Abstract: Gene delivery vectors, such as, for example, recombinant FIV vectors, and methods of using such vectors are provided for use in treating or preventing retinal diseases of the eye and diseases of the brain associated with lysosomal storage disorders.

Abstract: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS3 protein contains amino acid motifs of a serine proteinase, a nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase), and an RNA helicase. A carboxy fragment of the HCV NS3 protein was purified and possessed RNA helicase activity. Detections from the amino terminus resulted in the protein becoming soluble. Deletions from the carboxy terminus do not result in a loss of helicase activity until at least 50 amino acids are deleted. The helicase activity requires ATP and divalent cations such as Mg2+ and Mn2+. The helicase activity was blocked by monoclonal antibody specific to the HCV NS3 protein.

Abstract: Stabilized liquid polypeptide-containing pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise an amino acid base, which serves as the primary stabilizing agent of the polypeptide, and an acid and/or its salt form to buffer the solution within an acceptable pH range for stability of the polypeptide. The compositions are near isotonic. Methods for increasing stability of a polypeptide in a liquid pharmaceutical composition and for increasing storage stability of such a pharmaceutical composition are also provided.

Abstract: Molecules having potential biological activity, particularly peptoids, that are conjugated to solid phase supports, spacer groups, and/or ligation moieties, and methods of their preparation, are described. In some instances, the molecules of the invention are made entirely by solid phase synthesis. In other instances, the spacer groups are hydrophilic and compositions containing them, and to solid phase synthesis of varied structure peptoids using chemoselective ligation moieties.

Abstract: Stabilized aqueous compositions of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) or TFPI variants comprise a solubilizing agent, an antioxidant, and a buffer. The combination of a solubilizing agent and an antioxidant can lead to a significant improvement in the storage life of TFPI or TFPI variant compositions. The solubilizing agent and antioxidant substantially counteract the effects of TFPI or TFPI variant degradation through aggregation and oxidation.

Abstract: A 24kd protein capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purification of the 24kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed, as are methods for using the protein to screen for chemical compounds that bind HCV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fluorogenic or chromogenic dyes as reporter molecules for detecting cell entry by a specific molecule.

Abstract: Novel IGF-I compositions are described. The compositions include a solubilizing compound comprising a guanidinium group that provides for IGF-I compositions in which IGF-I is highly soluble at pHs of about 5.5 or greater and at refrigerated temperatures.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a biologically active molecule having an increased serum half-life. The method involves conjugating a polymer such as polyethylene glycol to the biologically active molecule. Also provided are polypeptide drugs having an increased serum half-life, e.g., human urokinase plasminogen activator (human “uPA” or “hUPA”) or a fragment or derivative thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions containing such molecules and methods of using them to treat uPA-mediated and uPA receptor-mediated disorders are also provided.

Abstract: A method of modifying protein solubility employs polyionic polymers. These facilitate the solubilization, formulation, purification and refolding of proteins especially incorrectly folded proteins and aggregated proteins. Compositions are described that are suitable for formulating TFPI. The compositions allow preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of TFPI at concentrations above 0.2 mg/mL and above 10 mg/mL.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and compositions for controlling the translation of viral peptides and proteins from viral nucleic acid, with particular applications to pestivirus and HCV. The methods and compositions feature control elements of the 5?UT region of the viral genome.

Abstract: Inhibitors of human Akt3, including antisense oligonucleotides, methods, and compositions specific for human Akt3, are provided. Methods of using the compositions for modulating Akt3 expression and for regulating cell growth, particularly tumor cell growth, are also provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising a mutant non-structural Hepatitis C virus useful in diagnostic and/or immunogenic compositions are disclosed, in which the mutant is an N-terminal mutation that functionally disrupts the catalytic domain of NS3. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, host cells transformed with polynucleotides and methods of using the polypeptides and polynucleotides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modified HCV non-structural proteins are described. The proteins include modified NS3 domains such that proteolytic activity of the NS3 molecule is inhibited. The modified proteins retain conformational epitopes. HCV immunoassays including the modified NS3 molecules are also described.

Abstract: Method of treating or diagnosing cancers involving P-cadherin expression are provided using ligands that target P-cadherin, especially human anti-P-cadherin antibodies. Also provided are screens for identifying anti-P-cadherin antibodies having therapeutic activity.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising combinations of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens and their use in vaccines. The composition may comprise at least two components, one component of which comprises Chlamydia trachomatis antigens for eliciting a Chlamydia trachomatis specific TH1 immune response and another component of which comprises antigens for eliciting a Chlamydia trachomatis specific TH2 immune response. The invention further relates to an immunogenic composition comprising a Chlamydia trachomatis Type III secretion system (TTSS) regulatory protein and a Chlamydia trachomatis Type III secretion system (TTSS) secreted protein or a fragment thereof. The invention further relates to the use of combinations of adjuvants for use with antigens associated with a sexually transmissible disease, such as Chlamydia trachomatis antigens. Preferred adjuvant combinations include mineral salts, such as aluminium salts and oligonucleotides comprising a CpG motif.

Abstract: Compounds of formula IIA and IIB are novel guanidine compounds where the variables R1 through R10 have the values set forth herein. Such compounds have use in treating diseases such as obesity and type II diabetes, and may be provided as pharmaceutical formulations in conjunction with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Stabilized pharmaceutical formulations comprising IFN-? and highly purified mannitol are provided. The highly purified mannitol stabilizes the compositions by reducing the formation of IFN-? adducts in comparison with IFN-? formulated with mannitol that has not been highly purified. Methods for increasing the stability of IFN-? or a variant thereof in a liquid or lyophilized composition and for increasing storage stability of such a composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects. In particular, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a unit dose comprising 0.2 ?g/kg to 36 ?g/kg of a recombinant FGF or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an angiogenically effective dose of an FGF or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Typically, the angiogenically effective dose comprises 0.2 ?g/kg to 36 ?g/kg of an FGF of any one of SEQ ID NOS:1-3, 5, 8-10, or 12-14 or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof.