Abstract: Cationic polymers hydrolyzable to zwitterionic polymers, monomers for making the cationic polymers, surfaces that include the polymers, therapeutic agent delivery systems that include the cationic polymers, methods for administering a therapeutic agent using the delivery systems, and methods for making and using the cationic polymers, monomers, surfaces, and therapeutic agent delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel poly (diol citrates)-based coating for implantable devices. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for making and using implantable devices coated with citric acid copolymers or citric acid copolymers impregnated with therapeutic compositions and/or cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyimide microparticles which can be obtained by means of the following steps: a) a polymer solution consisting of at least one polyimide polymer and a solvent or a solvent mixture is produced according to methods known per se, b) microparticles are formed from the polymer solution by spraying or by thermal phase inversion, c) the microparticles obtained in step b) are treated with an aqueous functionalization solution containing an amine-containing modifier at a high temperature, with or without stirring, and d) the modified obtained are washed and optionally dried, according to methods known per se.

Abstract: A particle composition comprising a graft copolymer formed from a biocompatible polymer and a plurality of polyamine moieties, wherein the polyamine moieties are bound to the biocompatible polymer, and a combinatorial delivery polymer comprising a plurality of particles that comprises a graft copolymer of formed from a biocompatible polymer and a plurality of polyamine moieties, wherein the polyamine moieties are bound to the biocompatible polymer, a plurality of nucleic acids electrostatically loaded onto the particles, a plurality of chemokine molecules, and a biodegradable polymer network, in which the loaded particles and chemokine molecules may be entrapped, are disclosed.

Abstract: A sustained-release pharmaceutical composition in a form of an orally deliverable tablet comprises a water-soluble salt of pramipexole, dispersed in a matrix comprising a hydrophilic polymer and a starch having a tensile strength of at least about 0.15 kN cm?2 at a solid fraction representative of the tablet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the enhancement of bioavailability of chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of disease. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of enhancing the bioavailability of a chemotherapeutic agent comprising the step of administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of hyaluronan.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric and humanized versions of anti-CD22 mouse monoclonal antibody, HB22.7. The anti-CD22 antibodies of the invention comprise four human or humanized framework regions of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (“VH”) and four human or humanized framework regions of the immunoglobulin light chain variable region (“VK”). The invention further comprises heavy and/or light chain FW regions that contain one or more backmutations in which a human FW residue is exchanged for the corresponding residue present in the parental mouse heavy or light chain. Human or humanized VH framework regions of antibodies of the invention may comprise one or more of the following residues: a valine (V) at position 24 of framework region 1, a glycine (G) at position 49 of framework region 2, and an asparagine (N) at position 73 of framework region 3, numbered according to Kabat.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses IL-1? binding proteins. Specifically, the invention relates to antibodies that are chimeric, CDR grafted and humanized antibodies. Antibodies of the invention have high affinity for IL-1? and neutralize IL-1? activity. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Method of making and method of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting IL-1? and for inhibiting IL-1? activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which IL-1? activity is detrimental.

Abstract: This invention describes the use of polymerizable surfactants as comonomers in forming ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses, intraocular lenses, corneal implants, etc.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable medical devices comprising non-fouling moieties or polymers chemically bonded to the surface of the device via chelating structures, and methods of fabricating the coatings are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pharmaceutically acceptable polymeric compositions suitable for injection molding of single or multi-component pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising a plurality of drug substance containing sub-units, being capsule compartments and/or solid sub-units comprising a solid matrix of a polymer which contains a drug substance, the sub-units being connected together in the assembled dosage form by a weld between parts of the assembled dosage form.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using peristalsis to force a polymer plug through a mammalian lumen, thereby removing any calculi and/or calculi fragments present in the lumen. In one embodiment, the method is used as an alternative to conventional lithotripsy. In another embodiment, the method is used in conjunction with lithotripsy, thereby removing the small calculi fragments that result from such procedures.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a polymer comprising a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups, a crosslinker, and a sclerosing agent. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the steps of advancing into a region of a patient's lung via said patient's trachea a multi-lumen catheter lumen through a bronchoscope; and co-administering, through the multi-lumen catheter, a first mixture comprising a first amount of a polymer containing a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups; a second mixture comprising a second amount of a crosslinker; and a third mixture comprising a third amount of a sclerosing agent; thereby forming a hydrogel in said region. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema of the lung.

Abstract: Marine coatings including cationic polymers hydrolyzable to nonfouling zwitterionic polymers, coated marine surfaces, and methods for making and using the marine coatings.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically-active polymeric compound of the general formula (I), Y-[Yn-LINK B-X]m-LINK B??(I) wherein (i) X is a coupled biological coupling agent of the general formula (II) Bio-LINK A-Bio??(II) wherein Bio is a biologically active agent fragment or precursor thereof linked to LINK A through a hydrolysable covalent bond; and LINK A is a coupled central flexible linear first segment of <2000 theoretical molecular weight linked to each of said Bio fragments; (ii) Y is LINK B-OLIGO; wherein (a) LINK B is a coupled second segment linking one OLIGO to another OLIGO and an OLIGO to X or precursor thereof; and (b) OLIGO is a short length of polymer segment having a molecular weight of less than 5,000 and comprising less than 100 monomeric repeating units; (iii) m is 1-40; and (iv) n is selected from 2-50. The compounds are useful as biomaterials, particularly, providing antibacterial activity in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinantly produced human monoclonalantibodies which are specifically binding nicotine and to nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention further relates to the use of such antibodies in the treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an anti-ricin antibody and the use thereof for the treatment of an individual suffering from ricin poisoning.

Abstract: A bactericidal or antimicrobial polymeric composition includes a hydrophilic first comonomer copolymerized to a second comonomer to produce a polymeric composition that is more hydrophilic or more bactericidal or antimicrobial in an aqueous solution than either of the comonomers alone. Methods for identifying bactericidal or antimicrobial polymers, methods for rendering materials bactericidal or antimicrobial, and methods for using bactericidal or antimicrobial compositions to kill or reduce bacterial or microbial growth are also described. Applications for the inventive compositions include their use in catheters, stents, medical devices, contact lenses; root canal fillers; fibers; paper; and/or wound dressing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of quantifying protein leakage from a protein based affinity chromatography media (e.g., protein A, protein G and protein L based affinity chromatography media), where such a protein is used for isolating and/or removing a molecule which binds the protein (e.g., an immunoglobulin).

Abstract: An implantable device including conjugate formed of an acrylamide-based copolymer and a bioactive agent is provided.