Abstract: Provided herein is a drug eluting device that can be implanted into the Muller's muscle of a subject to elute a sympathetic stimulant such as oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, norepinephrine, adrenaline, or a combination thereof. Also provided herein are methods to use the device and sympathetic stimulant to treat or prevent eyelid ptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices and the methods of making and using protein matrix materials and devices. More specifically the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, encapsulated or coated stent devices, vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein matrix suture material and meshes, skin/bone/tissue grafts, biocompatible electricity conducting matrices, clear protein matrices, protein matrix adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible protein matrix devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices made by forming a film comprising one or more biodegradable protein materials, one or more biocompatible solvents and optionally one or more pharmacologically active agents.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated major ampullate spidroin protein, which consists of from 150 to 420 amino acid residues and is defined by the formula REP-CT. REP is a repetitive, N-terminally derived protein fragment having from 80 to 300 amino acid residues. CT is a C-terminally derived protein fragment having from 70 to 120 amino acid residues. The invention further provides an isolated fusion protein consisting of a first protein fragment, which is a major ampullate spidroin protein, and a second protein fragment comprising a fusion partner and a cleavage agent recognition site. The first protein fragment is coupled via said cleavage agent recognition site to the fusion partner. The invention also provides a method of producing a major ampullate spidroin protein and polymers thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides for novel antiparasitic and pesticidal forms of moxidectin, including a long-acting polymeric implant. The resulting compounds may be used in veterinary compositions which are used in treating, controlling and preventing of endo- and ectoparasite infections in animals.

Abstract: A composition including an ethylene blocking agent complex formed from the product of an ethylene blocking agent and a host, and at least one water-soluble polymer, wherein the ethylene blocking agent complex and the at least one water-soluble polymer are intermingled is disclosed.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants can be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular vasculopathy or glaucoma, including reduction of an elevated intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a bioadhesive laminate comprising a hot-melt extruded reservoir layer and a hot-melt extruded backing layer is provided. The reservoir layer comprises a thermoplastic bioadhesive composition containing an active agent. An active agent-containing thermoplastic bioadhesive hydrophilic composition is hot-melt coextruded with a hydrophobic composition to form at least a bi-layered laminate. The hydrophilic composition and the hydrophobic composition have at least one polymer in common. In addition, the melt flow index of the hydrophobic composition is within 50% of the melt flow index of the hydrophilic composition. As a result, the laminate has a uniform transverse cross-section and/or a uniform longitudinal cross-section throughout a major of the length of the laminate. Moreover, when the laminate is divided into unit doses of approximately the same size, they have a high degree of content uniformity with respect to the active agent(s) present therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesalamine rectal suppository designed to provide improved comfort of use. One embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the drug load of the suppository ranges from 35% to 50%. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine having a tap density ranging from about 600 to about 800 g/L (as measured by USP <616>) and a hard fat having an ascending melting point of 32 to 35.5° C. Yet another embodiment is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine particles and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, where the mesalamine particles have a surface area of from about 0.1 m2/g to about 2.8 m2/g (e.g., from about 0.1 m2/g to about 1.3 m2/g). Methods of preparing and methods of treatment with mesalamine suppositories are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesalamine rectal suppository designed to provide improved comfort of use. One embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the drug load of the suppository ranges from 35% to 50%. Another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising from about 850 to about 1150 mg mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the total weight of the suppository ranges from about 2250 to about 2700 mg. Another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising from about 400 to about 600 mg mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the total weight of the suppository ranges from about 870 to about 1715 mg.

