Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical preparations for, and methods for determining, appropriate and effective treatment with therapeutic agents comprising a single species of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody or therapeutic agents comprising a plurality of species of such antibodies, as well as kits useful for making such determinations.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel monospecific and bispecific antibodies that are useful as anti-neoplastic agents and that bind specifically to human IGF-1R and human ErbB3. Exemplary antibodies inhibit signal transduction through either or both of IGF-1R and ErbB3. Exemplary polyvalent proteins comprise at least one anti-IGF-1R binding site and at least one anti-ErbB3 binding site. In certain embodiments the binding sites may be linked through an immunoglobulin constant region. Novel antiErbB3 and anti-IGF-1R antibodies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) are also provided.

Abstract: The invention features a process of expressing secreted recombinant human alpha-fetoprotein (rHuAFP) in the milk or urine of transgenic mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed are bispecific binding agents that specifically target both of the IGF-1 and the ErbB intracellular signaling pathways. For example, bispecific binding agents that comprise an anti-IGF-1R antibody and an anti-ErbB3 antibody connected by a linker are described herein. These bispecific agents are capable of antagonizing signal transduction by both of the IGF-1 and the ErbB signaling pathways and are useful in inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells whose growth involves the signaling activity of both pathways.

Abstract: Methods for improving the biological and pharmaceutical properties of bispecific binding agents are described herein where the bispecific binding agents are able to target cells by a high affinity binding domain to a first cell surface marker that does not induce a significant biological effect and a low affinity binding domain that binds specifically to a second cell surface marker, causing a significant and desired biological effect. Compositions of such bispecific binding agents, uses for them, and kits containing them are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for treating multiple sclerosis by administering an alpha-fetoprotein polypeptide (or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analog thereof) and one or more immunomodulatory agents to a patient in need thereof. Also disclosed are compositions and kits that contain an alpha-fetoprotein polypeptide (or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analog thereof) and one or more immunomodulatory agents.

Abstract: Methods for improving the biological and pharmaceutical properties of bispecific binding agents are described herein where the bispecific binding agent are able to target cells by a high affinity binding domain to a first cell surface marker that does not induce a significant biological effect and a low affinity binding domain that binds specifically to a second cell surface marker, causing a significant and desired biological effect. Compositions of such bispecific binding agents, uses for them, and kits containing them are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human serum albumin (HSA) linker and HSA linker with binding, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents conjugated thereto. Also disclosed is a conjugate in which the HSA linker is covalently bonded to amino and carboxy terminal binding moieties that are first and second single-chain Fv molecules (scFvs). Exemplified conjugates are useful, e.g., in reducing tumor cell proliferation, e.g., for therapeutic therapeutic applications. Also disclosed are methods and kits for the diagnostic and therapeutic application of an HSA linker conjugate.

Abstract: Bi-specific fusion proteins with therapeutic uses are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such fusion proteins, and methods for using such fusion proteins to repair or regenerate damaged or diseased tissue. The bi-specific fusion proteins generally comprise: (a) a targeting polypeptide domain that binds to a target molecule; and (b) an activator domain that detectably modulates tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating patients which methods comprise methods for predicting responses of cells, such as tumor cells, to treatment with therapeutic agents. These methods involve measuring, in a sample of the cells, levels of one or more components of a cellular network and then computing a Network Activation State (NAS) or a Network Inhibition State (NIS) for the cells using a computational model of the cellular network. The response of the cells to treatment is then predicted based on the NAS or NIS value that has been computed. The invention also comprises predictive methods for cellular responsiveness in which computation of a NAS or NIS value for the cells (e.g., tumor cells) is combined with use of a statistical classification algorithm. Biomarkers for predicting responsiveness to treatment with a therapeutic agent that targets a component within the ErbB signaling pathway are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of monoclonal antibodies which bind ErbB3 receptor and inhibits various ErbB3 functions. For example, the antibodies described herein are capable of binding to ErbB3 and inhibiting EGF-like ligand mediated phosphorylation of the receptor.

Abstract: A method for selecting a combination of therapeutic agents can include: providing a response surface having data that relates network activation states of a downstream component of a biological network with activation states of at least two upstream components of the network; identifying a desired network activation state of the downstream component from the response surface; identifying the corresponding activation states of the upstream components and identifying at least two therapeutic agents that modulate the upstream components and that are capable of obtaining the desired network activation state. The response surface can be visual or virtual. Optionally, the desired network activation state is an optimal network activation state.

Abstract: The invention features a process of expressing secreted recombinant human alpha-fetoprotein (rHuAFP) in the milk or urine of transgenic mammals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating patients which methods comprise methods for predicting responses of cells, such as tumor cells, to treatment with therapeutic agents. These methods involve measuring, in a sample of the cells, levels of one or more components of a cellular network and then computing a Network Activation State (NAS) or a Network Inhibition State (NIS) for the cells using a computational model of the cellular network. The response of the cells to treatment is then predicted based on the NAS or NIS value that has been computed. The invention also comprises predictive methods for cellular responsiveness in which computation of a NAS or NIS value for the cells (e.g., tumor cells) is combined with use of a statistical classification algorithm. Biomarkers for predicting responsiveness to treatment with a therapeutic agent that targets a component within the ErbB signaling pathway are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of monoclonal antibodies which bind ErbB3 receptor and inhibits various ErbB3 functions. In a particular embodiment, the antibodies are capable of binding to ErbB3 and inhibiting ligand mediated phosphorylation of the receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that bind the extracellular domain of ErbB3 receptor and inhibit various ErbB3 functions. For example, the antibodies and antigen binding fragments described herein are capable of binding to the receptor designated ErbB3 and inhibiting EGF-like ligand mediated phosphorylation of the receptor. Such antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof have the useful characteristic of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells expressing ErbB3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of monoclonal antibodies which bind ErbB3 receptor and inhibits various ErbB3 functions. For example, the antibodies described herein are capable of binding to ErbB3 and inhibiting EGF-like ligand mediated phosphorylation of the receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of monoclonal antibodies which bind ErbB3 receptor and inhibits various ErbB3 functions. For example, the antibodies described herein are capable of binding to ErbB3 and inhibiting EGF-like ligand mediated phosphorylation of the receptor.

Abstract: Methods for improving the specific binding ability of bispecific binding compositions are described. The bispecific binding compositions are able to target cells by a high affinity targeting domain to a target cell surface marker and a low affinity binding domain that binds specifically to a second cell surface marker, wherein the binding of each domain to its respective cell surface marker increases or decreases, as desired, the biological activity of the respective cell surface markers. The invention further provides bispecific binding agents for use in the methods, as well as uses for the agents.

Abstract: Methods for improving the biological and pharmaceutical properties of bispecific binding agents are described herein where the bispecific binding agent are able to target cells by a high affinity binding domain to a first cell surface marker that does not induce a significant biological effect and a low affinity binding domain that binds specifically to a second cell surface marker, causing a significant and desired biological effect. Compositions of such bispecific binding agents, uses for them, and kits containing them are also provided.