Abstract: Conjugates of porphyrins with chemotherapeutic agents are disclosed, as well as methods of making the conjugates and methods of treating patients with the conjugates. Porphyrin compounds, such as mesoporphyrin IX, can be covalently linked to chemotherapeutic compounds, such as doxorubicin. The resulting conjugates display decreased systemic toxicity, while preserving the antineoplastic effects of the chemotherapeutic agent. The conjugates are thus useful in treating cancer and other diseases marked by uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Abstract: A therapy for humans or other animals is described using one or more antagonists to colipase so as to interfere with macromolecular nutrient digestion. In one embodiment, the present invention describes the use of antibodies that can be administered by a variety of routes, including orally, over a treatment period in a manner that promotes weight loss or impedes weight gain.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating inflammatory bowel disease in animals, including humans. Specific avian polyclonal antibodies directed to proinflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF) are shown to have a beneficial effect in animal models predictive of human therapy for the treatment of colitis, including Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present provides neutralizing antitoxin directed against C. difficile toxins. These antitoxins are produced in avian species using soluble recombinant C. difficile toxin proteins. The avian antitoxins are designed so as to be orally administrable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution). Solid forms of the antitoxin may comprise an enteric coating. These antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one bacterial toxin. The invention further provides vaccines capable of protecting a vaccinated recipient from the morbidity and mortality associated with C. difficile infection. These vaccines are useful for administration to humans and other animals at risk of exposure to C. difficile toxins.

Abstract: Polyamine effectors are administered locally to provide protection against the adverse side-effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, such as alopecia, mucositis and dermatitis. Pharmaceutical preparations comprising one or more polyamine effectors formulated for topical or local delivery to epithelial or mucosal cells are disclosed. Methods of administering the pharmaceutical preparations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for generating neutralizing antitoxin directed against clostridial toxins. In particular, the antitoxin directed against these toxins is produced in avian species using soluble recombinant clostridial toxin proteins. This avian antitoxin is designed so as to be orally administrable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution). These antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one bacterial toxin.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for generating neutralizing antitoxin directed against clostridial toxins. In particular, the antitoxin directed against these toxins is produced in avian species using soluble recombinant clostridial toxin proteins. This avian antitoxin is designed so as to be orally administrable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution). These antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one bacterial toxin.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating inflammatory bowel disease in animals, including humans. Specific avian polyclonal antibodies directed to TNF are shown to have a beneficial effect in animal models predictive of human therapy for the treatment of colitis.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for generating neutralizing antitoxin directed against clostridial toxins. In particular, the antitoxin directed against these toxins is produced in avian species using soluble recombinant clostridial toxin proteins. This avian antitoxin is designed so as to be orally administrable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution). These antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one bacterial toxin.

Abstract: Methods are described for preventing and treating necrotizing enterocolitis in animals, including humans. Antibodies directed to PAF and/or TNF are shown to have a beneficial effect in animal models predictive of human therapy for the treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a major life-threatening illness in neonates worldwide.

Abstract: The prevention and treatment of autoimmune disease in humans (as well as other animals) is described through the use of ligands directed to cytokines. Antibodies and receptors to the proinflammatory cytokines IL-2, TNF, IL-12 and IFN-gamma are employed (along with other ligands to such cytokines). Such ligands administered luminally are effective (as demonstrated in two experimental models of autoimmune disease) at delaying the onset of autoimune disease.

Abstract: The present investion provides vaccines capable of protecting a vaccinated recipient from the morbidity and mortality associated with C. difficile infection. These vaccines are produced with portions of C. difficile Toxin A, or Toxin B, or both. These portions of Toxins A and B may be fusion proteins with at least one non-toxin protein sequence, and may also be soluble and substantially endotoxin-free. These vaccines are useful for administration to humans and other animals at risk of exposure to C. difficile toxins.

Abstract: Methods are described for preventing and treating necrotizing enterocolitis in animals, including humans. Antibodies directed to PAF and/or TNF are shown to have a beneficial effect in animal models predictive of human therapy for the treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a major life-threatening illness in neonates worldwide.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for the production and purification of recombinant clostridial toxin proteins.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions for treating humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one clostridial toxin by administration of antitoxin. In particular, the antitoxin directed against these toxins is produced in avian species. This avian antitoxin is designed so as to be orally administerable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution).

Abstract: An assay for detection of serum antibodies having specificity to hepatitis C viral antigens utilizes the carboxy-terminal 102 amino acids of the c33c region of nonstructural gene 3 of HCV containing substantially all the epitopes of the gene 3 protein. In the preferred embodiment the recombinant 102 amino acid peptide is coated onto a solid support, and incubated in the presence of serum obtained from a patient infected with HCV. The presence of antibodies bound to the antigen coated support is detected in a sandwich format utilizing a second reporter-conjugated antibody.

Abstract: The present provides neutralizing antitoxin directed against C. difficile toxins. These antitoxins are produced in arian species using soluble recombinant C. difficile toxin proteins. The avian antitoxins are designed so as to be orally administrable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution). Solid forms of the antitoxin may comprise an enteric coating. These antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one bacterial toxin. The invention further provides vaccines capable of protecting a vaccinated recipient from the morbidity and mortality associated with C. difficile infection. These vaccines are useful for administration to humans and other animals at risk of exposure to C. difficile toxins.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions for treating humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one Clostridial toxin by administration of antitoxin. In particular, the antitoxin directed against these toxins is produced in avian species. This avian antitoxin is designed so as to be orally administerable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution).