Abstract: Microparticles consisting of (a) a matrix with a mixture of (a1) at least one hydrophobic, biologically degradable polymer and (a2) optionally at least one water-soluble polymer, (b) a pharmaceutical active ingredient distributed in the matrix, and (c) in addition at least one water-insoluble, surface-active substance from the group of lecithins and phospholipids, distributed in the matrix, and a three-phase emulsion process for their preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed are in situ-forming injectable hydrogel and medical uses thereof. In the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel two or more homogeneous or heterogeneous polymers are bonded to each other by a dehydrogenation reaction between phenol or aniline moieties on adjacent polymers, wherein a polymer backbone is grafted with a phenol or aniline moiety using a linker. In contrast to conventional hydrogel, the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel is superior in terms of in vivo stability and mechanical strength thanks to the introduction of a water-soluble polymer as a linker which leads to an improvement in the reactivity of phenol or aniline moieties. Having the advantage of superior bio stability and mechanical strength, the hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field.

Abstract: A compound of general formula I their use as calcium receptor-active compounds for the prophylaxis, treatment or amelioration of physiological disorders or diseases associated with disturbances of CaSR activity, such as hyperparathyroidism, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, methods of treating diseases with said compounds, and the use of said compounds in the manufacture of medicaments.

Abstract: Object of the invention are mucoadhesive and controlled release formulations consisting of aqueous solutions containing 0.05% to 5% by weight of a natural purified polymer having xyloglucan structure and 10% to 70% by weight of glycerol. These formulations are suitable for the application on human mucous membranes, such as nasal, oral and vaginal mucous membranes, as moisturizing and softening agents or as pharmaceutical release system. Further objects of the invention are pharmaceutical formulations and medical devices suitable for the application to human mucous membranes, containing the mucoadhesive and controlled release formulations together with active ingredients and excipients.

Abstract: The present invention relates biomedically useful compositions containing bioactive agents and biodegradable carbohydrate polyethers that exhibit reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. The microstructure structure and properties of the carbohydrate polyethers can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell delivery, surgical procedures and the like.

Abstract: A method for orally administering a parathyroid hormone, PTH, comprising orally co-administering to a patient in need of PTH an effective amount of a PTH and an effective amount of calcitonin. The method according to the invention allows for the oral administration of PTH without the hypercalcemia, hypercalcuria and nephrolithiasis side effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting autoantibodies to osteoprotegerin (OPG). The method comprises the step of providing a biological sample from a subject with, or at risk of osteoporosis and detecting whether or not any antibodies against osteoprotegerin (OPG) are present in said sample. In addition the invention provides methods useful in aiding the diagnosis/prognosis and/or therapeutic regimen for autoimmune and/or vascular disease in general.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an oral solid transmucosal dosage form that enhances transmucosal permeation of biologically active polypeptides across oral mucosal tissue and provides relatively rapid efficacious therapeutic onset thereof. Dosage forms prepared according to the invention can enhance transmucosal absorption of polypeptides in therapeutic serum concentrations to the recipient. The invention provides a solid dosage form for oral transmucosal absorption of a biologically active polypeptide, wherein the dosage form comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a therapeutically active polypeptide; a bile salt; and an effervescent excipient component, which can comprise an effervescent couple and optionally a pH adjusting substance. The invention includes a method of administering a biologically active polypeptide, as well as a method of enhancing transmucosal absorption of a biologically active polypeptide.

Abstract: Calcitonin products and therapies for treating inflammatory or degenerative diseases are disclosed herein. The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein include a first therapeutic agent that is calcitonin, in free or salt form; a second therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of a protease inhibitor, an antibiotic, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, a COX-2 inhibitor and a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent other than glucocorticoid; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of calcitonin suitable for intranasal administration comprised of calcitonin, chlorobutanol at a concentration of less than 0.4% weight/weight, and water and having a pH of less than 4 with the proviso that benzalkonium chloride is not present in the solution. The aqueous solution of calcitonin can be used to treat osteoporosis, Paget's bone disease and hypercalcemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crystalline polymorphic forms of the di-sodium salt of N-(5-chlorosalicyloyl)-8-aminocaprylic acid, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, methods of preparing the same, and methods for facilitating the delivery of active agents with the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for transdermal delivery of dried or lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions and methods using thereof. The system comprises an apparatus for facilitating transdermal delivery of an agent that generates hydrophilic micro-channels, and a patch comprising a therapeutically active agent. The present invention is useful for transdermal delivery of hydrophilic agents, particularly of high molecular weight proteins.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density.

