Abstract: The present invention herein provides a chitosan-containing polysaccharide and a method for the preparation thereof as well as a medicine and a food containing the polysaccharide. The chitosan-containing polysaccharide is prepared by a method comprising the steps of heat-treating a fungus in a concentrated aqueous caustic alkali solution; subjecting the resulting solution to a solid-liquid separation treatment; dissolving the resulting solid contents in an aqueous organic acid solution; adding, to the resulting solution, an alcohol or a caustic alkali to thus form precipitates; washing the resulting precipitates; and then drying them. This chitosan-containing polysaccharide is a compound in which homopolymers of glucosamine are linked with glucan through covalent bonds; it has a molar ratio of glucosamine and glucose constituting the polysaccharide ranging from 1:5 to 5:1; it has a molecular weight of about 150,000; and it does not contain any ?(1?3) bonds, but comprises ?(1?4) bonds and ?(1?6) bonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polysaccharide conjugates that comprise: a polysaccharide that binds to surface-receptors present on Antigen Presenting Cells, conjugated to one or more compounds having stable carbonyl groups covalently attached, either directly or via a bifunctional linker. The conjugates are useful as immuno-stimulants and adjuvants.

Abstract: Therapeutic 5-aminosalicylic acid derivative compositions having general formula (I), wherein R is a 1-deoxy sugar residue or a poly(ethylene glycol) chain-containing residue, are provided. The compositions enable topical delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid to the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration in pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydroiodide, glucosamine pyruvate, glucosamine phosphate or their mixtures with glucosamine hydrochloride, by electrodialysis. Starting from glucosamine hydrochloride, the exchange of the Cl? for an anion selected from the group consisting of SO4 ?2, I?, CH3COCOO? and PO4?3 takes place during the process. The electrodialyser comprises a cathode, anode, and means of separation composed of anion exchange membranes, cation exchange membranes, bipolar membranes or by other suitable means of separation. This invention also relates to a glycosamine sulphate containing chlorides obtainable by the process, and its therapeutic use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceuticals, foods and drinks, food additives, animal feeds and feed additives comprising an N-acylated hydroxyproline derivative or a salt thereof, and an amino sugar or a salt thereof and/or a glycosaminoglycan or a salt thereof as active ingredients, use of an Nacylated hydroxyproline derivative or a salt thereof for the production of an arthritis preventing or treating agent, and a method for preventing or treating arthritis which comprises administering an N-acylated hydroxyproline derivative or a salt thereof, and an amino sugar or a salt thereof and/or a glycosaminoglycan or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A new use of a suitable colloidal mixture of hyaluronic acids, of different molecular weights mixed together in a proper ratio in the treatment of the cutaneous diseases is described.

Abstract: A functional chitosan derivative which comprises a chitin/chitosan, which is a natural polysaccharide, and incorporated therein at least one of a carbohydrate, a photo-reactive functional group, an amphipathic group, e.g. a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, and a glycosaminoglycan and which, due to the incorporation, has solubility in a neutral medium, self-crosslinking ability, the property of highly containing water or healing wounds, and antithrombotic properties. Namely, the derivative has various properties required of health care materials such as medical products and cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new class of cross-linked derivatives of partially N-deacetylated hyaluronic acid or derivatives thereof, comprising at least one repeating unit of formula (I) hereinafter depicted and a process for the preparation of said cross-linked derivatives, comprising a multicomponent condensation reaction involving the carboxy groups and the amino groups originating from a partial N-deacetylation of hyaluronic acid or derivatives, together with an aldeyde and an isocyanide. The derivatives thus obtained can be used, alone or in association with biologically and/or pharmacologically active substances, for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, biomaterials, surgical and healthcare articles, slow release systems and for the coating of biomedical objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising semi-crystalline ?-1-4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers (p-GlcNac) and methods utilizing such polymers modulation of vascular structure and/or function. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for stimulating, in a p-GlcNac concentration-dependent manner, endothelin-1 release, vasoconstriction, and/or reduction in blood flow out of a breached vessel, as well as for contributing to or effecting cessation of bleeding. The methods of the present invention comprise topical administration of materials comprising semi-crystalline p-GlcNac polymers that are free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids as well as other organic and inorganic contaminants, and whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a ?-1-4 conformation.

Abstract: Methods for cell-free production of glucosamine from starch, maltodextrin or glycogen or from fructose and a source of amino groups are disclosed. Also disclosed are cellular extracts comprising glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase activity, as well as a cellular extract comprising glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase.

Abstract: Biocompatible and biodegradable, three-dimensional structures containing hyaluronic acid derivatives, obtained by the technique of precipitation induced by supercritical antisolvent (SAS), can be used in the field of medicine and surgery.

