Abstract: The invention relates to improved liquid phase processes for the preparation of the 21 residue protein component, (Lys-Leu4)4-Lys, of the pulmonary surfactant KL-4. These process are amenable to large scale synthesis and one process employs a method of saponifying an ester which reduces the inherent racemization of the ?-carbon.

Abstract: A new method to capture, purify and expand antigen-specific T lymphocytes has been developed using magnetic beads coated with recombinant MHC class I molecules. This method was optimized using homogenous populations of naive T cells purified from mice transgenic for the 2C T cell receptor (TCR). These T cells were captured on beads coated with MHC class I molecules and the relevant antigenic peptides. MHC and peptide specificity was confirmed by the usage of irrelevant MHC peptide combinations. An enrichment of 800 to 1600 fold was measured, using 2C T cells mixed with irrelevant T cells, starting from a 2C T cell frequency of 1/3000. The same approach was used to purify antigen-specific CD8+ T cells from total CD8+ T cells from naive mice. The recovered cells could be expanded and specifically kill target cells in vitro; they had a significant effect in vivo as well. We expect this procedure to be suitable to purify and expand in vitro tumor- and virus-specific killer T cells for use in cell therapy.

Abstract: The invention realtes to improved liquid phase processes for the preparation of the 21 residue protein component, (Lys-Leu4)4-Lys, of the pulmonary surfactant KL-4. These process are amenable to large scale synthesis and one process employs a method of saponifying an ester which reduces the inherent racemization of the &agr;-carbon.

Abstract: The binding specificity of the murine OKT3 has been transferred into a human antibody framework in order to reduce its immunogenicity. These “humanized” anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies retain, in vitro, all the properties of native anti-CD3 antibodies, including T cell activation which has been correlated, in vivo, with the severe side-effects observed in transplant recipients after the first administration of the mAb.

Abstract: DNAs encoding the human histamine H3 receptor have been cloned and characterized. The recombinant protein is capable of forming biologically active histamine H3 receptor protein. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: This reagent strip is comprised of a testing portion which contains an absorbent cotton pad. This absorbent cotton pad may be placed in the mouth on the tongue to collect an oral fluid sample. A plastic frame surrounds the pad to help hold the fluid thereon. This testing strip contains at its opposite end a sealing mechanism for sealing engagement with a preservative pouch, and an oversized handle with a patient identifying mechanism. The preservative pouch of the present invention contains a pair of seals. The first seal, located proximally to the user, enables a preservative which is maintained within the pouch to be sealed during shipment of the pouch to the user. Thereafter, the user punctures the first seal upon placement of the reagent pad into the pouch. The sealing mechanism contained on the reagent pad then seals at the opening in the pouch to maintain the reagent pad in sealing arrangement within the pouch. At its distal end, the pouch contains a second sealing mechanism.

Abstract: DNAs encoding the human histamine H3 receptor have been cloned and characterized. The recombinant protein is capable of forming biologically active histamine H3 receptor protein. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: This invention relates to anti-inflammatory compounds, methods of making such compounds and methods of using such compounds having the following structure:

Abstract: An oral contraception regimen which comprises sequentially administering two or more progestational agents exhibiting different effects on the human endometrium in combination with an estrogen. The invention is also directed to an extended use oral contraception regimen comprising the sequential administration of two or more progestational agents in combination with an estrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing stable, spray dried rhEPO and the rhEPO powder produced thereby.

Abstract: The extracellular domain of the human erythropoietin receptor (EPO binding protein, EBP) has been expressed and overproduced in E. coli. Control of oxygen levels and pH during high density fermentation allows the production of only the protein variant with the native amino terminus. Methods disclosed permit the efficient recovery of purified EBP which quantitatively binds EPO. The active purified protein competes with membrane associated EPO receptor for binding [125I]EPO and neutralizes EPO dependent stimulation in a cell based proliferation assay. Further, the radioligand equilibrium binding constant for this interaction has been determined by immobilizing EBP on agarose gel via a free cysteine. The EBP of the present invention has many uses including the structural determination of the protein by NMR or crystallography, in drug design and discovery, and as a therapeutic. A fusion protein of EBP and an immunoglobulin heavy chain was also produced.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of making more than one punchout from a single dried blood spot. The method comprising the steps of making a first punch and sequentially making at least a second punch in the dried blood spot. The second punch comprises boundaries which are at least partly outside of the boundaries of the first punch. The surface areas of the first punch and second punch are together equivalent to the minimum surface area required for testing of the dried blood spot.

Abstract: DNAs encoding the human histamine H3 receptor have been cloned and characterized. The recombinant protein is capable of forming biologically active histamine H3 receptor protein. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: A method for treating obesity comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR1## is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention, with both "any day start" (i.e., start of the therapy on any day of the week) and "any therapy package" (i.e., not only contraceptives).

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I ##STR1## wherein, R.sub.1 through R.sub.7 are described herein. These compounds inhibit the production of arachidonic acid products associated with 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and are useful in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: A lyophilized imaging agent formulation and methods for making same are disclosed, such formulations comprise a targeting molecule such as antibody or chemotactic peptide, a linker such as diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) or succinimidyl 6-hydrazinium nicotinate hydrochloride (SHNH), drying protectant such as mannitol, maltose or tricine, and excipient such as polysorbate 80, in citrate buffer. The formulations of the invention are lyophilized and may be stored stably for extended periods of time. Following reconstitution with diluent, the formulations are administered to a subject for scintigraphic imaging or therapeutic use. Also contemplated is a kit comprising a two-vial system wherein a first vial comprises a lyophilized formulation of imaging agent in the form of a lyophilized cake, and a second vial comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: Benzyl-phosphonate compounds represented by the formula I: ##STR1## are disclosed as useful in treating bone wasting diseases and as an immunosuppresant.

Abstract: A transgenic animal with alterations in an thrombin receptor gene is prepared by introduction of an altered thrombin receptor gene into a host animal. The resulting transgenic animals do not produce functional thrombin receptor molecules.

Abstract: An improved solid pharmaceutical composition comprising a lyophilized liposomal KL4 pulmonary surfactant composition comprising:(a) about 1 to about 10 percent weight KL4 polypeptide; and(b) 50 to about 100 weight percent phospholipid comprised of about 3 parts DPPC to about 1 part POPG.A facile process for the production of the lyophilized solid composition is also provided.