Abstract: A process for the production of biologically active recombinant neurotrophic factor from the NGF/BDNF family is described. The process is comprised of a) constructing a synthetic neurotrophic factor gene suitable for expression in a bacterial expression system; b) the synthetic neurotrophic factor gene is expressed in a bacterial expression system; c) the neurotrophic factor is solubilized and sulfonylated; d) sulfonylated neurotrophic factor is allowed to refold in the presence of polyethylene glycol and urea; and e) biologically active neurotrophic factor is isolated and purified.

Abstract: A method of imaging a target site in an animal's body in which a labelled chemokine is introduced into the animal's body and allowed to accumulate at a target site which includes corresponding receptor molecules. The accumulated, labelled chemokine material then is detected so as to image the target site of the body.

Abstract: Acridinium compounds represented by the general formula (I) where A is an intervening group which does not have activity for binding with a specific binding substance, Z is a labelling active group which has activity for binding with a specific binding substance, R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are each a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, a nitro group, a halogen atom or a carbonyl group, and Y is a counter ion. The acridinium compounds may form conjugates with specific binding substances. The acridinium compounds have high emission efficiency and stability and, hence, are useful as chemiluminescence labelling agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel aromatic acids, especially to compounds of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is lower alkyl, R.sub.2 is lower alkyl, R.sub.3 is hydrogen, carboxy or sulfo, R.sub.4 is carboxy or sulfo, G is an unsubstituted or substituted 1,4-phenylene group or an unsubstituted or substituted 1,4-naphthylene group, and wherein either R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 together are an additional bond and L is an oxygen or sulfur atom or wherein R.sub.5 is hydrogen, R.sub.6 is halomethyl and L is an oxygen atom, and salts thereof, to the use of compounds I and their salts, to a process for the preparation of compounds I and their salts, to starting materials used in that preparation process, and salts thereof, to a process for the preparation of those starting materials and their salts, to a device in which the compounds I and their salts are used, and to a process in which that device is used.

Abstract: This invention relates to chelating agents useful for coupling metal ions to biologically active molecules. In particular, substantial thioureas for chelating metals such as technetium are provided that can be conjugated to a targeting molecule such as an antibody, a peptide or a protein.

Abstract: Modified polypeptides with increased biological activity exhibited as either increased potency or prolonged circulating half-life are disclosed with methods of preparing the modified polypeptides and methods of use.

Abstract: Conjugates of general formula 1:[A--O--W--Z].sub.a --T 1wherein the moiety A--O-- is the residue of drug of formula A--O--H in which --O--H is a primary or secondary hydroxyl group; a is an integer of from 1 to 30; W is a group of general formula 2: ##STR1## wherein b is an integer of from 1 to 4, B represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkylene group and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each independently represent hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl; Z is a spacer group and T is a carrier moiety.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for inhibiting retroviral infections such as HIV. The methods of this invention involve the use of certain fragments of fibronectin and such fragments conjugated to carrier molecules such as ovalbumin to inhibit retroviral infections. The invention also includes novel proteins which comprise fibronectin fragments covalently linked to carrier proteins.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of cysteine-altered von Willebrand Factor fragment which is substantially free of aggregate and capable of therapeutic use for treating thrombosis and a process for preparing such a solution comprising:(A) providing an aqueous solution of the fragment and denaturant;(B) purifying the solution of fragment and denaturant under conditions which promote conversion of aggregated forms of the fragment to the dimeric and/or monomeric forms thereof to provide purified fragment;(C) separating the dissolved, purified fragment from the denaturant while maintaining the aqueous solution of the fragment at a pH of about 2.5 to less than about 5.5 to increase monomerization of, and decrease aggregation of, said purified fragment, thereby forming an aqueous solution of fragment which is substantially free of aggregate.

