University of Illinois

Rush-presbyterian-st. Luke's Medical Center

Darrick S Kim

John M Pezzuto

Tapas K DasGupta

Donald Paul Waller

Lourens Jan Zaneveld

Robert Anthony Anderson, Jr

Calvin J Chany, Ii

Sanjay Garg

Paul Robert Young, Jr

Xiao Hui Diao

Lydia Ling-Indeck

Konrad Marc Kuzmanoff

Mary Lou Schmidt

A composition and method of preventing or inhibiting tumor growth, and of treating malignant cancers without toxic side effects are disclosed. Betulinic acid or a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound of the composition.

Method and composition for treating cancers

A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease--especially HIV and/or HSV--during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9). For example, the compounds useful in this invention are generally not toxic to natural and beneficial vaginal flora and, thus, do not upset the local microbiological balance. The anti-STD method of the present invention has the added advantage that it can be implemented and controlled by either sexual party. Methods are also provided for reducing the risk of transmission of STD-causing organisms to health care providers and laboratory personnel (or other persons) who may come into contact with biological samples and specimens.

Method for preventing sexually transmitted diseases

A composition and method of preventing or inhibiting tumor growth, and of treating malignant melanoma, without toxic side effects are disclosed. Betulinic acid or a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound of the composition, which is topically applied to the situs of tumor.

Method and composition for selectively inhibiting melanoma

Improved methods of manufacturing betulinic acid from betulin are disclosed. The methods provide the .beta.-isomer of betulinic acid in high purity and high yield.

Methods of manufacturing betulinic acid

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Chicago, IL, United States of America

Darrick S Kim