Abstract: Novel peptides are described which comprise an amino acid motif selected from the group consisting of “PG”, “GP”, “PI” and “IG”and having up to 10 amino acids upstream and/or downstream of the amino acid motif, wherein “P” in the motif is proline or hydroxyproline and the peptide stimulates the development, maintenance and repair of bone, cartilage and associated connective tissue. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions of these peptides, as well as therapeutic and prophylactic uses of such peptides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic biomaterial compound based on stabilized calcium phosphates and more particularly to the molecular, structural and physical characterization of this compound. The compound comprises calcium, oxygen and phosphorous, wherein at least one of the elements is substituted with an element having an ionic radius of approximately 0.1 to 1.1 ?. The knowledge of the specific molecular and chemical properties of the compound allows for the development of several uses of the compound in various bone-related clinical conditions.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a thin film of calcium phosphate entities to support bone cell activity thereon. The material to be sintered is prepared by combining a solution of ammonium phosphate with a solution of calcium nitrate to form a sol-gel containing hydroxyapatite. A film of the sol gel is applied to at least one side of the substrate and the film coated on the substrate is sintered to form a solid film of calcium phosphate entities. The improvement in the process comprising sintering the film at temperatures selected from a range of temperatures which optimize a composition of calcium phosphate entities in the film. The sintering step converts hydroxyapatite to .alpha.-tricalcium phosphate where extent of such conversion is temperature dependent. The optimized composition comprises a ratio of hydroxyapatite to .alpha.-tricalcium phosphate in the range of 50:50 to 20:80. A sintering temperature is selected to provide these ratios. The sintering temperature is selected from a range of 920.