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 polyester resin composition and a molded body formed from the polyester resin composition are provided. The polyester resin composition includes a layered silicate and a crystalline polyester. The layered silicate is ion exchanged with a dimethyldialkylammonium salt and the ion exchange amount is equal to or higher than 0.7 and less than 0.9 based on an ion exchange capacity of the layered silicate. The dimethyldialkylammonium salt may be a dimethyldioctadecylammonium salt or a dimethyldidodecylammonium salt.

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: Novel methods for the chemical ablation of tissue (e.g. prostatic tissue) are described. These methods include the steps of: (a) providing one or more solid salt dosage form comprising 50-100% w/w salt; and (b) inserting one or more of such solid salt dosage forms into the tissue. The solid salt dosage form is optionally inserted into the tissue under real-time ultrasonic observation. An advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate toxic byproducts. For example, where NaCl-based solid salt dosage forms are used to effect localized chemical ablation, the concentration is ultimately reduced to the level of normal saline (i.e., about 0.9%) upon absorption by the body of the subject being treated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate products are provided. In the subject methods, dry reactants that include a calcium source and a phosphate source are combined with setting fluid to produce the flowable composition. A feature of the subject methods is that the dry reactants include a particulate calcium and/or phosphate reactant having a mean particle size of less than about 8 ?m and narrow size distribution. Also provided are the compositions themselves as well as kits for use in practicing the subject methods. 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: 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: The present invention provides a method for preparing biodegradable porous polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering, comprising: a) fabricating a polymer sample from a polymer solution containing at least one biodegradable polymer and an effervescent mixture; b) effervescing the polymer sample in the presence of an effervescent medium such as an aqueous alcohol solution; and c) drying. The method for preparing biodegradable polymer scaffolds of the present invention has the advantages that the process is simple, that pore size can be easily controlled, that the problem caused by the secretion and existence of the toxic substance can be avoid by using a material harmless to human body, and that high efficiency can be achieved. In addition, biodegradable porous polymer scaffolds prepared by above method have the advantages that high porosity can be achieved and an open cell structure in which pores are interconnected is obtained.

Abstract: A scleral plug which releases a drug accurately in a specified amount. The scleral plug is formed from a blend of a high-molecular weight polylactic acid having a molecular weight of 40,000 or higher and a low-molecular weight polylactic acid having a molecular weight of 40,000 or lower, and contains a drug for treating or preventing a vitreoretinal disease. The high-molecular weight polylactic acid and the low-molecular weight polylactic acid are in a blending ratio of preferably 90/10 to 50/50, more preferably 90/10 to 70/30, and most preferably 80/20. The molecular weight of the high-molecular weight polylactic acid is preferably 40,000 to 200,000. The molecular weight of the low-molecular weight polylactic acid is preferably 3,000 to 40,000, and more preferably 5,000 to 20,000. The drug is, for example, an antiulcer agent, an antiviral agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antifungal agent or an antimicrobial.

Abstract: Peptides are provided with the properties of enhancing the migration and adhesion of bone-forming cells to a substrate, useful for promoting bone mineralization and osseointegration in the healing of, for example, orthopedic surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a long-acting galenical formulation of GRF peptides, GRF and/or analogs thereof which comprises about 1 to about 100 mg of a GRF peptide, fragment or analog thereof pressed from about 1 to about 100 kg/mm2 in a tablet for parenteral administration, whereby these GRF peptides are released as the tablet is eroded.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided which incorporates a retinoid for improving the biocompatability of the device in eye 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 method to reduce the likelihood of conjunctivitis in farm animals, especially cattle, includes the step of injecting an implant containing an antibiotic effective against the microbes associated with conjunctivitis subcutaneously into the animal in close proximity to the eye. Preferably the implant includes a matrix to allow time release of the antibiotic and the implant is placed in the animal near the first part of July. Also preferably the antibiotic is tetracycline.