Abstract: The invention includes a medical hydrogel made from polymerized polysaccharide macromers. The macromers are preferably polysaccharides decorated with polymerizable groups, for example, methacrylates. The macromers may also be made into polymers of at least two macromers polymerized together. These polymers are preferably multi-armed or high-molecular weight and used for medical uses, for example, making coatings on medical devices. Macromers of N-vinylpyrrolidone are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nasally applied, film-shaped, bioadhesive pharmaceutical form of administration containing at least one agent-containing layer that is based on crosslinked hydrophilic polymers comprising up to 60 percent by weight of Lidocaine, the percentage being in relation to the total quantity of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers. Also disclosed is the use thereof for controlling primary headaches, preferably migraine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices and the methods of making and using protein matrix materials and devices. More specifically the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, encapsulated or coated stent devices, vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein matrix suture material and meshes, skin/bone/tissue grafts, biocompatible electricity conducting matrices, clear protein matrices, protein matrix adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible protein matrix devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices made by forming a film comprising one or more biodegradable protein materials, one or more biocompatible solvents and optionally one or more pharmacologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesalamine rectal suppository designed to provide improved comfort of use. One embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository containing mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the drug load of the suppository ranges from 35% to 50%. Another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository containing from about 850 to about 1150 mg mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the total weight of the suppository ranges from about 2250 to about 2700 mg. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine having a tap density ranging from about 600 to about 800 g/L (as measured by USP <616>) and a hard fat having an ascending melting point of 32 to 35.5° C. Methods of preparing and methods of treatment with mesalamine suppositories are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pharmacophore model for arthropod repellent activity and methods of making and using thereof. The pharmacophore comprises two hydrophobic aliphatic functions, one aromatic function and one hydrogen bond acceptor function. The pharmacophore model was made using a test set of arthropod repellent compounds. Also disclosed are arthropod repellent compounds identified by screening databases with the pharmacophore model. Also disclosed are methods of repelling arthropods from a surface or area. Compositions and formulations comprising the compounds of the present invention as well as objects having the compounds of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an otorhinological delivery device comprising at least one pharmaceutically active agent. According to the invention the device comprises a core comprising said at least one pharmaceutically active agent wherein said core is made of an elastomer composition selected from the group consisting of poly(dimethylsiloxane), a siloxane-based elastomer comprising 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups attached to the Siatoms of the siloxane units, a siloxane-based elastomer comprising poly(alkylene oxide) groups and mixtures thereof, and a membrane encasing said core, said membrane being made of a same or a different elastomer composition than said core, said elastomer composition being selected from the group consisting of poly(dimethylsiloxane), a siloxane-based elastomer comprising 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups attached to the Siatoms of the siloxane units, a siloxane-based elastomer comprising poly(alkylene oxide) groups and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Drug formulations for systemic drug delivery with improved stability and rapid onset of action are described herein. The formulations may be administered via buccal administration, sublingual administration, pulmonary delivery, nasal administration, subcutaneous administration, rectal administration, vaginal administration, or ocular administration. In the preferred embodiments, the formulations are administered sublingually or via subcutaneous injection. The formulations contain an active agent and one or more excipients, selected to increase the rate of dissolution. In the preferred embodiment, the drug is insulin, and the excipients include a metal chelator such as EDTA and an acid such as citric acid. Following administration, these formulations are rapidly absorbed by the oral mucosa when administered sublingually and are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream when administered by subcutaneous injection. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a dry powder.

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: This invention relates to external drugs for dermal application which have a migraine-alleviating effect, in more detail ointments and patches comprising in mixing l-menthol and an essential oil into a base containing a hydrophilic high-molecular weight compound, a polyhydric alcohol and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more antimicrobial metals preferably selected from silver, gold, platinum, and palladium but most preferably silver, formed with atomic disorder, and preferably in a nanocrystalline form, for reducing inflammation or infection of the mucosal membrane. The antimicrobial metal may be formulated as, or used in the form of, a nanocrystalline coating of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals, or a liquid or solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles and oral compositions which enable positioning material(s) which absorb oral fluids into controlled, direct contact with at least one dental arch, or portion thereof, of a subject at the location where teeth emerge from dental arch gum tissue, in a manner conducive to increasing crevicular fluid flow while maintaining a relatively dry application field for a therapeutic and/or cosmetic result effecting period of time. The method is applicable to introduction of gingivally absorbed substances and to treatment of, for instance, periodontal gum disease wherein bacteria is swept along in the crevicular fluid and lysed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more antimicrobial metals selected from silver, gold, platinum, and palladium but most preferably silver, preferably formed with atomic disorder, and preferably in a nanocrystalline form, for the treatment of a acne. The nanocrystalline antimicrobial metal of choice may be used in the form of a nanocrystalline coating of one or more antimicrobial metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more antimicrobial metals, or a solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more antimicrobial metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to resorbable glass scaffolds for use in biological applications and methods for making same. Specifically, these scaffolds are composed of phosphate glass fibers, where the rate of dissolution into biological fluids is controlled by the length of time the glass is held above its melt temperature prior to spinning the fiber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medical device for implantation that acts to prevent transmission of infectious agents. Specifically, the present invention provides implantable devices, such as catheters or living skin matrices or wound dressings, for insertion into various body cavities or over wound sites to confer to the site microbicidal or virucidal activity. Devices in the disclosure designed as vaginal inserts also exhibit contraceptive spermicidal activity. The coated devices or devices having the inventive polymeric material interspersed throughout are formed into appropriate shapes according to their contemplated uses (such as catheters or Foley catheters). Further, the present invention provides devices for providing therapeutic anti-microbial activity into an infected body cavity or on an infected wound site.

Abstract: An agricultural item comprising a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer comprising two randomly repeating monomer units. The first randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure: wherein R1 is H or a C1-2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; and the second randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure: wherein R2 is a C3-19 alkyl or a C3-19 alkenyl. At least 50% of the randomly repeating monomer units have the structure of the first randomly repeating monomer unit.

