Effect of EDTA and methionine on preventing loss of viscosity of cellulose-based topical gel.

Methylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (hypromellose) are used in topical formulations of a protein to form a viscous hydrogel. Five lots of hypromellose raw material were made into 3% gel; all showed viscosity loss after sterilization by autoclave. EDTA (edetate disodium) minimized the viscosity loss caused by autoclaving in the presence of up to 100 ppm H(2)O(2).

Compatibility of a protein topical gel with wound dressings.

The compatibility between several dressing materials and a recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF) topical methylcellulose gel formulation was investigated. The dressings being studied were Adaptic, Non-stick Dressing, Conformant 2, Opsite and Tegapore. The criteria to select a compatible dressing include protein stability, absence of leachables from the dressing, and ability to retain gel on wound.