Embodiments are directed towards methods of inducing caspase activity. The methods include contacting a cell with a treatment compound represented by the following Formula (I): where R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 16 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is selected from a hydroxyl group, a tosylate group, an alkoxy group of the formula OR.sup.3 where R.sup.3 is selected from an alkyl group having from 1 to about 16 carbon atoms, or an ester group of the formula OCOR.sup.4, where R.sup.4 is an alkyl group having from 1 to about 16 carbon atoms, and n is from 4 to 46,000, with the proviso that when R.sup.1 is hydrogen and R.sup.2 is a hydroxy group the treatment compound has a number average molecular weight from 10,100 to 2,000,0000 g/mol.

##STR00001##

The invention discloses a hemostatic composition comprising: a) a biocompatible polymer in particulate form suitable for use in hemostasis, and b) one hydrophilic polymeric component comprising reactive groups.

The invention discloses a hemostatic composition comprising: a) a biocompatible polymer in particulate form suitable for use in hemostasis, and b) one hydrophilic polymeric component comprising reactive groups.

Once aspect of the present invention relates to methods of embolizing a vascular site in a mammal comprising introducing into the vasculature of a mammal a composition comprising an inverse thermosensitive polymer, wherein said inverse thermosensitive polymer gels in said vasculature, which composition may be injected through a small catheter, and which compsitions gel at or below body temperature. In certain embodiments of the methods of embolization, said composition further comprises a marker molecule, such as a dye, radiopaque, or an MRI-visible compound.

Wound repair materials and methods of using the same to inhibit excess fibrosis are disclosed.

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition of polyethylene glycol in solid powder form contained within a polymer bag having an opening. The invention also provides a method for administering a pharmaceutical composition of polyethylene glycol in solid powder form. The method includes providing a polymer bag containing the pharmaceutical composition of polyethylene glycol and adding a fluid to the bag. The polymer bag has a threaded spout and a cap threadably mountable to the spout. The threaded spout forms a passageway to an interior volume of the bag.

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition of polyethylene glycol in solid powder form contained within a polymer bag having an opening. The invention also provides a method for administering a pharmaceutical composition of polyethylene glycol in solid powder form. The method includes providing a polymer bag containing the pharmaceutical composition of polyethylene glycol and adding a fluid to the bag. The polymer bag has a threaded spout and a cap threadably mountable to the spout. The threaded spout forms a passageway to an interior volume of the bag.

Provided are ingestible polymeric formulations and oral dosage forms for the reduction of gastric volume in the treatment of overweight and obese patients. The formulation includes an acid-sensitive, gelatin coating over a dehydrated hydrophilic polymer. When ingested, the acid-sensitive coating is quickly dissolved by gastric secretions and the hydrophilic polymer is exposed to the aqueous environment of the gastric milieu. The polymer absorbs water and expands to the point that will not allow the polymer to pass beyond the pyloric valve, and the expanded polymer is therefore trapped in the stomach.

Provided are ingestible polymeric formulations and oral dosage forms for the reduction of gastric volume in the treatment of overweight and obese patients. The formulation includes an acid-sensitive, gelatin coating over a dehydrated hydrophilic polymer. When ingested, the acid-sensitive coating is quickly dissolved by gastric secretions and the hydrophilic polymer is exposed to the aqueous environment of the gastric milieu. The polymer absorbs water and expands to the point that will not allow the polymer to pass beyond the pyloric valve, and the expanded polymer is therefore trapped in the stomach.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a copolymer having a backbone, wherein the backbone comprises a) one or more units that comprise a group that will yield a biologically active agent upon hydrolysis of the backbone; and b) one or more units of formula (II): ##STR00001##
wherein y is 1 or more. Other embodiments of the invention provide a therapeutic method for treating a wound in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need of such therapy, an effective amount of a copolymer as described herein.