Abstract: A novel interleukin-1 antagonist active against both IL-1.alpha. and IL-1.beta. and DNA encoding same/re described. Antibodies specific for the novel IL-1 antagonist and prophylatic, therapeutic and diagnostic uses of the IL-1 antagonist in pathologies associated with IL-1 production are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind a protein comprising the peptide sequence represented by the sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or an immunogenic sequence of such a protein and derivatives and fragments thereof, as well as hybridomas useful for preparing them and pharmaceutical compositions in which they can be used.

Abstract: Soluble and membrane-bound forms of human Fc.gamma.RIII are provided, together with nucleic acids capable of encoding the same. Soluble Fc.gamma.RIIIs are useful in ameliorating the serum platelet deficiency associated with immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Cells expressing membrane-bound Fc.gamma.RIII are useful components in assays for serum immune complexes.

Abstract: A novel splice-variant of gp 130 is disclosed, together with DNA sequence coding for it, pharmaceutical formulations comprising it, and its use ensuring the correct development of pre-implantation embryos.

Abstract: Soluble polypeptide fraction consisting of all or part one at least of the four immunoglobulin-type extracellular LAG-3 protein domains (amino acids 1-159, 160-230, 240-330 and 331-412 of the SEQ ID NO:1 sequence) or consisting of one peptide sequence derived from these domains by replacement, addition or deletion of one or more amino acids. The fraction of the invention has a specificity at least equal to that of LAG-3 in relation to its ligand.

Abstract: A new protein is described obtainable from urine through an extraction and purification process by ion-exchange chromatography and high resolution chromatography.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing hGH stabilized by means of saccharose. The formulation is particularly suitable for stabilizing a lyophilisate of recombinant hGH.

Abstract: A novel interleukin-1 antagonist active against both IL-1.alpha. and IL-1.beta. and DNA encoding same are described. Antibodies specific for the novel IL-1 antagonist and prophylatic, therapeutic and diagnostic uses of the IL-1 antagonist in pathologies associated with IL-1 production are also described.

Abstract: Soluble and membrane-bound forms of human FC.gamma.RIII are provided, together with nucleic acids capable of encoding the same. Soluble Fc.gamma.RIIIs are useful in ameliorating the serum platelet deficiency associated with immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Cells expressing membrane-bound Fc.gamma.RIIIs are useful components in assays for serum immune complexes.

Abstract: The use as a cuvette in spectrophotometric assays of a sample-collecting device is disclosed, the said device possessing a cavity or cavities each having a dimension small enough to enable sample liquid to be drawn into the cavity by capillary action, wherein a surface of the cavity is a surface of a transparent solid plate having a substantially rectangular cross section and forming a wall of the cavity, the opposite surface of the cavity being an additional structure having a substantially rectangular cross section and forming a wall of the cavity, and wherein a portion of said plate carries a reflective coating and a portion of said additional structure is reflective.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent aspirin in the manufacture of a medicament to enhance perfusion of blood through the mammalian, preferably human, uterus. The enhanced perfusion aids embryo implantation in natural or assisted methods of conception.

Abstract: The present invention embraces essentially pure human FSH receptor, or a fragment or mutant thereof which binds FSH, DNA encoding said receptor, fragment or mutant, expression vectors comprising said DNA, cells transfected with said expression vectors, and methods of producing said receptor, fragment or mutant by culturing said transfected cells. The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising said receptor, fragment or mutant, as well as methods of treating patients with such compositions to reduce endogenous FSH bioactivity. An improved assay for human FSH using the receptor, fragment or mutant of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: It is described a new interleukin-1 antagonist active both against IL-1.alpha. and IL-1.beta., a new DNA sequence encoding the Il-1 antagonist and the method for obtaining a IL-1 antagonist by the recombinant DNA technique; it is also described the prophylactic, therapeutic and diagnostic use of such new IL-1 antagonist in pathologies deriving from the IL-1 production.

Abstract: Described are new glycoprotein hormones capable of competing with natural hormones for the normal receptor binding sites but substantially incapable of effecting post receptor activities. The glycoprotein hormones of the present invention have had specific (rather than all) oligosaccharide chains removed so as to effectively diminish biologic activity while not significantly reducing plasma half-life, thus improving the molecules effectiveness as an antagonist compared with conventionally-produced molecules. The preferred glycoprotein hormones are ideally obtained by site-directed mutagenesis to selectively deglycosylate the protein. Also described are therapeutic treatments comprising the administration of the recombinant glycoprotein hormones of the present invention as hormone antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for growing biomass particles, particularly microcarrier-bound cells, in an agitated suspension culture vessel in which fresh culture medium is added and spent culture medium is withdrawn continuously or semi-continuously. The improvement comprises withdrawing the spent culture medium through a particle settling chamber located within the vessel and at least partially immersed in the agitated culture medium therewithin. The particle settling chamber comprises a hollow container with a bottom opening through which biomass particles, such as microcarrier-bound cells, settle by gravity back into the agitated culture medium and a top opening through which particle-free spent culture medium is withdrawn form the vessel. The settling chamber is configured such that the fluid velocity of culture medium entering the settling chamber through the bottom opening is significantly less than the biomass particle settling velocity.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing FSH, LH or hCG stabilized by means of a combination of sucrose and glycine. The formulation is particularly suitable for stabilizing a lyophilisate of recombinant gonadotropins.

Abstract: Described are new glycoprotein hormones capable of competing with natural hormones for the normal receptor binding sites but substantially incapable of effecting post receptor activities. The glycoprotein hormones of the present invention have had specific (rather than all) oligosaccharide chains removed so as to effectively diminish biologic activity while not significantly reducing plasma half-life, thus improving the molecules effectiveness as an antagonist compared with conventionally-produced molecules. The preferred glycoprotein hormones are ideally obtained by site-directed mutagenesis to selectively deglycosylate the protein. Also described are therapeutic treatments comprising the administration of the recombinant glycoprotein hormones of the present invention as hormone antagonists.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions based on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) stabilized with non reducing sugars, such as sucrose and trehalose. The compositions may also contain an amino acid or human albumin as an excipient. The formulation is particularly suitable for the stabilization of recombinant IL-6 freeze-dried powder.

Abstract: A method for improving measurement precision in an optical biosensor assay for a ligand in a sample is described. The method involves referencing the assay with an artificially raised background level by the labelling of the optical waveguide with an appropriate reference reagent. Devices for use in such a method are also described.

Abstract: An anti-foam device for a bioreactor is provided consisting of a perforated plate, made by hydrophobic material, which rotates at the surface of the liquid culture medium contained in the bioreactor vessel, the perforated plate being perpendicular to an inclination from 45 to 90 degrees in respect of the surface of the culture medium.