Abstract: A human antibody or antigen-binding fragment of an antibody that specifically binds human CD20 and is capable of inducing complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and is capable of increasing symptom free survival time between about 2-fold to about 9-fold or more, relative to control-treated animals in a mouse model of human lymphoma. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is useful in a therapeutic method for treating a CD20-mediated disease or condition, such as for example, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A fusion protein comprising at least one IGF1 variant component and a fusion component (F), and, optionally, a signal sequence, exhibiting improved stability relative to the native IGF1 or IGF2 polypeptide. The fusion component (F) may be a multimerizing component, a targeting ligand, or another active or therapeutic compound. IGF1 variants were shown to have improved ability to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy relative to native IGF1.

Abstract: Methods of treating, inhibiting, or ameliorating gout, including chronic acute (refractory) gout, pseudogout, or drug-induced gout, in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutic amount of an interleukin 1 (IL-1) antagonist, wherein the incidence of a gout flare is reduced or inhibited.

Abstract: Ophthalmic formulations of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist are provided suitable for intravitreal administration to the eye. The ophthalmic formulations include a stable liquid formulation and a lyophilizable formulation. Preferably, the protein antagonist has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing a chimeric protein comprising an IGF1 and an IGF2 component and optionally (F), a fusion component, and/or a signal sequence, are provided. The chimeric protein exhibits improved activity relative to the native IGF1 or IGF2 polypeptide. Further, therapeutic methods for treating IGF1 insufficiency diseases or conditions using the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are also provided. The diseases or conditions treatable with the methods include muscle atrophy as a result of, for example, aging, cachexia, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, disuse or immobilization of muscle, and the like, as well as dwarfism and myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Polypeptides and multimeric polypeptides capable of binding interferon ? and/or interferon ? which are useful therapeutically in methods of treating interferon ?/?-related conditions or diseases.

Abstract: Modified chimeric polypeptides with improved pharmacokinetics are disclosed. Specifically, modified chimeric Flt1 receptor polypeptides that have been modified in such a way as to improve their pharmacokinetic profile are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the modified polypeptides including but not limited to using the modified polypeptides to decrease or inhibit plasma leakage and/or vascular permeability in a mammal.

Abstract: Monomeric fusion polypeptides comprising R1-M-L-M, wherein R1 is a target ligand-binding domain, M is a multimerizing component, and L is a linker capable of allowing one M component to interact with the other M component to form a self-associating monomer, optionally comprising a second target ligand-binding domain R2. Preferred target ligands include interleukin (IL)-13, IL-1, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2.

Abstract: Formulations of an interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonist are provided including a pre-lyophilized formulation, a reconstituted lyophilized formulation, and a stable liquid formulation. Preferably, the IL-1 antagonist is an IL-1 trap composed of a dimer of two fusion proteins having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10. Stable liquid formulations made with and without sodium chloride, and made with phosphate or histidine buffer, are provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding fusion proteins which bind and inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The VEGF-binding fusion proteins are therapeutically useful for treating VEGF-associated conditions and diseases, and are specifically designed for local administration to specific organs, tissues, and/or cells.

Abstract: Methods of treating, inhibiting, or ameliorating gout, including chronic acute (refractory) gout, pseudogout, or drug-induced gout, in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutic amount of an interleukin 1 (IL-1) antagonist, wherein the incidence of a gout flare is reduced or inhibited.

Abstract: A targeting fusion protein comprising a component that comprises a (i) ligand or derivative or fragment thereof that binds a pre-selected target surface protein, such as a receptor, and (ii) an active agent or therapeutic agent(s), and further optionally (iii) a multimerizing component and/or (iv) a signal sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the targeting fusion polypeptide targets muscle and is useful to treat a muscle-related disease or condition, such as muscle atrophy.

Abstract: An isolated antibody or antibody fragment that binds human interleukin-18 receptor alpha (hIL-18R?), comprising a light chain variable region (LCVR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, and 81 and/or a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75, and 79, or a fragment or sequence modified by an amino acid substitution, deletion or addition thereof.

Abstract: An isolated human antibody or antibody fragment thereof which binds to human interleukin-4 receptor alpha (hIL-4R?) with high affinity (KD), capable of blocking hIL-4 and hIL-13 activity.

Abstract: Ophthalmic formulations of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist are provided suitable for intravitreal administration to the eye. The ophthalmic formulations include a stable liquid formulation and a lyophilizable formulation. Preferably, the protein antagonist has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4.

Abstract: Polypeptides and multimeric polypeptides capable of binding interferon ? which are useful therapeutically in methods of treating interferon ?-related conditions or diseases.

Abstract: An isolated human antibody or antibody fragment thereof which binds to human interleukin-4 receptor alpha (hIL-4R?) with an affinity constant (KD) of less than 200 pM, as measured by surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract: Fusion polypeptides and multimeric fusion polypeptides capable of binding interleukin-18 (IL-18) with high affinity, as well as nucleic acids encoding the IL-18-specific polypeptides, which are useful therapeutically in methods of treating IL-18-related conditions or diseases. The IL-18-specific polypeptides may include components derived from IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), a fusion component F, an IL-18 receptor, and/or a human interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (hIL-1RAcP).

Abstract: Methods of reducing or treating angiogenesis and/or inflammation associated with eye injury in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering an agent capable of blocking or inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are provided. The methods are useful for inhibiting or ameliorating eye injury, particularly acute or subacute corneal injury and feature local administration (for example, subconjunctival injection or eye drops).

Abstract: A method of reducing or preventing hypertension associated with administration of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist in a human subjects suffering from a disease or condition treatable with a VEGF antagonist in which is it desirable to reduce or prevent hypertension. The method is particularly useful for treatment of patients unresponsive to treatment with a VEGF inhibitor administered intravenously.