Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transducing a target cell, the method comprising the step of contacting a target cell with a retroviral vector and a poloxamer having a molecular weight of 12.8 kDa to about 15 kDa. Further, the invention relates to the use of a poloxamer as defined herein, optionally in combination with a polycationic substance as defined herein, for transducing a target cell with a retroviral vector and a kit comprising a retroviral vector, a poloxamer as defined herein and, optionally, instructions for use.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods to manipulate stem cells in vivo and in vitro to treat, e.g., a condition where cell or tissue repair is needed.

Abstract: Sterol derivatives of formula (I) and a method for the production of the compounds, a medicament using one of the compounds and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the medicament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to SHIP inhibitor compounds and methods for using these compounds. In particular, the present invention discloses the following methods: (i) a method of treating graft versus host disease in a subject; (ii) a method of inhibiting a SHIP1 protein in a cell; (iii) a method of selectively inhibiting a SHIP1 protein in a cell; (iv) a method for treating or preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in a recipient of an organ or tissue transplant; (v) a method of modulating SHIP activity in a cell expressing SHIP1 or SHIP2; (vi) a method of ex vivo or in vitro treatment of transplants; (vii) a method of inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in a subject; (viii) a method of treating a hematologic malignancy in a subject; (ix) a method of inducing apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells; (x) a method of treating multiple myeloma in a subject; (xi) a method of inhibiting the proliferation of a human breast cancer cell; and (xii) a method of treating breast cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the targeted delivery, release and/or formation of a drug compound at a target site(s) within the body of an individual, such as a diseased and/or inflamed tissue in the body of the individual. These compositions may comprise a halogenated phenol ring cleavably linked to a core structure of a drug compound. Due to the variety of substituents that may be utilized in forming the different types of linkages, numerous examples of drug compounds linked to a halogenated phenol ring are proposed. The present invention further provides compositions comprising halogenated phenol starting compounds that do not undergo cleavage during a dehalogenation reaction to form a drug compound in a targeted tissue when administered to an individual. Methods of administering these non-cleaving compounds are further provided.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to compositions comprising oxysterol compounds represented by Formula I or Formula II, e.g., comprising one or more of Oxy 16, Oxy 22, Oxy30, Oxy 31, Oxy35, Oxy37, Oxy43, Oxy44, Oxy45 or Oxy47. The compounds are shown to be Hedgehog pathway inhibiting, and to act as agonists for liver X receptor (LXR). Also disclosed are methods of using compositions of the invention to inhibit Hedgehog signaling effects, such as cell proliferation, including treating subjects in need thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits for implementing methods of the invention.

Abstract: A neutral-fat-level-regulating agent, a cholesterol-level-regulating agent, a free-fatty-acid-level-regulating agent or an anti-obesity agent, including: at least one of protopanaxatriol, panaxatriol, protopanaxadiol and panaxadiol which are aglycons of dammarane-type saponins; and a hyperlipemia-ameliorating agent including: at least one of the neutral-fat-level-regulating agent, the cholesterol-level-regulating agent, the free-fatty-acid-level-regulating agent and the anti-obesity agent.

Abstract: A method for providing neuroprotection to a patient in need of neuroprotection, comprising administering a neuroprotective-effective amount of a compound of formula I in which X is an oxygen atom or an ?N—OH group, R is selected from the group consisting of A is a hydrogen atom or together with B a carbon-carbon bond, B is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group or together with A a carbon-carbon bond, C is a hydrogen atom or together with D a carbon-carbon bond, D is a hydrogen atom or together with C a carbon-carbon bond, E is a hydrogen atom or together with F a carbon-carbon bond, F is a hydrogen atom or together with E a carbon-carbon bond, or an addition salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel and advantageous processes for preparing and purifying pharmaceuticals The processes comprise a nucleophilic reaction wherein a modified leaving group LM, which has increased lipophilicity, of a vector in a nucleophilic reaction which offers a convenient and time-saving way to purify the product from non-reacted precursors vector-LM and by-products LM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving the efficient allylic oxidation of organic molecules, especially olefins and steroids, under aqueous conditions. The invention concerns the use of dirhodium (II,II) “paddlewheel complexes, and in particular, dirhodium carboximate and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as catalysts for the reaction. The use of aqueous conditions is particularly advantageous in the allylic oxidation of 7-keto steroids, which could not be effectively oxidized using anhydrous methods, and in extending allylic oxidation to enamides and enol ethers.