Abstract: Vesicles comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant and at least one molecule having the ability to transport or facilitate the transport of fats, fatty acids and lipids across mucosal membranes. With entrapped antigen they can act as immunological adjuvants. Vaccines based therein are active orally as well as by conventional administration routes and are simulators of antibody production via the Th 1 T lymphocyte partway.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and articles of manufacture for treating nicotine withdrawal symptoms and promoting smoking cessation. The methods and articles feature the administration of an effective amount of a nicotine substitute and monitor the presence of nicotine in the biological sample of such subject with a nicotine detection system.

Abstract: A formulated biological adhesive composition utilizes tissue transglutaminase in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier. The tissue transglutaminase is used in an effective catalytic amount to promote adhesion between tissue surfaces upon treatment thereof by catalyzing the reaction between glutaminyl residues and amine donors of the tissue and/or the enzyme. The carrier contains a divalent metal ion such as calcium to promote said reaction.

Abstract: A drug delivery system useful in aiding individuals in the cessation of smoking or chewing nicotine containing products is described. The delivery system includes a physical constraint modulation system (PCMS.TM.) containing lobeline. The drug delivery system is capable of delivering lobeline to an individual in a controlled, sustained release manner and providing long-term therapeutic levels of lobeline to the individual. The delivery of lobeline in such a manner reduces or eliminates the individual's smoking or chewing habit. The PCMS may be a biodegradable polymer containing the lobeline capable of subcutaneous or intramuscular injection or implantation into the individual or may be part of a transdermal patch containing lobeline. Also described are methods of using the drug delivery systems and kits containing the drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Presented are a controlled-release pharmaceutical preparation for intra-ocular implant to be applied to the interior of the eye after a surgical operation for disorders in retina/vitreous body or for glaucoma, which is produced by homogeneously dispersing an anti-inflammatory agent or a cell proliferation antagonist in certain polylactic acid and forming it into a particular shape; and a method for the prevention of the recurrence of said disorders or glaucoma after a surgical operation therefor.

Abstract: A drug delivery system useful in treating an individual for a drug dependence is described. One embodiment of the system is useful for aiding individuals in the cessation of smoking or chewing nicotine containing products is described. The delivery system includes a physical constraint modulation system (PCMS.TM.) containing lobeline. The drug delivery system is capable of delivering lobeline to an individual in a controlled, sustained release manner and providing long-term therapeutic levels of lobeline to the individual. The delivery of lobeline in such a manner reduces or eliminates the individual's smoking or chewing habit. The PCMS may be a biodegradable polymer containing the lobeline capable of subcutaneous or intramuscular injection or implantation into the individual or may be part of a transdermal patch containing lobeline. Also described are methods of using the drug delivery systems in treating other drug dependencies and kits containing the drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release liquid aqueous ophthalmic delivery system and a method of providing a slow and sustained release of ophthalmic treating agents to the eye of a mammal which comprises administering to the eye of a said mammal an effective amount of a homogeneous liquid aqueous ophthalmic pharmaceutical composition, of pH between about 3.0 and about 6.2, which is adminstrable in drop form and which comprises an ophthalmically effective concentration of a said ophthalmic treating agent and about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the polymer chitosan; said polymer consisting essentially of(A) monomeric .beta.(1.fwdarw.4)-D-glucosamine linked units and of(B) monomeric .beta.(1.fwdarw.

Abstract: A transdermal fluoride medication for providing fluoride ion for the prevention and treatment of bone loss disease, which may have an estrogen-containing substance for not only treating hormonal imbalance but to obtain more advantageous use of the fluoride ion within the body. A transdermal enhancer is present. The preferred form is a transdermal patch containing sodium monofluorophosphate and further optionally including an estrogen-containing substance and a transdermal enhancer, which is adhesively attached on the skin of the patient for slow release of fluoride ion and, optionally, estrogen to the bloodstream of the patient. Up to ten percent of sodium fluoride and/or calcium can be added.

