Abstract: The methods and compositions relate to treatment of disorders of the bladder. In particular, the methods provide for treatment of interstitial cystitis and related disorders. The methods further comprise treatment to affect various manifestations associated with interstitial cystitis, including, reducing histamine release, modulating Substance P expression, modulating nerve growth factor expression, modulating levels of various cytokines, and maintaining integrity of the urine/blood barrier.

Abstract: Methods for producing improved anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulins from specific-pathogen-free animals are provided, without the need for an adsorption step on human tissues and the consequent drawbacks of such a step.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration of bioactive peptides. Particularly, the pharmaceutical compositions comprise peptides formulated as suspensions stabilized with a dispersing agent. The compositions may be encapsulated in capsules for oral administration. The compositions show improved dissolution characteristics, which are believed to make them suitable for use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: Methods are provided wherein the survival of an organ transplant is enhanced by introducing into cells of the transplant a nucleic acid molecule that modulates heme oxygenase-I activity therein. Nucleic acid molecules that modulate heme oxygenase-I activity and therefore find use in the described methods include, for example, molecules that encode a polypeptide that itself exhibits heme oxygenase-I activity or antisense oligonucleotides that act to inhibit heme oxygenase-I activity in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical preparations and methods for treating individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The pharmaceutical preparations comprise an immunomodulating agent and a anti-retroviral compound. The pharmaceutical preparations are used to treat HIV infected patients, particularly for gastrointestinal complications arising from viral infection. In addition, the pharmaceutical preparations of the present invention have the effect of raising the levels of CD4+ single positive and CD4+ and CD8+ double positive T cells, thus promoting restoration and normalization of the immune system following HIV infection.

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides comprising a sequence associated with HLA-B ?1 domain, but comprising a tyrosine-tyrosine-tryptophan triad are provided for use in inhibiting cytotoxic activity of CTLs and natural killer cells. By combining the subject compositions with mixtures of cells comprising the cytotoxic cells and cells which would otherwise activate the cytotoxic cells, lysis of the target cells can be substantially inhibited. the oligopeptides may be joined to a wide variety of other groups or compounds for varying the activity of the subject compositions. The subject compositions may be administered by any convenient means to a host to inhibit CTL and NK attack on tissue, particularly involved with xenogeneic or allogeneic transplants.

Abstract: Methods are provided wherein the survival of an organ transplant is enhanced by introducing into cells of the transplant a nucleic acid molecule that modulates heme oxygenase-I activity therein. Nucleic acid molecules that modulate heme oxygenase-I activity and therefore find use in the described methods include, for example, molecules that encode a polypeptide that itself exhibits heme oxygenase-I activity or antisense oligonucleotides that act to inhibit heme oxygenase-I activity in a cell.

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides comprising a sequence derived by a computer program are provided for use in inhibiting cytotoxic activity of lymphocytic cells, inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory responses associated with those cytokines, inhibiting the activity of heme-containing enzymes and delaying the onset of an autoimmune disease in a mammal at risk of developing the disease. By combining the subject compositions with mixtures of cells comprising lymphocytic cells and cells which would otherwise activate the lymphocytic cells, lysis of the target cells can be substantially inhibited. The oligopeptides may be joined to a wide variety of other groups or compounds for varying the activity of the subject compositions.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds of formula CH3—R1—(CH2)2—R2 wherein: R1 is selected among a tertiary alcohol; a 1,2-diol; a halohydrine; an epoxide; an alkene; an aldehyde or an &agr;-hydroxyaldehyde; and R2 is selected among a methylenediphosphonate; a difluoromethylenediphosphonate; or a monofluoromethylenediphosphonate. The invention also concerns the uses of said compounds as selective inhibitors of T&ggr;9&dgr;2 lymphocytes, and their uses, in particular for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds of formula CH3—R1—(CH2)2—R2 wherein: R1 is selected among a tertiary alcohol; a 1,2-diol; a halohydrine; an epoxide; an alkene; an aldehyde or an &agr;-hydroxyaldehyde; and R2 is selected among a methylenediphosphonate; a difluoromethylenediphosphonate; or a monofluoromethylenediphosphonate. The invention also concerns the uses of said compounds as selective inhibitors of T&ggr;9&dgr;2 lymphocytes, and their uses, in particular for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds CH3—R1—(CH1)2—R2 wherein: R1 is selected among a tertiary alcohol; a 1,2-diol; a halohydrine; an apoxide; an alkene; an aldehyde or an &agr;-hydroxyaldehyde; and R2 is selected among a methylenediphosphonate; a difluoromethylenediphosphonate; or a monofluoromethylenediphosphoneate. The invention also concerns the uses of said compounds as selective inhibitors of T&ggr;9&dgr;2 lymphocytes, and their uses, in particular for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Improved oral cyclosporin formulations which have high bioavailability and are capable of admiration in hard capsules are provided. In the subject formations, cyclosporin is delivered in an orally acceptable vehicle comprising at least one alkanol solvent of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms in combination with at least one non-ionic surfactant. The subject formalations may further comprise at least one cosolvent, where cosolvents of interest include fatty acids and diols. The subject formulations find use in immuno-suppressive therapy.