Abstract: A modified gelatin is disclosed wherein part of the free carboxyl groups is replaced by modifiers having more acid end-standing groups chosen from --SO.sub.3 M, --OSO.sub.3 M, --SSO.sub.3 M, ---OPO(OH).sub.2, --OPO(OH)(OR.sup.2), --PO(OH).sub.2, --PO(OH)(OR.sup.2).In a preferred embodiment such a modified gelatin is incorporated in a DTR photographic material which after processing can serve as a lithographic printing plate. Thanks to the more hydrophilic character of the modified gelatin the differentiation between printing and non-printing areas is improved and toning at printing start-up is reduced.

Abstract: Recovery of the 52/48 kDa tryptic fragment of vWF or peptide subfragments thereof produced in the form of inclusion bodies from recombinant host cells is carried out by providing a washed recombinant host cell suspension, adding a detergent and subjecting the cells to mechanical disruption. A second detergent is added, followed by another mechanical disruption and centrifugation to a pellet. The pellet is resuspended in a buffer and subjected to another mechanical disruption. Inclusion bodies are washed, resuspended and then recovered. In addition, endotoxins and DNA are removed from inclusion bodies containing the 52/48 kDa tryptic fragment of vWF or peptide subfragments thereof by mechanically disrupting the inclusion bodies in an aqueous buffer containing a detergent. A washed pellet is formed from these mechanically disrupted inclusion bodies and dissolved in a denaturant.

Abstract: An N-terminal peptide sequencing method is disclosed in which a thiocarbamoyl compound is reacted with N-terminal amino acid of the sample to form a derivative of said amino acid which is then cleaved.

Abstract: A modified gelatin is disclosed wherein part of the free carboxyl groups is replaced by modifiers having more acid end-standing groups chosen from --SO.sub.3 M, --OSO.sub.3 M, --SSO.sub.3 M, --OPO(OH).sub.2, --OPO(OH)(OR.sup.2), --PO(OH).sub.2, --PO(OH)(OR.sup.2).In a preferred embodiment such a modified gelatin is incorporated in a DTR photographic material which after processing can serve as a lithographic printing plate. Thanks to the more hydrophilic character of the modified gelatin the differentiation between printing and non-printing areas is improved and toning at printing start-up is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel amphetamine derivatives which are synthesized for the covalent attachment to antigens (proteins or polypeptides) for the preparation of antibodies or receptors to amphetamine and amphetamine metabolites. The resulting novel antigens may be used for the production of antibodies or receptors using standard methods. Once generated, the antibodies or receptors and the novel derivatives which are covalently attached to proteins, polypeptides or labels may be used in the immunoassay process.

Abstract: A method is provided for C-terminal sequencing of a protein or peptide. An important feature of the method is the formation of an oxazolone moiety at the C-terminus of a protein or peptide by treatment with acetic anhydride under basic conditions followed by conversion of the oxazolone to a thiohydantoin moiety by treatment with thiocyanate under acidic conditions. Yields of thiohydantoin are further enhanced by delivering thiocyanate as the conjugate acid of a sterically hindered alkylammnonium cation.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of the symptoms of fescue toxicosis in mammals comprising injecting a subject mammal with a vaccine which includes from about 5 .mu.g to about 1 mg of a protein-alkaloid conjugate per mL of a physiologically acceptable carrier. There is also provided a vaccine for the treatment of the symptoms of fescue toxicosis and a compound for preparing that vaccine.