Abstract: A topical, aqueous ophthalmic gel suspension for dry eye is administrable to the eye in drop form, remains as a gel in the eye for a prolonged time, and releases water and one or more ophthalmic demulcents or vasoconstrictors. It comprises water and from 0.1% to 6.5% by weight of lightly cross-linked carboxyl-containing polymer having a particle size of not more than about 50 .mu.m in equivalent spherical diameter. The suspension is at a pH of from 6.6 to 8.0, has an osmolality of from 50 to 400 mOsM, and a viscosity of from about 500 to about 4,000 centipoise (0.5 to 4 Pa.s).

Abstract: A drug preparation applicable to the oral mucosa is disclosed, comprising a soft adhesive film containing a systemic drug, the adhesive film comprising a homogeneous mixture comprising a vinyl acetate homopolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, and a cellulose derivative capable of being dissolved in or swollen with water and a lower alcohol. The drug preparation is less causative of an adverse feeling in the oral cavity on use, excellent in shape retention on water absorption, and adhesive to the oral mucosa for an extended period of time, thereby achieving a stable administration of a systemic drug for a long time.

Abstract: Ophthalmologic collagen coverings derived from animal eyes and a process for preparing such coverings comprising treatment of a fibrous tunic of an animal eye with an alkali metal hydroxide in a saturated solution of a salt of an alkali metal, followed by neutralization, dissolution in an aqueous solution of an organic acid, purification of the resulting solution of collagen by dialysis against a buffer solution while bringing the solution of collagen to a pH of 4.5 to 7.5 and drying the thus-obtained solution of collagen simultaneously with shaping spherical coverings therefrom.

Abstract: Ophthalmologic collagen coverings derived from animal eyes and a process preparing such coverings comprising treatment of a fibrous tunic of an animal eye with an alkali metal hydroxide in a saturated solution of a salt of an alkali metal, followed by neutralization, dissolution in an aqueous solution of an organic acid, purification of the resulting solution of collagen by dialysis against a buffer solution while bringing the solution of collagen to a pH of 4.5 to 7.5 and drying the thus-obtained solution of collagen simultaneously with shaping spherical coverings therefrom.

Abstract: Ophthalmologic collagen coverings derived from animal eyes and a process preparing such coverings comprising treatment of a fibrous tunic of an animal eye with an alkali metal hydroxide in a saturated solution of a salt of an alkali metal, followed by neutralization, dissolution in an aqueous solution of an organic acid, purification of the resulting solution of collagen by dialysis against a buffer solution while bringing the solution of collagen to a pH of 4.5 to 7.5 and drying the thus-obtained solution of collagen simultaneously with shaping spherical coverings therefrom.

Abstract: A cyclic peptide designated FR115224, administered parenterally in a cyclodextrin carrier, which exhibits antiallergic activity.

Abstract: Ophthalmologic collagen coverings derived from animal eyes and a process preparing such coverings comprising treatment of a fibrous tunic of an animal eye with an alkali metal hydroxide in a saturated solution of a salt of an alkali metal, followed by neutralization, dissolution in an aqueous solution of an organic acid, purification of the resulting solution of collagen by dialysis against a buffer solution while bringing the solution of collagen to a pH of 4.5 to 7.5 and drying the thus-obtained solution of collagen simultaneously with shaping spherical coverings therefrom.

Abstract: A method for preventing adhesion between vital tissues includes the step of placing between the tissues a material made up of biodegradable derivatives of chitin which are soluble in aqueous solutions containing dilute acids such as acetic acid. This material has the advantage of requiring no reoperation for its removal since it would be degraded and absorbed after completing its function in vivo. These materials may be in the form of a visco-elastic fluid, a gel, a film or a membrane.

Abstract: Healing of injured avascular tissue is promoted by applying angiogenic factor in proximity to the injured tissue.

Abstract: Healing of injured avascular tissue is promoted by applying angiogenic factor in proximity to the injured tissue.

Abstract: A controlled release treatment composition and method of use are disclosed. The composition includes a bioadhesive and an effective amount of a treating agent. The bioadhesive is a water-swellable, but water-insoluble, fibrous, cross-linked carboxy-functional polymer containing (a) a plurality of repeating units of which at least about 80 percent contain at least one carboxyl functionality, and (b) about 0.05 to about 1.5 percent cross-linking agent substantially free from polyalkenyl polyether.