Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant bovine parainfluenza virus (bPIV) cDNA or RNA which may be used to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cell systems and/or to rescue negative strand RNA recombinant viruses that express, package, and/or present the heterologous gene product. The chimeric viruses and expression products may advantageously be used in vaccine formulations including vaccines against a broad range of pathogens and antigens.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods providing, e.g., stable powder particles containing bioactive materials. The methods include, e.g., high pressure spraying of the bioactive materials in solution or suspension, with viscosity enhancing agents and/or surfactants. Compositions of the invention provide, e.g., high initial purity, high stability in storage, and reconstitution at high concentrations.

Abstract: A single-use, blow-molded container for medical or pharmaceutical media is presented. The container comprises a flexible storage portion connected to one end a dispensing portion and a cap connected to the other end of the dispensing portion, wherein the cap is separated from the dispensing portion to create an outlet opening so that the medical media can be expelled from the flexible storage portion. One improvement comprises at least one barrier member disposed on the dispensing portion, wherein the barrier member is sized and dimensioned to limit the insertion of the dispensing member into a patient's nostril. Another improvement comprises an orifice controlling the pattern and direction of the medical media as it exits the ampoule container and wherein the orifice is spaced apart from the outlet opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant HCMV (human cytomegalovirus) expressing a pp65 polypeptide or fragment thereof fused to a heterologous or non-native polypeptide, in particular immunogenic and/or antigenic polypeptides. In particular, the heterologous gene products include antigenic or immunogenic polypeptides from a variety of pathogens, cellular genes, tumor antigens, and viruses. The recombinant viruses may advantageously be used in vaccine formulations including vaccines against a broad range of pathogens and antigens.

Abstract: A method is provided for attenuating a cytomegalovirus comprising functionally disrupting an open reading frame of a Toledo genome region or its homolog and making chimeric CMV virus genomes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization of production of influenza viruses suitable as influenza vaccines are provided.

Abstract: Recombinant negative-strand viral RNA templates are described which may be used with purified RNA-directed RNA polymerase complex to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cells and/or to rescue the heterologous gene in virus particles. The RNA templates are prepared by transcription of appropriate DNA sequences with a DNA-directed RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA templates are of the negative-polarity and contain appropriate terminal sequences which enable the viral RNA-synthesizing apparatus to recognize the template. Bicistronic mRNAs can be constructed to permit internal initiation of translation of viral sequences and allow for the expression of foreign protein coding sequences from the regular terminal initiation site, or vice versa.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization of production of influenza viruses suitable as influenza vaccines are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods providing, e.g., stable powder particles containing bioactive materials. The methods include, e.g., high pressure spraying of the bioactive materials in solution or suspension, with viscosity enhancing agents and/or surfactants. Compositions of the invention provide, e.g., high initial purity, high stability in storage, and reconstitution at high concentrations.

Abstract: Recombinant PB2 tryptophan variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.