Abstract: A thermo- and photo stable composition comprising a chitosan/xanthan hydrogel including at least one thermo- or photo-sensitive substance chosen among the following: vitamins, amino-acids, nucleic acids, and polypeptides. The hydrogel can be adapted to release the thermo- or photo-sensible substances in either a human or an animal. The present invention also discloses a method of making these hydrogel composition. Additionally, the present invention presents a method of using these hydrogel composition in dermatology or as a food supplement.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for increasing the activity of agrichemicals and controlling their drift by specially formulating an deposition agent with fertilizer. This unique combination has been seen to allow lower use rates of fertilizers as pesticide efficacy enhancers and improved deposition of sprays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a oral extended release dosage form comprising a plurality of granules of an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active compound, at least one amino acid, and an intragranular polymer in which the granule is dispersed within a hydrophilic extragranular polymer matrix which is more rapidly hydrating than the intragranular polymer. The amino acid is selected for hydropathy characteristics depending on solubility characteristics of the active compound.

Abstract: A penetrating antibiotic gel for treating pain, inflammation and other pathological conditions affecting musculoskeletal tissues and other soft tissues of the body. The composition includes an antibiotic compound and a mobilizing agent in an amount sufficient to enable the antimicrobial compound to penetrate into the sub-dermal soft tissues. The antimicrobial compound may be a macrolide antibiotic compound such as azithromycin, erythromycin or roxithromycin, for example, and the mobilizing agent may be an organogel compound, such as pluronic lecithin liposomal organogel (PLO). The composition may further include a penetration enhancing adjuvant, such as d-limonene, for example. The composition may be applied topically so as to penetrate into the sub-dermal soft tissues, or may injected so as to be absorbed into the soft tissues locally.

Abstract: Described are heat stable aqueous solutions or gels comprising a biologically effective amount of a protein and an effective stabilizing amount of a polysaccharide gum as well as heat stable solutions or gels suitable for use in an implantable drug delivery device at body temperature. Also disclosed are lyophilized compositions having biologically activity, where such lyophilized compositions are formed by lyophilizing the stabilized solutions or gels of the invention.

Abstract: A storage-stable biocidal aerated gel composition comprises from 30 to 97% by weight of water, from 0.2 to 5% by weight of a gelling agent selected from xanthan gum, sodium alginate and neutralised carboxyvinyl polymer from 2 to 5% by weight of a fine particulate, hydrophobic silicone-treated silica having a surface area of from 80 to 300 m2/g and from 0.004 to 20% by weight of a biocide which said composition is in the form of fine particles of an aqueous gel containing the water, gelling agent and the biocide, the surfaces of which fine particles are coated with a coating of the finely particulate hydrophobic silica. The biocidal aerated gel composition can be used to control pests using one or more appropriate biocides in the composition.

Abstract: Personal care or cosmetic oil in water emulsions include an oil emulsifier and a combination of a Xanthan polysaccharide and a polyglucomannan polysaccharide to provide enhanced stability even at low emulsifier stabiliser levels. The emulsifier stabiliser system provides stable emulsions without dominating system rheology, particularly viscosity. Thus, the emulsions can have a low viscosity suitable for formulation as milks or thin lotions, or can be thickened, desirably by thickening agents other than the Xanthan and/or polyglucomannan, to provide emulsion creams or gels. This enables the system to be used very flexibly in end use applications. The emulsifier is desirably a non-ionic emulsifier and particularly is a combination of a low HLB and a high HLB emulsifier and can be formulated with conventional alcohol ethoxylate surfactants or from non-EO surfactants e.g. sucrose ester high HLB surfactants and citrate or sorbitan ester low HLB surfactants.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods suitable for ameliorating female sexual dysfunction, and in particular, female sexual arousal disorder. In one embodiment, the invention provides a semisolid composition suitable for topical application comprising: an effective amount of a vasoactive prostaglandin, a polysaccharide thickener, a lipophilic component, and an acidic buffer system.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating mixtures containing polymeric materials, e.g., collagen, to form a polymer that intercalates into the polymeric material. The treatment provides greater tensile strength to the mixture, among other advantages. The polymer is formed of a monomeric unit having at least one catechol group that is oxidized to a quinone upon polymerization.

