Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a highly purified lysozyme dimer product which comprises dimerizing the lysozyme monomer with a suberimidate coupling reagent in a buffer solution adjusted to pH 10, stopping the dimerization at a given point by lowering the pH to 7 via addition of HCl or other suitable acid solution, and purifying the dimeric lysozyme by a series of elution steps carried out using ion exchange resin column chromatography. Monomeric lysozyme remaining undimerized by the initial dimerization step is recycled into the process in order to increase yield. The present system is advantageous in that large amounts of purified lysozyme dimer can be prepared efficiently and relatively inexpensively, and the lysozyme dimer so produced is useful in treating viral and/or bacterial diseases without causing the cytotoxic effects associated with the lysozyme monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positively charged virosome for efficient delivery of genetic material to resting or proliferating mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. The virosome membrane contains cationic and/or polycationic lipids, at least one viral fusion peptide and preferably at least one cell-specific marker, advantageously selected from the group consisting of monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments F(ab′)2 and Fab′, cytokines, and growth factors, for a selective detection and binding of target cells. The invention further relates to a method for the manufacture of the novel virosomes and to applications thereof, particularly for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions to treat cancer or leukemia.

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing a disease includes administering a pharmaceutical composition containing a lysozyme dimer to a human or animal recipient in an amount effective for non-specific stimulation of the immune system or the regenerative mechanisms of the human or animal body, and wherein the disease is selected from the group consisting of leukemia, hair growth disorder, a fish disease and a bee disease. The method can be used for treating or preventing such diseases as leukemia, hair growth disorder, a fish disease and a bee disease. In addition, the method can be used for immunomodulating a humoral response in a human or animal subject to immunosuppression, such as for positively affecting the primary humoral response of mammals immunized with an antigen after immunosuppression.

Abstract: Dimerized lysozyme is used prophylactically or as a treatment for diseases associated with Tumor Necrosis Factor. Administration of the dimerized lysozyme by mouth, injection, an impregnated tampon, an antiseptive dressing, a gel or an ointment results in lowered Tumor Necrosis Factor concentrations. Therapy proved to be effective and very simple in the treatment of diseases which have a multi-factor etiology and pathogenesis.

Abstract: A method for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a disease or bodily condition that is caused or affected by a hormonal or metabolic disorder, such as cystic ovarian disease, temporary infertility, permanent infertility, lack of menstrual cycles, irregular menstrual cycles, and nymphomania, includes administering to a mammal a lysozyme dimer in an amount effective for preventing or treating said disease or condition.

Abstract: A composition having antiviral and antibacterial effects is disclosed which comprises the dimeric forms of enzymes selected from lysozyme and ribonuclease and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. These dimeric forms are more effective in treating a variety of human and animal diseases because they are much less cytotoxic than the monomeric forms of the enzyme. A method for the use of these compositions is also disclosed which comprises applying an effective amount of the composition to the infected area.

Abstract: The phospholipid bilayer contains at least one pharmaceutically active drug and comprises cell-specific markers on the membrane which have at least 90% biological activity when measured according to Luescher & Glueck, Antiviral Research 14, 39-50. In the membrane, the cholesterol content is preferably less than 2% by weight, the detergent content preferably less than 1 ppb. The vesicle diameter preferably is about 80 nm. the phospholipid in the membrane may comprise 70 to 95% by weight of phosphatidylcholine and preferably 10 to 20% by weight of phosphatidylethanolamine; preferably 6-8% by weight of a crosslinker, preferably of a sulfosuccinimidyl derivate, and at least one cell-specific fusion peptide are linked to the membrane. The vesicles are used for the preparation of pharmaceuticals against AIDS and carcinomas.

Abstract: An elastic textile covering is applied over an annular support of a heart valve prosthesis by inserting a preferably collar shaped textile covering through the annular support, turning two projecting axial ends of the textile covering over the outer surface of the annular support and then joining the two axial ends to each other to form a seam that preferably extends entirely around an outer periphery of the annular support. This seam can be concealed by a collar, which also may be covered by the textile covering. An apparatus for applying the textile covering to the annular support includes two coaxial annular rings into which the annular support and textile covering are inserted. Each of the rings includes structure for attachment to a respective axial end of the textile covering.

Abstract: An elastic textile covering is applied over an annular support of a heart valve prosthesis by inserting the preferably collar shaped textile covering through the annular support, turning two projecting axial ends of the textile covering over the outer surface of the annular support and then joining the two axial ends to each other to form a seam that preferably extends entirely around an outer periphery of the annular support. This seam can be concealed by a collar, which also may be covered by the textile covering. An apparatus for applying the textile covering to the annular support includes two coaxial annular rings into which the annular support and textile covering are inserted. Each of the rings includes structure for attachment to a respective axial end of the textile covering.

Abstract: A heart valve prothesis is formed from a support having a textile covering. The support is formed from a single piece of flat, preferably thermoplastic material, arranged to form an annular structure, which preferably is either a hollow cylinder or a hollow cone.