Abstract: Described are derivatives of the precursor peptide of the cardiodilatin/atrial sodiuretic factor (CDD-ANF) or fragments thereof which comprise at least the amino acid sequence of alpha-hANaP. The derivatives according to the present invention are compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## X is a phosphate or thiophosphate group. R is NH.sub.2 or a peptide fragment from the amino acid sequence of gamma-hANaP. Radio-labelled derivatives are also possible. A method for the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of peptides containing the sequence of alpha-hANaP and a use of the compounds having the formula (I) as medicaments for various vaso- and renal related disorders are further described.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions useful for inducing immunoprotection against infections by pathogenic organisms containing phosphocholine antigens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and other microorganisms that have a phosphocholine antigen component of their membranes or capsids. This invention also relates to vaccines and methods for inducing immunoprotection against infection by these pathogenic organisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation and use of novel open-chain or cyclic polypeptide constructs in which two or more polypeptide chains, in an open-chain construct, or one or more chains, in a cyclic construct, are chemically derivatized such that the resulting construct exhibits both metal-binding capability and tissue-, organ- or cell-targeting selectivity. In particular, the polypeptide constructs of the present invention comprise compounds of the formula (I): ##STR1## in which, "B" is a hydrocarbon backbone, "P" is a polypeptide capable of targeting particular cells, tissues or organs of the body, "A" may be the group --NR'--NR"-- or the group --NR'--NR"--L-- in which L may be an aliphatic or aromatic linker group, R, R' and R" may be the same or different and may be hydrogen or an aliphatic group, m is an integer .gtoreq.2, provided that the groups R, R', R', L and "P" of a given chain may be the same or different from the groups R, R', R", L and "P" of another chain, n is an integer .gtoreq.

Abstract: The invention describes antagonists for PDGF. The antagonists contain amino acids, and may be monomers or dimers. Especially preferred are dimers which bind the PDGF receptors, but prevent dimerization of the bound receptors. Dimerization is necessary for PDGF effect, hence the antagonistic effect. Also described are nucleic acid sequences for making the antagonists, as well as cell lines transfected with the material.

Abstract: Pre-activated stable protein reagents are provided. The reagents can be made by reaction of the protein and a heterobifunctional linker and have extended stability especially after lyophilisation. The reagents can be used in assay kits to form conjugates with proteins e.g. antibodies or polynucleotides e.g. oligonucleotides probes.

Abstract: An improved method for the N-terminal sequential degradation of proteins and peptides is disclosed. The protein or peptide to be sequenced is reacted with a compound effective to impart a tertiary amine functionality to the thiazolinone derivative of a cleaved terminal amino acid of the peptide.

Abstract: A novel method for the sequential degradation from the N-terminus of small samples of proteins or peptides. The released amino acids may be detected by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A bradykinin antagonist of the formulaX(BKA).sub.nwherein BKA is the peptide chain of a bradykinin antagonist peptide, X is a linking group and n is a whole number greater than 1. The BKA substituents may be the same or different. Monomeric antagonists of the formula X(BKA) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of imaging a target site in an animal's body in which a labelled CC chemokine or Monocyte Attractant Protein (MCP) material is introduced into the animal's body and allowed to accumulate at a target site which includes MCP receptor molecules. The accumulated, labelled MCP material is then detected so as to image the target site of the body.

Abstract: Organofunctional silicone chains having an organic moiety on at least one end of the chains, are covalently linked to free amino groups of proteins by the organic moieties to provide a useful ingredient for cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: A method for refolding insoluble, improperly folded IGF-I is provided, wherein the IGF-I, precipitated from prokaryotic host cells, is concurrently solubilized, unfolded, and refolded into a biologically active conformation in a single buffer. The buffer contains reducing agent and chaotropic agent to solubilize the IGF-I at concentrations sufficiently low to allow solubilization and refolding to occur. Also provided is a triple-protease deficient E. coli host suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: An activated affinity ligand is described comprising: a ligand having (a) a region with affinity for binding sites of a lectin; and (b) a reactive group capable of covalently linking the ligand to the lectin to thereby block one or more of the binding sites of the lectin. A blocked lectin is described comprising one or more affinity ligands covalently linked by means of a reactive group present on each of the ligands to a lectin such that one or more binding sites of the lectin is blocked. A cell-binding agent-blocked lectin conjugate is described comprising the above-described blocked lectin and a cell-binding agent covalently linked to: (a) one of the covalently linked affinity ligands; or (b) the lectin. A method of preparing the cell-binding agent-blocked lectin conjugate is described. An affinity support capable of binding to a lectin to form a blocked lectin is described comprising an activated affinity ligand covalently linked to a solid support.

