Abstract: A controlled release oral formulation, for human vaccines, are formed in microspherical form. The vaccine is suspended in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix is formed from at least two highly water soluble biodegradable polymers, selected for example from starch, crosslinked starch, ficoll, polysucrose, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatine, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl-ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, sodium alginate, polymaleic anhydride esters, polyortho esters, polyethyteneimine, polyethylene glycol, methoxypolyethylene glycol, ethoxypolyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide,poly(1,3 bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) propane-co-sebacic anhydride, N,N-diethylaminoacetate, block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene. The microspheres are coated with a (d,1 lactide-glycolide) copolymer. The coating makes the microspheres more resistant to enzymatic degradation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a reagent for endotoxin-specific assay which comprises an insoluble carrier having immobilized thereon at least an endotoxin-sensitive factor derived from a limulus amebocyte; a kit for endotoxin-specific assay containing said reagent and a substrate for activated factor C or a substrate for clotting enzyme; a method for assaying endotoxin comprising applying a sample solution to said reagent to cause endotoxin in the sample to react with factor C in said reagent and determining a change of a substrate; and a process for preparing said reagent which comprises physically or chemically immobilizing at least an endotoxin-sensitive factor derived from a limulus amebocyte on an insoluble carrier. Endotoxin in a sample, even turbid or colored, can be specifically assayed with ease and rapidness without the influence of a (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-glucan.

Abstract: Disclosed are substantially pure plasmilar polypeptide and antibodies which bind plasmilar.

Abstract: A method for the detection of the presence or absence of antibodies which bind to antigens of an NMA virus Deficiency is disclosed. This method comprises contacting a solution containing antigens of an NMA virus with a biological sample of a patient and detecting the antibody-antigen complexes. Methods for detection of the presence or absence of antigens or nucleic acid sequences specific to an NMA virus are also disclosed. A substantially purified preparation of an NMA virus and a human cell line chronically infected with an NMA virus are also disclosed.