Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating an autoimmune disorder in a subject in need thereof. These methods include administering to the subject a pharmaceutical preparation comprising isolated matrix bound vesicles (MBV) derived from extracellular matrix. The administration can be systemic. In some embodiments, the subject has rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liver-derived devitalized mammalian parenchymatous tissue composition which includes an interstitial structure of connective tissue which can serve as a scaffold for tissue repair or regeneration. The devitalized mammalian parenchymatous tissue composition can further include the basement membrane of the tissue.

Abstract: A composition useful for the production of transformed eukaryotic cells is described. The composition comprises submucosal tissue and a nucleic acid sequence. The nucleic acid sequence is typically recombinant DNA including gene(s) encoding for one or more biofunctional proteins. The submucosal tissue component of the present composition comprises the tunica submucosa of vertebrate intestine delaminated from the tunica muscularis and at least the luminal portion of the tunica mucosa. Injection or implantation of the composition into a host induces the formation of transformed cells capable of expressing gene(s) encoded by the nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: Provided are medical devices for implantation in patients having suffered the loss of or damage to at least part of their esophagus. The medical device connects the esophagus or remaining part thereof with the stomach to form a gastro-esophageal junction that promotes healing and encourages new host tissue growth while distributing the load and decreasing tension at the anastomotic site. The medical device comprises extracellular matrix shaped into a conformation that more closely approximates the geometry of the native gastro-esophageal junction than does direct attachment of the stomach to the shortened esophagus. Molds useful in manufacturing the medical device and methods of use of the device are also described herein.

Abstract: An improved tissue graft construct comprising submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a preselected group of eukaryotic cells are described. The improved tissue graft constructs can be used in accordance with the present invention to enhance the repair of damaged or diseased tissues in vivo.

Abstract: Collagen applied to a vascular stem for increasing the biocompatability of the stent on implantation find method of treatment.

Abstract: A composition includes at least one biologically active agent covalently attached to a first polymerizing molecule that is adapted to undergo a free radical polymerization. The first polymerizing molecule retains the ability to undergo free radical polymerization after attachment of the bioactive agent thereto. The first polymerizing molecule is preferably biocompatible. The polymerizing molecule can, for example. be dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) or tyrosine. The composition can also include a second component synthesized by reacting at least one core molecule having a plurality of reactive hydrogen groups with at least one multi-isocyanate functional molecule to create a conjugate including terminal isocyanate groups. The conjugate molecule is reacted with a second polymerizing molecule that is adapted to undergo a free radical polymerization. The second polymerizing molecule includes a reactive hydrogen to react with the isocyanate groups of the conjugate.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition conditioned for the remodeling, restoration, repair, or replacement of tissue within a host. The composition is conditioned by culturing cells on the matrix and/or by exposing the cultured cells or matrix to one or more stressors.

Abstract: A tissue graft composition comprising liver basement membrane and a method of preparation of this tissue graft composition are described. The graft composition can be implanted to replace or induce the repair of damaged or diseased tissues.

Abstract: A composition useful for the production of transformed eukaryotic cells is described. The composition comprises submucosal tissue and a nucleic acid sequence. The nucleic acid sequence is typically recombinant DNA including gene(s) encoding for one or more biofunctional proteins. The submucosal tissue component of the present composition comprises the tunica submucosa of vertebrate intestine delaminated from the tunica muscularis and at least the luminal portion of the tunica mucosa. Injection or implantation of the composition into a host induces the formation of transformed cells capable of expressing gene(s) encoded by the nucleic acid sequence.