Abstract: A unique class of chemiluminescent labels containing biotin substitution that are suitable for chemiluminescent assays using inter alia a streptavidin and/or avidin conjugate. The chemiluminescent labels of the invention have the ability to bind to streptavidin and/or avidin per se or to streptavidin and/or avidin conjugated with an analyte. Label structures are disclosed that have hydrolytic stability to meet the most demanding commercial assay conditions. The invention encompasses conjugates containing associated versions of the labeling compounds, assays and kits for performing such assay utilizing the conjugates.

Abstract: Conjugate of general formula 1:[A--O--W-Z].sub.a -T 1wherein the moity A--O--is the residue of drug of formula A--O--H in which --O--H is a primary or secondary hydroxyl group; a is an integer of from 1 to 30; W is a group of general formula 2: ##STR1## wherein b is an integer of from 1 to 4, B represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkylene group and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each independently represent hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl; Z is a spacer group and T is a carrier moiety.

Abstract: meso-DTA and method for its use in reducing disulfide bonds.

Abstract: A conjugate immunogen, having polysaccharide moieties derived from bacterial sources, provides a multivalent vaccine with a low protein to polysaccharide ratio. The vaccine reduces complications associated with injection of protein immunogens due to pyrogenic responses, such as swelling and pain, and is particularly suitable for administration to infants.

Abstract: Bifunctional proteins, obtainable by genetic manipulation, composed of an interleukin-2 and a granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor constituent have the biological activity of both components but are distinguished by increased stability. These proteins are thus medicaments which are suitable for the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Abstract: This invention provides enzyme conjugates, antigens, antibodies and diagnostic test kits used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method for determining the presence and concentration of imidazolinone compounds.

Abstract: The efficacy of immunotoxins having an antibody that recognises a tumour associated antigen linked to a cytotoxin through a heterobifunctional agent of the disulphide type is improved by providing in the heterobifunctional agent a molecular grouping creating steric hindrance in relation to the disulphide link. This steric hindrance can be provided by a methyl substituted methylene group located in the heterobifunctional link adjacent to the disulphide bond.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel PCP derivatives which are synthesized for the covalent attachment to antigens or receptors (proteins or polypeptides) for the preparation of antibodies or receptors to PCP and PCP analogue metabolites. The resulting novel antigens may be used for the production of antibodies or receptors using standard methods. Once generated, the antibodies and the novel derivatives which are covalently attached to proteins, polypeptides or labels may be used in the immunoassay process.

Abstract: This invention relates to chelating agents useful for coupling metal ions to biologically active molecules. In particular, isothiocyanate derived thiocarbonyls for chelating metals such as technetium are provided that can be conjugated to a targeting molecule such as an antibody, a peptide or a protein.

Abstract: The LTD.sub.4 receptor has been defined by radioligand binding studies as a member of the family of G-protein coupled receptors. A photoactivable azido derivative of LTD.sub.4 ([.sup.125 I]Azido-LTD.sub.4) has been synthesized for use as a photoaffinity probe. Photoactivation of ([.sup.125 I]Azido-LTD.sub.4 under equilibrium binding conditions revealed the selective radiolabeling of a 45 kDa protein in guinea-pig lung membranes, as visualized by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel THC derivatives which are synthesized for the covalent attachment to antigens (proteins or polypeptides) for the preparation of antibodies or receptors to the THC metabolites. The resulting novel antigens may be used for the production of antibodies or receptors using standard methods. Once generated, the antibodies or receptors and the novel derivatives which are covalently attached to proteins, polypeptides or labels may be used in the immunoassay process.

Abstract: A new series of bifunctional chelating agents useful for attaching metal ions to proteins, polypeptides and other polymers and methods for their preparation are described. These reagents are unique in their ability to bind a variety of metal ions and to yield a high metal ion concentration per protein molecule. Using these methods polymeric analogs of these bifunctional chelating agents called Starburst ligands can also be obtained. Protein metal chelates thus obtained will have useful radiophysical, chemical, fluorescent, photochemical and magnetic properties suitable for biomedical applications.