Abstract: Various nucleic acid-based matrixes are provided, comprising nucleic acid monomers as building blocks, as well as nucleic acids encoding proteins, so as to produce novel biomaterials. The nucleic acids are used to form dendrimers that are useful as supports, vectors, carriers or delivery vehicles for a variety of compounds in biomedical and biotechnological applications. In particular, the macromolecules may be used for the delivery of drugs, genetic material, imaging components or other functional molecule to which they can be conjugated. An additional feature of the macromolecules is their ability to be targeted for certain organs, tumors, or types of tissues. Methods of utilizing such biomaterials include delivery of functional molecules to cells.

Abstract: Compositions containing a drug to be delivered and at least one chemical permeation enhancer (CPE), and methods of making and using these compositions are described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions contain two or more CPEs which behave in synergy to increase the permeability of the epithelium, while providing an acceptably low level of cytotoxicity to the cells. The concentration of the one or more CPEs is selected to provide the greatest amount of overall potential (OP). Additionally, the CPEs are selected based on the treatment. CPEs that behave primarily by transcellular transport are preferred for delivering drugs into epithelial cells. CPEs that behave primarily by paracellular transport are preferred for delivering drugs through epithelial cells. Also provided herein are mucoadhesive oral dosage forms. In a preferred embodiment, the oral dosage form is a multi-compartmental device, containing (i) a supporting compartment, (ii) drug compartment and (iii) mucoadhesive compartment.

Abstract: Enterally administered calcitonin family members other than amylin, particularly calcitonin itself, are effective to treat Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes or metabolic syndrome, for mitigating insulin resistance, and for reducing serum glucose levels.

Abstract: Acid-containing oral pharmaceutical compositions are provided wherein the pharmaceutical active agents are peptide compounds (i.e., those that include a plurality of amino acids and at least one peptide bond in their molecular structures). Certain barrier layers and/or particulate coated acid are used to reduce any adverse interactions that might otherwise occur between the acid of the compositions and other components of the composition. Use of these barrier layers and/or use of particulate coated acid is believed to promote a more simultaneous release of the components of the composition than is achieved by prior art acid-protection techniques, thus enhancing, and making more consistent, the bioavailability of the active peptide compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates of a polypeptide and an oligosaccharide, wherein the polypeptide is conjugated to at least one oligosaccharide-spacer residue, the oligosaccharide being a synthetic sulfated oligosaccharide comprising 4-18 monosaccharide units and per se having affinity to antithrombin III and the spacer being a bond or an essentially pharmacologically inactive flexible linking residue, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The conjugates of the invention have improved pharmacokinetic properties when compared to the original polypeptides (i.e. the corresponding non-conjugated polypeptides per se).

Abstract: The present invention relates to obesity related polypeptides (ORPs), related nucleic acids, expression constructs, host cells, and processes production of the obesity related polypeptides. The ORPs of the invention include one or more amino acid sequence modifications. In addition, methods and compositions are disclosed to treat and prevent metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risk.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition for potentiating formation of DISC (Death Inducing Signaling Complex) macro-complex and for inducing apoptotic signal mediated by death receptors in tumour cells comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent selected among a hypocalcemia-inducing agent, a calcium channel inhibitor and a calcium chelator in association with a therapeutically effective amount of an anticancer agent inducing an apoptotic signal via death receptors Fas, TNF-R1, DR4 and/or DR5.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for modulating the release and/or drug loading characteristics of encapsulated bioactive agents in polymer-based delivery systems via direct modification of the isoelectric point and/or net charge of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; and formulation IV: non-polar solvent, active compound, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having a specific surface area of less than about 67 m2/g. The diketopiperazine microparticle can be fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug such as insulin.

Abstract: A therapeutic or bioeffecting film delivery system which includes nanoparticles having actives bound to or associated with the nanoparticles and which when administered allow the active to perform a therapeutic or bioeffecting function.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for appetite suppression and weight control. Preferred peptides are calcitonin analogs, preferably with specific amino acid changes to make the peptide more amylin-like.

