Abstract: Five tetra peptides corresponding to different active regions of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that are neurotrophic and can modulate BDNF signaling in a partial agonist/antagonist way. The peptides offer a therapeutic approach to neural pathologies where BDNF levels are dysregulated.

Abstract: A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns particles containing at least one covalently cross-linked polysaccharide and at least one growth factor, a method of preparation, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A collagen material is characterized in being constituted of collagen gel fragments. Furthermore, the collagen gel fragments may have an orientation. A method for producing a collagen material is characterized in comprising a step for preparing collagen gel fragments, a step for arranging the collagen gel fragments in a desired shape, and a step for drying the collagen gel fragments arranged in the desired shape. Moreover, in one embodiment of the method for producing a collagen material a step may include imparting an orientation to the collagen gel fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations suitable for targeting particular tissue and/or organ(s) with a formulated active ingredient, for example when administered upstream of the target organ or tissue, and to use of the same in treatment, methods of treatment administering the same and methods of preparing the formulations. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are for parenteral administration to a target tissue and comprise particles containing an active ingredient, and a biodegradable excipient, wherein 90% or more of the particles have a diameter of between 10 and 20 microns and the formulation is substantially free of particles with a diameter greater than 50 microns and less than 5 microns, such that where the formulation is administered upstream of the target tissue the ability of the active to pass through the target tissue and pass into systemic circulation is restricted.

Abstract: Neurturin polypeptides which possess reduced heparin and heparan sulfate binding affinity but retain neurotrophic activity, nucleic acids which encode the neurturin variants and vectors and host cells which express the enhanced neurturin polypeptides. Use of the enhanced neurturin polypeptides, nucleic acids and host cells in the treatment or prevention of disease.

Abstract: The ?-subunit of human nerve growth factor (?NGF) is prepared in essentially pure form in commercially useful quantities using recombinant DNA technology. The nucleotide sequence and vectors encoding human ?NGF and host cells transformed with the vectors are also provided. The ?NGF which the invention provides is useful, for example, in treating nerve damage.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for promoting reinnervation of auditory hair cells, specifically, by inhibiting Repulsive Guidance Molecule a (RGMa), a repulsive axonal guidance molecule that is expressed in the cochlea, or its receptor, neogenin.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to provide a therapeutic agent and a therapeutic method for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases, a transplant for periodontal tissue regeneration, and a method for regenerating the periodontal tissue. According to the present invention, there are provided therapeutic agents for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases which comprise neurotrophic factors as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods and compositions for treatment of pain via craniofacial mucosal administration of an analgesic compound (e.g. a non-opioid analgesic peptide, an NOP agonist or N/OFQ). Intranasal administration of certain analgesic peptides such as N/OFQ results in global analgesic effects.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treatment of acute and chronic pain comprising the administration of Nerve Growth Factor.

Abstract: Inhibitors of NCAM-VASE, compositions comprising said inhibitors, and methods of using said inhibitors for stimulation of neuroplasticity and/or neuroregeneration in the central nervous system, and for increasing neuronal cell response to agents that stimulate neuroplasticity and/or neuroregeneration in the central nervous system, are provided. The inhibitor or composition may be used, for example, for treating brain or spinal cord injury; schizophrenia, motor neurone disease; a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease; ischaemia caused by stroke; or for improving learning and/or memory.

Abstract: A ProNGF inhibitor for preparing a drug, said drug being in particular useful for blocking remote dissemination and cell invasion in patients suffering from cancer, in particular breast, thyroid or lung cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neurotrophic peptide having an amino acid sequence of VGDGGLFEKKL (SEQ ID NO: 1) and alternatively comprising an adamantyl group at the C- and/or N-terminal end. The neurotrophic peptide can rescue cognition, correct impairments in neural cell proliferation and synaptic plasticity, and thus address the cognitive defects associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Peptides having a structure characterized by the presence of two loops constrained in cyclic structure by the presence of covalent bonds between amino acid side chains, the amino acid sequences of the first and the second loop being substantially homologues to that of loop 1 (residues 29-38) and of loop 4 (residues 92-97) of NGF, respectively, displaying nerve growth factor (NGF) agonist or partial agonist activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neurotrophic peptide having an amino acid sequence of VGDGGLFEKKL (SEQ ID NO:1) and alternatively comprising an adamantyl group at the C- and/or N-terminal end. The neurotrophic peptide can rescue cognition, correct impairments in neural cell proliferation and synaptic plasticity, and thus address the cognitive defects associated with Down syndrome.

Abstract: Hydrogels that may be used for treating peripheral nerves and related methods are provided. Synthetic hydrogel sealants, methods of forming synthetic hydrogel sealants, and the use of synthetic hydrogel sealants are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are heretofore undescribed preparations of highly concentrated, solubilized proteins, such as but not limited to, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins. Such protein preparations can be formulated in an aqueous carrier at protein concentrations in excess of 10 mg/ml when using the methods of manufacture taught herein. Such methods yield stable protein preparations in either solubilized or lyophilized form. The protein preparations of the present invention are particularly beneficial when administered either locally or systemically, in part, because low administration volumes can be accomplished. This is especially important for local treatment of certain anatomic locations such as, for example, the synovial fluid of a joint when treating osteoarthritis with BMP-7 or the intradiscal space when treating degenerative disc disease with BMP-7.

