HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (hCG) FORMULATIONS FOR FACILITATING WEIGHT LOSS AND BODY CONTOURING

Abstract

The present invention relates to formulations of hCG for sublingual administration to mammals to facilitate weight loss and/or body contouring. Embodiments of the invention disclose administration of hCG formulations in combination with a low calorie diet and dietary supplements and, in some cases, with an exercise regime. Embodiments of this invention also disclose transdermal hCG formulations and hCG formulations for administration through other administration routes.

1 . A method for reducing body weight of a patient in need thereof, comprising administering sublingually to the patient an effective amount of a formulation comprising hCG in water, sodium bicarbonate, glycerin, and ethanol, wherein the formulation is adjusted to pH 6-8; and subjecting the patient to a low calorie diet of between about 500 and 700 calories. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is adjusted to pH 7. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein administering the formulation is performed twice daily. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is retained sublingually for about one minute. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is retained sublingually for between about 30 and 45 seconds. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering pharmacologic support to the patient. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the pharmacologic support comprises one or more compound(s) selected from the group consisting of appetite suppressants and potassium supplements. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising subjecting the patient to an exercise regime. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation consists of 10,000 USP units of lyophilized hCG reconstituted in 10 ml water, with sodium bicarbonate, glycerin and ethanol added to a final volume in the range of 15.5-20 ml. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , where an effective amount of said formulation consists of about 0.125 ml, administered twice daily. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , where an effective amount of said formulation consists of about 0.250 ml, administered twice daily.