Abstract: A liquid medication dispenser apparatus which provides for user-friendly medication measurement and compliance. The apparatus measures and dispenses liquid medication doses and records the time and dose sizes for up to one year. The recorded information can then be downloaded to a personal computer for evaluation of patient compliance. A disposable, motor driven pump is used to provide a very wide range of medication dispensation volumes, while maintaining full accuracy and reducing the risks of patient errors as might occur with a manual dispense system.

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides comprising a sequence associated with HLA-B .alpha..sub.1 domain, but comprising a tyrosine-tyrosine-tryptophan triad are provided for use in inhibiting cytotoxic activity of CTLs and natural killer cells. By combining the subject compositions with mixtures of cells comprising the cytotoxic cells and cells which would otherwise activate the cytotoxic cells, lysis of the target cells can be substantially inhibited. The oligopeptides may be joined to a wide variety of other groups or compounds for varying the activity of the subject compositions. The subject compositions may be administered by any convenient means to a host to inhibit CTL and NK attack on tissue, particularly involved with xenogeneic or allogeneic transplants.

Abstract: Metalloporphyrins are administered in conjunction with transplantation to enhance the survival of the organ.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation of hyaluronic acid is administered to a patient suffering from undesirable T cellactivity. The hyaluronic acid inhibits T cell activity at doses that are well-tolerated by the recipient. Conditions suitable for treatment include graft vs. host disease, graft rejection and certain autoimmune diseases having a T cell component.

Abstract: Improved oral cyclosporin formulations which have high bioavailability and are capable of administration in both liquid and hard capsule form are provided. In the subject formulations, cyclosporin is delivered in an orally acceptable vehicle comprising at least one alkanol solvent of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms in combination with at least one non-ionic surfactant. The subject formulations may further comprise at least one cosolvent, where cosolvents of interest include fatty acids and diols. The subject formulations find use in immuno-suppressive therapy.

Abstract: Compounds and libraries are labeled with a galactosyl epitope and then screened in accordance with an assay involving cells having a characteristic of interest. Conveniently, the screening may embody target cells, where the compounds are brought in contact with the cells. Each of the compounds carries with it the information of its identity or method of synthesis. After washing away non-specifically bound compounds, blood may be applied to the cells, whereby antibody binding to the galactosyl epitope initiates the complement cascade. Plaques are identified and the compound associated with the plaque identified. The formation of the plaque demonstrates that the compound has specific affinity for the target cell, binding of the compound to the cell does not interfere with binding of the antibody, and that the complex is capable of cytotoxic activity by means of the complement cascade.

Abstract: Improved oral cyclosporin formulations which have high bioavailability and are capable of administration in hard capsules, are provided. In the subject formulations, cyclosporin is delivered in an orally acceptable vehicle comprising at least one alkanol of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms in combination with at least one non-ionic surfactant and an ester of an alcohol and a fatty acid having a hydrocarbon chain of from 14 to 18 carbon atoms. The subject formulations find use in immunosuppressive therapy.

Abstract: Cyclosporin A formulations are provided as amorphous nanoparticle dispersions for physiologic absorption. The compositions have high bioavailability and patient acceptability. By providing for concentrates comprising lower alkanols and a polyoxyalkylene surfactant as a stable dispersion of cyclosporin A, upon introducing the stable dispersion into an aqueous medium, the subject formulation is produced comprising amorphous bioavailable cyclosporin nanoparticles.