Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods of making polymeric microparticles containing a variety of active ingredients, e.g. protein drugs. In addition, the present invention relates to using the above active protein containing polymeric microparticles to prepare compositions for the sustained delivery of the therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to chemical modification of biologically active proteins or analogs thereof. More specifically, the present invention describes novel methods for site-specific chemical modification of various proteins, and resultant compositions having improved biocompatibility and bioactivity.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring peptide derived from EGF-like domains of NDF/heregulin protein isoforms is used to stimulate the proliferation of cells in the sensory epithelium of the inner ear.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided to prevent retroviral infections of host cells. More particularly, the invention relates to prevention of HIV infection of human cells by serine leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth 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. An implantable device containing recombinant GDNF secreting cells encapsulated in a semipermeable membrane may be used to treat nerve damage in patients suffering from disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially purified UDP-N-acetylglucosamine: .alpha.-6-D-mannoside .beta.-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (GlcNAc T-V; EC 2.4.1.155) proteins and antibodies which specifically bind GlcNAc T-V. The present invention also provides polynucleotide sequences and oligonucleotide probes capable of specifically hybridizing to nucleic acid sequences which encode GlcNAc T-V, and cDNA and genomic clones encoding GlcNAc T-V, as well as nucleotide sequences encoding GlcNAc T-V, as specifically exemplified by GlcNAc T-V coding sequences from rat, hamster, mouse and human.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods for preventing and treating multiple sclerosis by administering to patients in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of IFN-con in combination with IL-1ra.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the purification of keratinocyte growth factors.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides possessing part or all of the primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of a mammalian (e.g., human) pluripotent granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ("hpG-CSF") which are characterized in preferred forms by being the product of procaryotic or eucaryotic host expression of an exogenous DNA sequence. Sequences coding for part or all of the sequence of amino acid residues of hpG-CSF or for analogs thereof may be incorporated into autonomously replicating plasmid or viral vectors employed to transform or transfect suitable procaryotic or eucaryotic host cells such as bacteria, yeast or vertebrate cells in culture. Products of expression of the DNA sequences display, e.g., the physical and immunological properties and in vitro biological activities of isolates of hpG-CSF derived from natural sources. Disclosed also are chemically synthesized polypeptides sharing the biochemical and immunological properties of hpG-CSF.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are described which are useful in vectors, transformed or transfected host cells, and methods for the recombinant expression of hepatocyte growth-specific polypeptide members of the FGF family.

Abstract: Mpl ligand analogs having one or more changed glycosylation sites as compared to a naturally occurring mpl ligand sequence of a corresponding number of amino acids are disclosed. The invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding mpl ligand analogs, recombinant plasmids and host cells for analog expression, and therapeutic compositions including such analogs.

Abstract: This invention describes processes for producing mature human members of the NGF/BDNF family of neurotrophic proteins that are fully biologically active. In addition, the gene encoding human BDNF and human BDNF are disclosed. A previously-unreported member of the NGF/BDNF family of neurotrophic proteins, NGF-3, has been identified and a portion of the gene encoding for the NGF-3 has been described.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to the attachment of water soluble polymers to proteins. Provided are novel methods for N-terminally modifying proteins or analogs thereof, and resultant compositions, including novel chemically modified G-CSF compositions and related methods of preparation. Also provided is chemically modified consensus interferon.

Abstract: Four novel members of the EPH sub-family of receptor protein tyrosine kinases are disclosed. Nucleic acid sequences encoding receptor proteins, recombinant plasmids and host cells for expression, and methods of producing and using such receptors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides that specifically bind telomerase RNA. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and methods of using these molecules.

Abstract: Four novel members of the EPH sub-family of receptor protein tyrosine kinases are disclosed. Nucleic acid sequences encoding receptor proteins, recombinant plasmids and host cells for expression, and methods of producing and using such receptors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the retreatment, using a therapeutically effective amount of interferon consensus, of patients with HCV who exhibit serum ALT values above the upper limit of normal after previous treatment with interferon.

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

Abstract: Insulin-like growth factor I and II binding protein have potentiating and inhibiting activities. Cloning vectors and portable DNA sequences are disclosed.