Abstract: Encapsulation compositions in which an encapsulate (A) is encapsulated in a matrix (B) may be prepared by: (i) mixing matrix (B) with a liquid plasticizer and encapsulate (A) in an extruder, to obtain a melted mixture of encapsulate (A) and matrix (B); and (ii) extruding the melted mixture, to obtain an extruded mixture.

Abstract: A composition comprising a high molecular weight, water soluble polymer having a cloud point from about 20 to about 90° C. and at least one carrageenan is provided. The composition may be used as a component of a pharmaceutical dosage form, such as the shell of a dosage form, to provide burst release of active ingredient contained therein.

Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition of the invention provides rapid initial kill, a useful highly pseudoplastic rheology, a barrier/film-forming capacity, a unique antimicrobial composition that is stable over an extended period of time, and unexpected long term microbial control when compared to the prior art materials disclosed in patents and used in the marketplace. The compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous thickened liquid composition containing the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite. The materials can be combined, blended into a smooth viscous material and can be immediately contacted with the target animals. The compositions of the invention provide rapid initial kill, consistent long term kill and chemical and rheological stability.

Abstract: A powder comprising a core powder, a hydroxyapatite layered directly on the core, and zinc layered directly on the hydroxyapatite, suitable for use in cosmetics. The powder has a light reflection curve similar to that of the surface of the skin so that it exhibits good skin feeling and is superior in long wear effect for makeup and antibacterial effect. The powder is also superior in adsorbing, solidifying, or congealing the sebum components or body odor components, and is useful as an effective component for a sebum-adsorbent agent, a body deodorant or the like in addition to cosmetics.

Abstract: A thickened film-forming composition comprising a film-forming polymer and, as thickener, a polysaccharide alkyl ether formed of units containing at least two different saccharide rings, each unit containing at least one hydroxyl group substituted with a saturated hydrocarbon-based alkyl chain. The polysaccharide alkyl ether preferably has a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and is in particular a guar gum alkyl ether having a degree of substitution of from about 2 to 3, in particular 2.5. The composition can be used in particular in the cosmetics fields for keratinous materials, especially the nails.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use, in an aqueous spray mixture comprising a phytosanitary formulation, of an anti-leaching agent comprising: at least a polyhydroxyl and/or polycarboxyl polymer or copolymer; at least a crosslinking agent comprising a metal selected among columns IVA, IB and IIIB of the periodic table; said anti-leaching agent being, in the aqueous spray mixture, in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion having a polymer or copolymer concentration such that the viscosity of the anti-leaching agent is not more than 10 times the viscosity of the aqueous solution in polymer or copolymer without crosslinking agent, having the same concentration.

Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition having a visible indicator aspect of the invention provides a softening, soothing, smoothing, relaxing property, a rapid initial kill, a useful highly pseudoplastic rheology, a barrier/film-forming capacity, a unique antimicrobial composition that is stable over an extended period of time, and unexpected long term microbial control when compared to the prior art materials disclosed in patents and used in the marketplace. The indicator aspect provides ease of visually detecting the material on the animal skin and can indicate efficacy of the material. The compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous liquid composition containing the visual indicator combined with the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite.

Abstract: A viscous gel for delivering minor effective amounts of active substances through the nasal membrane into the body.

Abstract: A coating for masking or reducing the detectable presence of certain characteristic odor or odors, taste or tastes of pharmaceutical preparations, particularly Valerian extracts, is described. The coating comprises from one to three coating compartments, in any combination or as a single-layer amalgam. The first coating compartment comprises a hydroxyalkyl cellulose and an anti-tackiness agent. The second coating compartment may comprise a sugar and at least one anti-tackiness agent. The third coating compartment may comprise a methacrylate copolymer, a hydroxyalkyl cellulose and an anti-tackiness agent.