Abstract: A treatment system and method for osteopenia and osteoporosis using non-synthetic bio-available hormones, vitamins, minerals, and agents may be customized by varying the dosage and formulation of the components to maximize therapeutic effect, bioavailability, and patient comfort and compliance with their treatment method, the treatment system including a storage unit including a determined number of applications of hormones, minerals, and vitamins of appropriate dosages for treating the patient with osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a novel pharmaceutical agent having an excellent preventive effect on post-stroke RSD. The present invention provides an agent for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD, comprising natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative as an active ingredient. The present invention is also intended to provide a method for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD, comprising administering natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative and use of natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative for producing an agent for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that the disodium salt of certain delivery agents has surprisingly greater efficacy for delivering active agents than the corresponding monosodium salt. Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that the disodium salts of these delivery agents form solvates with ethanol and hydrates with water. The delivery agents have the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4 alkyl, or C1-C4 alkoxy; and R5 is a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C16alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted C2-C16 alkenylene, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C12 alkyl(arylene), or substituted or unsubstituted aryl(C1-C12 alkylene). The hydrates and solvates of present invention also have surprisingly greater efficacy for delivering active agents, such as heparin and calcitonin, than their corresponding monosodium salts and free acids. The present invention provides an alcohol solvate, such as ethanol solvate, of a disodium salt of a delivery agent of the formula above.

Abstract: This invention relates to potent selective agonists of the EP4 subtype of prostaglandin E2 receptors, their use or a formulation thereof in the treatment of glaucoma and other conditions, which are related to elevated intraocular pressure in the eye of a patient. This invention further relates to the use of the compounds of this invention for mediating the bone modeling and remodeling processes of the osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Abstract: A polymeric prodrug composition including a hydrogel, a biologically active moiety and a reversible prodrug linker. The prodrug linker covalently links the hydrogel and the biologically active moiety at a position and the hydrogel has a plurality of pores with openings on its surface. The diameter of the pores is larger than that of the biologically active moiety at least at all points of the pore between at least one of the openings and the position of the biologically active moiety.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral pharmaceutical compositions that enable the successful delivery of drugs in a pharmaceutically effective amount, particularly poly(amino acids) such as peptides, peptidomimetics and proteins, e.g. hormones to a subject via oral administration to accomplish the desired therapeutic effect. The oral pharmaceutical composition comprising a poly(amino acid) as the active ingredient, e.g. a peptide or protein, shows a rapid disintegration and/or dissolution such that the active ingredient is able to attain a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof, including a salt of such an ester or amide, and a solvate of such an ester, amide or salt. The invention also provides also provides the use of such compounds in the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition associated with a disease or disorder associated with estrogen receptor activity. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 , R10 and R11 are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic and/or prophylactic uses of hydrazide compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds as an active component for treating a disease or disorder requiring modulation of vacuolar (H+)-ATPases.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating reperfusion or resuscitation injury in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to the individual who has had, having, or is at immediate risk of having an ischemic event an amount of a composition comprising a protein kinase A (PKA) activator and a ?1-adrenergic receptor antagonist sufficient to reduce reperfusion injury to an ischemic tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are drug delivery systems for the delivery of small molecule and macromolecular drugs. More particularly, disclosed are substituted analogs of 3,6-di(alkyl-4 aminobutyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine (which may also be referred to DKP), their use in the formulation of both small molecule and macromolecular drugs including therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents, stabilizing agents and systems for their delivery.

Abstract: Described are derivatives of hybrid peptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such, wherein said hybrid peptides comprise the C-terminal end of the human amylin peptide sequence, the middle portion of the salmon calcitonin peptide sequence and the N-terminal end of the human amylin peptide sequence, and wherein an albumin binding moiety is attached to the hybrid peptide, optionally via a linker.

Abstract: The present invention concerns size- and shape-controlled, colloidal superparticles (SPs) and methods for synthesizing the same. Ligand-functionalized nanoparticles such as nonpolar-solvent-dispersible nanoparticles, are used, and the solvophobic interactions can be controlled. Advantageously, supercrystalline SPs having a superlattice structure, such as a face-centered cubic structure, can be produced. Further, the methods of the invention can provide SPs that self-assemble and are monodisperse. The SPs can be doped with organic dyes and further assembled into more complex structures.