Abstract: The invention provides the novel use of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of depressive psychiatric disorders. The pharmacological test results indicated that the compound could remarkably increase the level of NE, 5-HT and HAV in the brains of model rats having depressive disorders, remarkably enhance tremors induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and behavioral effects induced by levodopa, and inhibit the re-uptake of 5-HT and NA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel crystalline Form A of 17?-acetoxy-21-methoxy-11?-[4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl]-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione, (also known as CDB-4124) and methods for the preparation of it in excellent purity.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns novel demethylpenclomedine analogs. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using such compositions to treat hyperproliferative disorders. In one embodiment the analogs are represented by the formula (1).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising formula 1 steroids, e.g., 16?-bromo-3?-hydroxy-5?-androstan-17-one hemihydrate and one or more excipients, typically wherein the composition comprises less than about 3% water. The compositions are useful to make improved pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also provides methods of intermittent dosing of steroid compounds such as analogs of 16?-bromo-3?-hydroxy-5?-androstan-17-one and compositions useful in such dosing regimens. The invention further provides compositions and methods to inhibit pathogen (viral) replication, ameliorate symptoms associated with immune dysregulation and to modulate immune responses in a subject using certain steroids and steroid analogs. The invention also provides methods to make and use these immunomodulatory compositions and formulations.

Abstract: To reduce amounts of fat accumulated in abdominal cavity and to prevent or ameliorate visceral fat type obesity, considered to be a main factor of metabolic syndrome, the present invention provides an agent or a food or drink which contains a compound having a lophenol skeleton, or an organic solvent extract or a hot water extract of a Liliaceae plant, or a fraction thereof containing the compound is used as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to triterpenoid derivatives, benzenoid derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same for treating cancers or inflammatory symptoms. According to the present invention, the triterpenoid derivatives and the benzenoid derivatives are respectively represented by the following formulas (I) and (II): wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R1?, R2?, R3?, and R4? are defined the same as the specification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of separating ergosterol from a solution containing ergosterol in water-insoluble organic solvent, comprising supplying water to the solution and precipitating ergosterol. According to the method of the present invention, ergosterol crystals can be obtained at a high yield. Moreover, controlled water supply provides granular ergosterol aggregates exhibiting good solid-liquid separation character at a high yield.

Abstract: Compound of formula I where X=O or ?N—OH group, R represents a group chosen from A=hydrogen or together with B a carbon-carbon bond, B=hydrogen, hydroxy or together with A a carbon-carbon bond, C, D, E, F=hydrogen or together with D a carbon-carbon bond, or the one of its addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, with the exception of a few compounds, as a medicament, use in particular as neuroprotectors, novel compounds of formula I and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photosensitizer compounds for use in cosmetic and therapeutic applications of photodynamic therapy. The compounds of the present invention are designed for topical application and are characterized by a low permeability to the stratum corneum (the outer skin layer of an individual) and/or a low allergenic potential. Surprisingly, such compounds have beneficial properties in the treatment of certain diseases and lack the undesired damages to healthy skin entailed by prior art compounds. ALA (5-aminolevulinic acid)-esters of body-owned, natural compound such as aminoacids, steroids, carbohydrades, alcohols are preferred, examples of photosensitizers of the present invention. The compounds of the present invention are used in the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis, sebaceous glands related conditions including acne, seborrhoic dermatitis, rosacea, skin cancer and precancer, as well as in cosmetic hair removal.