Abstract: The invention relates to treatments of neuropathic pain, including tactile allodynia, and to treatments for reducing loss of pain sensitivity associated with neuropathy. The present treatments involve the use of neublastin (NBN) polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention features compounds of the general formula: B-L-M where B is a binding agent capable of selectively binding to a nerve cell surface receptor and mediating absorption of the compound by the nerve cell; M is a moiety which performs a useful non-cytotoxic function when absorbed by a nerve cell, and can be a therapeutic moiety or an imaging moiety; and L is a linker coupling B to M. The invention also features methods of use of the compounds in, for example, treating conditions such as viral infections and pain, as well as in labeling nerve cells.

Abstract: This disclosure has identified a new ligand-receptor system, proNGF and p75NTR/SorCS2, which is found to be involved in the microvascular functions of the heart. This disclosure provides methods for limiting microvascular damage following acute myocardial ischemia based on administration of an antagonist of this newly identified system, thereby promoting myocardial recovery.

Abstract: The invention relates to neublastin neurotrophic factor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding neublastin polypeptides, and antibodies that bind specifically to neublastin polypeptides, as well as methods of making and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for promoting arteriogenesis, and preparation method and applications of the same, wherein said pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of a drug, and a peptide hydrogel, and it forms a microenvironment for autologous cell recruitment and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A method for administering nerve growth factor to treat cravings is provided. Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cravings comprising nerve growth factor are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of novel compounds of Formulae I-II, wherein the variables R, X1, X2, X3, Y1, Y2, Y3, Z1, and Z2 are defined as described herein, which inhibit JAK and are useful for the treatment of auto-immune and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Described herein is a cell tissue gel cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, and a quenching agent bound to a reactive group of the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A controlled release multidrug formulation for improving locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury comprising: (a) a first composition comprising a first bioactive agent, encapsulated within a first polymeric particle; (b) a second composition comprising a second bioactive agent, encapsulated within a second polymeric particle, wherein the second polymeric particle is encapsulated within the first polymeric particle; and (c) a third composition comprising a third bioactive agent, encapsulated within either the first or the second polymeric particle, wherein the second composition is released subsequently to the release of the first composition, and wherein the first bioactive agent is a neurotrophic factor, the second bioactive agent is a collagen synthesis inhibitor, and the third bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), an adenylate cyclase activator and a Rho inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating ocular diseases using a recombinant vehicle to express a protein useful in the treatment of ocular disease, with particular preference for use of neurotrophin-4 (NT4) for targeting subpopulations of cells in the retina. A genetically engineered gene transfer vector containing sequences encoding a growth factor such as neurotrophin-4 (NT4) is used to transduce cells of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer, in situ, via administration of the vector intravitreally. Accordingly, methods are disclosed for treating subjects in need thereof by therapeutic protein delivery via a recombinant expression vector, including rescue of photoreceptors by targeting the RGC layer subpopulation of retinal cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyelectrolyte complex gel comprising a chitosan and a ?-polyglutamic acid (?-PGA) having a molecular weight from about 1 kDa to about 400 kDa or the salt thereof, wherein the chitosan and the ?-PGA are swollen with an aqueous solution. Also provided is a soft tissue augmentation implant, comprising a polyelectrolyte complex gel of the invention as a carrier or a filler and an optional additive. The polyelectrolyte complex gel and the soft tissue augmentation implant containing the same has long degradation time and better supportability so as to provide good maintenance for soft tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing biologically active ?-NGF from the proform proNGF. After expressing the proform of the ?-NGF in a prokaryotic host cell, the recombinant protein is isolated in the form of insoluble inactive aggregates (inclusion bodies). After the solubilization thereof in a strong denaturing agent and the subsequent conversion thereof into the natural conformation, which is determined by the disulfide bridges present in the natural ?-NGF, biologically active ?-NGF is obtained by subsequently splitting-off the prosequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of stimulating or enhancing production of a cellular membrane, improving a cognitive function or a neurological function, treating or ameliorating a decline in a cognitive function or a neurological function, increasing cytidine levels, or treating a neurological disorder in a subject, comprising administering a uridine, a uridine precursor, or a derivative or metabolite thereof to the subject. The invention also provides methods of improving neural function, comprising contacting the neuron with a uridine, a uridine precursor, or a derivative or metabolite thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of promoting the revascularization and/or reenervation of central nervous system lesions using an in-situ crosslinkable hydrogel. The present invention also provides methods of treating a spinal cord injury by topically delivering to the spinal cord injury site a vehicle comprising a neurotrophic factor and/or anti-inflammatory agent. Also provided are methods of treating a spinal cord injury by topically administering or delivering a hydrogel to the injury site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating cancer, which contains one or more selected from the group consisting of human adult stem cells and their secretory products, and to a method of preventing or treating cancer using the same. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of adult stem cells that exhibit the effect of preventing or treating cancer by activating the immune system. The human adult stem cells of the invention are administered by a simple method such as intravenous injection and are highly valuable as a cell therapeutic agent for treating various cancer (tumor) diseases. Thus, the adult stem cells will be highly useful in anticancer studies.

