Abstract: Cross-linked particles are provided that are useful for delivery of pharmaceutical agents. The particles comprise at least one polymeric compound and a spacer compound, where the polymeric compound and the spacer each comprise reactive carboxyl, hydrazidyl, amino and/or thiol groups. The particles are cross-linked via covalent linkage of the reactive groups on the polymer and spacer respectively. Compositions comprising pharmaceutical agents contained within the particles are disclosed. Methods for preparing the particles, for encapsulating pharmaceutical agents within the particles, and for using the particles for controlled release of the pharmaceutical agent within the patient also are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing vitamin B.sub.12 (VB.sub.12) derivatives suitable for linking to a polymer, nanoparticle or therapeutic agent, protein or peptide. The methods involve reacting the 5'OH group of VB.sub.12 or an analogue thereof with an active carbonyl electrophile and subsequently obtaining said VB.sub.12 derivatives. The invention also relates to novel VB.sub.12 derivatives, VB.sub.12 derivatives prepared by the methods of the present invention and uses thereof in the preparation of in the preparation of polymer complexes or nanoparticles.

Abstract: Complex of a drug, hormone, bio-active peptide, or immunogen with the carrier molecule vitamin B12 and a method for delivering the complex to the intestine of a host vertebrate in order to deliver the complex to the circulation of the host and thereby elicit a pharmacological response to the drug, hormone, bio-active molecule or to elicit a systemic immune response to the immunogen. The invention also provides a method for the production of the complex. Further, the invention provides medicaments containing the complex.

Abstract: The invention describes complexes between VB.sub.12 analogues and either GCSF or EPO that retain both significant affinity for intrinsic factor (IF) in the VB.sub.12 portion of the complex and significant bioactivity of the GCSF or EPO portion of the complex. The invention also concerns a process for the synthesis of these complexes. This is achieved at least in part, by using a spacer compound, which is linked covalantly between the VB.sub.12 portion and the GCSF or EPO. The complexes preferably have the formulaV--X--A--Y--ZwhereinV is vitamin B.sub.12 or a vitamin B.sub.12 analogue, or derivative, bonded to X either through a carboxylate group pendant to the corrin nucleus of VB.sub.12 or through the central cobalt atom or to a functional group introduced onto the VB.sub.12 molecule, X is selected from: --NHNH--, --NH--, --O--, --S--, --SS--or --CH.sub.2 --, and A is an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated, branched or linear, C.sub.

Abstract: T-cell epitopes of or derived from the TraT protein of E. coli have been identified and used in the preparation of complexes with immunogens to enhance or provide immune responses to the immunogens. The complexes can be prepared directly, by chemical linkage, or as fusion proteins. In the latter context, polynucleotides encode a fusion protein which a transformed host can express. The fusion proteins may be expressed intracellularly or exported to and expressed on the surface of the transformant host.

Abstract: The invention relates to the oral delivery of peptide and protein pharmaceuticals using the vitamin B.sub.12 (VB.sub.12) uptake system, with the delivery being amplified using polymers. More particularly, the invention concerns a complex having the general formula:(V--Q).sub.n --P--(Q'--A).sub.mwhere, V is a carrier which will bind to natural intrinsic factor (IF) selected from vitamin B.sub.12 or an analogue thereof, n is the molar substitution ratio of V in the complex, and is a number from 1.0 to about 10, P is a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer, A is a pharmaceutically active substance, m is the molar substitution ratio of A in the complex, and is a number greater than 1.0 to about 1000, Q and Q' are independently a covalent bond, or a spacer compound linking V, P and A by covalent bonds.

Abstract: An orally administered complex of a drug, hormone, bio-active peptide, or immunogen with the carrier molecule, such as vitamin B12 or analogue thereof, and a method for delivering said complex to the intestine of a host vertebrate in order to deliver the complex to the circulation of the host and thereby elicit a pharmacological response to the drug, hormone, or bio-active molecule or to elicit a systemic immune response to the immunogen. The invention also provides a method for the production of the complex. Further the invention provides medicaments containing the complex.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of novel fusion proteins which comprise an analogue of LHRH and TraTp or an analogue of TraTp. The fusion proteins of the invention are useful as components of vaccines for the inhibition or control of reproductive functions in vertebrate hosts. The invention also relates to polynucleotide molecules encoding the fusion proteins, to transformant hosts expressing the fusion proteins and to methods of inhibiting or controlling reproductive function in vertebrate hosts using the fusion proteins or vaccines of the invention.

Abstract: Describes IgA binding protein isolatable from Group B streptococci, methods of isolation and use in immunological testing procedures.

Abstract: Describes IgA binding protein isolatable from Group B streptococci, methods of isolation and use in immunological testing procedures.