Abstract: To reduce amounts of fat accumulated in abdominal cavity and to prevent or ameliorate visceral fat type obesity, considered to be a main factor of metabolic syndrome, the present invention provides an agent or a food or drink which contains a compound having a lophenol skeleton, or an organic solvent extract or a hot water extract of a Liliaceae plant, or a fraction thereof containing the compound is used as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention provides the novel use of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of depressive psychiatric disorders. The pharmacological test results indicated that the compound could remarkably increase the level of NE, 5-HT and HAV in the brains of model rats having depressive disorders, remarkably enhance tremors induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and behavioral effects induced by levodopa, and inhibit the re-uptake of 5-HT and NA.

Abstract: A polymerizable liquid crystal compound that has a wide liquid crystal phase temperature range and has a sterol ferulate skeleton, and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound are provided. A polymer that is excellent in various characteristics, and a molded article having optical anisotropy produced with the polymer are obtained with the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The compound is represented by formula (1): wherein R represents a sterol moiety derived from vegetable organisms; P represents one of polymerizable groups represented by formulae (P1) to (P8); X, Z, X0 and Z0 each represent a bonding group; and A represents a divalent group having a cyclic structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amorphous ciclesonide, methods to prepare the same, pharmaceutical compositions comprising amorphous ciclesonide as active ingredient, and methods of treatment using amorphous ciclesonide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substance which lowers LDL cholesterol levels in serum and which is fat soluble ?-sitostanol fatty acid ester, and to a method for preparing and using the same. The substance can be taken orally as a food additive, food substitute or supplement. A daily consumption of the ?-sitostanol ester in an amount between about 0.2 and about 20 g/day has been shown to reduce the absorption of biliary and endogenic cholesterol.

Abstract: The present invention includes a novel polyethylene glycol derivative; a drug carrier comprising the derivative; and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the drug carrier having a pharmacologically active substance included therein. Specifically disclosed are: a polyethylene glycol derivative represented by the general formula (I); a drug carrier comprising the derivative and 2-O-(2-diethylaminoethyl)carbamoyl-1,3-O-dioleoyl-glycerol; and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the drug carrier and a pharmacologically active substance (preferably double-stranded RNA, double-stranded DNA or an oligonucleic acid), wherein R represents a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 10 to 30 carbon atoms or a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residue having 10 to 30 carbon atoms; and n represents an integer of 30 to 150.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns novel demethylpenclomedine analogs. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using such compositions to treat hyperproliferative disorders.

Abstract: To reduce amounts of fat accumulated in abdominal cavity and to prevent or ameliorate visceral fat type obesity, considered to be a main factor of metabolic syndrome, the present invention provides an agent or a food or drink which contains a compound having a lophenol skeleton, or an organic solvent extract or a hot water extract of a Liliaceae plant, or a fraction thereof containing the compound is used as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving the efficient allylic oxidation of organic molecules, especially olefins and steroids, under aqueous conditions. The invention concerns the use of dirhodium (II,II) “paddlewheel complexes, and in particular, dirhodium carboximate and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as catalysts for the reaction. The use of aqueous conditions is particularly advantageous in the allylic oxidation of 7-keto steroids, which could not be effectively oxidized using anhydrous methods, and in extending allylic oxidation to enamides and enol ethers.

Abstract: The invention relates to new steroids nitrooxyderivatives, to topical pharmaceutical formulations thereof, and their use for treating skin or mucosal membrane diseases or disorders. These new steroids nitrooxyderivatives have an improved pharmacological activity and enhanced local tolerability.

