Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth conditioned medium of B49 glioblastoma cells. Rat and human genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. A gene encoding GDNF has been subcloned into a vector, and the vector has been used to transform a host cell in order to produce biologically active GDNF in a recombinant DNA process.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding novel DKR polypeptides. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and methods of using these molecules.

Abstract: Selected novel carboxylic acid substituted heterocycle compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of inflammation, tissue degradation, cancer, fibrosis and related diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of inflamation, tissue degradation and related diseases. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide, osteoprotegerin binding protein, involved in osteolcast maturation has been identified based upon its affinity for osteoprotegerin. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide, or a fragment, analog or derivative thereof, vectors and host cells for production, methods of preparing osteoprotegerin binding protein, and binding assays are also described. Compositions and methods for the treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis, bone loss due to arthritis or metastasis, hypercalcemia, and Paget's disease are also provided. Receptors for osteoprotegerin binding proteins are also described. The receptors, and agonists and antagonists thereof, may be used to treat bone diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating or preventing acute and/or septic shock. The method comprises administering to patients in need thereof therapeutically effective amounts of a TNF binding protein and a Fas antigen. In a preferred embodiment, the TNF binding protein is sTNFR-I or sTNFR-II. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing a TNF binding protein and a Fas antigen useful in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides related to agouti signaling protein and agouti related protein which are useful in modulating the activity of the melanocortin 3 and melanocortin 4 receptors. Also provided are methods of preparing the peptides, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding the peptides.

Abstract: A protein which exhibits a therapeutic effect on inflammation and is useful for treating IL-1-mediated inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases of the joint.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor super family and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating injury or degeneration of cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons by administering a neurturin neurotrophic factor protein product. The invention relates more specifically to methods for treating sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract: The in vivo circulating life and/or absorption of cationic therapeutic proteins, including but not limited to basic proteins such as NT-3, can be increased by generating analogs that have a lower isoelectric point and, preferably, also a lower protein charge relative to the protein of native sequence.

Abstract: This invention provides a mammal with enhanced liver expression of a transgene. Also provided are 1) a nucleic acid sequence useful in enhancing liver specific expression of a transgene, and 2) a vector containing this nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A fibrinolytically active metalloproteinase polypeptide (called “novel acting thrombolytic”) which is useful for blood clot lysis in vivo and methods and materials for its production by recombinant expression are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (“G-CSF”) analogs and compositions containing such analogs which retain the three-dimensional structure of the internal core of the four alpha helical bundle of G-CSF. In another aspect, such G-CSF analogs can also be attached with biologically active proteins to form hybrid molecules and still retain G-CSF structural integrity. Also provided are methods for determining and preparing analog or hybrid molecules and modifications.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleotide sequences encoding a novel polypeptide termed LSIRF. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the polypeptide and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of polyol/thickened oil suspensions containing a biologically active agent, for the sustained delivery of the biologically active agent. The described protein/glycerol/oil suspensions show sustained release of protein, e.g., G-CSF, of up to at least one week.

Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified. Genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. Methods and devices are disclosed for the delivery of GDNF using either an implantable cell which expresses human GDNF or a biocompatible semipermeable membrane containing genetically engineered cells which express and secrete the neurotrophic factor.