Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked hemoglobins, and particularly to methods of controlling the functionality of such hemoglobins. The controlled functionalities include the P.sub.50 and the Hill coefficient. The present invention provides methods for producing a cross-linked hemoglobin with specific final functionalities by regulating the amount of both total hemoglobin and R-state hemoglobin prior to cross-linking, and by modulating cross-linking reaction conditions such as time, temperature, pH and the ratio of cross-linking reagent to hemoglobin.

Abstract: A method of treatment for human patients with an acquired hypercoagulable state or acquired protein C deficiency associated with sepsis, purpura fulminans, meningococcal sepsis, bone marrow and other transplantations, severe burns, pregnancy, major surgery, severe trauma, or ARDS, which comprises administering activated protein C providing a highly selective therapeutic agent with a low potential for causing bleeding complications.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and devices are provided for inducing or enhancing the growth, proliferation, regeneration of inner ear tissue, particularly inner ear hair cells. In addition, provided are compositions and methods for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a mammal afflicted with an inner ear disorder or condition, particularly for hearing impairments involving hair cell damage, loss, or degeneration, by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of IGF-1 or FGF-2, or their agonists, alone or in combination.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting and/or reducing inflammation and/or pain in an individual is provided. The method comprises administration of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to a cell or an individual in an amount effective to inhibit and/or reduce inflammation and/or pain.

Abstract: Provided is an aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprising human growth hormone wherein said human growth hormone is dissolved in a benzalkonium chloride-containing, slightly to weakly acidic solution buffered, most preferably, with maleate. The composition is sufficiently stable to be supplied in liquid state and can be prepared as a less painful composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel PTHrP analogs that have been converted into potent PTH-2 receptor agonists or antagonists by the substitution of one or more amino acid residues of PTHrP to the corresponding residue(s) of PTH. A method of treating various disease states associated with altered function of the PTH-2 receptor, using these PTHrP analogs, is also described.

Abstract: Peptide-lipid conjugates are incorporated into liposomes so as to selectively destabilize the liposomes in the vicinity of target peptidase-secreting cells, and hence, to deliver the liposomes to the vicinity of the target cells, or directly into the cells. The liposomes can thus be used to treat mammals for diseases, disorders or conditions, e.g., tumors, microbial infection and inflammations, characterized by the occurrence of peptidase-secreting cells.

Abstract: The LH-RH receptor antagonists containing cyclic pentapeptides or salts thereof and novel cyclic pentapeptide or salts thereof are provided.The LH-RH receptor antagonists of the present invention are effective as medicines for preventing and curing sex hormone-dependent cancers (e.g., prostatic cancer, uterine cancer, mammary cancer, pituitary tumor, etc.), prostatomegaly, endometriosis, hysteromyoma, puberty precox, amenorrheal syndromes, multilocular ovarian syndromes, comedo, etc. and are also effective as pregnancy controlling agents (e.g., contraceptives, etc.) and menstrual cycle controlling agents. Moreover, these are also useful in the livestock industry for the control of the estrus of animals and also for the improvement in the quality of meat and for the control of the growth of animals, as well as in the marine products industry as spawning promoters for fishes.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a pharmaceutical formulation in a container, for example, a vial, prefilled cartridge, prefilled syringe or disposable pen, comprising approximately 0.01 to about 0.5% (w/v) amylin agonist, preferably pramlintide, in an aqueous system along with approximately 0.02 to about 0.5% (w/v) of an acetate, phosphate, citrate, or glutamate buffer to a pH of the final composition of approximately 3.0 to about 6.0 as well as approximately 1.0 to 10% (w/v) of a carbohydrate or polyhydric alcohol tonicifier; and, optionally, approximately 0.005 to 1.0% (w/v) of a preservative selected from the group consisting of m-cresol, benzyl alcohol, parabens and phenol. These formulations maintain stability upon storage under refrigerated or room temperature conditions. Such formulations can be further combined with insulin in the same syringe for administration to a patient.

Abstract: This is a method for treating ophthalmic disorders associated with an excess of IGF-I or IGF-II. The method comprises administering individuals with an IGF excess insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP). The preferred form is IGFBP-3.

