Abstract: Devices, method to produce devices and methods to perform bone augmentation using a bag having two membranes on one side and one membrane on the other side which is preferably perforated. The bag can be filled with bone augmenting material. The bag can be used in the jaws while placing the side with the one membrane towards the jaw bone and the side with the two membranes towards the gingiva.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled release delivery compositions and methods of using them for pathologies associated with Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck. Specifically, the invention relates to regulating drug delivery by the use of chitosan based matrices together with chitosanases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods useful for the treatment of ear disorders, administered to a treated ear in the form of a foam or a mousse. Administering a medicament in such forms will increase the residence time of the medicament in the ear canal, provide relatively uniform distribution of the composition, and can increase the penetration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the affected area, may release active substances slowly, enhance treatment effectiveness, increase compliance and is more convenient to use than currently available ear medications. The administration in the form of a foam or a mousse may preferably be provided as a metered dose, of a volume suitable to fill the ear canal.

Abstract: The invention involves methods and products related to the micronization of hydrophobic drugs. A method of micronizing hydrophobic drugs using a set of solutions including an aqueous solution is provided. The invention also relates to products of micronized hydrophobic drugs and related methods of use.

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 compositions and methods useful for the treatment of ear disorders, administered to a treated ear in the form of a foam or a mousse. Administering a medicament in such forms will increase the residence time of the medicament in the ear canal, provide relatively uniform distribution of the composition, and can increase the penetration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the affected area, may release active substances slowly, enhance treatment effectiveness, increase compliance and is more convenient to use than currently available ear medications. The administration in the form of a foam or a mousse may preferably be provided as a metered dose, of a volume suitable to fill the ear canal.

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: The invention concerns the use of iso-osmotic saline solutions, in particular obtained from sea water, to obtain a medicine for cerumenolytic treatment.

Abstract: The invention presents methods for preventing and treating sensorineural hearing loss and is directed to the restoration or protection of hair cells in individuals experiencing a non-presbycusis type sensorineural hearing loss or who are at risk for an acute hearing loss due to exposure to noise, toxins, or other stressors. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of agents which augment inner ear antioxidant defenses (e.g. acetyl-L-carnitine, steroids, compounds that are transported into inner ear hair cells and then synthesized by said cells into glutahione) to prevent and/or reverse hearing loss induced by noise, toxins, or other stressors.

Abstract: Generally, the method for preventing or relieving discomfort in the ears arising from congestion and/or obstruction of in the eustachian tubes comprising or changes in middle ear pressure relative to atmospheric pressure arising from environmental conditions in an individual need of prevention or relief from discomfort in the ears comprises the steps of: 1) administering a solution of 1.5%-3.5% (preferably 2-3%) sodium chloride solution having a pH of about 6 to 7.8 (preferably 6.5-7.5) in an aqueous solution as a spray or mist into the nose, 2) minimizing discharge of the solution from the nose for at least 5 seconds, then 3) evacuating the nose under pressure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of increasing external auditory tube patency while simultaneously preventing the occurrence of otitis externa comprising administration of an aerosolized mixture of lipid crystals comprised of a mixture of one or more lipids surfactants and one or more spreading agents selected from the group consisting of cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, in powder form, and one or more fluorocarbon propellants directly to the external auditory tube via the external auditory meatus. Upon administration, the propellant(s) are evaporated from the mixture and the lipid crystals are deposited upon an air/liquid interface resident upon epithelial tissue lining the external auditory tube.

Abstract: The invention is accomplished by preventing and/or reversing inner ear damage due to noise or toxins. In part, this is accomplished by upregulating antioxidant enzyme activity by applying agents such as R-N6-Phenylisopropyl adenosine (R-PIA) to the round window membrane of the inner ear or systemically, and/or by also applying agents such as 1-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Procysteine) to the round window membrane. Also, the invention is accomplished by giving the compounds systemically. Selective auditory hair cell protection in the face of gentamicin exposure by concomitant delivery of an NMDA antagonist or glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) with the gentamicin. These and additional agents are also accomplished by curtailing activated programmed cell death pathways and/or inducing/enhancing cell repair mechanisms in the inner ear. The agent (s) may be applied before, during or after the noise trauma or toxin exposure.

Abstract: Mupirocin or a salt or ester thereof may be used to treat recurrent sinusitis and recurrent otitis, in particular with novel spray or cream formulations adapted for administration to the nasopharynx

Abstract: Mupirocin or a salt or ester thereof may be used to treat recurrent sinusitis and recurrent otitis, in particular with novel spray or cream formulations adapted for administration to the nasopharynx.

Abstract: An aminoglycoside formulation for delivery by aerosolization. The concentrated aminoglycoside formulation containing an efficacious amount of aminoglycoside able to inhibit 95-100% of susceptible bacteria. Aminoglycoside formulated in 5 ml solution of a quarter normal saline having pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The method for treatment of endobronchial infections by a produced by a formulation delivered as an aerosol having mass medium average diameter predominantly between 1 to 5 .mu., produced by a jet or ultrasonic nebulizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides delipidating compositions containing essentially oil-free "empty" cyclodextrin compositions. It also provides compositions for use in removal of cerumen from the ear. The compositions containing "empty" cyclodextrin advantageously avoid use of harsh, drying agents or injurious mechanical methods.

Abstract: A device useful for the treatment of infections of the middle ear in a prophylactic manner. A preferred device involves the use of a biodegradable support incorporating a therapeutically active agent, such as a drug. The device can be surgically inserted into the middle ear and there expand in order to substantially contact the walls of the middle ear. As it biodegrades, the expanded device provides prolonged, responsive release of active agent to the middle ear.