Abstract: The invention relates to neublastin neurotrophic factor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding neublastin polypeptides, and antibodies that bind specifically to neublastin polypeptides, as well as methods of making and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of forming a solid, biodegradable implant in-situ in a body by administering a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a biocompatible, water-insoluble, biodegradable polymer and an effective amount of a therapeutic peptide covalently modified with one or more lipophilic or amphiphilic moieties, which are dissolved or dispersed in a biocompatible, water-soluble organic solvent. This invention also provides related compositions and methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising trophic factors, methods to decrease the degeneration of a retina, methods of treating ocular degenerative diseases and methods to select cells for transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising isolated human collagen, isolated human elastin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier wherein the human elastin is substantially insoluble in water with a molecular weight greater than 100 kDa. The present invention further provides methods and kits for soft tissue augmentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations suitable for targeting particular tissue and/or organ(s) with a formulated active ingredient, for example when administered upstream of the target organ or tissue, and to use of the same in treatment methods of preparing the formulations. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are for parenteral administration to a target tissue and comprise particles containing an active ingredient, and a biodegradable excipient, wherein 90% or more of the particles have a diameter of between 10 and 20 microns and the formulation is substantially free of particles with a diameter greater than 50 microns and less than 5 microns, such that where the formulation is administered upstream of the target tissue the ability of the active to pass through the target tissue and pass into systemic circulation is restricted.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present application relates to Nanoparticle bioengineering techniques were used to produce a non-toxic polypyrrole composition having two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures that can optionally be co-polymerized with carboxylic acid moieties to possess hydrophilicity. Likewise, such polypyrrole/carboxylic acid structures may be further modified with neural growth factors to create treatment surfaces that can promote growth an differentiation of cells such as neurons.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treatment of Rett Syndrome and other disorders of synaptic function and maturation using IGF1, (1-3)IGF-1, (1-3)IGF-1 analog(s) and/or related therapeutic molecules.

Abstract: NGF antagonists including antibodies and antibody fragments thereof having binding specificity to human Nerve Growth Factor (“NGF”), and methods of treating pain. Methods of treating pain or eliciting an analgesic effect in an individual comprising administering an effective amount of an NGF antagonist inhibits the association of NGF with TrkA without inhibiting the association of NGF with p75. The methods may further comprise administering an effective amount of a second anti-human NGF antibody or fragment thereof which inhibits the association of NGF with p75, that may further also inhibit the association of NGF with TrkA.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an in situ-forming, bioadhesive hydrogel and the medical uses thereof. Being formed by in situ crosslinking through an enzymatic reaction, the hydrogel has an advantage over conventional bioadhesive hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility. In addition, the in situ-forming bioadhesive hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength and has excellent tissue adhesiveness thanks to modification with/without dopa derivatives. The hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field, including bioadhesives or hemostats, implant substances for tissue regeneration and augmentation, carriers for delivering biologically active materials or drugs, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for guiding preservation of neurons or nerves during surgery by administering a fluorescently-labeled peptide or aptamer that specifically binds to the neurons or nerves. The invention further provides targeting molecules of fluorescently-labeled peptides or aptamers that specifically bind to neurons or nerves and for compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of inclusion bodies as vehicles for therapeutic protein delivery. This method is applicable to the delivery of therapeutic proteins to intracellular locations. In addition, the invention also relates to the administration of a cell or a pharmaceutical composition comprising inclusion bodies formed by therapeutic proteins. These inclusion bodies formed by therapeutic proteins could be used for the treatment of different diseases.

Abstract: Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), in the form of a preparation to be administered over ocular surface, is suggested as being suitable for therapy and/or prophylaxis of intraocular tissue pathologies, with particular reference to sclera, ciliary body, crystalline lens, retina, optic nerve, vitreous body and choroidea affections. When administered in the form of external ophthlamic preparation, for example as collyrium or ointment, NGF is capable to go through ocular tissues and it has been found out that it shows a therapeutic activity not only against retina and optic nerve pathologies but also against affections involving the above reported internal structures of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multimeric (e.g., dimeric, trimeric) forms of peptide vectors that are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or efficiently entering particular cell types. These multimeric peptide vectors, when conjugated to agents (e.g., therapeutic agents) are capable of transporting the agents across the BBB or into particular cell types. These compounds are therefore particularly useful in the treatment of neurological diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain biologically active peptides and polypeptides which can be used as therapeutics or prophylactics against diseases or disorders linked to NGF as the causative agent. In one aspect of the present invention, pharmacologically active polypeptides comprising peptides linked to one or more Fc domains are provided.