Abstract: This invention provides rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices that are stable over time and exhibit more predictable and consistent membrane functionality. According to another aspect, the membranes have enhanced permeability. According to the invention, the rate controlling membrane of a controlled drug delivery device is subjected to a pre-treatment annealing process wherein it is subjected to an elevated temperature for a predetermined time period and subsequently cooled to ambient conditions before incorporation into a controlled drug delivery device.

Abstract: This invention provides rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices that are stable over time and exhibit more predictable and consistent membrane functionality. According to another aspect, the membranes have enhanced permeability. According to the invention, the rate controlling membrane of a controlled drug delivery device is subjected to a pre-treatment annealing process wherein it is subjected to an elevated temperature for a predetermined time period and subsequently cooled to ambient conditions before incorporation into a controlled drug delivery device.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of impotence via delivery to the urethra comprises a vasoactive prostaglandin and a polyethylene glycol dispersant having sufficient viscosity to be retained without spillage from a urethra receivable insert. The composition can additionally contain an .alpha.-blocker. Suppositories can be formulated that are small enough for administration to the male urethra, and that dissolve, melt or bioerode within the urethra to release the active agent(s). The suppositories can contain vasodilators other than prostaglandins as the active for the treatment of impotence. Suppositories can also be formulated that contain active agents useful in the treatment of priapism or Peyronie's syndrome.

Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material which can be used to deliver a drug, such as an antibiotic, into a diseased tissue pocket, such as a periodontal pocket. The material is preferably a bioerodible oligomer or polymer. The oligomer or polymer containing the drug is heated and is then delivered, preferably by injection, into the tissue pocket at a physiologically compatible elevated temperature. Once the bioerodible material is injected into the pocket, the material cools to the body temperature of the pocket. As it cools, the material hardens and remains in place in the tissue pocket. The hardened material bioerodes in the pocket and releases the drug over a period of several days.

Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material which can be used to deliver a drug, such as an antibiotic, into a diseased tissue pocket, such as a periodontal pocket. The material is preferably a bioerodible oligomer or polymer. The oligomer or polymer containing the drug is heated and is then delivered, preferably by injection, into the tissue pocket at a physiologically compatible elevated temperature. Once the bioerodible material is injected into the pocket, the material cools to the body temperature of the pocket. As it cools, the material hardens and remains in place in the tissue pocket. The hardened material bioerodes in the pocket and releases the drug over a period of several days.

Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (40) having a shaft with a deformable distal end which forms a dose receiving cavity when an internal piston is retracted relative to the shaft.

Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.

Abstract: A high flux transdermal nitroglycerin therapeutic system is disclosed which is capable of delivering nitroglycerin through intact human skin at rates of 40 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 hr and preferably in the range of 50-150 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 hr. Ethanol delivered at a rate of from 250-500 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 hr is employed as a permeation enhancer for the nitroglycerin and a rate controlling membrane formed from ethylene vinyl acetate having a vinyl acetate content greater than 11% and preferably between 12-18% provides the appropriate rate control for both the drug and the permeation enhancer. This system is suitable for use in treatment of angina pectoris and congestive heart failure.

Abstract: A high flux transdermal nitroglycerin therapeutic system is disclosed which is capable of delivering nitroglycerin through intact human skin at rates of 40 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 hr and preferably in the range of 50-150 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 hr. Ethanol delivered at a rate of from 250-500 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 hr is employed as a permeation enhancer for the nitroglycerin and a rate controlling membrane formed from ethylene vinyl acetate having a vinyl acetate content greater than 11% and preferably between 12-18% provides the appropriate rate control for both the drug and the permeation enhancer. This system is suitable for use in treatment of angina pectoris and congestive heart failure.