Patent Picks—Delivering to Cells, Cold Processing, Stabilizing Retinol and More

By: Rachel L. Grabenhofer

Posted: October 30, 2012

page 2 of 3

A method to stabilize retinoic acid, retinoic acid-containing composition, and use of the composition
US Patent 8299122
Publication date: Oct. 30, 2012
Assignee: Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals Inc.

This invention describes a method for stabilizing retinoic acid that involves mixing it with a hydrophobic polymer/hydrophilic polymer adduct in the presence of an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The adduct includes a poly(vinylpyrrolidone/alkylene) polymer and a polymer comprising repeating carboxylic acid groups, hydroxyl groups, or a mixture of carboxylic acid groups and hydroxyl groups. The retinoic acid-containing composition comprises at least ~ 0.0001% w/w retinoic acid; ~ 3.0% w/w hydrophobic polymer/hydrophilic polymer adduct, and at least about 50.0% w/w water.

Film delivery system for tetrahydrolipstatin and other additives
US Patent 8298583
Publication date: Oct. 30, 2012
Assignee: Monosol Rx LLC

In the present patent, a pharmaceutical-based film system is described that includes various small-scale forms of pharmaceutically active agents, including tetrahydrolipstatin, in a film base. Such forms include nanoparticles, microparticles and combinations thereof. Methods of producing such a film and providing a dosage of the pharmaceutical in a film also are provided. A variety of other components and fillers may be added to the films as well, including surfactants, plasticizers, encapsulants and thermo-setting gels such as pectin, carageenan and gelatin, which help in maintaining the dispersion of components. Other additives may include excipients, pigments, coloring agents, fillers, fragrances, release modifiers, adjuvants, binders, buffers, adhesives, softeners, resins, surfactants, emulsifiers, elastomers and mixtures thereof.

Matrix compositions for controlled delivery of drug substances
US Patent 8298581
Publication date: Oct. 30, 2012
Assignee: Egalet A/S

A controlled release pharmaceutical composition for oral use is disclosed in this patent in the form of a coated matrix. The matrix comprises: a) a mixture of a first and a second polymer that have plasticizing properties and melting points or intervals up to 200°C. The first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycols and polyethylene oxides, and the second polymer is selected from a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Also included is b) a therapeutically, prophylactically and/or diagnostically active substance. The described matrix composition is coated such that at least one opening exists on the matrix surface from which the active substance is released. Active and beneficial agents may include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, catalysts, fermentation agents, nutrients, cosmetics, vitamins, microorganism attenuators and other agents that benefit the environment in which they are used.

Hair treatment compositions incorporating hair-substantive polymers
US Patent 8298519
Publication date: Oct. 30, 2012
Assignee: Conopco Inc. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ, US)

This invention describes a hair treatment composition including a hair-substantive polymer with a backbone bearing the following. a) At least one side chain formed from a hair fiber-targeting group that is covalently linked to the polymeric backbone. Said hair fiber-targeting group is a non-cationic species capable of interacting with the protein surface of the hair fiber in a non-covalent interaction, with a bond energy ranging from 0.5 to 3 Kcal/mol when applied to hair. b) And preferably, at least one side chain that is different from side chain a), and which comprises a hair benefit agent. Compositions of the invention provide for deposition and delivery of benefit agents to hair in a more efficient and targeted manner.