Abstract: The invention describes new hyaluronan derivatives where the hydroxyl groups are esterified or carbamoylated in amounts ranging from 0.01% to 100% and the carboxyl groups are either totally or partially esterified with alcohols or are in the form of salt.

Abstract: Glucosamine suitable for human or animal consumption is disclosed. The glucosamine is derived from microbial biomass containing chitin. Suitable starting materials include substantially uniform microbial fungal sources, such as fungal sources derived from Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Mucor sp. and combinations thereof. Methods of producing glucosamine by acid hydrolysis of fermented fungal biomass are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising semi-crystalline ?-1-4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers (p-GlcNac) and methods utilizing such polymers modulation of vascular structure and/or function. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for stimulating, in a p-GlcNac concentration-dependent manner, endothelin-1 release, vasoconstriction, and/or reduction in blood flow out of a breached vessel, as well as for contributing to or effecting cessation of bleeding. The methods of the present invention comprise topical administration of materials comprising semi-crystalline p-GlcNac polymers that are free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids as well as other organic and inorganic contaminants, and whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a ?-1-4 conformation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel water-soluble, stable derivatives of combretastatin A-4, and novel synthesis methods therefore. The combretastatin A-4 prodrugs described herein appear to be useful in the treatment of neoplastic disease.

Abstract: An orally administered soft gelatin formulation preparation of low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (HA) for use as a nutritional supplement to provide the primary benefit of internally causing the softening of the human skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of compounds presenting a high compatibility with tissues and organic fluids. Such new compounds are polysaccharides essentially formed of units of uronic acid and/or hexosamine, containing nitro groups —ONO2 covalently bonded to the saccharide structure. Preferably, the polysaccharides according to the invention are prevalently formed of disaccharide repeating units formed of uronic acid and hexosamine. These compounds, in psychological conditions, selectively release NO, allowing a reduction in the amount of NO needed to achieve a determined therapeutical effect. This result has been achieved by functionalizing polysaccharides essentially formed of units of uronic acid and/or hexosamine, with subsituents containing a ONO2 ? group.

Abstract: The present invention has disclosed the use of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the manufacture of a medicament for treating cervical erosion. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine can resist the field planting of microorganism and control microorganism infection, and improve the symptoms of local exudation, tissue inflammatory oedema and pain and the like.

Abstract: The purification of the E.coli K5 polysaccharide by treatment with isopropyl alcohol and elimination of lipophilic substances is described. The purified product can be used to prepare, after N-deacetylation, new N,O-sulfated polysaccharides with high degree of sulfation.

Abstract: A purified chitin has a total content of fatty acids and salts thereof not higher than 0.2 wt. % in terms of fatty acids. The purified chitin can be produced by washing a chitin with at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of organic solvent and water-containing organic solvents such that a total content of fatty acids and salts thereof is lowered at least to 0.2 wt. % in terms of fatty acids.

Abstract: Functional polyvalent oligomer for applications in medicine and biotechnology are disclosed. These oligomers have the formula (1) wherein R is H, CH3, C2H5, R1, is H, NH2, OH, COOH, X is N-Acetyl Glucosamine, mannose, galactose and sialic acid, fructose, ribulose, erythrolose, xylulose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, glucopyranose, fructofuranose, deoxyribose, galactosamine, sucrose, lactose, isomaltose, maltose, cellobiose, cellulose and amylose, Y is H, COOH, OH or NH2, and n is from 3 to 50. The present invention also relates to synthesis of such oligomeric ligands. The method of synthesis of the present invention for oligomerization can be—applied to other ligands such as sialic acid, mannose and galactose and can -be used for the prevention of infections.

Abstract: A concentrated solution of a polyglucosamine such as chitin or chitosan is prepared by forming an aqueous slurry of said polyglucosamine with a peroxide, and adding copper ion to said slurry so as to solubulize said polyglucosamine.

