Abstract: Anti-Her2 antibodies which induce apoptosis in Her2 expressing cells are disclosed. The antibodies are used to “tag” Her2 overexpressing tumors for elimination by the host immune system. Also disclosed are hybridoma cell lines producing the antibodies, methods for treating cancer using the antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides B7-Like (B7-L) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing B7-L polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with B7-L polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding novel DKR polypeptides. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and methods of using these molecules.

Abstract: DNA sequences coding for a TNF-binding protein and for the TNF receptor of which this protein constitutes the soluble domain. The DNA sequences can be used for preparing recombinant DNA molecules in order to produce TNF-binding protein and TNF receptor. Recombinant TNF-binding protein is used in pharmaceutical preparations for treating indications in which TNF has a harmful effect. With the aid of the TNF receptor or fragments thereof or with the aid of suitable host organisms transformed with recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA which codes for the TNF receptor or fragments or modifications thereof, it is possible to investigate substances for their interaction with the TNF receptor and/or for their effect on the biological activity of TNF.

Abstract: The in vivo circulating life and/or absorption of Neurophic Factor-3 (NT-3) is increased by generating certain substitution analogs of the native protein sequence that result in a lower isoelectric point and charge in relation to NT-3 of native sequence.

Abstract: Materials and methods are disclosed for modulating proliferation of cell types associated with Hodgkin's disease through inhibition of IL-13 and components in IL-13 associated signal transduction pathways. Methods to identify inhibitors, compositions comprising the inhibitors, and methods using the inhibitors to treat Hodgkin's disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder which is pathologically characterized by the presence of intracytoplasmic Lewy bodies, the major component of which are filaments consisting of &agr;-synuclein. The present invention provides &agr;-synuclein mutations which accelerate &agr;-synuclein aggregation and can thus be utilized for transgenic animal production and generation of the first progressive PD model. Also provided is an in vitro aggregation assay which can be utilized to identify &agr;-synuclein nucleation inhibitors for the treatment of PD.

Abstract: Provided are methods related to use of OB proteins for treatment of conditions related to elevated blood lipid levels. Such methods include those useful for the treatment of patients having elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and arterial plaque, the treatment of hypertension, and the prevention of gall stone formation.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding novel proteins, designated kd312. Also disclosed are amino acid sequences for kd312 polypeptides, methods for preparing kd312 polypeptides, and other related aspects.

Abstract: This invention provides for canine OB protein and associated nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, processes for production, related compositions, and methods for making and using thereof.

Abstract: Selected novel substituted pyridine compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as TNF-&agr;, IL-1&bgr;, IL-6 and/or IL-8 mediated diseases, and other maladies, such as pain and diabetes. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving inflammation, pain, diabetes, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.

Abstract: Anti-Her2 antibodies which induce apoptosis in Her2 expressing cells are disclosed. The antibodies are used to “tag” Her2 overexpressing tumors for elimination by the host immune system. Also disclosed are hybridoma cell lines producing the antibodies, methods for treating cancer using the antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides Interferon-Like (IFN-L) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing IFN-L polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with IFN-L polypeptides.

Abstract: A method is provided for the localized intravascular administration of a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase to a human subject in amounts that are both safe and effective to lyse an occluding fibrin-containing blood clot, while also avoiding the neutralizing effects of &agr;2-macroglobulin in the circulating blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glial cell line-derived neurotophic factor (GDNF), a potent neurotrophin that exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities on a variety of cell types from both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The present invention involves the cloning and characterization of a high affinity receptor for GDNF. This molecule has been named GDNF receptor (GDNFR) since it is the first known component of a receptor system. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences are described for GDNFR protein products. A hydrophobic domain with the features of a signal peptide is found at the amino terminus, while a second hydrophobic domain at the carboxy terminus is involved in the linkage of the receptor to the cell membrane. The lack of a transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic region indicates that GDNFR requires one or more accessory molecules in order to mediate transmembrane signaling.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the development of pharmaceutical compositions which provide for sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of pH/thermosensitive biodegradable hydrogels, consisting of a A-B di block or A-B-A tri block copolymer of poly(d,l- or l-lactic acid) (PLA) or poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) (block A) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (block B), with ionizable functional groups on one or both ends of the polymer chains, for the sustained delivery of biologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containing G-Protein Coupled Receptor-8 (LGR8) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing LGR8 polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with LGR8 polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating or preventing acute and/or chronic arthritis. The method comprises administering to patients in need thereof therapeutically effective amounts of a TNF binding protein and methotrexate (N-[4-[[2,4-diamino-6-pteridinyl)methylamino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid). In a preferred embodiment, the TNF binding protein is sTNFR-I or sTNFR-II. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing a TNF binding protein and methotrexate useful in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a new class of novel aryl and heteroaryl substituted fused pyrrole compounds useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases or conditions, such as TNF-&agr;, IL-1&bgr;, IL-6 and/or IL-8 mediated diseases, and other maladies, such as pain and diabetes. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases or conditions involving inflammation. Accordingly, the invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of inflammation and other maladies, such as pain and diabetes, using the compounds and compositions of the invention, and intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of the invention. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.

Abstract: Anti-p185HER-2/neu antibodies which are useful in the detection of HER-2/neu oncogene overexpression in biological samples are described. The antibodies are accurate and reliable in immunocytochemical or immunohistochemical assays of cell and tissue samples. Also described are methods for detecting HER-2/neu oncogene expression in a biological sample using the antibodies of the invention and a diagnostic kit comprising the antibodies. The reagents provide an accurate means of identifying certain cancer patients who have the greatest probability of relapse and/or the least likelihood of survival.