Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing purified albumin from a human or animal physiological solution, such as a plasma or a plasma fraction. The process includes a process of delipidation using an anionic detergent and two chromatographic separation stages using ion-exchange resin. By applying the process according to the invention, it is possible to obtain an albumin solution of great purity, that is stable and suitable for therapeutic use.

Abstract: Based on extensive in vivo studies in animals, it has now been discovered that KGF stimulates proliferation, growth and differentiation in various cells of epithelial tissue, besides keratinocytes. This better understanding of the biological effects of KGF in vivo enables the use of this polypeptide as a therapeutic agent, suitably formulated in a pharmaceutical composition, for the specific treatment of disease states and medical conditions afflicting tissues and organs such as the dermal adnexae, the liver, the lung, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation comprising a growth hormone and histidine or a derivative of histidine as additive or buffering substance shows a very high stability against deamidation, oxidation and cleavage of peptide bonds. The stability of the product allows for the storing and shipment thereof in a lyophilized state or in the form of a dissolved or re-dissolved preparation at ambient temperature. Crystallization of growth hormone in the presence of histidine or a derivative thereof gives rise to a higher yield of crystals having a higher purity than known methods.

Abstract: A reconstituted platelet membrane vesicle preparation is provided. The preparation, directed at promoting hemostasis, may be prepared from proteins and lipids derived from either synthetic sources or from mammalian platelet membranes. The product may be used for transfusions or may be topically applied. Methods for forming the vesicles and products for storing and dispensing the vesicles also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using IGF as inhibitors of inflammatory response, ischemic injury, and organ rejection.

Abstract: Erythropoietin (EPO) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF); pharmaceutical compositions thereof and therapeutic and prophylactic methods to increase the hematocrit are disclosed herein. Increase in hematocrit and reticulocyte count is observed by IGF-I treatment alone or in combination with an other cytokine or growth factor. Also disclosed is the synergistic effect of EPO and IGF-I on hematocrit and reticulocyte count, and the use thereof for treating disease associated with a low erythropoietin level.

Abstract: Based on extensive in vivo studies in animals, it has now been discovered that KGF stimulates proliferation, growth and differentiation in various cells of epithelial tissue, besides keratinocytes. This better understanding of the biological effects of KGF in vivo enables the use of this polypeptide as a therapeutic agent, suitably formulated in a pharmaceutical composition, for the specific treatment of disease states and medical conditions afflicting tissues and organs such as the dermal adnexae, the liver, the lung, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the growth rate of a human patient having partial growth hormone insensitivity syndrome, but not Laron syndrome, are described. One such method comprises administering an effective dose of growth hormone, preferably growth hormone with a native human sequence, with or without an N-terminal methionine, to the patient. The patient is characterized as having a height of less than about -2 standard deviations below normal for age and sex, a serum level of high-affinity growth hormone binding protein that is at least 2 standard deviations below normal levels, a serum level of IGF-I that is below normal mean levels, and a serum level of growth hormone that is at least normal. In another such method, the same patient population is treated with an effective amount of IGF-I, given alone or in combination with an amount of growth hormone that is effective in combination with the IGF-I.

Abstract: Based on extensive in vivo studies in animals, it has now been discovered that KGF stimulates proliferation, growth and differentiation in various cells of epithelial tissue, besides keratinocytes. This better understanding of the biological effects of KGF in vivo enables the use of this polypeptide as a therapeutic agent, suitably formulated in a pharmaceutical composition, for the specific treatment of disease states and medical conditions afflicting tissues and organs such as the dermal adnexae, the liver, the lung, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a relaxin analogs and derivatives, and uses thereof. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising a relaxin analogs and derivatives, and relaxin wherein such composition exhibits an additive or synergistic effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex comprising nerve growth factor (NGF) and trk-proto-oncogene protein. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting the presence of NGF and trk-proto-oncogene receptor. The present invention further relates to methods that can be used in diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's by detecting NGF-trk receptor pairs and the phosphorylation of trk protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a new type of peptide antagonists at glutamate receptors and a subtype of glutamate receptors (NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)) for the manufacture of a medicament to influence the glutamate receptor and the NMDA-receptor controlled cells such as neurons or glial cells in the central nervous system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for normalizing the fibrogenic effect of an agonist which comprises an effective amount of an agonist to stimulate normal collagen synthesis together with an effective amount of an antagonist to reduce the agonist-mediated increase of collagen synthesis and collagen gene expression, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also relates to a method of normalizing the fibrogenic effect of an agonist with said composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to solutions containing IGF-1 or any functional analogue thereof in which pH is 5.5 to 6.5, preferably 5.7 to 6.2. The amount of phosphate as buffer substance should be in a concentration of less than 50 mmol/L Preferably the formulation is an aqueous solution of IGF-1 and phosphate as buffer substance in a concentration of 5 to 50 mmole or more preferably 5-20 mmol/L, e.g. 10 mmol/L. The solution should be isotonic. The solution gives a reduced pain upon subcutaneous injection. The invention also relates to a process for preparation of the formulation by mixing IGF-1 or any functional analogue thereof with a buffer substance giving pH 5.5 to 6.5 and an isotonic agent. It also relates to a method for treatment of a patient in need of IGF-1 or any functional analogue thereof by administering the claimed formulation.

Abstract: Formulations containing NPH insulin are useful for treating hyperglycemic disorders, such as diabetes, in a mammal in need of treatment. One such formulation, which is preferably administered parenterally, more preferably by injection, comprises IGF-I and NPH insulin, in amounts of from or about 1 to 10 mg IGF-I and from or about 0.2 to 2 mg NPH insulin in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Another such formulation comprises IGF-I and NPH insulin in an acetic acid salt buffer. Still another formulation comprises IGF-I and NPH insulin in a weight ratio of NPH insulin to IGF-I of from or about 10:1 to 1:50 (w/w), from or about 0.05 to 0.3M of an osmolyte, from or about 0.1 to 10 mg/mL of a stabilizer, and from or about 5 to 100 mM of a buffer at from or about pH 5 to 7. A still further composition comprises NPH insulin in an acetic acid salt buffer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of growth hormone (GH) or effective analogues thereof for the manufacture of a medicament intended for preoperative administration in order to reduce protein loss, especially for the manufacture of a medicament for the preparation of a patient for surgery or other elective situation where catabolism may be induced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel formulations of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) having improved stability during storage over extended periods of time as liquids, which retain significant pharmaceutical activity during such storage and/or which are physiologically compatible. The formulations of the present invention comprise (a) a pharmaceutically effective concentration of CRF, (b) a buffer to maintain the pH of the formulation between about 2.0 to about 5.0 or about 6.0 to about 9.0 when in liquid form and (c) an alcohol such as mannitol, sorbitol, methanol, glycerol, or the like. Other aspects of the present invention involve addition of various other components to the formulations described herein for the purpose of decreasing the rate of degradation of the CRF peptide or increasing its solubility in solution.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided that are effective in revitalizing scar tissue by introducing a bioactive substance having angiogenic activity into the scar tissue. The bioactive substance can be introduced by itself, or it can be introduced into the scar tissue in a timed release form. The present invention is effective in treating stress urinary incontinence or localized muscular dysfunction.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for counteracting a decrease in nitrogen balance and counteracting a decrease in protein synthesis in an individual, comprising administering to the individual a combination of insulin and IGF-I.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for alleviation of disease states involving plaque formation, such as are manifested in Alzheimer's Disease and other amyloid disorders, and arteriosclerotic disease. Methods for the treatment of herpes virus infections by administration of thimerosal are further provided by the invention.