Abstract: The present invention has disclosed a use of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing and treating motion sickness, the preparation in which N-acetyl-D-glucosamine is taken as a main active component is able to be used for preventing and treating motion sickness with an effective rate up to more than 90%.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of preparing compositions containing hyaluronic acid derived from eggshell membrane are disclosed. The compositions can contain essentially pure hyaluronic acid or hyaluronic acid in combination with other naturally occurring constituents derived from eggshell membrane. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of treating a mammal that will benefit from the administration of hyaluronic acid, which includes administering to the mammal a composition containing hyaluronic acid derived from eggshell membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method to process a solution containing heparin; heparin salts or heparin complexes in a solvent or a mixture of solvents to a solid form of heparin products characterized by use of a drum dryer at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum and at a suitable drying temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and compositions for the treatment and prevention of disorders associated with endothelial dysfunction consisting of anti-inflammatory agents and dietary supplements.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method of treating or preventing osteoarthritis, joint effusion, joint inflammation and pain, synovitis, lameness, post operative arthroscopic surgery, deterioration of proper joint function including joint mobility, the reduction or inhibition of metabolic activity of chondrocytes, the activity of enzymes that degrade cartilage, the reduction or inhibition of the production of Hyaluronic acid, said method comprising orally administering to a mammalian species a therapeutically effective amount of Hyaluronic Acid or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Additionally, compositions containing hyaluronic acid; chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine sulfate in a paste formulation are also disclosed which can be administered on their own or can be used as a feed additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating a tissue disorder associated with a response-to-injury process or proliferating cells in a mammal. These tissue disorders are associated with a novel cellular phenotype designated as “transition cells” which are described herein. This cellular phenotype is characterized in having an activated erk kinase signaling activity, a stimulated AP-1 binding activity, and at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of: (a) increased podosome formation, (b) increased flux of intracellular or extracellular hyaluronans or hyaladherins, (c) increased expression of a hyaladherin, (d) an inability to form focal adhesions, (e) increased metalloproteinase activity, and (f) increased expression of a hyaladherin. Example tissue disorders include fibrosis, inflammation, degeneration and invasive disorders such as occur in cancerous cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing or masking odor associated with chondroitin derived from marine life. The method comprises blending the chondroitin with citric acid, silicon dioxide, and optionally a flavorant to yield a substantially non-malodorous blend.

Abstract: The invention provides micelles, pharmaceutical formulations comprising micells, solutions comprising micells, methods for preparing micells, methods for delivering micells to patients, and methods for treating sepsis, endotoxemia, septic shock and systemic inflamatory response syndrome in patients by adiministering micelles. The micelles comprises compounds of Forumala (A): wherein the substituents are as defined herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biscarbodiimides, thiourea derivatives, urea derivatives, and cross-linked hyaluronan derivatives having at least one intramolecular disulfide bond, and methods of preparation thereof. The invention also includes thiolated hyaluronan derivatives and salts thereof having at least one pendant thiol group or a modified pendant thiol group, and methods of preparation thereof. An example of a modified pendant thiol group is a sulfhydryl group linked to a small molecule such as a bioactive agent, for example a drug or pharmaceutically active moiety. A hyaluronan derivative having a sulfhydryl group linked to a pharmaceutically active moiety is useful as a sustained or controlled release drug delivery vehicle. Compositions containing the hyaluronan derivatives of the invention can reversibly viscosify in vivo or in vitro, in response to mild changes in condition, and are thus useful in ophthalmic surgery and in tissue engineering.

Abstract: Biomaterials are disclosed comprised of biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioabsorbable non-woven fabric materials for use in surgery for the guided regeneration of tissues. The non-woven fabric materials are comprised of threads embedded in a matrix, wherein both the matrix and the threads can be comprised of esters of hyaluronic acid, used singly or in combination, or esters of hyaluronic acid in combination with esters of alginic acid or other polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified, easily produced poly-?-1?4-N-acetylglucosamine (p-GlcNAc) polysaccharide species. The p-GlcNAc of the invention is a polymer of high molecular weight whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in ?-1?4 conformation, and which is free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, derivatives and reformulations of p-GlcNAc are described. The present invention further relates to methods for the purification of the p-GlcNAc of the invention from microalgae, preferably diatom, starting sources. Still further, the invention relates to methods for the derivatization and reformulation of the p-GlcNAc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the uses of pure p-GlcNAc, its derivatives, and/or its reformulations.

Abstract: The geometric isomers of olefins and olefinic compounds are separated by means of liquid chromatography using a stationary phase comprising an organosilane with a pendant aliphatic functional group such as C18 and a mobile phase which includes an additive comprising alkanes and alkenes.

Abstract: Polysaccharides comprising one or more oxime linkages are provided. Methods for their preparation include the polycondensation of saccharides bearing oxime-forming substituents. In some embodiments, polymerization is conducted in the presence of galactose oxidase. The resulting oxime-linked polysaccharides have desirable properties and are useful in numerous applications including paper manufacturing and drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention is related to polysaccharide esters of N-derivatives of glutamic acid (N-GA derivatives). These polysaccharidic esters have antiproliferative activity and are characterized by a low systemic toxicity. The esters of the invention are used in the prevention and therapy of diseases caused by cellular hyperproliferation, particularly psoriasis, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, or intestinal inflammatory pathologies.

