Abstract: The invention refers to liquid pharmaceutical compositions containing hCG stabilised with a polyalcohol or a non-reducing sugar. Preferably, the compositions are stabilised with mannitol. In the preferred embodiments such compositions are aqueous solutions in a phosphate buffer at pH 7. Such compositions are ready to be injected and, therefore, the step of reconstitution of the lyophilised powder is avoided, thus simplifying the way of use.

Abstract: PEG-IFN-&bgr; conjugates, where a PEG moiety is covalently bound to Cys17 of human IFN-&bgr;, are produced by a process of site specific PEGylation with a thiol reactive PEGylating agent. A pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating infections, tumors and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are also provided. The invention further relates to a method for the stepwise attachment of PEG moieties in series to a polypeptide, and more particularly to IFN-&bgr;.

Abstract: Pathological regional adipose tissue accumulation associated with HIV-associated dysmorphic/dysmetabolic syndrome (HADDS) which may occur with or without subcutaneous adipose tissue lipodystrophy (and which is also described as HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome or HARS and other specific medical terms), is treated by administering an effective amount of human growth hormone or other substance which binds to and initiates signalling of the hGH receptor. Alternatively, a substance which stimulates production of endogenous hGH, such as human growth hormone releasing hormone, may be administered. HADDS and related syndromes include abnormal adipose tissue accumulation in the visceral, submandibular, supraclavicular, pectoral, mammary and/or dorsocervical (buffalo hump) area, and/or with subcutaneous lipomas, with or without associated metabolic or other physiologic abnormalities.

Abstract: A method is described for the site-specific preparation of hGRF-PEG conjugates containing one or more PEG units (per mole of hGRF) covalently bound to Lys 12 and/or Lys 21 and/or N &agr; , characterized in that the conjugation reaction between the hGRF peptide and activated PEG is carried out in solution and the desired hGRF-PEG conjugate can be purified by chromatography. The conjugates prepared by this method, as well as their use in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency, are also an object of the present invention.

Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor antagonists are administered in therapeutically effective doses to treat and/or prevent endometriosis. The antagonists of this invention typically are selected from among several classes but preferably are soluble TNF receptors. The antagonists are useful for the regression of endometriotic lesions and, if combined with other active ingredients, for amelioration of related disorders, like infertility.

Abstract: A hybrid protein includes two coexpressed amino acid sequences forming a dimer. Each sequence contains the binding portion of a receptor, such as TBP1 or TBP2, or a ligand, such as IL-6, IFN-&bgr; and TPO, linked to a subunit of a heterodimeric proteinaceous hormone, such as hCG. Each coexpressed sequence contains a corresponding hormone subunit so as to form a heterodimer upon expression. Corresponding DNA molecules, expression vectors and host cells are also disclosed as are pharmaceutical compositions and a method of producing such proteins.

Abstract: A predominant allelic variant of the human STAT3 protein, the cDNA sequence encoding it, its use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising it.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated ARP/BRP polynucleotides and the membrane-associated or secreted polypeptides encoded by the ARP/BRP polynucleotides. Also provided are ARP and BRP protein multimers. Further provided are the antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a ARP/BRP polypeptide or any derivative, variant, mutant or fragment of the ARP/BRP polypeptide, a ARP/BRP multimer polynucleotide or antibody. The invention additionally provides methods in which the ARP/BRP polypeptide, multimer, polynucleotide and antibody are utilized in the detection and treatment of a broad range of pathological states, e.g. reproductive disorder, as well as to other uses.

Abstract: A device for reconstituting liquid for medical use by bringing together a first liquid medium contained in a first vessel in the form of a cartridge (3) and a second medium, such as a drug in solid form, contained in a second vessel in the form of a vial (7), the device (19) comprising means (41) for supporting the first and second vessels, and a movable operating member (50) for applying a force to cause the first liquid medium to be delivered at a controlled rate from the first vessel into the second vessel. The first and second vessels may be provided in a pack (70) having liquid transfer means in the form of a needle (10).

Abstract: PEG-IFN-&bgr; conjugates, where a PEG moiety is covalently bound to Cys17 of human IFN-&bgr;, are produced by a process of site specific PEGylation with a thiol reactive PEGylating agent. A pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating infections, tumors and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are also provided. The invention further relates to a method for the stepwise attachment of PEG moieties in series to a polypeptide, and more particularly to IFN-&bgr;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IL-6 antagonist peptides, isolatable from a peptide library through the two-hybrids system by their ability to bind to the intracellular domain of gp130 and containing at least 5 amino acids. In particular, such peptides comprise the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 6, as well as salts, functional derivatives, precursors and analogs thereof. The present invention also provides the peptides in substantially purified form, in order to be suitable for use in pharmaceutical compositions as active ingredient in pathologies that require IL-6 activity inhibition.

Abstract: A predominant allelic variant of the human STAT3 protein, the cDNA sequence encoding it, its use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising it.

Abstract: The bioactivity of TNF is inhibited by administering heparin or a derivative thereof along with a soluble TNF receptor. The heparin or derivative thereof can be administered simultaneously with the soluble TNF receptor, either in separate compositions or in compositions containing both heparin or a derivative thereof and at least one soluble TNF receptor. The heparin or derivative may also be administered without the soluble TNF receptor and still effect some amount of inhibition of TNF bioactivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IL-6 antagonist peptides, isolatable from a peptide library through the two-hybrids system by their ability to bind to the intracellular domain of gp 130 and containing at least 5 amino acids. In particular, such peptides comprise an amino acid sequence, which is selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7 SEQ ID NO: 8 as well as salts, functional derivatives, precursors and analogs thereof. Another object of the present invention is to provide the peptide in substantially purified form, in order to be suitable for use in pharmaceutical compositions as active ingredient in pathologies that require IL-6 activity inhibition.

Abstract: The present invention refers to benzo[c]quinolizine derivatives of general formula (I) their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters, processes for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: The present invention refers to benzo[c]quinolizine derivatives of general formula (I) their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters, processes for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: A container (2) has a first label part (4) adhesively attached thereto. The first label part (4) has a marking panel (12), and a second label part (6) adhesively attached to the first label part (4) so as to cover at least a portion of the marking panel (12), the second label part being detachable to uncover that portion of the marking panel (12).

Abstract: Described are various human growth hormone releasing factor-PEG conjugates as well as their pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of benzo(c)quinolizine derivatives and methods for promoting plant and seed growth. The compounds are benzo[c]quinolizine derivatives which exert an inhibiting effect on the 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. The compounds selectively affect the growth of plants, improving morphogenesis and development of commercially useful plants while acting as herbicides to inhibit weed development.

Abstract: Soluble polypeptide fraction consisting of all or part one of at least one of the four immunoglobulin-type extracellular LAG-3 protein domains (amino acids 1-159, 160-230 239, 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.