Abstract: The ability of biting midges to locate a target by olfactory emissions of the target is inhibited by dispensing into a spatial area an inhibiting effective amount of at least one inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of 3-methyl-1-alkene-3-ols of the formula: and 3-methyl-1-alkyn-3-ols of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A controlled release product is provided having a suppressed initial release period and a predetermined longevity. The product includes a particulate water soluble core material and a semi-permeable coating layer applied on the core material for controlling the release rate of the core material.

Abstract: Orally administrable compositions comprising cation cross-linked polysaccharides are provided. The compositions have the ability to mask the taste and delay the release of an active material included therein. A novel method for the preparation of the compositions is also provided. The cation cross-linked polysaccharide is preferably selected from alginic acid and demethylated pectin and the composition further comprises a digestible polymer, preferably chosen from starch, starch derivatives, &agr;-glucans, peptides and polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions containing a low dose of entecavir are administered on a daily basis to treat hepatitis B virus infection and/or co-infections. Formulations for the oral administration of a low dose of entecavir are provided. Other pharmaceutically active substances can be included in the entecavir composition or can be separately administered for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection or for the treatment of co-infected patients.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided containing an admixture of phenytoin sodium and an erodible matrix which extends the release of the phenytoin sodium over about a two hour period. The erodible matrix comprises binder(s) and diluent(s) which control the release of drug from the pharmaceutical composition. The erodible matrix can further comprise an alkaline pH modifier.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions having improved bioadhesive properties are produced by combining an alginate, xanthan gum and/or a carageenan gum and a glucomannan and/or a galactomannan. The composition can provide both a protecting and a healing effect on mucosal surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moisture-retentive cooling gel, a laminate thereof, and a moisture-retentive cooling plaster, which offer moisture-retaining and cooling effects for a controlled duration and have superior functionality, e.g., capability of delivering and transporting an effective ingredient such as a pharmacological active ingredient, a perfume or a deodorant. The moisture-retentive cooling gel comprises: a water-retentive matrix (a1) of a water-soluble polymer having a water content of not lower than 40 wt %; and fibers (f) dispersed in the water-retentive matrix, the fibers (f) having a hydrophilic property at least at surfaces thereof, some of the fibers (f) being exposed on a surface of the water-retentive matrix (a1). The gel has a higher water content and a higher water vaporization rate. An endothermally water-dissolvable compound may be retained in the water-retentive matrix and/or the fibers for enhancement of the cooling capacity of the gel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composition comprising a modified starch and a carrageenan, especially iota-carrageenan, where the compositions are suitable for use in manufacturing soft capsules.

Abstract: A taste masked composition which comprises a bitter tasting drug, a combination of two enteric polymers comprising, a methacrylic acid copolymer and a phthalate polymer is described. The composition of the present invention is prepared by dissolving the active ingredient, the methacrylic acid copolymer and the phthalate polymer in a solvent and recovering the composition from the solution thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active agent dosage form which is adapted for retention in the stomach and useful for the prolonged delivery of an active agent formulation to a fluid environment of use. The active agent dosage form is a polymer matrix that swells upon contact with the fluids of the stomach. A portion of the polymer matrix is surrounded by a band of insoluble material that prevents the covered portion of the polymer matrix from swelling and provides a segment of the dosage form that is of sufficient rigidity to withstand the contractions of the stomach and delay expulsion of the dosage form from the stomach until substantially all of the active agent has been dispensed.

Abstract: A composition for human consumption, comprising creatine and creatinine, the latter being in sufficient quantity to render creatine in an aqueous medium substantially stable, and a method of making the composition is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tableted oral extended release dosage form comprising a plurality of granules of an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active compound, at least one amino acid, and an intragranular polymer in which the granule is dispersed within a hydrophilic extragranular polymer matrix which is more rapidly hydrating than the intragranular polymer. The amino acid is selected for hydropathy characteristics depending on solubility characteristics of the active compound.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for controlled onset and sustained release of an active ingredient, said composition comprising: (i) a core comprising: (a) an active ingredient; (b) a hydrophilic carrier; (c) a hydrodynamic diffusion enhancer; and optionally (d) conventional pharmaceutically acceptable excipients selected from the group consisting of binders, fillers and lubricants and combinations thereof; and (ii) a functional coating membrane surrounding said core.

