Abstract: The invention relates to a multiparticulate modified release composition that in operation delivers an active ingredient in a pulsed or bimodal manner. The multiparticulate modified release composition comprises an immediate release component and a modified release component; the immediate release component comprising a first population of active ingredient containing particles and the modified release component comprising a second population of active ingredient containing particles coated with a controlled release coating; wherein the combination of the immediate release and modified release components in operation deliver the active ingredient in a pulsed or a bimodal manner. The invention also relates to a solid oral dosage form containing such a multiparticulate modified release composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions that contain a solid pharmaceutically active compound having a melting point ≧37° C. and a fatty acid or a fatty acid salt or a mixture of a fatty acid and a fatty acid salt. Such composition results in a depression in melting point to ≦37° C. upon contact with an aqueous solution thereby providing an improved outlook for absorption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an oral sustained-release pharmaceutical composition of felodipine. The process includes mixing together felodipine with at least an ionic surfactant or hydrophilic polymer, and at least a release-controlling excipient. The pharmaceutical composition of felodipine produced by the process of the present invention possesses the enhanced dissolution rate of the insoluble drug of felodipine, whereas the sustained releasing profile and superior bioavailability of the produced pharmaceutical composition of felodipine are retained.

Abstract: The invention provides moulded items made from thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), in particular medical articles such as central venous catheters which contain a homogeneous distribution of antibiotic substances, a process for the preparation thereof and preparation of the active substance-containing TPUs.

Abstract: The present invention concerns orodispersible tablets, which are able to disintegrate in the buccal cavity upon contact with saliva by formation of an easy-to-swallow suspension, in less than 60 seconds, preferably in less than 40 seconds, containing fexofenadine in the form of coated granules, and a mixture of excipients comprising at least one disintegrating agent, a soluble diluent agent, a lubricant and optionally a swelling agent, a permeabilizing agent, sweeteners, flavoring agents and colors; the process for obtaining such orodispersible tablets and the coated granules incorporated therein and the use of said orodispersible tablets in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Abstract: A fluid matrix comprising cross-linked remodelable collagen from a donor vertebrate animal is useful for regenerating hydrodynamic function in damaged intervertebral discs in vivo. The matrix may be injectable and may comprise cells and a plurality of purified cell growth factors. The matrix promotes cell growth and elaboration of proteoglycans to facilitate regeneration of native tissues. The collagen in the matrix may be cross-linked using photooxidative catalysis and visible light, and purified cell growth factors are preferably at least partly bone-derived.

Abstract: A process for conveniently producing a stable protein powder retaining the higher-order structure at a high level which comprises freezing a protein-containing solution at a cooling rate of about −300 to −10° C./min. and then drying.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for providing prolonged-release of therapeutic agents by way of in situ stereotaxic implantation in specific loci, including pathways, to treat known disorders. One or more microstructures comprising therapeutic agents and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are implanted, for example, through a cannula. The microstructures are of a sufficient size and shape to prevent dispersion from the implant site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained-release preparation comprising 1) a polymer of lactic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of about 25,000 to about 60,000 and 2) a physiologically active substance, and which releases the physiologically active substance over a period of at least about 5 months; the sustained-release preparation shows an almost continuous zero order release of the physiologically active substance over a period of as long as about 5 months.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant attachment stabilizer having, as an effective component, a methanebisphosphonic acid derivative represented by general formula (I) [where, in the formula, X, Y, m, n, , A, B, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the Specification], or hydrate thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an efficient preparation method of spherical fine particles containing a drug for an easily-swallowed, controlled-release preparation comprising the production of drug-containing spherical fine particles (mean particle size: 60-200 &mgr;m) by adding a binder solution to a mixture containing an excipient powder having the property of retaining solvent (and preferably having a mean length of the long axis of 40 &mgr;m or less) and a drug powder (preferably having a mean length of the long axis of 50 &mgr;m or less), followed by high-speed mixing granulation.

Abstract: Cosmetic or personal care compositions, such as for styling hair, comprise a thermoplastic elastomer which is a block copolymer comprising a core polymer having a backbone comprising at least a proportion of C—C bonds and two or more flanking polymers. Each flanking polymer is covalently bound to an end of the core polymer and the copolymer is soluble at a level of at least 1% by weight in water at 25° C. The compositions comprise a cosmetically acceptable diluent or carrier.

Abstract: Weight gain in a mammal, especially a human, having a condition that leads to decreased weight gain or weight loss, such as AIDS, brain trauma, a chronic neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or multiple sclerosis, or other condition, is promoted by increasing the effective concentration of a GPE-related compound (GPE or a GPE analog) in the central nervous system of the mammal. This increase may be achieved by administration to the mammal of an effective amount of a GPE-related compound, a prodrug thereof, or an implant containing cells that express the GPE-related compound or prodrug.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents and methods for specifically delivering antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents to phagocytic mammalian cells. The invention also relates to specific delivery to and uptake of such compounds by phagocytic cells. The invention specifically relates to reagents and methods for facilitating the entry of antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents into phagocytic cells. The invention specifically provides compositions of matter and pharmaceutical embodiments of such compositions comprising such antibiotic, antimicrobial or antiviral compounds, drugs and agents conjugated to, impregnated with or coated onto particulate carriers generally termed microparticles. In particular embodiments, the antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents are covalently linked to a microparticle via a specifically-degradable linker molecule which is the target of a microorganism-specific protein having enzymatic activity.

Abstract: An adjuvant for vaccines comprising lecithin and a polymer, whereby the polymer is preferably polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a pharmaceutical preparation for subcutaneous, parenteral administration, which contains bisphosphonic acids or their salts as the active substance, as well as the production of this preparation. By means of the preparation in accordance with the invention it is possible to administer locally relatively high concentrations of bisphosphonates without the occurrence of incompatibilities.

Abstract: Non-absorbent substrates for use in inhibiting the production of exoproteins from Gram positive bacteria, such as harmful proteins produced by Staphylococcus species, are provided. The substrates are particularly useful for inhibiting the production of TSST-1, alpha-toxin and/or enterotoxins A, B and C from S. aureus bacteria. The substrates include an alkyl polyglycoside incorporated in or on at least a portion of the substrate. The alkyl polyglycoside typically has an HLB of about 10 to 15 and/or an average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain of about 8 to about 12.

Abstract: Compositions useful for improving effectiveness of alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components include carrier components, alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components, solubility enhancing components which aid in solubilizing the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components. In one embodiment, the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components include alpha-2-adrenergic agonists. In another embodiment, the solubility enhancing components include carboxymethylcellulose.

Abstract: A device for controlled release of pharmaceutical agents and a method for use of the device. The drug delivery device comprises a covered container with an aperture and an aperture cover, containing a pharmaceutical agent and an excipient formulation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drug delivery device for a human eye. The human eye has a sclera, an inferior oblique muscle, and a macula. The device of the present invention includes a pharmaceutically active agent, and a geometry that facilitates the implantation of the device on an outer surface of the sclera, beneath the inferior oblique muscle, and with the pharmaceutically active agent disposed above the macula. Methods of delivery a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior segment of the human eye are also disclosed.