Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments, the anti-IL-6 antibodies will be humanized and/or will be aglycosylated. Also, in preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.

Abstract: This invention pertains to NGF antagonists including antibodies and antibody fragments thereof having binding specificity to human Nerve Growth Factor (“NGF”), and methods of treating pain. Methods of treating pain or eliciting an analgesic effect in an individual comprising administering an effective amount of an NGF antagonist inhibits the association of NGF with TrkA without inhibiting the association of NGF with p75. The methods may further comprise administering an effective amount of a second anti-human NGF antibody or fragment thereof which inhibits the association of NGF with p75, that may further also inhibit the association of NGF with TrkA.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting or preventing photophobia in subjects in need thereof using anti-CGRP antibodies or antibody fragments that inhibit photophobia, especially CGRP-associated photophobia. These antibodies and fragments are useful in treating different disorders associated with photophobia such as migraine, cluster headaches and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue in a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's survivability or quality of life will preferably be improved.

Abstract: This invention pertains to monovalent agents, including Fab fragments and monovalent monoclonal antibodies analogous to MetMab, having binding specificity to human Nerve Growth Factor (“NGF”), and methods of treating pain in an individual wherein there is no substantial increase in the inflammatory response of the individual following administration of the monovalent agents.

Abstract: Processes for producing and purifying recombinant proteins are disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure provides processes of producing and purifying multi-subunit proteins expressed in yeast or filamentous fungal cells. The production and/or purification of such proteins are monitored for impurities, preferably using lectin binding assays, such that one or more process parameters may be adjusted to maximize the amount of desired recombinant protein and minimize the amount of glycosylated impurities. The processes can also be monitored for other undesired product-associated impurities, such as aggregates and nucleic acids. In exemplary embodiments, the recombinant proteins are multi-subunit proteins, such as antibodies, the host cell is a yeast, such as Pichia pastoris, and the glycosylated impurity is a glycovariant of the desired recombinant polypeptide, such as an N-linked and/or O-linked glycovariant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for NGF. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies described herein, and binding fragments thereof, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-NGF antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making said anti-NGF antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-NGF antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with NGF.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for HGF. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies described herein, and binding fragments thereof, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-HGF antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making said anti-HGF antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-HGF antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with HGF.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat thrombosis or hypercoagulation in patients having, or at risk of developing, diseases associated with abnormal blood coagulation or fibrinolysis and/or patients which are at increased risk or are being treated by a regimen that renders the patient at increased susceptibility to hypercoagulation or thrombosis such as patients who have previously had a stroke or heart attack or persons on a treatment regimen with a drug or chemotherapy and/or radiation that is associated with increased risk of thrombosis or hypercoagulation. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting elevated D-dimer or other coagulation cascade related proteins and optionally will further exhibit elevated C reactive protein prior to treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of anti-IL-6 antibodies or antibody fragments containing a specific epitopic specificity to treat conditions involving elevated Il-6. In some embodiments the anti-IL-6 antibodies contain specific CDRs.

Abstract: NGF antagonists including antibodies and antibody fragments thereof having binding specificity to human Nerve Growth Factor (“NGF”), and methods of treating pain. Methods of treating pain or eliciting an analgesic effect in an individual comprising administering an effective amount of an NGF antagonist inhibits the association of NGF with TrkA without inhibiting the association of NGF with p75. The methods may further comprise administering an effective amount of a second anti-human NGF antibody or fragment thereof which inhibits the association of NGF with p75, that may further also inhibit the association of NGF with TrkA.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as anti-IL-6 antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat anemia (e.g., anemia associated with chemotherapy) including persons on a treatment regimen with a drug or chemotherapy and/or radiation for cancer (e.g., head and neck cancer) that is associated with increased risk of anemia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as anti-IL-6 antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat anemia (e.g., anemia associated with chemotherapy) including persons on a treatment regimen with a drug or chemotherapy and/or radiation for cancer (e.g., head and neck cancer) that is associated with increased risk of anemia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments, the anti-IL-6 antibodies will be humanized and/or will be aglycosylated. Also, in preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for PCSK9. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies described herein, and binding fragments thereof, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-PCSK9 antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making said anti-PCSK9 antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-PCSK9 antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9.

Abstract: A feedback control mechanism for a fermentation of yeast cells to make recombinant proteins uses a respiratory quotient measurement which adjusts the levels of oxygenation and/or fermentable sugar feed. The feedback control mechanism permits well controlled cultures that produce good amounts of product while avoiding toxic accumulation of ethanol. Additionally, recombinant proteins so produced have excellent qualitative properties, such as excellent homogeneity and proper inter-subunit assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat thrombosis in diseases associated with abnormal blood coagulation or fibrinolysis. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting elevated D-dimer or other coagulation cascade related proteins and optionally will further exhibit elevated C reactive protein prior to treatment. The subject therapies also may include the administration of other actives such as chemotherapeutics, anti-coagulants, statins, et al.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue in a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments, the anti-IL-6 antibodies will be humanized and/or will be aglycosylated. Also, in preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's survivability or quality of life will preferably be improved.