Dextrin containing compositions for prevention of adhesions

A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the percentage of α-1,6 linkages in dextrin is less than 10%.

A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the number average molecular weight (Mn) of dextrin is in the range 1,000 to 30,000.

A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of dextrin is in the range 3,000 to 50,000.

A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the dextrin contains more than 15% of polymers with a degree of polymerisation (DP) greater than 12.

A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the dextrin is unsubstituted dextrin.

A composition according to any preceding claim in which the dextrin is present in an amount of from 2.5-18% by weight.

A composition according to any preceding claim which further includes a calcium binding agent.

A composition according to any preceding claim which further includes a suitable lubricant.

A composition according to any preceding claim which further includes a hyaluronate.

A composition according to any preceding claim which further includes a compound selected from one or more of the following compounds, glycosolaminoglycan, an antibiotic agent, prostacyclin or an analogue thereof, a fibrinolytic agent or an analogue thereof, an anti-inflammatory agent or an analogue thereof, dextrin sulphate, a chemotherapeutic agent, gene therapy agent or vehicle and/or methylene blue.

A method of preventing or reducing the incidence of adhesions in or associated with a body cavity, the adhesions being formed as a result of an inflammatory response other than post-operative adhesions, the method comprising introducing into the body cavity an aqueous formulation containing the polysaccharide dextrin.

A biocompatible, bioresorbable, and non-toxic adhesion prevention kit for preventing or reducing the incidence of adhesions formed as a result of an inflammatory response, other than post-operative adhesions, in mammals, comprising an aqueous formulation of dextrin.

Use of the polysaccharide dextrin for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of adhesions that are formed as a result of an inflammatory response other than post-operative adhesions.

A composition comprising dextrin and a therapeutically effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent or gene therapy agent.

Use of the polysaccharide dextrin and a chemotherapeutic agent or gene therapy agent for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of adhesions that are formed as a result of an inflammatory response, other than post-operative adhesions.