Abstract: Methods for chemical modification of hyaluronic acid, formation of amine or aldehyde functionalized hyaluronic acid, and the cross-linking thereof to form hydrogels are provided. Functionalized hyaluronic acid hydrogels of this invention can be polymerized in situ, are biodegradable, and can serve as a tissue adhesive, a tissue separator, a drug delivery system, a matrix for cell cultures, and a temporary scaffold for tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment and repair of defects or lesions in the cartilage of humans and other animals. The defect or lesion in the cartilage may be first treated with an enzyme to remove proteoglycans from the defect area. To induce cartilage formation, the defect is filled or otherwise dressed with a biodegradable matrix having pores sufficiently large to allow repair cells to populate the matrix. The matrix filling the defect contains a proliferation agent at a concentration sufficient to stimulate proliferation of repair cells and a transforming factor in an appropriate delivery system to release the transforming factor at a concentration sufficient to transform repair cells in the matrix and defect area into cartilage-producing chondrocytes. The matrix may also contain a chemotactic agent to attract repair cells. The entire treatment may be carried out in a single arthroscopic or open surgical procedure.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment and repair of defects in the cartilage or bone of humans and other animals as in full-thickness defects in joints. The defect in bone is filled with a matrix having pores large enough to allow cells to populate the matrix and to form blood vessels. The matrix filling the bone defect contains an angiogenic factor and also contains an osteogenic factor in an appropriate delivery system. To induce cartilage formation, a defect in cartilage is filled with a matrix having pores sufficiently large to allow cartilage repair cells to populate the matrix. The matrix filling the defect in cartilage contains a proliferation agent and also contains a transforming factor in an appropriate delivery system. The matrix may also contain a chemotactic agent to attract cartilage repair cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment and repair of defects or lesions in the cartilage of humans and other animals. The defect or lesion in the cartilage may be first treated with an enzyme to remove proteoglycans from the defect area. To induce cartilage formation, the defect is filled or otherwise dressed with a biodegradable matrix having pores sufficiently large to allow repair cells to populate the matrix. The matrix filling the defect contains a proliferation agent at a concentration sufficient to stimulate proliferation of repair cells and a transforming factor in an appropriate delivery system to release the transforming factor at a concentration sufficient to transform repair cells in the matrix and defect area into cartilage-producing chondrocytes. The matrix may also contain a chemotactic agent to attract repair cells. The entire treatment may be carried out in a single arthroscopic or open surgical procedure.

Abstract: This invention relates to combinations and methods for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant diseases. More particularly, this invention relates to combinations of natural or recombinant tumor necrosis factors ("TNF") and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as indomethacin and ibuprofen, useful for the growth inhibition or killing of transformed cells. According to this invention, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are used to reduce or eliminate the toxic side effects of high doses of TNFs employed in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant neoplastic diseases. Advantageously, the combinations and methods of this invention allow the administration of higher doses of TNF than those tolerated in conventional treatment regimens based upon TNF alone.