Abstract: Human epidermal growth factor is provided in an ultrapure form characterized by the absence of protein contaminants detectable by capillary electrophoresis analysis. A method for obtaining such ultrapure human epidermal growth factor includes fractionation of a human epidermal growth factor preparation by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography in the presence of a cationic ion-pairing agent.

Abstract: Herein described is an ovarian cancer activating factor that has been isolated from ovarian cancer ascites fluid. The factor may be utilized in its isolated form in a screening program aimed at identifying inhibitors of factor-mediated ovarian cancer activation, or as a growth supplement useful for culturing ovarian and other cancer cell lines.

Abstract: Biologically active variants of epidermal growth factor are provided, comprising tandemly linked units of monomeric EGF. The variants are useful per se as therapeutic agents to promote wound healing. Production of the multimeric EGF by genetically engineered microbial hosts is also described.

Abstract: Human parathyroid hormone is provided in an ultrapure form characterized by the absence of protein contaminants detectable by capillary electrophoresis analysis. A method for obtaining such ultrapure human parathyroid hormone is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to constitutive promoters useful to control gene expression in Aspergillus hosts. The promoters are derived from the Aspergillus nidulans aldA gene.

Abstract: Described is a purified osteogenic factor that when delivered to bone in association with a physiologically acceptable delivery vehicle is capable of inducing new bone growth at the bone surface. The osteogenic factor is water soluble, and is characterized physically by a molecular weight of about 2.5 kD when measured by gel filtration under dissociating conditions and an isoelectric point in the pH range from about 4.6 to 7.2. Use of the purified factor in treating bone defects is described. Also described is a method for obtaining the purified factor from mammalian bone.

Abstract: Inflammation in mammals is treated by administering anti-inflammatory agent complexed with corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG).

Abstract: Inflammation in mammals is treated by administering anti-inflammatory agent complexed with corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG).

Abstract: Interferon .beta..sub.2 has been identified as the major factor responsible for stimulating hepatocytes to produce anti-inflammatory agents. A method for its use in so stimulating hepatocytes is described herein.

Abstract: 3',4'-anhydrovinblastine, a precursor of the anti-tumor alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine, is prepared by the enzymatic coupling of catharanthine and vindoline using an iron-containing compound such as peroxidase optionally in the presence of a peroxide. Substantially enhanced yields are obtained.