Abstract: A dry moisture barrier film coating composition for forming a moisture barrier film coating for pharmaceutical tablets and the like comprises polyvinyl alcohol, soya lecithin, and optionally a flow aid, a colorant, and/or a suspending agent. A liquid coating solution or dispersion for forming a moisture barrier film coating for pharmaceutical tablets and the like comprises polyvinyl alcohol, soya lecithin, water, and optionally a flow aid, a colorant, and/or a suspending agent. A method of coating pharmaceutical tablets and the like with a moisture barrier film coating comprises forming a liquid coating solution or dispersion for forming a moisture barrier film coating for pharmaceutical tablets and the like comprising polyvinyl alcohol, soya lecithin, water, and optionally a flow aid, a colorant, and/or a suspending agent, applying the coating solution or dispersion onto the tablets to form a film coating on the tablets, and drying the film coating on the tablets.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition suitable for topical application comprising: an effective amount of a prostaglandin, a polymer thickener, a lipophilic component, and a buffer system. In another embodiment, the invention provides a composition suitable for topical application comprising: an effective amount of a vasoactive agent, a polymer thickener, a lipophilic component, and a buffer system. The invention also provides methods of ameliorating female sexual dysfunction. Also provided are methods of increasing female sexual arousal and methods of enhancing female sexual response.

Abstract: Controlled-release formulations providing a “pulsed” plasma profile of a sedative-hypnotic compound having a particularly short half-life are provided. The formulation contains a sedative-hypnotic compound or precursor thereof that is metabolized to generate a sedative-hypnotic compound in vivo, wherein the compound has a mean plasma half life ranging from 0.1 to 2 hours; and at least one release retardant such that, following administration of the formulation to a patient, the patient has specified pulsed plasma profile for the sedative-hypnotic compound as disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the sedative-hypnotic compound is NBI-34060.

Abstract: A process for preparing free-flowing and, during handling, dust-free microparticles. The particles are at least 90% by weight, have a diameter of 100-400 &mgr;m, and contain one or more active ingredients in a glassy matrix. Generally, the process of the invention comprises the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous solution of the matrix materials, (2) mixing the flavor into the aqueous solution with stirring to form an emulsion or suspension, (3) spraying the emulsion in a spray drying tower under a supply of hot air to quickly create a semi-solid skin allowing outtake of moisture (water), and (4) subsequently subjecting the resulting particles to continued drying at lower temperatures in a fluid bed.

Abstract: This invention in general relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions for acid labile substances as well as for methods of making such. Specifically, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising about 1 to 75% by weight acid labile compound, up to about 5% by weight disintegrant, at least one protector coat layer used to separate and protect the acid labile substance from acid reacting groups and gastric juice, and at least one enteric coat layer which surrounds the protector coating layer and ensures delivery of over 80% the acid labile substance to the small intestine.

Abstract: A process for feeding an animal a diet which alters the function and morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), a large lymphoid organ in the animal and which improves glucose metabolism, satiety, and nutrient absorption. The process involves feeding a companion animal such as, for example, a dog or cat a diet of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance (OMD) of 15 to 60 percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period, the fibers being present in amounts from about 1 to 11 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the GIT of the animal.

Abstract: A ligating band according to the present invention comprises an elastomeric layer and an inner drug releasing layer. The inner drug releasing layer includes a therapeutic agent, for example a chemotherapeutic agent for treating a mucosa, polyp or other growth. A ligating band according to the present invention also may include an inner diffusion barrier disposed between the elastomeric layer and the inner drug releasing layer, with the elastomeric layer and the inner drug releasing layer each contacting the inner diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A formulation comprising lactoperoxidase, thiocyanate and/or iodide and a hydrogen peroxide donor system, in particular glucose oxidase and glucose, is useful for controlling plant-pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Preferably the formulation also contains an oil.