Abstract: A homogenous sample of identical bispecific antibody determinants, each determinant being composed of two L-H half-molecules linked by disulfide bonds, each L-H half-molecule being specific for a different antigenic determinant and including at least the F(ab') portion of a monoclonal IgG antibody. The bispecific antibody determinants are useful, e.g., in the formation of multilamellar assemblies and in enzymatic assays.

Abstract: A method for refolding insoluble, improperly folded IGF-I is provided, wherein the IGF-I, precipitated from prokaryotic host cells, it concurrently solubilized, unfolded, and refolded into a biologically active conformation in a single buffer. The buffer contains reducing agent and chaotropic agent to solubilize the IGF-I at concentrations sufficiently low to allow solubilization and folding to occur. Also provided is a triple-protease deficient E. coli host suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: A protein conjugate or mixture useful in immunotherapy composed of a biological response modifier (BRM) and an allergen is disclosed. In use the protein conjugate or mixture is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Cytokines, bacterial, fungal and viral immunopotentiators and thymus hormones are disclosed as suitable BRM's for use in the invention.

Abstract: Bifunctional chemicals useful for linking aldehyde containing moieties to moieties containing functionalities which are or can be reactive with sulfhydryl are claimed and have the formula:L--S--(CH.sub.2).sub.n1 --CONH--SPACER--NH--XwhereinL is a leaving group selected from --H or --S--Ar, wherein Ar represents optionally substituted phenyl or pyridyl;n.sub.1 =2-4;X is selected from: ##STR1## wherein Y is alkylene or oxaalkylene and Z is alkylene or a polypeptide residue briding the N-terminal amino group and C-terminal carboxy group thereof;the SPACER is oxaalkylene or oxaalkylene substituted with hydroxyl and specifically includes residues having formulas selected from--(CH.sub.2).sub.n2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.n2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.n2 --a)wherein each n2 is independently 2-4 and ##STR2## wherein n3 is 2-6. Also claimed are hydrazides, semicarbazides, and thiosemicarbazides of .omega.-mercaptocarboxylic acids which lack SPACER diamine.

Abstract: A method for preparing phycobiliprotein/amine-reactive dye conjugates is disclosed in which the conjugates so prepared overcome the energy transfer/fluorescent quenching dilemma encountered in the use of prior art conjugates. A phycobiliprotein, for example, phycoerythrin or allophycocyanin, is conjugated with an amine-reactive dye, for example, Texas Red or carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester, in the presence of a selective salt which causes a hydrophobic intramolecular rearrangement of the phycobiliprotein thereby exposing more hydrophobic sites for binding to the amine-reactive dye. The conjugates prepared according to the invention are useful in multiple color fluorescence assays without requiring the use of multiple exciting sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of streptolysin O (SLO) by means of chromatography and to the use of streptolysin.

Abstract: Delivery vehicle formulations comprise active agents encapsulated within liposomal vesicles to which are attached protein hormones (ligands) such as interleukin-2. The ligands are capable of showing affinity for specific cell receptors resulting in delivery of the encapsulated active agent to target cells, enabling delivery of active agents to particular cell populations in the treatment of conditions such as immune system disorders.

Abstract: Reagents and method for the C-terminal sequencing of proteins and peptides are disclosed. The reagents include sodium trimethylsilanolate and trimethyl N-oxide. Derivatized, activated polyethylene supports for peptide samples subjected to C-terminal sequencing are described.

Abstract: Derivatives of synthetic fragments of mammalian atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in which a chelate molecule is attached to the N-terminal of the peptide are described. The chelate component allows the facile labelling of these peptides with metallic isotopes such as Tc-99m, Ga-67, In-111 and others. These radioactive chelates are useful in determining the in vivo behavior and fate of derivatives of ANF.

Abstract: New polysubstituted diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid chelates and protein conjugates of the same are described together with the methods of preparing such compounds. A method of delivering radiolabelled compound of the present invention to a target site while minimizing the distribution of the compound to non-targeted organs or tissues is also disclosed.