Abstract: Compounds of prostaglandin E group (PGE compounds) are stabilized as non-aqueous compositions that include the compound together with a bulking agent that can be a non-aqueous liquid or a solid in a sheet, film or powder form. The composition can optionally include a skin penetration enhancer. A non-aqueous, solid dosage form comprises a PGE compound substantially uniformly distributed in a carrier sheet or film.

Abstract: An implant device is provided which incorporates a retinoid for improving the biocompatibility of the device in tissue. The device may be bioerodible for the purpose of systemically or locally releasing a therapeutic agent in tissue or it may be a permanent implant which includes a surface treated with a retinoid for increasing the biocompatibility thereof.

Abstract: Methods are provide for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate products. In the subject methods, dry reactants that include a calcium source and a phosphate source are combined with a solution of a soluble silicate, e.g. sodium silicate, and the combined liquids and solids are mixed to produce the flowable composition. Also provided are the compositions themselves as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including the repair of hard tissue defects, e.g. bone defects.

Abstract: An improved rapidly disintegrating flavored film that quickly and completely disintegrates on food items, including precooked food items, such as hamburgers, chicken, and pizza, includes a hydroxypropyl cellulose, a modified starch and a flavor ingredient. The flavored films of this invention completely disintegrate on precooked food items in less than a minute, and often in less than 30 seconds, whereas previously known flavored films typically do not completely dissolve on precooked food items. The flavored films of this invention may be advantageously employed for uniformly and reproducibly flavoring food items at a desired level.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the control of various diseases in bee-hives by applying to the bee-hives an effective amount of an essential oil in a slow-release formulation whereby the term oils embraces but is not limited to oils extractable from plant or the essential component thereof such as monoterpenes like menthol, geraniol, thymol, myrcene, citral, limonene, carene, camphor, eugenol, or cineol (eucalyptol); natural oils like lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, or neem oil; or organic acids like formic acid, acetic acid or oxalic acid. Most preferred are monoterpenes like thymol or menthol. Most preferred is thymol.

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 composition for forming solid particles of the present invention comprises a biodegradable polymer, a solvent, a polyhydric alcohol, a viscosity-increasing agent, and an active drug, wherein the composition is in the form of an emulsion comprising a continuous phase rich in the polyhydric alcohol and the viscosity-increasing agent and a dispersed phase of liquid particles rich in the biodegradable polymer and the solvent, the dispersed phase being present in said continuous phase. The above composition can allow the carrier comprising an active drug to reach all corners of narrow periodontal pockets, and the carrier comprising the active drug has high retention in the periodontal pockets, whereby making it possible to maintain the active drug for a long period of time at a high concentration.

Abstract: Controlled release devices are shaped and placed in locations through which insects and/or other cold blooded animals generally enter an area or a structure sought to be protected. The controlled release devices include a polymeric matrix and a pesticide contained in the matrix. The pesticide is gradually released out of the matrix to the surface of the device. The pesticide on the surface of the device kills the intruding insects or other cold blooded animals that come in contact with the pesticide. In addition, if the device is in contact with a permeable structure or object, the pesticide released onto the surface of the device is absorbed by such permeable structure or object to provide a barrier to entry by the insects and/or other cold blooded animals.

Abstract: The proliferation of uterine fibroid leiomyoma cells is inhibited by certain Fibroid Cell Growth Inhibitor (FGI) agents. The pharmacological doses of these FGI agents in the milieu of uterine fibroid cells can be made high enough to not only inhibit proliferation, but to also causes cell death. Non-invasive or minimally invasive, non-systemic delivery methods are used to deliver the FGI agent to the milieu of the target fibroid leiomyoma cell population, thereby avoiding the disadvantages and side effects of surgical and systemic hormonal therapy interventions in the treatment of uterine fibroids. The FGI agents are substrates that are normally present or are well tolerated in the human body. The efficacy of the FGI agents appears to be related to their ability to moderate the Protein Kinase C and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase pathways. Specific FGI agents shown to be useful to inhibit growth or proliferation of uterine fibroid cells include: &agr;-tocopherol, &agr;-tocopherol succinate, and troglitazone.

Abstract: This invention describes a collagen construct uniquely suited as a substrate for production of biologically active wound dressings, skin equivalents or skin substitutes. The collagen construct of the invention comprises a porous collagen sponge and a cell-impermeable transitional layer between the sponge and the boundary surface of the cell-impermeable transitional layer. Optionally, a further layer conducive to the attachment of cells, e.g. keratinocytes, may be coated as a third layer on the cell-impermeable layer. The sponge layer may be seeded with dermal cells, or other suitable cells and the boundary surface or the third layer may be seeded with epithelial cells, e.g. keratinocytes. The process used for the production of this construct also is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising a hot-melt extrudable mixture of a therapeutic compound and a high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) in an essentially non-film like preparation. In some embodiments, the formulation further comprises poly(ethylene glycol). The present invention also includes efficient methods for hot-melt extruding pharmaceutical formulations in essentially non-film preparations.