Abstract: A multiple unit oral pharmaceutical dosage form having a plurality of pellets in a water soluble capsule or in a tablet compressed from the pellets, wherein each pellet contains (a) a substantially inert core, (b) an active ingredient layer over the inert core, and containing (i) a pharmacologically active particulate active ingredient, (ii) a nonembedding amount of a binder for adhering the active ingredient over the inert core, and optionally (iii) a pharmaceutically acceptable, inert adjuvant, such as colloidal silica, and (c) a coating over the active ingredient layer for retarding the release of the active ingredient from the active ingredient layer into an aqueous body fluid solvent in situ, the nonembedding amount of the binder is suitably from about 1% wt. to about 10% wt.

Abstract: A method including administering a beverage composition suitable for human consumption including effective amounts of the following solubilized components, a calcium compound, an organic acid in an amount up to the equivalent amount of a calcium of the calcium compound, an isoflavone, and inulin wherein the effective amounts are sufficient to reduce the risk of bone density loss and are solubilized by a stabilizing agent including one or more of maltol, carrageenan and maltodextrin, and xanthan gum.

Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition of the invention provides rapid initial kill, a useful highly pseudoplastic rheology, a barrier/film-forming capacity, a unique antimicrobial composition that is stable over an extended period of time, and unexpected long term microbial control when compared to the prior art materials disclosed in patents and used in the marketplace. The compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous thickened liquid composition containing the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite. The materials can be combined, blended into a smooth viscous material and can be immediately contacted with the target animals. The .compositions of the invention provide rapid initial kill, consistent long term kill and chemical and rheological stability.

Abstract: Non-staining topical iodine disinfecting compositions having the ability to inactivate pathogens associated with skin infections or diseases. based upon the presence of molecular iodine in a concentration above at least 15 ppm. Any other iodine species selected from the group consisting of complexed iodine and triiodide may be present with the total of such other iodine species limited to a concentration of less than about 700 ppm so that any visible stain resulting from the application of this composition on the skin will dissipate without leaving any visible skin coloration.

Abstract: A coating for masking or reducing the detectable presence of certain characteristic odor or odors, taste or tastes of pharmaceutical preparations, particularly Valerian extracts, is described. The coating comprises from one to three coating compartments, in any combination or as a single-layer amalgam. The first coating compartment comprises a hydroxyalkyl cellulose and an anti-tackiness agent The second coating compartment may comprise a sugar and at least one anti-tackiness agent. The third coating compartment may comprise a methacrylate copolymer, a hydroxyalkyl cellulose and an anti-tackiness agent.

Abstract: A topical composition of a semi-solid consistency suitable is provided for transdermal application of prostaglandin E1. The composition comprises prostaglandin E1, a penetration enhancer, a polysaccharide gum, a lipophilic compound, and an acidic buffer system. The penetration enhancer is an acid addition salt of an alkyl-2-(substituted amino)-alkanoate ester, of a (substituted amino)-alkanol alkanoate, or of a mixture thereof. The lipophilic compound may be an aliphatic C1 to C8 alcohol, an aliphatic C8 to C30 ester, or a mixture of these. The composition includes a buffer system capable of providing a buffered pH value for said composition in the range of about 3 to about 7.4.

Abstract: Film-forming compositions are disclosed that can comprise, on a dry solids basis, 25 to 75 percent by weight of certain starch derivatives having a DE less than about 1, 25 to 75% plasticizer, and 0.1 to 15% hydrocolloid gum. The starch derviatives can be chemically modified starches which range in molecular weight from 100,000 to 2,000,000. These starch-based systems can completely replace gelatin in edible film-forming applications such as soft and hard gel capsules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising a modified starch and a carrageenan, especially iota-carrageenan, where the compositions are suitable for use in manufacturing soft capsules.

Abstract: A process for feeding an animal a diet which alters the function and morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), a large lymphoid organ in the animal and which improves glucose metabolism, satiety, and nutrient absorption. The process involves feeding a companion animal such as, for example, a dog or cat a diet of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance (OMD) of 15 to 60 percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period, the fibers being present in amounts from about 1 to 11 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the GIT of the animal.