A device for insertion into a cavity, such as the vagina of a mammal, the device comprising a body for insertion into the cavity comprising a variable geometry retention mechanism, one or more active-impregnated matrices supported by the body, the matrix or matrices having (i) a ratio of exposed surface area to volume of 11.5:1 to 18.5:1, or (ii) a ratio of exposed surface area to weight of 11:1 to 17:1, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

Methods for treating or reducing the likelihood of acquiring estrogen-related (e.g. estrogen-exacerbated) diseases including endometriosis include administering to a patient a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), in combination with inhibiting ovarian secretions, e.g., by administering an LHRH agonist or antagonist. In some embodiments, a precursor of sex steroids, said precursor being selected from the group consisting of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol (5 diol), and androstenedione or a compound transformed into one of these, is also administered.

Methods for treating or reducing the likelihood of acquiring estrogen-related (e.g. estrogen-exacerbated) diseases including endometriosis include administering to a patient a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), in combination with inhibiting ovarian secretions, e.g., by administering an LHRH agonist or antagonist. In some embodiments, a precursor of sex steroids, said precursor being selected from the group consisting of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol (5 diol), and androstenedione or a compound transformed into one of these, is also administered.

The present invention relates to particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF, and low immunogenicity. The antibodies are designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of TNF-mediated disorders. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of the antibodies in medicine are also described.

Genetically engineered bacteria, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of treating or preventing autoimmune disorders, inhibiting inflammatory mechanisms in the gut, and/or tightening gut mucosal barrier function are disclosed.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for ovulation induction in females in need thereof. Current methods for inducing ovulation have unpleasant side effects and are expensive. The disclosed compositions and methods are safe, efficacious, and inexpensive. An exemplary method of inducing ovulation includes steps of monitoring ovarian follicle development and size during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle; and administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition including progesterone or ioidentical progesterone in an amount effective to increase the plasma concentration of progesterone to between about 0.1 ng/ml to about 1 ng/ml when the follicle reaches a size of at least 15 mm.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for ovulation induction in females in need thereof. Current methods for inducing ovulation have unpleasant side effects and are expensive. The disclosed compositions and methods are safe, efficacious, and inexpensive. An exemplary method of inducing ovulation includes steps of monitoring ovarian follicle development and size during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle; and administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition including progesterone or ioidentical progesterone in an amount effective to increase the plasma concentration of progesterone to between about 0.1 ng/ml to about 1 ng/ml when the follicle reaches a size of at least 15 mm.

Disclosed are methods for increasing the fertilization rate of an oocyte in a granulosa cell-oocyte complex, and/or the success rate of in-vitro fertilization by using mitochondrial therapies. Also disclosed are methods of identifying compounds for fertility treatment.

The invention relates to a derivative of a GLP-1 analogue of a general Formula I, which derivative comprises a side chain attached to a Lys residue at position 34, 35, 36, 37, or 38 of the GLP-1 analogue, which side chain comprises a Branched linker, a 1.sup.st and a 2.sup.nd Protractor selected from C18 diacid, C20 diacid, and sulfonic acid C16, and at least one Linker element-1 incorporating ethylene glycol units. Linker element-1 may be incorporated in an optional Pre-linker, and/or in a 1.sup.st or 2.sup.nd Post-linker. The invention also relates to novel GLP-1 analogues, novel side chain intermediate products and their manufacture and use to prepare derivatives of biologically active peptides and proteins, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and medical uses of the analogues and derivatives. The derivatives have very long half-lives while maintaining a satisfactory potency, which makes them potentially suitable for once-monthly administration.

The disclosure describes nanocarried and/or microcarried jasmonate compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions, as well as use thereof for treating or preventing angiogenesis-related or NF-κB-related disorders. Also disclosed are methods of making the nanocarried and/or microcarried compounds and their compositions.