Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

Abstract: Methods of preparing compositions for preferential distribution of active agents to injury sites are provided. The compositions may comprise a polymer with hydrophilic properties and one or more active agents, such as compounds comprising hydrophilic metal ions. Because the delivery ligand and the active agent are specifically selected so the interactions between them are mainly of an ionic nature. Methods of identifying suitable components for such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for preferential distribution of active agents to injury sites. Such compositions may comprise a ligand with hydrophilic properties and one or more active agents, such as compounds comprising hydrophilic metal ions. Because the delivery ligand and the active agent are specifically selected so the interactions between them are mainly of an ionic nature so that binding of the active agent to the delivery ligand and release of the active agent into the target site are not dependent on enzymatic activity. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A container supplies a medicinal formulation that includes a hydrophilic polymer and an active agent capable of bonding to the polymer. The container includes a first compartment for storing the polymer and a second compartment fluidly isolated from the first compartment for storing the active agent. A frangible barrier is shared between the compartments. A fluidic outlet is disposed on the container to dispense the medicinal formulation. Dispensing of the medicinal formulation includes rupturing the frangible barrier, mixing the polymer and active agent together to form the medicinal formulation, and administering the medicinal formulation provided from the fluidic outlet to a patient. The polymer can be PEG, while the active agent can be magnesium.

Abstract: Methods of treating hemorrhage are provided, comprising diagnosing one or more hemorrhaging or potentially hemorrhaging vessels in a patient and administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a vessel closing compound at a concentration between about 0.1% and about 45%. The vessel closing compound may comprise a polymer with hydrophilic properties, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). The composition may also comprise one or more active agent such as a blood flow modifier with a potential to form ionic bonds with the vessel closing agent.

Abstract: Methods for identifying defects in blood vessels and treating such defects are provided. The methods comprise administering to a patient a composition comprising a labeled delivery ligand capable of preferentially accumulating at or near blood vessels defects. In some embodiments, the delivery ligand may carry one or more active agents to the defect.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for treatment of pain, inflammation, neuronal or vascular injury and the use of biomarkers for the assessment of the biological activity or disease state. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a biomembrane sealing agent, such as PEG, a bioactive agent, such as a magnesium compound, and an assay for measuring a biomarker. The biomarker is measured pre-, mid- and post-treatment, and results of the measurements are compared to evaluate the treatment, treatment regimen and outcomes.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits to be used as a lubricant and for treatment of a cavity pathology including joint pathology are provided. The composition comprises therapeutically effective amounts of at least one bioactive agent, such as magnesium compound, at least one lubricating agent, such as hyaluronic acid, and at least one cell membrane repairing agent, such as polyethylene glycol. The components of these compositions may be administered by a direct application, an application through a cannula, an intra-articular injection, as a flush fluid during an arthroscopy of the affected area, as a post-arthroscopy injection, or as part of a lavage of the area affected by the intra-articular pathology. In addition, the composition of the present invention may be administered to the patient from a pump or a depot.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the preservation and storage of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. Also disclosed are compositions and methods to permit biological samples (including e.g., cells, cell cultures, tissues, and organs) to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods under refrigerated, cryogenic, or near-freezing, and then transported and implanted into a site within the body of a selected recipient animal, all without significant loss of cellular viability, tissue integrity, and/or biochemical function of the stored biological sample.

Abstract: Early treatment for a degenerated disc includes identifying a non-ruptured, dehydrated disc. A hygroscopic agent is then selected. This agent should pull water towards itself and have a hygroscopic compound with a molecular weight of at least 400 Daltons. Additionally, it may be desirable to selected hygroscopic compounds that are anionic or electrically neutral. The hygroscopic agent is then injected into the nucleus pulposus of the disc without any prior removal of the nucleus pulposus material. Because the surrounding disc structure allows for the passive diffusion of water into the nucleus pulposus, the hygroscopic agent will draw water into the nucleus pulposus, thus promoting tissue hydration within the disc. The hygroscopic agent may also include a biological agent and/or an imaging agent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and composition developed to be used with imaging techniques and useful for diagnosis and monitoring the pain generator(s) of axial pain with or without radiculopathy and methods for screening therapeutic compounds potentially useful for treating axial pain with or without radiculopathy. Alternatively, degenerated discs can be monitored and treated before occurrence of a pathological pain condition. Pain markers and markers of degeneration include markers of neuronal, vascular, immune and matrix elements.

Abstract: The invention provides kits developed to analyze ex vivo, a sample retrieved from the area of the pathological condition for diagnosis and monitoring the pain generator(s) of axial pain with or without radiculopathy and methods for screening therapeutic compounds potentially useful for treating axial pain with or without radiculopathy. Alternatively, degenerated discs can be monitored and treated before occurrence of a pathological pain condition. Pain markers and markers of degenerating disc include markers of neuronal, vascular, immune and matrix elements.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and related methods and composition useful for diagnosis and monitoring the pain generator(s) of axial pain with or without radiculopathy and methods for screening test compounds potentially useful for treating axial pain with or without radiculopathy. Alternatively, degenerated discs can be monitored and treated before occurrence of a pathological pain condition. Pain markers and markers of degenerating disc include markers of neuronal, vascular, immune and matrix elements.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for treatment of pain or inflammation. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a biomembrane sealing agent, such as PEG, and a bioactive agent, such as a magnesium compound. The biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent an intravenous administration, an intramuscular administration, an intrathecal administration, a subcutaneous administration, an epidural administration, a parenteral administration, an intra-articular administration, a direct application onto or adjacent to a site of the pathological condition, and any combinations thereof. Alternatively, the biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent may be delivered from a pump or an implant.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for treatment of neuronal injury. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a biomembrane sealing agent, such as PEG, and a bioactive agent, such as a magnesium compound. The biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent an intravenous administration, an intramuscular administration, an intrathecal administration, a subcutaneous administration, an epidural administration, a parenteral administration, a direct application onto or adjacent to a site of the pathological condition, and any combinations thereof. Alternatively, the biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent may be delivered from a pump or an implant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disc includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disc. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disc, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: In the present invention, the applicants describe methods and compositions of treating damaged cardiovascular elements and cardiovascular conditions including hypotension, atherosclerotic lesions, vulnerable plaque, and acute myocardial infarct. The applicants demonstrate the ability of a biomembrane sealing agent to accumulate on the walls of damaged blood vessels and help improving mean arterial pressure following tissue injury. The applicants describe the use of formulations comprising at least one biomembrane sealing agent and one bioactive agent for prophylactic treatment such as they could be administered concurrently to an invasive therapeutic intervention or after the insult (i.e. post-injury or post-surgery). Alternatively, these methods and compositions could be used to reduce the severity of cardiovascular diseases after onset.