Abstract: Selective estrogen receptor modulators, as well their related pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use, are provided herein. These estrogen receptor modulators include compounds that primarily exhibit estrogen receptor antagonist activity or primarily exhibit selective estrogen receptor antagonist and agonist activity, i.e., SERM activity, in specific tissue types. Particular embodiments provide compounds that behave as NeuroSERMs promoting neurotrophism and neuroprotection in brain tissue. These NeuroSERMs represent a subset of the modulators compounds provided herein that can cross the blood-brain-barrier and exert estrogen receptor agonist-like effects in the brain. The compounds should be useful for treating a variety of diseases, particularly estrogen receptor-mediated diseases and disorders, such as osteoporosis, breast and endometrial cancers, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The process for recovery of plant sterols and tocopherols from deodorization distillates formed during chemical or physical refining of vegetable oils consists of the following steps: free fatty acids are removed from the deodorization distillate by vacuum distillation or by continuation solvent saponification, after the removal of free fatty acids, the received material is reacted with an aromatic carboxylic acid anhydride at a temperature of 50-150° C., under reduced pressure, after the treatment with anhydride, tocopherols are removed from the mixture, and crystalline free sterols are recovered from the distillation residue containing sterol esters, di- and triglycerides by transesterification.

Abstract: The process for preparing a refinery feedstock from black liquor soap comprising adding excess alcohol (preferably methanol) to black liquor soap. Acid is then added to the mixture to drop the pH of the mixture to approximately 2 to convert carboxylate salt of fatty and resin acids to the free fatty and resin acids. In the reaction process, the free fatty and resin acids react with the alcohol, with the aid of the acid catalyst, to yield the desired ester products. The resulting feedstock can be distilled or refined to yield sterols and related alcohols, biodiesel and other fuels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering sterols and/or wax alcohols from a crude tall oil based source material comprising sterols and/or wax alcohols in esterified form and fatty and/or rosin acids and optionally sterols and/or wax alcohols in free form, said method comprising the steps of: a) converting free acids in the source material to corresponding salts, b) removing water if present, c) transesterifying the esterified sterols and/or wax alcohols present in the dry material obtained in step a or step b to liberate sterols and/or wax alcohols, d) evaporative fractionating the transesterified material, and e) isolating sterols and/or wax alcohols from the obtained fraction(s) and/or the residue.

Abstract: A process for the separation and recovery of minor components from vegetable oil such as palm oil. Esterified palm oil is subjected to molecular distillation giving a concentrate rich in minor components. The concentrate is then adsorbed to adsorbents such as normal phase silica gel, reversed phase (particularly C18) silica gel or neutral alumina as well as polymer absorbents such as polyethylene glycol and polyacrylate polyalcohol. Minor components such as squalene, carotenes, tocols and sterols are then selectively desorbed, separated and recovered using solvents operating at isocratic conditions. The desorption of the said minor components are sped up by applying pressure of between 0.2 to 50 bar. By the same method, individual tocols isomers from palm oil can also be separated and recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compounds and compositions for inhibiting effective binding of a chemokine to its cellular receptor. In one form of the invention, a method includes contacting a cellular population with an effective amount of cosalane or an analog thereof. The invention further relates to methods, compounds and compositions for treating inflammatory diseases. In one form, a method includes administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of cosalane or an analog thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a di-steroidal prodrug of ethinyl estradiol according to formula I:

Abstract: The present invention is a di-steroidal prodrug of estradiol having the following formula:

