The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides that is tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA. The biocompatible polymers are modified to contain a crosslinking group so that the HA can be incorporated into a scaffold and retained in place. The novel biomaterial 1 compositions can be made into hydrogel compositions and used in a variety of tissue applications, using mild crosslinking conditions and they also have the ability to be degraded with hyaluronidase if needed. Furthermore, the novel biomaterial compositions will enable enhanced interaction between the scaffold and encapsulated cells for a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. Methods of making hydrogel compositions and their use are also provided. The present invention also provides bifunctional biopolymer compositions comprising a biologically compatible polymer having at least one amine reactive moiety and at least one thiol reactive moiety and provides thiolated HA binding peptides which can be used together to coat or chemically modify cartilage or tissues having amine reactive residues with a biologically compatible polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.

Novel virus assembly effector compounds having a therapeutic effect against Hepatitis B viral infection are disclosed. Assembly effector molecules described herein can lead to defective viral assembly and also may affect other viral activities associated with chronic HBV infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions including the disclosed compounds, methods of treatment of HBV infection, and a process to synthesize the disclosed compounds.

Described is a storage-stable dust-free homogeneous particulate formulation. The formulation consists of (a) at least one water-soluble Vitamin E-derivative, (b) at least one hydrophilic polymer, (c) optionally additional surface-active substances, and (d) optionally additional pharmaceutical additives. The sum of (a), (b), (c) and (d) equals 100% by weight of the formulation. The fines fraction with particle diameters of less than 100 μm is less than 10% by weight. Describe also is a process for manufacturing the formulation, and use of the formulation as a solubilizing composition in pharmaceutical formulations.

The present invention relates to a sunscreen composition comprising: a. an aqueous phase; b. an oil phase comprising at least one cosmetically acceptable oil; c. at least one sunscreen active; and d. up to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of an emulsifier system comprising; i. at least one ionic surfactant; ii. at least one nonionic surfactant having an HLB of greater than or equal to about 14; and iii. at least one nonionic surfactant having an HLB of less than or equal to about 10; wherein the composition is an oil-in-water emulsion containing oil droplets having an average particle size of from about 100 to 150 nm, is alcohol-free, and appears semi-transparent to transparent upon application onto an end-user's skin.

Materials and methods for magnetically guided delivery of nanoparticles across the blood brain barrier (BBB) in the central nervous system (CNS) are provided. The method can comprise injecting a subject with an aqueous solution comprising magneto-electro nanoparticles and applying a static magnetic field directed toward the subject brain, thereby inducing a stimulus response of the nanoparticles in a controlled manner. Materials and methods provided herein are effective in delivering the nanoparticles across the BBB in the brains of animal subjects including mice and non-human primate such as baboon.

Compared to an unadjuvanted vaccine, an adjuvanted influenza vaccine can reduce by almost a quarter the risk of hospitalization for respiratory illness (e.g. influenza and pneumonia) in elderly recipients. Thus the invention provides a method for immunizing an elderly subject by administering an adjuvanted influenza vaccine, whereby the subject's risk of hospitalization for respiratory illness (e.g. influenza and pneumonia) is reduced relative to an elderly subject who receives an unadjuvanted influenza vaccine.

Compared to an unadjuvanted vaccine, an adjuvanted influenza vaccine can reduce by almost a quarter the risk of hospitalization for respiratory illness (e.g. influenza and pneumonia) in elderly recipients. Thus the invention provides a method for immunizing an elderly subject by administering an adjuvanted influenza vaccine, whereby the subject's risk of hospitalization for respiratory illness (e.g. influenza and pneumonia) is reduced relative to an elderly subject who receives an unadjuvanted influenza vaccine.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising a conjugate of a cytokine and a tumor targeting moiety (TTM) and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the cytokine is present in an amount which does not induce a negative feedback mechanism.

The invention relates to beneficial topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising diclofenac sodium in high amounts, and methods for their use. Said compositions represent emulsion-gels as well as gels with unique properties such as high skin penetration, no irritation, high stability, complete dissolution of the active and effective pain relief. The invention also provides methods for treating pain or inflammation in a mammalian subject in need thereof, including acute and chronic pain or inflammation; and kits therefor.

The invention relates to beneficial topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising diclofenac sodium in high amounts, and methods for their use. Said compositions represent emulsion-gels as well as gels with unique properties such as high skin penetration, no irritation, high stability, complete dissolution of the active and effective pain relief. The invention also provides methods for treating pain or inflammation in a mammalian subject in need thereof, including acute and chronic pain or inflammation; and kits therefor.