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 method of manufacturing a porous matrix-type drug delivery system is provided. It comprises the steps of: dispersing, stirring, and emulsifying an aqueous solution of a drug in an organic solvent having a polymer compound and a surface active agent solved therein; thereafter forming it into a desirable matrix shape; lyophilizing or drying it at a low temperature or room temperature until the matrix surface is hardened; and drying it again in order to remove the water and the organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for modifying the surface properties of tissue in vivo is described. The method comprises forming a liquid crystalline matrix on the tissue surface by contacting the surface with a composition comprising a poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid). Compositions comprising a poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid) and synovial fluid are also provided.

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: Solid dose ballistic projectile for medicating animals which comprises a biologically compatible projectile casing which defines an interior cavity having a wall with a frictionally engagement enhanced surface. A medicament payload, slightly oversized with respect to the cavity, is forced into the cavity engaging the frictionally-enhanced cavity surface for a tight, secure fit. The bullets are of improved accuracy and can be successfully implanted into the flesh of an animal with greater reliability.

Abstract: Controlled release devices are shaped and placed in locations through which insects and/or other cold blooded animals generally enter an area or a structure sought to be protected. The controlled release devices include a polymeric matrix and a pesticide contained in the matrix. The pesticide is gradually released out of the matrix to the surface of the device. The pesticide on the surface of the device kills the intruding insects or other cold blooded animals that come in contact with the pesticide. In addition, if the device is in contact with a permeable structure or object, the pesticide released onto the surface of the device is absorbed by such permeable structure or object to provide a barrier to entry by the insects and/or other cold blooded animals.

Abstract: Low-cost disposable elastomeric devices are conveniently insertable to grip between teeth and are easily removable. The devices contain substances such as odorants or medications which slowly permeate into the mouth. The preferred embodiment has a mushroom shaped head, containing the active substance, with a stem that engages between teeth to hold the device in place.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed which prevent the intrusion of insects into structures by using a controlled release device capable of releasing insecticide. In the disclosed method, the device maintains a minimal effective level of insecticide for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Solid, bioabsorbable materials for use as wound dressings comprise at least 50% by weight of a mixture of xanthan and at least one galactomannan, such as guar gum or locust bean gum. The weight ratio of xanthan: total galactomannans is in the range 1:99 to 99:1, preferably 10:99 to 99:10. The material is preferably made in the form of a sponge by freeze drying a mixed aqueous gel of the xanthan and galactomannans.

Abstract: An implant device is provided which incorporates a retinoid for improving the biocompatibility of the device in tissue. The device may be bioerodible for the purpose of systemically or locally releasing a therapeutic agent in tissue or it may be a permanent implant which includes a surface treated with a retinoid for increasing the biocompatibility thereof.

Abstract: A projectile can be used to administer pesticides such as one or more from the group consisting of 4-allylanisole, anisole, allylbenzene, 4-isopropylanisole, p-anisaldehyde, ethylbenzene, cumene, 4-methoxyacetophenone, 4-methylstyrene, 2-propylphenol, phenetole, and toluene, for scolytid infestation. Conifers, which are a target for scolytids, are protected by the application of the pesticides by use of a projectile containing the compound which explodes upon contact with the conifer thereby emitting the compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for changing the body temperature of a patient by having them hyperventilate a gas mixture containing sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen. The method may be applied to cool patients in any clinical situation where induced hypothermia is desirable or to rapidly rewarm hypothermic patients. The invention also includes the gas mixtures used in the method.

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: The present invention provides an opiate antagonist implant which is an admixture of an opiate antagonist, in either acid or base form, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The admixture is uniformly compressed into a subcutaneously implantable pellet which is effective to release levels of the opiate antagonist over desired amounts of time when subcutaneously implanted in a patient to effectively inhibit the effects of a number of addictive drugs.

Abstract: This invention relates to locally administrable, biodegradable and sustained-release pharmaceutical composition for periodontitis and process for preparation thereof, which can show continuous drug effect for a long time by controlling the release time and by making the drug remain in the periodontal pocket for a prolonged time. The composition is prepared by i) making a microsphere containing the physiologically active substance, ii) making the mixture of the microspheres and water-soluble polymer such as polysaccharides iii) making the mixture into the form of film or strip or/and iv) coating the film or strip with a cation aqueous solution such as calcium and barium. The present pharmaceutical composition can be easily administered using forceps, has minimized side effects and maximizes the effect by releasing the active substance at the minimum dose, and make the patients feel comfortable.