The invention relates to an anchoring device specifically for the retention of bioactive substances in the immediate post-Cesarean section uterus for contraception. The invention includes a dual anchoring device, preferably a permanent anchoring knot, provided with a noose, for insertion in the top of the uterus with an inserter, and which is kept in place during the involution phase of the uterus by a supplementary means of temporary fixation, to overcome the risk of IUD/IUS dislodgment from the soft uterine wall. The anchoring device includes a biodegradable suture, consolidated with the permanent anchoring knot, for its temporary fixation to the serosa of the uterus. The anchoring knot can be easily removed from the uterus at any time after its insertion in the uterine wall and fixation to the serosa due to the fast biodegrading time of the suture.

The invention pertains to improved contraceptive methods based on a reversible pseudo state of the Asherman's syndrome, in which the female body follows the normal natural part of the menstrual cycle that occurs in the ovary, the ovulatory cycle, and as a consequence the emotional life follows the normal mental passion patterns, but in which the normal uterine cycle and endometrium functions have been effectively switched off and the uterus resides in a quiescent phase preventing pregnancy and menstruation. The invention can also be used for preventing or suppressing abnormal endometrial bleeding.

The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame. The frame comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer made of a polycarbonate diol, 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate, and a chain extender.

The invention relates to a method for altering the release characteristics of a long acting drug delivery device containing at least two drugs in different segments, wherein the segments are arranged to a specific sequence. The invention furthermore relates to a drug delivery device with reduced initial burst containing two different drugs in different segments. The invention further relates to a delivery device manufactured according to the a.m. method and its use in contraception and gynecological therapies.

An intrauterine contraceptive system may include a contraceptive intrauterine device, a retrieval thread permanently attached to the intrauterine device and an insertion device for inserting the intrauterine device into a uterus. The system may also include a release thread releasably coupled with the intrauterine device. The intrauterine device may be deployable out of a distal end of the insertion device and may be configured to change from a delivery configuration when housed in the insertion device to a deployed configuration when deployed in a uterus. The retrieval thread and the optional release thread may be at least partially housed within the insertion device during insertion of the intrauterine device into the uterus. The release thread may extend from the intrauterine device through the insertion device to an attachment point at or near a proximal end of the insertion device.

The subject of the invention is a degradable intrauterine system for the release of a haemostatic agent into the uterine cavity, comprising a degradable copolymer-based polymer matrix comprising at least one A and B block copolymer, and a haemostatic agent intended for release into the uterine cavity, wherein: block A is a polyester; block B is a poly(oxyethylene) (PEO); the weight-average molecular mass of the blocks B is a greater than or equal to 50 kDa; and the ethylene oxide unit/ester unit mole ratio is between 0.5 and 5. The invention also relates to a haemostatic agent for use in the treatment of uterine haemorrhage, wherein the haemostatic agent is delivered into the intrauterine cavity by means of a degradable intrauterine system according to the invention.

Ammonia oxidizing microorganism preparations for delivery to the urogenital system, kits including ammonia oxidizing preparations for delivery to the urogenital system, and devices for administering ammonia oxidizing preparations to the urogenital system are provided. Methods of introducing ammonia oxidizing microorganisms to the urogenital system are provided. Methods of treating disorders, including urogenital disorders and inflammatory disorders, with ammonia oxidizing microorganism preparations are provided.

A delivery vehicle for a silver ion source such as silver nitrate and the like, suitable for use in the treatment of menorrhagia, comprises a plurality of beads bearing a tissue cauterizing amount of a silver ion source. In some embodiments, the silver ion source is silver nitrate, in combination with a binder of hydroxy propyl cellulose and a diluent of potassium nitrate. In some embodiments, the plurality of beads is useful in treating menorrhagia of a mammalian uterus. Silver ions are delivered in a sufficient amount to the endometrium to cause necrosis of the endometrial tissue.

The invention relates to the use of ulipristal acetate, or any of its metabolites, in preventing or treating a breast tumor in a patient, preferably a patient that carries a mutation in BRCA1 gene.

An intrauterine device having at least one first pharmaceutically active ingredient and at least one first layer made of at least a first polymeric material, wherein between about 10 and about 60 v/v % of at least one particulate material is dispersed and/or incorporated in the first polymeric material. The presence of the particulate material will reduce the porosity of the polymer or otherwise obstruct the diffusion of the pharmaceutically active ingredient being released, thereby slowing its rate of release. In this way, it is possible to regulate the release rate and/or initial burst of the device, simply by adjusting the amount of particles/particulate material in the first layer, instead of having to adapt the size of the device to the desired release pattern, which requires expensive changes in production equipment and manufacturing processes.