Abstract: A novel class or family of TGF-? binding proteins is disclosed. Also disclosed are assays for selecting molecules for increasing bone mineralization and methods for utilizing such molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for in situ treatment of malignant cells from a cancer associated with bone. In one method, the treatment is for a primary cancer and entails positioning an implant containing and/or coated with at least one active agent for treating malignant cells directly in/on or indirectly among/near (e.g., by placing the implant in an area immediately proximal to) a site containing the malignant cells. In another method, the treatment includes positioning an implant containing and/or coated with at least one active agent for treating malignant cells directly in/on or indirectly among/near (e.g., by placing the implant in an area immediately proximal to) a surgical site from which malignant cells were previously removed/excised.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a novel pharmaceutical agent having an excellent preventive effect on post-stroke RSD. The present invention provides an agent for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD, comprising natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative as an active ingredient. The present invention is also intended to provide a method for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD, comprising administering natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative and use of natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative for producing an agent for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for oral drug delivery comprising a solid dosage form containing an effective amount of a therapeutic agent, a permeation enhancer and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and a bioadhesive layer containing a bioadhesive polymer, and optionally comprising an impermeable or semi-permeable layer having an opening capable of directing a unidirectional release of the therapeutic agent and the permeation enhancer from the solid dosage form. Methods of making and using the present pharmaceutical composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions, and method for preparing pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a cross-linked matrix physically entrapping at least one therapeutic agent. The matrix may comprise one or more phases in addition to an aqueous phase, such as a solid and/or oil phase. The matrix of the invention has at least one controlled release in-vivo kinetic profile, and may have additional profiles for the same agent. The matrix may also comprise more than one therapeutic agent, and each additional therapeutic agent may have one or more controlled release in-vivo kinetic profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixture of: a bone/cartilage formation promoting agent containing sulfated galactosaminoglycan having greater than or equal to 0.6 numbers of ester sulfate groups on average per constituent monosaccharide or a salt thereof as an active ingredient; a factor having a bone/cartilage formation promoting action; or a bone filler (BMP, TGF-?, FGF, IGF, insulin, PDGF, HGF, midkine, pleiotrophin, collagen, gelatin, proteoglycan, fibronectin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein, hydroxyapatite, dicalcium phosphate anhydride, dicalcium phosphate dehydrate, ?-tricalcium phosphate, amorphous calcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate, ?-tricalcium phosphate, PLLA, PLGA, titanium, decalcified bone, autogeneous bone, or the like).

Abstract: A method of delivering a drug composition comprises providing a carrier having a phosphatidylcholine component and a drug entrapped therein, and applying the composition to the skin for transdermal delivery of the drug, wherein the composition is stable at room temperature.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for mucosal delivery of agents are provided. The compositions are intended for administration to mucosal surface, such as oral, gastrointestinal and nasal mucosa. The compositions provided contain one or more mucoadhesive proteins and an agent to be delivered. Methods for delivery of agents using the compositions provided herein are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a scaffold coated and/or impregnated with at least one bioactive agent. This is accomplished by culturing at least one cell in the same medium as a scaffold, but without physical contact between the at least one cell and the scaffold. The system includes a container having a surface defining an interior compartment. A medium is disposed within the interior compartment. At least one cell is disposed within the medium, the at least one cell being capable of producing at least one bioactive agent. Further, a scaffold is disposed within the medium. The scaffold is physically separated from the at least one cell such that there is no contact between the scaffold and the at least one cell. Thus, as the at least one cell produces at least one bioactive agent, such as a growth factor, the at least one bioactive agent enters the medium, and contacts and coats and/or impregnates the scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid composition, as an ejection liquid used for stably ejecting liquid droplets, including at least one kind of a protein and a peptide, and a compound having a betaine skeleton by application of thermal energy to the liquid; a method of making droplets form the liquid; and an ejection method and an ejection device suitable for utilizing protein liquid droplets. By adding a compound having a betaine skeleton to an aqueous solution of at least one kind of a protein and a peptide, the liquid composition is improved in stability for ejection by application of thermal energy. Further, a surfactant may be further added to the liquid composition containing the compound having a betaine skeleton, and in this case the effect of stable ejection can be obtained.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating a bone condition of an animal. The compostion includes nanoparticles; a targeted moiety covalently bonded to an outer surface of each nanoparticle; and osteoblast stimulating molecules encapsulated within each nanoparticle. The method for treating a bone condition includes introducing the composition into the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for the oral delivery of pharmacologically active calcitonin, to methods of synergistically enhancing the biological effects of orally administered calcitonin with D type vitamins and calcium, and to methods of treating and/or preventing disease in mammals, particularly humans, by orally administering calcitonin compositions in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are an injectable sustained-release pharmaceutical formulation and a process for preparing the same. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises an active ingredient in a therapeutically effective amount, an amphipathic molecule, an organic acid and/or a salt thereof which is hardly soluble in water, and an oily solvent. The injectable sustained-release pharmaceutical formulation provides a good sustained-release effect for various active ingredients, in particular peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and saccharides.