The invention relates to an ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) comprising an outer shell and a gas core. The gas core is filled with oxygen, and the outer shell comprises a first surfactant and a second surfactant. The invention also relates to a method of making an oxygen-filled UCA and delivering oxygen to a local area of a subject's body. The method comprises injecting a composition comprising an oxygen-filled UCA of the invention into the subject's body; directing ultrasound radiation to the local area in an intensity sufficient to rupture the UCA.

Described are sustained-release solid dosage forms of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or aminosterol compositions. In one aspect of the invention the sustained-release solid dosage forms of EGCG or an aminosterol are capsules comprising a plurality of coated solid particulates. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of inhibiting, ameliorating, reducing the likelihood of, delaying the onset of, treating or preventing an amyloid disorder, comprising the step of administering to a subject in need a therapeutically effective amount of the solid dosage form. In certain aspects, the amyloid disorder is Parkinson's Disease.

The present disclosure is generally directed to methods for forming a polymeric particle according to an emulsification/solvent extraction methodology. The method includes combining an aqueous phase with an organic phase to form an emulsion that includes droplets of the organic phase dispersed in the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase may include a first emulsifier. The organic phase includes a second emulsifier and a biocompatible polymer dissolved in a solvent. The method includes removing at least a portion of the solvent from the organic phase upon which the biocompatible polymer solidifies to form a polymeric particle. The second emulsifier is present at a surface of the solidified polymeric particle.

Modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate having improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic properties are provided, and therapeutic uses thereof.

A nanotherapeutic supported by a hierarchical silica composite with dual imaging capability (e.g. fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging), a method of preparing the nanotherapeutic, and a method of treating cancer. Also disclosed is a method of oxidatively dehydrogenating ethane using a catalytic system supported by a hierarchical silica composite.

Improved methods and compositions are disclosed for treating dry eye by administering intranasally a therapeutically effective amount of a capsaicinoid compound embedded in multiple layers of solid lamellar crystals of monoglycerides to patients with deficient tear production. The lipophilic capsaicinoid drug is embedded in multiple layers of solid lamellar crystals of monoglycerides, and these crystals are incorporated into pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles comprised of solutions, suspensions, foams, creams, ointments, and gels. The resulting formulations of the capsaicinoid are suitable for application to the nasal mucosa or skin and are more stable, less irritating to skin and mucous membranes, and provide increased and more controlled release of the capsaicinoid compound.

A drug delivery system is provided in the form of a controlled release, bioerodible pellet for subdermal implantation. The pellet is bioerodible, and provides for the sustained release of a pharmacologically active agent over an extended time period. As such, the drug delivery system finds significant utility in chronic drug administration. Bioerosion products are water soluble, bioresorbed, or both, obviating the need for surgical removal of the implant. Methods for manufacturing and using the drug delivery system are also provided.

Microencapsulation methods are provided using encapsulant, fiber or film forming compositions of a cross-linkable anionic polymer, a multivalent cation salt, a chelating agent, and a volatile base. During the formation of this composition, the generally acidic chelating agent is titrated with a volatile base to an elevated pH to improve ion-binding capability. Multivalent cations are sequestered in cation-chelate complexes. Cross-linkable polymers in this solution will remain freely dissolved until some disruption of equilibrium induces the release of the free multivalent cations from the cation-chelate complex. Vaporization of the volatile base drops the pH of the solution causing the cation-chelate complexes to dissociate and liberate multivalent cations that associate with the anionic polymer to form a cross-linked matrix. During spray-drying, the formation of a wet particle, polymer cross-linking, and particle drying occur nearly simultaneously.

A composition-of-matter is provided. The present composition includes dietary supplements capable of reducing or reversing the negative effects of alcohol on motor and cognition, dietary supplements having anti-gastroparesis, antiemetic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and/or dietary supplements capable of increasing alcohol catabolism and decreasing the level of toxic products of alcohol catabolism.

The invention relates to a coating material for use in a hot-melt coating method, said material containing as the main constituent one or more polyglycerol fatty acid, each obtained by way of a complete or partial esterification of a linear or branched polyglycerol containing two to eight glyceryl units with one or more fatty acids, each containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms.