Abstract: The invention describes a method of reducing the cytotoxicity of interferon-alpha by making defined amino acid substitutions in the N-terminal portion of the polypeptide sequence. Also described are human interferon-alpha analogs with low cytotoxicity, and therapeutic applications of the low toxicity interferon-alpha analogs.

Abstract: A liposome composition comprising small, surface-bound effector molecules is disclosed. The liposomes have a surface layer of hydrophilic polymer chains, for enhanced circulation time in the bloodstream. The effector molecules are attached to the distal ends of the polymer chains. In one embodiment, the effector is polymyxin B, for treatment of septic shock.

Abstract: The invention provides fusion proteins comprising an N-terminal region derived from an interferon-tau (IFN-&tgr;) polypeptide and a C-terminal region derived from another type I interferon polypeptide, such as IFN-&agr; or IFN-&bgr;. The fusion proteins exhibit reduced cytotoxicity as compared to the corresponding unmodified type I interferons.

Abstract: A radially-expandable stent for insertion into a lumen is described. The stent is composed of a radially-expandable support stent and a polymer tubular member co-axially disposed over the support stent. Tubular end sleeves are disposed around the first and second ends of the polymer-surrounded support stent to secure the tubular member and to provide other improvements.

Abstract: A liposome composition for administration of a polynucleotide and a method of preparing the composition are described. The liposomes in the suspension are composed predominantly of liposomes having a bilayer membrane formed of cationic vesicle-forming lipids and neutral vesicle forming lipids. The polynucleotide is entrapped in the central core of the liposomes and is localized predominantly on the inner surface of the core.

Abstract: A method of contraception by delivering to the ovaries of a female mammal a pharmaceutically-effective dose of a PDE3-specific inhibitor at about the time of ovulation.

Abstract: A method of liposome-based therapy for a mammalian subject is disclosed. The method uses liposomes with outer surfaces that contain an affinity moiety effective to bind specifically to a biological surface at which the therapy is aimed, and a hydrophilic polymer coating effective to shield the affinity moiety from interaction with the target surface. The hydrophilic polymer coating is made up of polymer chains covalently linked to surface lipid components in the liposomes through releasable linkages. After a desired liposome biodistribution is achieved, a releasing agent is administered to cause cleaving of a substantial portion of the releasable linkages in the liposomes, to expose the affinity agent to the target surface.

Abstract: A method of treating cancer in a subject, by administering to the subject a combination of genes including wt p53, Pax5 and HSV-tk genes is disclosed. The method may involve subsequently treating the subject with ganciclovir.

Abstract: A unit cell for use in a medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed along with a description of a stent formed from a plurality of unit cells and for use in the treatment of restenosis or other vascular narrowing. The unit cell is designed and configured for uniform radial expansion with minimal axial shortening and recoil, and is selectively variable in flexibility and expendability.

Abstract: A stent designed to be carried on the balloon of a balloon catheter to a target site is described. The stent is formed of a series of expandable, strip-like segments, each formed of a memory polymer and adapted for movement between a closed, high-curvature condition and an expanded, low-curvature condition upon exposure to a selected stimulus.

Abstract: A liposome composition containing an entrapped cisplatin compound is described. The liposomes have a surface coating of hydrophilic polymer chains on inner and outer surfaces and an entrapped cisplatin compound. The compound is entrapped with substantially greater retention in the liposomes, when compared to liposomes lacking the polymer coating. A method of preparing the composition is also described.

Abstract: A method of stably encapsulating a weak acid drug in liposomes, at a high concentration, is disclosed. The method employs a proton shuttle mechanism involving the salt of a weak acid to generate a higher inside/lower outside pH gradient. The weak acid compound accumulates in liposomes in response to this gradient, and may be retained in the liposomes by cation-promoted precipitation or low permeability across the liposome transmembrane barrier. Also disclosed is a reagent combination for practicing the method, and a liposome composition formed by the method.

Abstract: A fusogenic liposome composition for delivering a liposome-entrapped compound into the cytoplasm of a target cell is described. The liposomes have an outer surface coating of chemically releasable hydrophilic polymer chains which shield hydrophobic polymers on the liposome outer surface. Release of the hydrophilic polymer chains exposes the hydrophobic polymers for interaction with outer cell membranes of the target cells to promote fusion of the liposome with the target cells. Also disclosed is a method for using the composition to deliver a compound to target cells, and a method for selecting suitable hydrophobic polymers for use in the composition.

Abstract: A method of preventing progression of neuropathic pain is disclosed. The method includes administering to a subject an N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel blocking compound which is characterized by its ability to (a) inhibit electrically stimulated contraction of the guinea pig ileum, and (b) bind selectively to omega conopeptide MVIIA binding sites present in neuronal tissue. Also disclosed are formulations effective to stabilize omega conotoxin peptide preparations at elevated temperatures. Novel omega conopeptides also form part of the invention.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of preparing plasmid-liposome complexes for in vivo transfection is described. The improvement includes selecting a condensing agent to condense the plasmid prior to contact with the liposomes, selecting a working medium and selecting a ratio of liposome lipid to plasmid. Also disclosed are DNA plasmid-liposome complexes formed by the method.

Abstract: An improvement in a magnetic recording medium having an underlayer and a magnetic recording layer is described. The improvement, effective to reduce media anisotropy, includes deposition of a prelayer on the substrate, prior to deposition of the underlayer. The prelayer is deposited to a thickness of between 10-60 .ANG. and is composed of an CoCr-based alloy having a defined saturation magnetization.

Abstract: A bilayer magnetic recording medium having first and second magnetic recording layers separated by a nonmagnetic isolation layer is disclosed. The medium is characterized by a high coercivity, low noise and an improved overwrite. In producing the medium, the second magnetic layer is deposited under sputtering conditions effective to produce a higher coercivity.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic compound to an in vivo target site having a selected pH, temperature, ligand concentration or binding-molecule characteristic. The method includes entrapping the therapeutic compound in an encapsulated microparticle composition that, when exposed to a selected target stimulus related to pH, temperature, radiation, or the presence of a selected ligand or ion-channel activator, decondenses to release compound into the target site. The encapsulated microparticle composition consists of a condensed-phase particle matrix containing the compound to be delivered in entrapped form, and a stimulus-responsive lipid bilayer membrane formed around the matrix. Localized perturbation of the lipid membrane, and influx of monovalent counterions into the polymer matrix, in response to the selected target stimulus, causes matrix swelling and compound release from the particles.

Abstract: A texturing device for texturing a disc substrate of the type used in forming a thin-film medium is described. The device includes a rotatable assembly having a first pad attached to one end of a spindle and an annular ring having a second pad attached on one surface. Each pad defines a texturing surface for texturing the inner and outer regions of the disc substrate.

Abstract: A lipid vesicle composition for use in delivering a vesicle-encapsulated agent to a target cell is disclosed. The composition is formed of vesicle-forming lipids, including at least 10 mole percent plasmalogen phospholipid with a small-volume polar head group. The composition may also include a fusion protein for promoting fusion of the vesicles to the target cells. A novel fusion protein identified as an isoform of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is also disclosed.