Abstract: The invention relates to the use of esters of estriol, for example, an estriol 3,17-dipropionate or an estriol 3,17-dihexanoate, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Abstract: The invention relates to novel benzimidazole derivatives with general formula I, whereby radicals R1, R2, R3, A, B and Y have the meanings that are indicated in the description and the claims, the use of these compounds for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for treating and for preventing diseases that are associated with microglia activation, as well as pharmaceutical preparations that contain these compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design, production and use of analogs of thrombomodulin (TM) that have the ability to enhance the thrombin-mediated activation of protein C but which have a significantly reduced ability to promote activation of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). These analogs are useful in, for example, antithrombotic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human extracellular matrix polypeptides, designated RG1, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, expression vectors and genetically engineered host cells for expression of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing the polynucleotides and polypeptides in research, diagnosis, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses synthetic peptides and antibodies raised thereto wherein the synthetic peptides represent important epitopic sites recognized by monoclonal antibodies which can neutralize IFN-&bgr;. Also, the uses of these peptides or antibodies thereto as diagnostics and therapeutics are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design, production and use of analogs of thrombomodulin (TM) that have the ability to enhance the thrombin-mediated activation of protein C but which have a significantly reduced ability to promote activation of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). These analogs are useful in, for example, antithrombotic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human inhibitor-of-apoptosis polypeptides, designated HIAP3, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, expression vectors and genetically engineered host cells for expression of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing the polynucleotides and polypeptides in research, diagnosis, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses synthetic peptides and antibodies raised thereto wherein the synthetic peptides represent important epitopic sites recognized by monoclonal antibodies which can neutralize IFN-.beta.. Also, the uses of these peptides or antibodies thereto as diagnostics and therapeutics are disclosed.

Abstract: Polymorphisms within a plasma carboxypeptidase designated plasma carboxypeptidase B (PCPB) have been identified. The relative distribution of these polymorphs in a patient's blood can be used to assess an individual's risk toward thrombotic disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the single-chain thrombomodulin ("TM") and analogs thereof that are not susceptible to cleavage by proteases and retain the biological activity of thrombomodulin, as well as methods of use in, for example, antithrombotic therapy. Novel proteins, nucleic acid gene sequences, pharmaceuticals and methods of inhibiting thrombotic activity are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for synthetic ligands that bind to class I receptor tyrosine kinases. The ligands are analogous in structure to naturally occurring ligands. The modified ligands however, have eliminated the mid-sequence (B) domain present in the native ligands and replaced it with a peptide bridge which links the amino (A) and carboxy (C) domains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the single-chain thrombomodulin ("TM") and analogs thereof that are not susceptible to cleavage by proteases and retain the biological activity of thrombomodulin, as well as methods of use in, for example, antithrombotic therapy. Novel proteins, nucleic acid gene sequences, pharmaceuticals and methods of inhibiting thrombotic activity are disclosed.

Abstract: rDSPA .alpha.1 is produced in commercial quantities and a purity adequate for clinical standards. The production methods utilize a series of chromatographic steps: cation exchange chromatography, followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and ending with affinity chromatography.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis of a target nucleic acid are provided. In these methods a mutagenic oligonucleotide introduces a desired mutation at one site and, at a second site, introduces or eliminates a restriction site, allowing one to screen for the desired mutation by restriction analysis. Also provided are vectors and kits for performing such mutagenesis methods.

Abstract: A topical bioadhesive ointment composition comprising an aqueous mineral oil emulsion which is readily spread able and film-forming, and, upon application to moist skin or a mucosal surface, forms a stable, coherent layer thereon which resists removal therefrom by water or a body fluid associated with the mucosal surface to which the ointment composition is applied is disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the ointment compositions and a pharmaceutically active agent, e.g. , TGF.alpha.; and methods of using and methods of preparing the compositions.