Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods relating to the evaluation of BAFF in a biological sample from a subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating and/or monitoring chromatography column performance are provided. Embodiments apply multivariate analysis (MVA) methods to process data as well as transition analysis data to provide a comprehensive evaluation of chromatography column performance. In embodiments, transition analysis data generated over extended periods of time can be analyzed together with process data to evaluate column performance. Further, embodiments enable a compact and robust tool for combining and presenting performance evaluation results, which allows for time-efficient performance examination.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determining platelet aggregation, methods of determining susceptibility to clotting upon administration of a CD40L-binding moiety, and kits related thereto.

Abstract: Provided are certain methods of screening, identifying, and evaluating neuroprotective compounds useful for treatment of neurological diseases, such as, e.g., multiple sclerosis (MS). The compounds described upregulate the cellular cytoprotective pathway regulated by Nrf2. Also provided are certain methods of utilizing such compounds in therapy for neurological disease, particularly, for slowing or reducing demyelination, axonal loss, or neuronal and oligodendrocyte death.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value.

Abstract: This invention provides binding proteins, including antibodies, antibody derivatives and antibody fragments, that specifically bind a CD154 (CD40L) protein. This invention also provides a chimeric, humanized or fully human antibody, antibody derivative or antibody fragment that specifically binds to an epitope to which a humanized Fab fragment comprising a variable heavy chain sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 and comprising a variable light chain sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 specifically binds. CD154 binding proteins of this invention may elicit reduced effector function relative to a second anti-CD154 antibody. CD154 binding proteins of this invention are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, such as in the treatment and prevention of diseases including those that involve undesirable immune responses that are mediated by CD154-CD40 interactions.

Abstract: Formulations of VLA-4 binding antibody are described.

Abstract: Methods of, and compositions for, treating central nervous system injury with an antagonist of an alpha4 subunit containing integrin are described.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): that have agonist activity at one or more of the S1P receptors are provided. The compounds are sphingosine analogs that, after phosphorylation, can behave as agonists at S1P receptors.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that strategic modifications of non-human donor antibody CDR residue(s) can be used to humanize antibodies. Such modifications modulate the 3D structural fit between donor antibody CDRs and human acceptor antibody framework regions that comprise the variable domains of a CDR-grafted antibody. Whereas prior art methods of humanization have relied on making framework substitutions (in which selected human framework residues are backmutated to the corresponding amino acid residue present in the non-human donor antibody), the instant invention is based, at least in part, on a method of humanizing antibodies in which selected CDR residues, and optionally adjacent FR residues, are changed in order to accommodate differences in FR amino acid sequences between donor and acceptor antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantitation of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives in solutions comprising a protein. The invention further relates to methods of evaluating pharmaceutical preparations for the presence of residual cyclodextrins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of certain dialkyl fumarates for the preparation of pharmaceutical preparations for use in transplantation medicine or for the therapy of autoimmune diseases and said compositions in the form of micro-tablets or pellets. For this purpose, the dialkyl fumarates may also he used in combination with conventional preparations used in transplantation medicine and immunosuppressive agents, especially cyclosporines.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of treating disease with soluble inhibitors of the lymphotoxin pathway having improved properties. This invention also relates to improved LTBR-Ig fusion proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.

Abstract: The following class of molecule is disclosed: a dimer containing a first neublastin polypeptide and a second neublastin polypeptide, wherein: (a) at least one of the polypeptides is glycosylated; (b) at least one of the polypeptides is conjugated at its N-terminus to a water-soluble synthetic polymer; and (c) neither of the polypeptides is conjugated to a water-soluble synthetic polymer at a position other than the N-terminus. Such dimers possess the biological activity of wild-type neublastin while displaying enhanced serum half-life and enhanced potency relative to wild-type neublastin.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing vascularization in a tissue by administering a neublastin polypeptide to a mammal exhibiting impaired or inadequate blood flow in the tissue. The methods can be used to in the treatment or prevention of a disorder characterized by impaired or inadequate blood flow or to increase vascularization in an organ that has been transplanted into a subject.

Abstract: New combined therapeutic regimens for treatment of B-cell lymphomas are disclosed which comprise in particular administration of anti-CD20 antibodies to patients having low-, intermediate- or high-grade non-Hodgkins lymphomas.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing aglycosylated Fc-containing polypeptides, such as antibodies, having desired effector function. The invention also provides aglycosylated antibodies produced according to the method as well as methods of using such antibodies as therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value.

Abstract: This invention features methods for prognosticating the efficacy of a cancer treatment comprising administration of a lymphotoxin-? receptor (LT-?-R) using TRAF3, TRAF2, and/or p53 markers, as well as combination therapies that include a composition that activates lymphotoxin-beta receptor signaling in combination with one or more other agents.