Abstract: The present invention relates to the lower molecular weight subunit of the human transferrin receptor of a strain of N. meningitidis, in purified form, as well as to a vaccinal pharmaceutical composition intended for the prevention or attenuation of the effects of an N. meningitidis infection, containing the said subunit in purified form.

Abstract: The invention relates, as new compounds, to derivatives of tetrameric human haemoglobin corresponding to the covalent coupling of a haemoglobin tetramer and a polycarboxy-substituted compound having at least 4 -COO.sup.- groups, the said polycarboxy-substituted compound effecting an internal crosslinking of the two dimers of haemoglobin and conferring thereon an affinity for oxygen which is compatible with an in vivo use of the conjugate when the natural allosteric effector of haemoglobin is not present. Among carboxy-substituted compounds, special mention is made of benzenehexacarboxylate and benzenetetracarboxylate.

Abstract: Human or animal placenta is subjected to moderate enzymatic digestion, in particular with pepsin at an acid pH, then, after separation of the residual tissue the impurities are separated at a moderately acid pH, the collagen is precipitated at a neutral pH, redissolved and the residual impurities precipitated at an acid pH. The collagen obtained can be brought back to a neutral pH and dried in the form of fibres. Completely transparent, physiological and hemocompatible gels and solutions can be prepared. Applications for the fabrication of contact lenses and implants.

Abstract: The process for isolating albumin from supernatant IV, and in particular IV-4, or from COHN's fraction V or from a plasma supernatant or fraction of analogous composition derived from an alcoholic or nonalcoholic fractionation, comprises one step on a hydrophilic anion exchange column with binding of albumin to the column, and then elution, and one step on a hydrophobic anion exchange column. Albumin thus obtained having a purity >99% by cellulose acetate electrophoresis, being free from impurities detected by crossed immunoelectrophoresis and free from polymers.

Abstract: In a method of packaging freeze dried vaccine in a bypass syringe sterilized syringes are disposed in rows in an aseptic dispensing machine. Doses of a solution or suspension to be freeze dried are introduced into the syringes. A temporary plug is inserted in the same machine into the mouth of the syringe body in a position allowing communication between the interior of the syringe body and the exterior. The syringes are introduced into a freeze drying machine. The vaccine is freeze dried. At the end of the freeze drying cycle the temporary plug is depressed in a controlled atmosphere in the freeze drying machine into a hermetic sealing position. The syringes are transferred into an aseptic dispensing machine. The temporary plug is removed. An intermediate piston-plug is fitted. The dose of solvent is introduced and an end piston-plug is fitted.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a water-soluble macromolecular conjugate of hemoglobin characterized in that it is constitutedon the one hand, by hemoglobin,on the other, by a water-soluble polymer P containing polar groups, this macromolecular conjugate contains Z sites, bound to the polymer P and containing at least one negative charge carried for example by sulfate groups, the polymer P being bound to hemoglobinon the one hand, through the intermediary of at least one linkage established between at least one of the Z sites contained in the polymer and hemoglobin,and, on the other, through the intermediary of at least one covalent linkage established between the polymer and hemoglobin, or between at least one of the Z sites contained in the polymer and hemoglobin.The macromolecular conjugates according to the invention exhibit a lower affinity for oxygen than that of free hemoglobin.