Pharmaceutical compositions which release the active ingredient slowly are based upon a growth factor or hormone as active ingredient and a means for effecting slow release of the active ingredient. Means for effecting slow release of the active ingredient comprise a conjugate or mixture of a first component and a second component. The first component is a protein other than the active ingredient for binding growth factors and hormones, and the second component is a biodegradable carrier.

A three-dimensional prosthesis is described in the shape of a body part comprising at least one three-dimensional matrix having an essentially fibrous or porous structure and containing a hyaluronic acid derivative, said prosthesis, contains at least two of said three-dimensional matrixes, the first of said three-dimensional matrixes incorporating or being adhered to the second and possible further matrixes, said three-dimensional matrix(es) optionally inicorporating and/or being adhered to a bidimensional perforated matrix and containing a hyaluronic acid derivative. This prosthesis is used for reconstruction of human or animal body part.

Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

This invention includes a pharmaceutical composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, urea, and hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically salt thereof. The invention also includes a method of treating disease of the cutis which includes applying to cutis tissues in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, urea, and hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, said disease having symptoms selected from the group consisting of inflammation, erythema, edema, papules, vesicles, macules, pustules, scaling, cracking, crusting, and lesions. The invention further includes methods for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, herpetic conditions, acne, skin ulcers, genital herpes lesions and anorectal disease, which includes applying to tissues in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, urea and hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A gel made of hyaluronic acid alone which is hardly soluble in a neutral aqueous solution and which keeps its shape for at least one day in a neutral aqueous solution at 25.degree. C.