This invention is directed to a biodegradable, semi-crystalline, phase separated thermoplastic multi-block copolymer, a process for preparing said multi-block copolymer, a composition for the delivery of at least one biological active compound, and to a method for delivering a biologically active compound to a subject in need thereof.

A multi-block copolymer of the invention is characterised in that: a) it comprises at least one hydrolysable pre-polymer (A) segment and at least one hydrolysable pre-polymer (B) segment, b) said multi-block copolymer having a T.sub.g of 37? C. or less and a T.sub.m of 110-250? C. under physiological conditions; c) the segments are linked by a multifunctional chain-extender; d) the segments are randomly distributed over the polymer chain; e) at least part of the pre-polymer (A) segment is derived from a water-soluble polymer.

A contraceptive 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 contraceptive agent over an extended time period. Bioerosion products are water soluble, bioresorbed, or both, obviating the need for surgical removal of the implant. Methods of using the drug delivery system, including in female contraception, are also provided.

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.

The present invention relates, in part, to a composition comprising a multicationic drug and an organic multianion. In some embodiments, the multicationic drug is enclosed within a carrier. In some embodiments, the carrier is a liposome. In some embodiments, the multicationic drug and organic multianion are enclosed within a carrier, while in other embodiments, the multicationic drug is enclosed within the carrier and the organic multianion is outside the carrier. The present invention also relates, in part, to a method of treating a subject for pulmonary distress comprising administering to a subject in need thereof the aforementioned composition.

Methods for treating or prophylaxis of a Cryptosporidium infection using compositions comprising a structure disclosed herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and kits for alleviating the symptoms of, for treating, or for preventing the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection. The kits comprise one or more compounds having a structure disclosed herein, such as in an oral composition, and instructions for use, storage, and the like.

The invention relates to a process for coating a solid, water-insoluble particulate matter, with a metal oxide comprising: (a) contacting the solid, water-insoluble particulate matter with an ionic additive and an aqueous medium to obtain a dispersion of said particulate matter having positive charges on its surface; (b) subjecting the particulate matter to a coating procedure comprising precipitating a metal oxide salt onto the surface of the particulate matter to form a metal oxide layer thereon to thereby obtain particulate matter coated by a metal oxide coating layer; (c) repeating step (b) at least 4 more times; and (d) aging said coating layer. The invention further relates to particles comprising a particulate matter coated by a metal oxide layer, to a use of the particles for topical administration, and to a method for preventing, reducing, or eliminating pests at a locus, using the particles.

The present invention relates in part a to multiparticulate sprinkle dosage form comprising duloxetine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having higher acid resistance as compared to commercially available delayed release formulations. It further relates to various methods of administering the said multiparticulate sprinkle dosage forms.

A microcapsule suspension for treating a protein-containing surface includes droplets of a dispersed water-immiscible core phase, an aqueous continuous phase, and a wall surrounding each core phase droplet. The wall includes the salt formed from at least one Lewis base reactant and at least one Lewis acid reactant, wherein at least one Lewis base reactant or Lewis acid reactant is amphiphilic and wherein at least one Lewis acid reactant is selected from the group consisting of proteins, protein hydrolysates, charged amino acids, and water-soluble salts of any of these.

A particulate, modified release barrier coated drug-cation exchange resin complex comprising a core composed of a drug complexed with a pharmaceutically acceptable ion-exchange resin is provided. Methods of making and products containing this coated complex are described.

Microcapsules can be formed of a phosphate ester and a multivalent ion. The microcapsules can encapsulate a core material having a C log P value of about 0 or greater. The phosphate ester can be lipophilic and insoluble in aqueous solutions.