Abstract: Sterile, stable pharmaceutical formulations of emulsions of neat propofol or propofol dissolved in a solvent and containing no preservative are provided that comprise optimal amounts of surfactants such as lecithin and solvent such as soybean oil, with a suitable pH range to prevent significant growth of microorganisms for at least 24 hours after adventitious, extrinsic contamination. The lower amount of oil or absence (oil) in the formulation also allows chronic sedation over extended periods of time with a reduced chance of lipid overload in the blood.

Abstract: The invention provides for SPARC polypeptides with a mutation corresponding to a deletion of the third glutamine in the mature form of the human SPARC protein, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, antibodies against such polypeptides, and methods of the use of such polypeptides, nucleic acids, and antibodies.

Abstract: Compositions comprising tetrahydroindolone derivatives in which the tetrahydroindolone moiety is covalently linked to a substituted arylpiperazine moiety and methods for treating neurological and psychiatric conditions using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides 2 aryl substituted derivatives of melatonin. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives, methods for preparing such derivatives, and methods of using such derivatives to induce general anesthesia, sedation, and/or hypnotic or sleep effects in a patient, and to treat conditions affected by melatonin activity in a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides para substituted dialkylphenol derivatives of propofol. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such analogs, methods for preparing such analogs, and methods of using such analogs to induce general anesthesia, sedation, and/or hypnotic or sleep effects in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serun albumin and/or deferoxamine. The human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides methods for reducing one or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, methods for inhibiting microbial growth and oxidation in the pharrmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug paclitaxel) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in the form of suspended particles coated with protein (which acts as a stabilizing agent). In particular, protein and pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing medium are subjected to high shear, in the absence of any conventional surfactants, and also in the absence of any polymeric core material for the particles. The procedure yields particles with a diameter of less than about 1 micron. The use of specific composition and preparation conditions (e.g., addition of a polar solvent to the organic phase), and careful selection of the proper organic phase and phase fraction, enables the reproducible production of unusually small nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter, which can be sterile-filtered.

Abstract: The present invention provides combination therapy methods of treating proliferative diseases (such as cancer) comprising a first therapy comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of a taxane in a nanoparticle composition, and a second therapy which may include, for example, radiation, surgery, administration of chemotherapeutic agents, or combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of administering to an individual a drug taxane in a nanoparticle composition based on a metronomic dosing regime.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting or determining the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent and for treating a mammalian tumor comprising detecting and quantifying the SPARC protein or RNA in a sample isolated from the mammal. The invention further provides kit for predicting the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent, comprising a means for the isolation of protein or RNA from the tumor, a SPARC protein or RNA detection and quantification means, control RNAs, and rules for predicting the response of the tumor based on the level of SPARC protein or RNA in tumor.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug paclitaxel) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in the form of suspended particles coated with protein (which acts as a stabilizing agent). In particular, protein and pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing medium are subjected to high shear, in the absence of any conventional surfactants, and also in the absence of any polymeric core material for the particles. The procedure yields particles with a diameter of less than about 1 micron. The use of specific composition and preparation conditions (e.g., addition of a polar solvent to the organic phase), and careful selection of the proper organic phase and phase fraction, enables the reproducible production of unusually small nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter, which can be sterile-filtered.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug paclitaxel) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in the form of suspended particles coated with protein (which acts as a stabilizing agent). In particular, protein and pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing medium are subjected to high shear, in the absence of any conventional surfactants, and also in the absence of any polymeric core material for the particles. The procedure yields particles with a diameter of less than about 1 micron. The use of specific composition and preparation conditions (e.g., addition of a polar solvent to the organic phase), and careful selection of the proper organic phase and phase fraction, enables the reproducible production of unusually small nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter, which can be sterile-filtered.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable pharmaceutical compositions of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents and stabilizing agents which function to increase stability of the compositions. The use of stabilizing agents provide extended stability of nanoparticle suspensions and other formulations of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents such as docetaxel under certain conditions, for example upon dilution for administration.