Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides reacting with rheumatism-associated autoantibodies. The invention moreover relates to a diagnostic agent comprising any of said polypeptides, to a diagnostic kit comprising said diagnostic agent and to a process for in vitro detection of rheumatic diseases. The invention furthermore relates to a medicament comprising any of said polypeptides and to the use of said polypeptides for preparing a medicament for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for providing long-term treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by administering a dual re-uptake inhibitor to a patient with FMS. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the long-term treatment of FMS by administering a norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (NSRI) to a patient with FMS.

Abstract: The present invention describes diagnostic calibration methods and related compositions for flow cytometry instruments using synthetic control particles as an internal reference standard. The invention provides synthetic control beads which substantially reduce the drawbacks of conventional control beads. Synthetic beads coated with C3, C4 or CR1 and a non-specific spacer protein such as ovalbumin provide a control bead without the positive reactivity seen in conventional BSA controls. The present invention further provides a buffer system containing non-specific blockers and assay performance enhancers that do not interfere with analyte detection. The invention provides advantageous improvements over prior instrument calibration procedures, and provides control beads that enable consistent, reproducible data for diagnostic assays using flow cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and pain in an animal subject. The method generally involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of a dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound is characterized by a non-tricyclic structure and an equal or greater inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake than serotonin reuptake. In particular, the use of milnacipran to treat FMS, CFS, and pain is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and pain in an animal subject. The method generally involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of a dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound is characterized by a non-tricyclic structure and an equal or greater inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake than serotonin reuptake. In particular, the use of milnacipran to treat FMS, CFS, and pain is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and pain in an animal subject. The method generally involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of a dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound is characterized by a non-tricyclic structure and an equal or greater inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake than serotonin reuptake. In particular, the use of milnacipran to treat FMS, CFS, and pain is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of diagnosing and monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus and drug-induced lupus erythematosus by measuring cell-based complement activation products in a subject's blood. In particular, the invention describes a diagnostic method employing the measurement of multiple complement activation products, such as C3d and C4d, on the surfaces of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Kits and automated systems for performing the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently converting methotrexate polyglutamates to methotrexate in a cellular extract by contacting the cellular extract with gamma glutamyl hydrolase under conditions suitable for efficient conversion of methotrexate polyglutamates to methotrexate.

Abstract: A reduction in the side effects of treating with an agent having combined 5HT2/5HT3 and alpha-2 antagonistic activity is obtained by administering an agent having selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitory or histamine H1 agonist activity. In some embodiments, the invention provides synergistic combinations of 5HT2/5HT3 antagonist/alpha-2 antagonist and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or histamine H1 agonist.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating Down Syndrome, mental retardation or both are provided. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or more benzodiazepine receptor antagonists, such as flumazenil.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the likelihood of development of rheumatoid arthritis for individuals that present with recent-onset undifferentiated arthritis. The methods are based on the determination of a set of clinical markers and/or parameters and determining a predicted risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical markers and parameters that are decisive for the risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis may include serum levels of C-reactive protein, Rheumatoid factors, anti-CCP antibodies, anti-MCV as well as age, gender, localization of the joint complaints, length of morning stiffness, and number of tender and/or swollen joints or combinations thereof. The method may be performed by a computer. The invention further relates to a computer, a sample analyser and a computer program product for performing the method and a data carrier with the computer program product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently converting methotrexate polyglutamates to methotrexate in a cellular extract by contacting the cellular extract with gamma glutamyl hydrolase under conditions suitable for efficient conversion of methotrexate polyglutamates to methotrexate.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention or treatment of stress-related disorders by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a dual serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor to an individual under stress are described. A triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor for serotonin/noradrenaline/dopamine may also be administered to an individual at risk for a stress-related disorder. In a preferred embodiment the compound is milnacipran and is prophylactically administered at an effective amount to delay or prevent stress-related disorders in an individual at risk.

Abstract: Provided are combinations of pharmaceutical agents capable of eliciting a therapeutic effect. A first therapeutic agent in the combination has 5HT2/5HT3 antagonist and alpha-2 antagonist activity. A second therapeutic agent possesses both serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitory activity or is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (RIMA). In some embodiments, a combination of a first therapeutic agent and a second therapeutic agent results in reduction in one or deleterious side effects associated with the first therapeutic agent, the second therapeutic agent or both. Also provided are methods of treatment employing a first therapeutic agent and a second therapeutic agent. Also provided are kits containing a first therapeutic agent, a second therapeutic agent and instructions for administering the first therapeutic agent and the second therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Methods for improving physical function in fibromyalgia syndrome by administering an NSRI such as milnacipran as disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and pain in an animal subject. The method generally involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of a dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound is characterized by a non-tricyclic structure and an equal or greater inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake than serotonin reuptake. In particular, the use of milnacipran to treat FMS, CFS, and pain is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating cognitive dysfunction associated with fibromyalgia by administering high-dose milnacipran to a patient suffering from such cognitive dysfunction are provided. Also provided are methods for the long-term treatment of cognitive dysfunction associate with FMS by administering milnacipran to a patient suffering from such cognitive dysfunction.

Abstract: Methods for treating fatigue associated with fibromyalgia by administering high-dose milnacipran to a patient suffering from such fatigue are provided. Also provided are methods for the long-term treatment of fatigue associated with FMS by administering milnacipran to a patient suffering from such fatigue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and pain in an animal subject. The method generally involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of a dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said dual serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor compound is characterized by a non-tricyclic structure and an equal or greater inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake than serotonin reuptake. In particular, the use of milnacipran to treat FMS, CFS, and pain is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions, and methods of use thereof, are provided for the prevention, treatment or alleviation of symptoms of hearing are provided. The methods employ nicergoline, MMDL or MDL as the sole active pharmaceutical agent or a combination of nicergoline, MMDL or MDL and another pharmaceutical agent, such as an antioxidant, a NMDA antagonist, an SSRI or a combined SSRI/NMDA antagonist agent. The method involves the use of nicergoline, MMDL or MDL alone or in combination with another API to prevent, treat or ameliorate one or more symptoms of hearing loss.