Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new cell line, VIT4-G9, which has been deposited as ATCC Accession number PTA-8683.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a new method of stem cell generation involving the establishment of a mesenchymal cell culture, induction of epithelial marker expression and isolation and cloning of the cells expressing epithelial markers and expansion of these cell lines. Further processes are described for a two-step method to induce the differentiation of terminally differentiated cell types such as insulin-producing beta cells of the human pancreas gland. The invention indicates that mesenchymal to epithelial transition may be an important component in the development, renewal and regeneration of animal organ systems and provides a reliable method for in-vitro generation of adult stem cells and terminally differentiated cell types for various uses in medical research and cell therapy of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of immortalizing various primary cell cultures, including pituitary cells, neurons, beta islet cells, glial cells, corneal epithelial cells and follicular stellate cells. The primary cells are transfected with a vector containing an establishment oncogene, resulting in non-transformed immortalized cells. The primary cells and/or the subsequent immortalized cells are cultured in a defined media containing one or more environmental factor(s) that control the proliferation and/or differentiation of the cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driver for use with administering multiple doses of a compound contained in a cartridge. The driver has a base, a position selector, and a plunger. The plunger shaft includes projections which engage the position selector so the plunger advances to provide a single dose of the compound. The plunger shaft is rotated to align the plunger projections with the position selector to administer a subsequent dose of the compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from biological samples, for example, from human pituitary glands or human postmenopausal urine, wherein the FSH is contaminated with other proteins, by use of dye-ligand affinity chromatography (DAC). Depending on the starting material used and the initial purity of FSH in the starting material, additional purification steps may be employed. These steps preferably involve the use of hydrophobic interaction chromatography. This process may be used to generate affinity pure FSH suitable for therapeutic applications. The methods of the invention provide high purity FSH with high overall yield. A further advantage is the ability to easily regenerate the chromatography media for re-use, thus providing added economy to the purification process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of immortalizing various primary cell cultures, including pituitary cells, neurons, beta islet cells, glial cells, corneal epithelial cells and follicular stellate cells. The primary cells are transfected with a vector containing an establishment oncogene, resulting in non-transformed immortalized cells. The primary cells and/or the subsequent immortalized cells are cultured in a defined media containing one or more environmental factor(s) that control the proliferation and/or differentiation of the cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from biological samples, for example, from human pituitary glands or human postmenopausal urine, wherein the FSH is contaminated with other proteins, by use of dye-ligand affinity chromatography (DAC). Depending on the starting material used and the initial purity of FSH in the starting material, additional purification steps may be employed. These steps preferably involve the use of hydrophobic interaction chromatography. This process may be used to generate affinity pure FSH suitable for therapeutic applications. The methods of the invention provide high purity FSH with high overall yield. A further advantage is the ability to easily regenerate the chromatography media for re-use, thus providing added economy to the purification process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from biological samples, for example, from human pituitary glands or human postmenopausal urine, wherein the FSH is contaminated with other proteins, by use of dye-ligand affinity chromatography (DAC). This process may be used to generate affinity pure FSH suitable for therapeutic applications.