Abstract: Reaction products of taurultam and glucose are useful as antineoplastic agents. They are produced by reacting an aqueous solution of taurultam and glucose at about 100 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes, yielding a reaction product which has a melting point of 168 to 170 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts for use in the treatment of acute and chronic forms of rheumatic and arthritic diseases and of all the pathological conditions originating from metabolic disorders of the osteo-articular tissues. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts having low metal content wherein the metal may be either sodium or potassium. The present invention further relates to a solution-based and a solvent-free process for the preparation of the novel crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts having low metal content and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts having low metal content.

Abstract: An orally administered soft gelatin formulation preparation of low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (HA) for use as a nutritional supplement to provide the primary benefit of internally causing the softening of the human skin.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of treatment for conditions in humans and animals which have an inflammatory component, are disclosed. The composition comprises a glucosamine component dispersed in a controlled-release matrix system capable of releasing the glucosamine over a designated time period. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of arthritis in humans and animals without adversely effecting glucose regulation.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the regulation of cytokine activity in a subject. The composition features an effective amount of an oligosaccharide to inhibit the cytokine activity, preferably through inhibition of TNF-alpha activity. The oligosaccharide is more preferably up to four saccharide units in length, and optionally and more preferably, is N-sulfated with at least one other sulfur moeity. The compositions are useful for the treatment of various pathological conditions related to, caused by or promoted through, cytokine activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing particles of the modified carbohydrate polymer chitosan. Such chitosan particles are “activated” as a consequence of the specific steps used in the process. The process involves precipitation of dissolved chitosan from an acid solution thereof by the step-wise addition of neutralizing agent to the solution. A partial neutralization is carried out under shear agitation to form a continuous gel phase having a pH within the range of 5.0 to 6.9. This partially neutralized chitosan gel phase is then further subjected to shear agitation for at least 10 seconds to homogenize the gel phase. The homogenized gel phase is then further neutralized under shear agitation to a pH of above 6.9 to form a gel-like suspension of discrete chitosan particles. Chitosan particles in this form are useful in a number of contexts including, in particular, in the area of plant care.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of cross-linked polysaccharides containg carboxy groups. The process comprises a first step of activating the carboxy groups in an anhydrous aprotic solvent and then reacting with a polyamine. The cross-linked polysaccharide may be subjected to sulfonation of the five hydroxy groups.

Abstract: PEG-chitosan conjugates comprising chitosan and polyethylene glycol moieties or derivatives thereof which are bonded together and their use in medicine is described. In one embodiment, the conjugate comprises a chitosan moiety or a derivative thereof and a polyethylene glycol moiety or a derivative thereof which are bonded together via the amino function on the chitosan by the use of an activated chitosan species. In another embodiment, the conjugate comprises a chitosan moiety or a derivative thereof and a polyethylene glycol moiety or a derivative thereof which are bonded together, the chitosan portion of the conjugate having a molecular weight in the range of from 10 kilodaltons to 1000 kilodaltons.

Abstract: Glucosamine suitable for human or animal consumption is disclosed. The glucosamine is derived from fungal biomass containing chitin. Various methods of producing glucosamine by acid hydrolysis of fermented fungal biomass are also disclosed.

Abstract: New biomaterials essentially constituted by esterified derivatives of hyaluronic acid or by cross-linked derivatives of hyaluronic acid for use in the surgical sector, particularly for use in the prevention of post-surgical adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine obtained from microbial biomass, and to methods of obtaining N-acetyl-D-glucosamine from microbial biomass. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of fungal biomass to create N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. The N-acetyl-D-glucosamine is efficiently obtained at high purity by degrading chitin in the fungal biomass to create N-acetyl-D-glucosamine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts for use in the treatment of acute and chronic forms of rheumatic and arthritic diseases and of all the pathological conditions originating from metabolic disorders of the osteo-articular tissues. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts having low metal content wherein the metal may be either sodium or potassium. The present invention further relates to a solution-based and a solvent-free process for the preparation of the novel crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts having low metal content and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts having low metal content.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemically modified hyaluronic acid and salts thereof, which are obtained by O-acylating, alkoxylating or crosslinking a complex consisting of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof and a cationic compound in a nonaqueous solvent, and a process for the production thereof. The nonaqueous solvent used in the invention is preferably one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of chloroform, toluene, methylene chloride and heptane.

Abstract: A method of making a derivatized aminoglycoside includes reacting an aminoglycoside with at least 2 equivalents of a divalent metal ion in an aprotic solvent to complex two neighboring amino group and hydroxyl group pairs; reacting the non-complexed amino groups with a protecting reagent to provide protecting groups; removing the divalent metal ion to provide two unprotected amino groups; reacting one of the unprotected amino groups with a reactive substance containing an linker, a carrier, or a label; and removing the protecting groups. This method can be used to produce novel compounds and reagents.