Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for treatment of hyperproliferative diseases. The composition of the invention comprises a carbohydrate having a backbone comprising polygalacturonan and a ligand of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. The present compositions and methods are used to treat various cancers and other diseases where cells undergo pathological and unwanted proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular embodiments, the invention is directed to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, MS, ALS, Huntington's Disease. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A concentrated solution of a polyglucosamine such as chitin or chitosan is prepared by forming an aqueous slurry of said polyglucosamine with a peroxide, and adding copper ion to said slurry so as to solubulize said polyglucosamine.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of modified pectin and for preparing and using them.

Abstract: Disease conditions which are dependent upon or moderated by angiogenesis are controlled by the use of a therapeutic material which interacts with cell surface galectins. Particular therapeutic materials comprise a polymeric backbone having side chains terminating in a sugar dependent therefrom. Disclosed are specific therapeutic materials in which the polymeric backbone is based upon polygalacturonic acid, and the side chains terminate in arabinose or galactose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for augmenting treatment of cancers and other proliferative disorders. In particular embodiments, the invention combines the administration of an agent that inhibits the anti-apoptotic activity of galectin-3 (e.g., a “galectin-3 inhibitor”) so as to potentiate the toxicity of a chemotherapeutic agent. In certain preferred embodiments, the conjoint therapies of the present invention can be used to improve the efficacy of those chemotherapeutic agents whose cytotoxicity is influenced by the status of an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein for the treated cell. For instance, galectin-3 inhibitors can be administered in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent that interferes with DNA replication fidelity or cell-cycle progression of cells undergoing unwanted proliferation.

Abstract: Disease conditions which are dependent upon or moderated by angiogenesis are controlled by the use of a therapeutic material which interacts with cell surface galectins. Particular therapeutic materials comprise a polymeric backbone having side chains terminating in a sugar dependent therefrom. Disclosed are specific therapeutic materials in which the polymeric backbone is based upon polygalacturonic acid, and the side chains terminate in arabinose or galactose.

Abstract: The efficacy of conventional cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation is enhanced by the use of a therapeutic material which binds to and interacts with galectins. The therapeutic material can enhance apoptosis thereby increasing the effectiveness of oncolytic agents. It can also inhibit angiogenesis thereby moderating tumor growth and/or metastasis.

Abstract: The efficacy of conventional cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation is enhanced by the use of a therapeutic material which binds to and interacts with galectins. The therapeutic material can enhance apoptosis thereby increasing the effectiveness of oncolytic agents. It can also inhibit angiogenesis thereby moderating tumor growth and/or metastasis.