Abstract: Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods are disclosed for inhibiting interaction between IL18 and IL18R.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting smooth muscle cell responses and methods of treating or preventing vascular proliferative disease caused by smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. More specifically, smooth muscle cell responses are inhibited by introducing an agent into smooth muscle cells, wherein the agent inhibits an activity of one or more members of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) family of proteins. The invention also provides methods of inhibiting expression of one or more genes encoding a member of the MARCKS family of proteins in a cell.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting smooth muscle cell responses and methods of treating or preventing vascular proliferative disease caused by smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. More specifically, smooth muscle cell responses are inhibited by introducing an agent into smooth muscle cells, wherein the agent inhibits an activity of one or more members of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) family of proteins. The invention also provides methods of inhibiting expression of one or more genes encoding a member of the MARCKS family of proteins in a cell.

Abstract: The invention features a method of treating polyester material to generate functional carboxylic acid and amine groups. These functional groups can be used as sites for covalent bond formation to attach chemical or biological moieties. This bifunctionalized polyester polymer can be used in any medical application in which biocompatible polymers are used.

Abstract: Provided is a biocompatible device which has been coated or sealed with a polyether or polyether/carbonate based urethane polymer that contains functional groups (e.g. carboxylic acid groups) which are capable of serving as anchor sites for protein binding.

Abstract: The present invention is a broadly applicable methodology for making a bioactive titanium surface which would be clinically-acceptable and effective as either an anti-thrombin, thrombolytic or growth promoting surface coating, or any combination of these. The bioactive surface can be prepared using any material comprising titanium in whole or in part; is suitable for inclusion upon the exposed surfaces of surgically implantable prostheses comprising titanium; offers a means for avoiding systemic anticoagulation therapy to reduce thrombus formation and thromboembolism in the living subject receiving a surgically implanted prosthesis; and provides a means to induce cellular attachment and proliferation onto the titanium surface of the implant.

Abstract: The invention features a method of treating polyester material to generate functional carboxylic acid and amine groups. These functional groups can be used as sites for covalent bond formation to attach chemical or biological moieties. This bifunctionalized polyester polymer can be used in any medical application in which biocompatible polymers are used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making an infection-resistant fabricated textile article which is suitable for any in-vivo usage either as a topical bandage, on an implantable configured construct, or as part of a prosthetic mechanical appliance. The method of manufacture applies broadly to any and all fabrics, cloths, gauzes, and/or films comprised in whole or in part of fibers; and provides an infection-resistant textile of valued use in a wide range and variety of medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making an infection-resistant fabricated textile article which is suitable for any in-vivo usage either as a topical bandage, on an implantable configured construct, or as part of a prosthetic mechanical appliance. The method of manufacture applies broadly to any and all fabrics, cloths, gauzes, and/or films comprised in whole or in part of fibers; and provides an infection-resistant textile of valued use in a wide range and variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Provided is a biocompatible device which has been coated or sealed with a polyether or polyether/carbonate based urethane polymer that contains functional groups (e.g. carboxylic acid groups) which are capable of serving as anchor sites for protein binding.

Abstract: The invention provides urethane polymers bonded to therapeutically active compounds, such as antibiotics. The invention also features methods of applying therapeutically active compounds to polyurethane polymers using textile dyeing. These polymers may be used in a variety of clinical applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a treated material including a base material such as an extrudate, a woven fabric, or unwoven fibers, a disperse dye-type molecule such as a dye or antibiotic dispersed within and non-covalently adhered to the base material, and a molecule-of-interest immobilized on the base material by way of a reactive group on the disperse dye-type molecule. Also disclosed are methods of producing the treated material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible, thromboresistant substance useful for implantable and extracorpeoreal devices in contact with the vascular system, and methods for producing the same. The biocompatible, thromboresistant substance comprises a synthetic, biocompatible material, at least one biocompatible base coat layer adhered to at least one surface of the material, and a thrombogenesis inhibitor immobilized on the base coat layer via a component capable of binding the inhibitor. The thrombogenesis inhibitor is hirudin, or an active analog or fragment thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible, thromboresistant substance useful for implantable and extracorporeal devices in contact with the vascular system, and methods for producing the same. The biocompatible, thromboresistant substance comprises a synthetic, biocompatible material, at least one biocompatible base coat layer adhered to at least one surface of the material, and the thrombogenesis inhibitor thrombomodulin immobilized on the base coat layer via a component capable of binding the inhibitor without affecting its thrombogenesis-inhibiting activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soluble, biocompatible, pharmacological agent for inhibiting thrombin generation and thrombus formation, and methods for producing the same. The pharmacological agent or conjugate includes a soluble, biocompatible carrier and a thrombogenesis inhibitor immobilized thereto via the carrier which binds the inhibitor. The thrombogenesis inhibitor is hirudin, or an active analog or active fragment thereof. The thrombogenesis inhibitor may be bound to the carrier via a bifunctional cross-linking reagent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible, thromboresistant substance useful for implantable and extracorporeal devices in contact with the vascular system, and methods for producing the same. The biocompatible, thromboresistant substance comprises a synthetic, biocompatible material, at least one biocompatible base coat layer adhered to at least one surface of the material, and a thrombogenesis inhibitor immobilized on the base coat layer via a component capable of binding the inhibitor. The thrombogenesis inhibitor is streptokinase, urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, ATPase, 5'-nucleotidase, and active fragments and active analogs thereof.