Abstract: A novel tumor-associated antigen expressed by lung adenocarcinoma is disclosed. The antigen, characterized by monoclonal antibody LA20207, has a molecular weight in the range of about 50,000 to about 80,000 daltons and an isoelectric point in the range of about 4.9 to about 6.5. Antibodies directed against the antigen, methods for their production and diagnostic and therapeutic uses therefor are also provided.

Abstract: Processes for preparing stable natural matrices for prostrate specific antigen (PSA) are disclosed. Biological carrier fluids for PSA obtained from a suitable mammal are modified to inhibit the activity of components of the biological fluids destabilizing to PSA. The stable natural matrices, prepared in accordance with the present invention, are useful in the measurement of PSA in a sample by means of an immunoassay.

Abstract: Novel methods for reducing the heterogeneity of secreted monoclonal antibodies are disclosed. The first method comprises incubating the heterogeneous antibodies at low pH for a length of time sufficient to convert the heterogeneous forms of antibodies into substantially homogeneous forms. Another method produces the same result using ascites fluid, while yet another method produces the same result using carboxypeptidase. The homogeneous antibodies can then be purified in high yield.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved apparatus for conducting immunoassays. The apparatus comprises a container, and a test zone to which is bound an antibody, typically a monoclonal antibody, or which is capable of extracting cells from a fluid sample. The test zone may be a membrane, filter or a porous matrix in which microspheres to which are bound antibody are entrapped. The apparatus further comprises a liquid absorbing zone which is composed of absorbent material which acts when in contact with the test zone to induce flow through the test zone when a fluid sample is added to it. At least one port in communication with the liquid absorbing zone and the opening of the container is provided to allow gas displaced by the addition of fluid to be discharged from the container. The flow of the displaced gas being in a direction opposite to the flow of assay reagents through the liquid absorbing zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the separation of anti-metal chelate antibodies from non-specific proteins, including antibodies, by applying a preparation containing the anti-metal chelate antibodies to an oxo acid derivatized solid support and eluting first with an elution buffer containing sufficient salt concentration to elute non-specific proteins but not sufficient to elute the anti-metal chelate antibodies and then increasing the salt concentration of the elution solution so as to elute the anti-metal chelate antibodies. In one embodiment, the oxo acid derivatized solid support is a sulfopropyl resin. Appropriate salts include sodium phosphate, sodium chloride and sodium acetate. The method can be used to separate monoclonal or polyclonal anti-metal chelate antibodies from non-specific proteins as well as to separate bifunctional anti-metal chelate antibodies from monoclonal anti-metal chelate antibodies and other non-specific proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compound for use as an intermediate in the production of novel trifunctional antibody-like compounds. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is ##STR2## wherein k=1 or 0;wherein Z is ##STR3## wherein s=1 or 0;wherein n=1 or 0;wherein q=1 or 0;wherein Y is ##STR4## wherein Y', is ##STR5## wherein p or m may be the same or different and are integers ranging from 0 to 20 with the proviso that when n=0, the sum of m and p is an integer ranging from 1 to 20, whereas when n=1, p and m are each an integer that is at least 1 and the sum of p and m is an integer ranging from 2 to 20;wherein R.sup.1 is straight or branched chain lower alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or lower alkoxy having from 1-6 carbon atoms; andwherein R.sup.2 is hydrogen, phenyl, --COOH, or straight or branched chain lower alkyl having from 1-6 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the lower alkyl moiety may be mono substituted by --NH.sub.

Abstract: A complex of alpha-interferon with a monoclonal antibody complexes with the alpha-interferon without impairing its antiviral activity. The serum half-life of the interferon administered as the complex is substantially increased when compared to that of alpha-interferon administered alone.

Abstract: A composition comprising a non-covalent immunocomplex of an anthracycline agent and an antibody selected to bind a target antigen and enhance the cytotoxicity of the anthracycline agent is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, the efficacy of an anthracycline as an anti-tumor agent for use in in vivo therapy is enhanced by administering to a patient a non-covalent immunocomplex provided herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing and aspirating the wash solution from beads contained in receptacles. Adequate bead agitation and the washing of the entire bead surface is insured by use of a bearing surface at the interface between the bead and the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and process for conducting ligand receptor assays. The apparatus comprises a first member which is a membrane or a filter to which is bound a receptor for the ligand or which is capable of extracting cells carrying the ligand from a fluid sample. The apparatus further comprises a second member which is composed of absorbent material which acts when in contact with the first member to induce flow through the first member when a fluid sample is added to it. The apparatus is used to conduct assays by applying a sample to the upper surface of the first member to bind ligand in the sample by means of receptor fixed to the first member or, in certain cases, by extracting cellular material which has ligand associated with it. Addition of the sample is typically followed by addition of labeled antibody against the antigen being assayed followed by a washing step to remove unbound labeled receptor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and process for conducting immunoassays. The apparatus comprises a first member which is a membrane or a filter to which is bound an antibody, typically a monoclonal antibody, or which is capable of extracting cells from a fluid sample. The apparatus further comprises a second member which is composed of absorbent material which acts when in contact with the first member to induce flow through the first member when a fluid sample is added to it. The apparatus is used to conduct immunoassays by applying a sample to the upper surface of the first member to bind antigen in the sample by means of antibody fixed to the first member or, in certain cases, by extracting cellular material which has antigen associated with it. Addition of the sample is followed by addition of labeled antibody against the antigen being assayed followed by a washing step to remove unbound labeled antibody.

Abstract: "Two-site" or "sandwich" immunometric assay techniques for determination of the presence and/or concentration of antigenic substances in fluids using monoclonal antibodies are described and compared to conventional assays using polyclonal antibodies. Also described are inhibition assays using complexes of antigens with a monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: "Two-site" or "sandwich" immunometric assay techniques for determination of the presence and/or concentration of antigenic substances in fluids using monoclonal antibodies. One monoclonal antibody is presented in a soluble labeled form and a second monoclonal antibody is presented bound to a solid carrier; the soluble and bound monoclonal antibodies may be the products of either the same or different cell lines. Each monoclonal antibody has an affinity for the antigenic substances of at least about 10.sup.8 liters/mole.