Abstract: Divalent cation crystals of human growth factor (hGH) or derivatives thereof, and pharmaceutical preparations comprising divalent cation crystals of hGH. In specific embodiments, the divalent cation is Zn++ and the molar ration Zn++ and hGH is about 0.2 to about 10.

Abstract: Novel compounds comprising chemically reactive intermediates which can react with available reactive functionalities on blood components to form covalent linkages, where the resulting covalently-bound conjugates are found to have renin inhibition activity are provided. Specifically, the renin inhibitor compounds of the present invention are tripeptide derivatives of a known renin inhibitor which can be covalently linked to chemically reactive functionalities on various blood components. The conjugated renin inhibitors thereby have extended lifetimes in the bloodstream, as compared to the unconjugated parent drug, and are, therefore, capable of maintaining renin inhibitory activity for extended periods of time as compared to the unconjugated parent drug. Also provided herein are methods for inhibiting renin activity in vivo comprising administering to the bloodstream of a mammalian host the novel compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of engrafting donor mammalian hematopoietic pluripotent cells in a mammalian recipient using a decreased amount of radiation, comprising: (a) administering to the recipient at least one dosage of a hematopoietic growth factor; (b) subjecting the recipient to a low dosage of radiation; and (c) transplanting the donor hematopoietic pluripotent cells into the recipient, thereby engrafting the donor mammalian hematopoietic pluripotent cells in the mammalian recipient using a decreased amount of radiation.

Abstract: A method of treating liver cancer involving administration to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a bombesin analog.

Abstract: A drug comprising either a peptide having the LH-RH action or an LH-RH antagonist is carried on an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) so as to be able to provide controlled release. Once the IUD is put in the uterus, the carried drug is gradually released over such a prolonged period of treatment time as, for example, several months to be continuously absorbed through the uterus mucosa or the vagina mucosa. This construction makes it possible to reduce the patient's pain and such a troublesomeness as frequent drug administration and continuously administer a necessary drug over a prolonged period of time while taking a contraceptive measures.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. More particularly, the present invention relates to modifying thrombus formation by administering an agent which, inter alia, is capable of (1) inactivating fluid-phase thrombin and thrombin which is bound either to fibrin in a clot or to some other surface by catalyzing antithrombin; and (2) inhibiting thrombin generation by catalyzing factor Xa inactivation by antithrombin III (ATIII). The compositions and methods of the present invention are particularly usefull for preventing thrombosis in the circuit of cardiac bypass apparatus and in patients undergoing renal dialysis, and for treating patients suffering from or at risk of suffering from thrombus-related cardiovascular conditions, such as unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), cerebrovascular accidents (stroke), pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying blood borne pathogens is disclosed which utilizes a low intensity direct current to generate positive particles from various metals which destroy viral pathogens. A first electrode comprised of a metal such as silver is inserted into a patient's venous system. Then, a second electrode is placed on the patient's exterior in the vicinity of the first electrode. A low intensity direct current is applied to the first metal electrode which releases silver cations to be bonded to the virus, resulting in the denaturing of the virus. The first electrode is placed in the venous system of the infected patient via a catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microemulsion preconcentrate composition comprising (1) cyclosporin as an active component; (2) alkyl ester of polycarboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid ester of polyols as a lipophilic solvent; (3) oil; and (4) surfactant. The composition according to the present invention is characterized in that it dissolves in an external phase such as water, artificial gastric fluid and artificial intestinal fluid by controlling the mixing ratio of the components thereby to get the microemulsion form of inner phase diameter of 100 nm or below. The composition according to the present invention can be formulated as the dosage form of a soft capsule, a hard capsule sealed with a gelatin banding at the conjugated portion, or an oral liquid preparation for oral administration.

Abstract: There is provided an inhibitor of angiogenesis induced by growth of the vascular endothelial cells that comprises Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) as an active ingredient. The TFPI-containing preparation of the present invention can effectively inhibit angiogenesis induced by growth of the vascular endothelial cells, and thus, is quite efficacious for preventing and treating the conditions of diseases associated with angiogenesis such as malignant tumors.

Abstract: Methods of treating autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, are disclosed. The methods employ administration of interferon-tau (IFN.tau.) in a therapeutically-effective dose.