Abstract: This invention relates to a group of novel sapogenins, their use in anti-cancer applications, and to a process for their production. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel group of dammarane sapogenins, PAM-120, PBM-110 and PBM-100 (the dammarance sapogenine structure is specifically clean of any sugar moieties (glycons) at any position and hydroxyl at C-20) and PAN-20 and PAN-30 (the dammarance sapogenin structure has sugar moieties but is free of hydroxyl at C-20), obtained by chemical cleavage of dammarane saponins. The invention also includes a novel application of the said sapogenins for anti-cancer treatment by using them separately or together, and/or jointly with other drugs, as well as to the process of producing these novel sapogenins. Said novel dammarane sapogenins show surprising anti-cancer effect when applied, particularly against multi-drug resistant cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for separating valuable products, including unsaponifiable materials, from any given matrix of raw materials that is mainly composed of saponifiable components and unsaponifiable components. Preferred methods include converting sodium or potassium soaps obtained from the saponification of a starting material into metallic soaps which have a lower melting point, and when melted, have viscosity sufficiently low to enable processing such as by distillation evaporation processes. Preferred raw materials include animal or vegetable products, as well as by-products, residues, and waste products from the processing of animal or vegetable products, such as from food processing, cellulose processing and the like. Valuable products which may be obtained by the disclosed processes include sterols, vitamins, flavonoids, and tocopherols.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for isolating a phytosterol from a pulping soap. The process of the invention comprises the steps of: (a) treating the pulping soap with a first solvent selected from the group consisting of propan-2-one, methanol and mixtures thereof to remove water from the pulping soap and thereby obtain a liquid phase and a phytosterol-containing semi-solid phase; (b) separating the liquid phase and the semi-solid phase from one another; (c) extracting the phytosterol from the semi-solid phase with a second solvent selected from the group consisting of C3-C6 ketones, C1-C6 alkanols and mixtures thereof; and (d) recovering the phytosterol obtained in step (c). A process for isolating a mixture of salts of fatty acids and salts of resinic acids from a pulping soap is also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for recovering phytosterols are described. The processes comprise: (a) providing a liquid mixture containing a phytosterol, methanol, and one or more additional compounds, wherein the methanol is present in an amount of from 25 to 75% by weight, based on the phytosterol; (b) cooling the mixture to form phytosterol crystals; and (c) separating the phytosterol crystals from the remainder of the mixture.

Abstract: The cholesterol derivative, represented by the following formula (1): 1

Abstract: The invention provides methods for separating outer birch bark from inner birch bark. The invention also provides methods for isolating betulin; lupeol; betulinic acid; 9,10-epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid; 9,10,18-trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid; polyphenolic polymers and fatty acids from birch bark.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of oryzanol enriched fraction from rice bran oil soapstock; the present invention particularly relates to saponification, dehydration and leaching of rice bran oil soapstock for production of oryzanol enriched fraction.

Abstract: A process for the separation and recovery of minor components from vegetable oil such as palm oil. Esterified palm oil is subjected to molecular distillation giving a concentrate rich in minor components. The concentrate is then adsorbed to adsorbents such as normal phase silica gel, reversed phase (particularly C18) silica gel or neutral alumina as well as polymer absorbents such as polyethylene glycol and polyacrylate polyalcohol. Minor components such as squalene, carotenes, tocols and sterols are then selectively desorbed, separated and recovered using solvents operating at isocratic conditions. The desorption of the said minor components are sped up by applying pressure of between 0.2 to 50 bar. By the same method, individual tocols isomers from palm oil can also be separated and recovered.

Abstract: A compound capable of acting as a cationic lipid is described. The compound comprises a cholesterol group having linked thereto a head group; wherein the head group is more positive than the head group of DC-Chol.

Abstract: Linear polyethylenimine was modified with sterols, such as cholesterol, in three different geometries: linear shaped (L), T-shaped (T), and a combined linear- and T-shaped (LT), to result in linear polyethylenimine-sterol conjugates. These conjugates were mixed with nucleic acids to form complexes for delivery of the nucleic acids into cells. Mammalian cells transfected with these complexes showed protein expression levels higher than linear polyethylenimine alone, and twice that of branched polyethylenimine, but without any significant loss in cell viability. Methods of making these compositions and methods of using them for gene delivery are also described.

Abstract: A food additive useful for lowering serum cholesterol in humans contains a sterol or stanol ester of a fatty acid or a dicarboxylic acid ester of a sterol or stanol made by reacting a sterol, stanol and a carboxylic acid in the presence of an effective amount of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, a calcium salt of a carboxylic acid, magnesium hydroxide and combinations thereof described herein below.

Abstract: New aromatic diamine derivatives and the preparations thereof are disclosed. The inventive diamine derivatives can be added to conventional polymerization reactions of tetracarboxylic acids and diamines to form new polyamic acids. After high-temperature baking, the polyamic acids are cyclized to form polyimides. These polyimides can be used as alignment film materials for liquid crystal display cell and have good alignment property and stability, and are effective in promoting pre-tilt angle.