Abstract: An improved flow field-flow fractionation (flow FFF) process has been developed which permits the high-resolution separation of analytes without stopping or reversing the axial flow, introducing additional axial flow streams, or further splitting the axial flow stream. The improved procedure speeds up, streamlines, and simplifies the apparatus and the procedure without unduly concentrating the sample, permits the use of flow-sensitive detection technologies in a manner which has previously been difficult or impossible, and avoids the artifactual aggregation which is known to result from other relaxation procedures. The process also permits the calculation of the channel width w without reference to system or void peaks in the fractogram. These capabilities render the improved flow FFF procedure more accurate as well as more practical, and permit automated flow FFF separations to be routinely performed on commercially-available HPLC systems with only minor modifications.

Abstract: The present invention provides Fibroblast Growth Factor-Like (FGF-L) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing FGF-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 FGF-L polypeptides.

Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth conditioned medium of B49 glioblastoma cells. Rat and human genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. A gene encoding GDNF has been subcloned into a vector, and the vector has been used to transform a host cell in order to produce biologically active GDNF in a recombinant DNA process.

Abstract: A novel mammalian cell cycle protein, p55CDC, DNA sequences encoding p55CDC, and a method for producing the protein are described. Also described are methods for detecting p55CDC and methods for modulating cell division by compounds which control the level or activity of p55CDC or p55CDC-associated protein complexes.

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: The present invention relates to a method of producing liposomes useful for encapsulating and delivering a wide variety of biologically active materials. The invention provides liposomes and a production method which is simple, feasible and inexpensive for the large-scale commercial manufacturing of liposomes and encapsulated materials. The method involves the formation of a liposome dispersion in the absence of an organic solvent or detergent, one or several cycles of freezing and thawing the liposomes, and dehydration of the liposome dispersion to form a lipid powder. When desired, the lipid powder is hydrated in the presence of the biologically active material whereby the material is encapsulated in reconstituted liposomes. The method can also include combining the liposome dispersion with a bulking agent prior to the dehydration and formation of the lipid powder. The addition of the bulking agent facilitates the handling of the lipid powder as well as its rapid dispersal upon hydration.

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: The present invention relates to novel formulations of freeze dried SCF which include amino acid buffers. Preferred forms of the present formulations are those in which pH is adjusted by combining histidine and glutamic acid. The present formulations may optionally include additional stabilizers such as sucrose. Such formulations may also optionally include a bulking agent, and/or an osmolarity regulating agent, such as mannitol.

Abstract: A portable DNA sequence is disclosed which is capable of directing intracellular production of metalloproteinanse inhibitors. Vectors containing this portable DNA sequence are also set forth, including the vector pUC9-F5/237P10 (ATCC Accession No. 53003). A recombinant-DNA method for the microbial production of a metalloproteinase inhibitor, which method incorporates at least one of the portable DNA sequences and the vectors disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the pulmonary administration of a therapeutic protein by means of powdered pharmaceutical compositions suitable for inhalation therapy. In particular the invention relates to dry powder formulations of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) for pulmonary delivery. Exemplary pharmaceutical compositions contain SLPI and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in the form of a dry powder which is typically less than about 10% by weight water. About 50% to 95% by mass of the powder comprises particles or agglomerates of particles having a diameter within the range of from about 1.0 microns to about 8 microns, with a mass median diameter ranging from about 3.0 microns to about 6 microns.

Abstract: The present invention provides Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Like (FGFR-L) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing FGFR-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 FGFR-L polypeptides.

Abstract: A protein which exhibits a therapeutic effect on inflammation and is useful for treating IL-1-mediated inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases of the joint.

Abstract: The in vivo circulating life and/or absorption of cationic therapeutic proteins, including but not limited to basic proteins such as NT-3 and BDNF, can be increased by generating analogs that have a lower isoelectric point and, preferably, also a lower protein charge relative to the protein of native sequence.

Abstract: Combinations and methods for inducing a semi-synchronous wave of liver cell proliferation in vivo and combinations and methods for inducing a semi-synchronous wave of liver cell proliferation and achieving transduction of proliferating liver cells in vivo are disclosed.

Abstract: Selected novel carboxylic acid substituted heterocycle compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of inflammation, tissue degradation, cancer, fibrosis and related diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of inflamation, tissue degradation and related diseases. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.

Abstract: A serine protease inhibitor protein is disclosed which is a purified, single-polypeptide-chain protein having at least one active site possessing serine protease inhibitor activity. This serine protease inhibitor exhibits substantial homology to the native serine protease inhibitor isolated from parotid secretions and is resistant to denaturation by heat-and acids and resistant to proteolytic enzymes. The serine protease inhibitor also has the ability to re-fold into an active form after complete reduction of the disulfide bonds of the inhibitor and denaturation of all non-covalent interactions that would otherwise serve to stabilize the tertiary structure of the inhibitor after removal of these conditions. Additionally, a method for isolation of the purified serine protease inhibitor is set forth.

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: Antibodies and fragments thereof which activate an erythropoietin receptor and stimulate erythropoiesis are described. Also described are hybridoma cell lines which produce the antibodies and methods and compositions for the treatment of anemia.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide, osteoprotegerin binding protein, involved in osteolcast maturation has been identified based upon its affinity for osteoprotegerin. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide, or a fragment, analog or derivative thereof, vectors and host cells for production, methods of preparing osteoprotegerin binding protein, and binding assays are also described. Compositions and methods for the treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis, bone loss due to arthritis or metastasis, hypercalcemia, and Paget's disease are also provided. Receptors for osteoprotegerin binding proteins are also described. The receptors, and agonists and antagonists thereof, may be used to treat bone diseases.