Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating, preventing or ameliorating skin infections, including bacterial and viral infections. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods to reduce skin infection in a patient with atopic dermatitis (AD). Also provided are methods for improving skin barrier function, and methods for reducing the risk of inflammation due to microbial infection in a patient in need thereof. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) antagonist such as an anti-IL-4R antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel designer osteogenic proteins having altered affinity for a cognate receptor, nucleic acids encoding the same, and methods of use therefor. More preferably, the novel designer osteogenic proteins are designer BMPs and have altered affinity for a cognate BMP receptor. The designer BMPs demonstrate altered biological characteristics and provide potential useful novel therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention provides new protease-resistant polypeptides, as well as compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing conditions related to joint damage, including acute joint injury and arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mutant interleukin-2 polypeptides that exhibit reduced affinity to the ?-subunit of the IL-2 receptor, for use as immunotherapeutic agents. In addition, the invention relates to immunoconjugates comprising said mutant IL-2 polypeptides, polynucleotide molecules encoding the mutant IL-2 polypeptides or immunoconjugates, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotide molecules. The invention further relates to methods for producing the mutant IL-2 polypeptides or immunoconjugates, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel peptide for preventing or treating bone diseases. Further, the present disclosure relates to a polynucleotide encoding the peptide, a vector including the polynucleotide, a host cell transformed by the vector, and a method for producing the peptide by using the host cell. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a composition for preventing or treating bone diseases, including the novel peptide. The novel peptide according to the present disclosure induces mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells to blood and causes a decrease in the number of osteoclasts, and, thus, decreases bone erosion caused by osteoclasts, thereby suppressing progress of an osteoporotic lesion. Further, the novel peptide is safe since it does not cause rejection in the body. Furthermore, since the novel peptide is formed of 16 short amino acids, a low dose of the peptide can relieve symptoms of osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of matter suitable for the prevention of and/or treatment of a spinal disorder and/or spinal pain, e.g., caused by and/or associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, and methods of treatment of a spinal disorder and/or spinal pain. For example, the compositions of the present invention comprise a modulator of growth differentiation factor (GDF)-6 signaling sufficient to reduce or prevent or delay IVD degeneration and/or to enhance or induce IVD regeneration. The present invention also provides medical devices comprising such compositions, and methods of treatment making use of such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery of compositions and methods that can be used to treat a patient who has a compromised bone (due, for example, to a disease such as osteoporosis or an injury such as a bone fracture). The compositions can also be administered prophylactically. For example, they can be administered to help maintain bone health as a patient ages. More specifically, the compositions include polypeptides that constitute (or that include) a fragment of a calcitonin receptor (CR) and polypeptides that constitute (or include) biologically active variants of those fragments. Sequence-specific formulas are provided herein, and polypeptides conforming to those formulas, as well as nucleic acids encoding them, expression vectors, host cells, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of their preparation and use are within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention features soluble fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (sFGFR3) polypeptides. The invention also features methods of using sFGFR3 polypeptides to treat skeletal growth retardation disorders, such as achondroplasia.

Abstract: Implantable matrices and methods are provided. The matrices are configured to fit at or near a target tissue site, the matrices comprise biodegradable materials and ligands bound to the matrices and are configured to bind receptors and allow influx of cells into the implantable matrices, wherein the ratio of ligands to receptors is from about 1.5 to about 0.5.

Abstract: Systems and methods for purification and concentration of autologous alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) from whole blood are provided. Also provided are diagnostic methods for identifying sites in the synovial joints, spine, tendons or ligaments for treatment of pain, degeneration, or inflammation with autologous A2M. Methods for utilizing autologous A2M in combination with other autologous treatments (e.g. platelets and other growth factors) are provided in addition to combinations with exogenous drugs or carriers. Also provided is a method of producing recombinant A2M wild type or variants thereof where the bait region was modified to enhance the inhibition characteristics of A2M and/or to prolong the half life of the protein in joints and spine disc or epidural space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits for the treatment of bone particularly impaired or damaged bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides anti-RANKL monoclonal antibodies and related compositions, which may be used in any of a variety of therapeutic methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.

Abstract: A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analogue comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods to treat inflammatory joint diseases and decrease cartilage degradation. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise an agent that binds to a ?-2,3-sialic acid transmembrane glycoprotein.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mutant interleukin-2 polypeptides that exhibit reduced affinity to the ?-subunit of the IL-2 receptor, for use as immunotherapeutic agents. In addition, the invention relates to immunoconjugates comprising said mutant IL-2 polypeptides, polynucleotide molecules encoding the mutant IL-2 polypeptides or immunoconjugates, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotide molecules. The invention further relates to methods for producing the mutant IL-2 polypeptides or immunoconjugates, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the therapeutic use of Wnt proteins, for enhancing bone growth and regeneration, including repair following injury, osseointegration of implants, and the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the compositions are administered locally, e.g. by injection at the site of an injury. For certain conditions it is desirable to provide Wnt activity for short periods of time, and an effective dose will be administered over a defined, short period of time.

Abstract: A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analogue comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to highly galactosylated anti-TNF-alpha antibodies and compositions thereof. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to populations of anti-TNF-alpha antibodies with a high level of galactosylation, and compositions thereof. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to methods of production and use of highly galactosylated anti-TNF-alpha antibodies and populations of anti-TNF-alpha antibodies with a high level of galactosylation. In some embodiments, the anti-TNF-alpha antibody is adalimumab.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the severity of an arthritic condition or repairing an osteochondral defect are carried out by administering to a subject compositions comprising a member of the matrilin family of proteins, e.g., a matrilin protein, fragment thereof, or nucleic acid encoding the protein or fragment.

Abstract: Novel compositions for treating wounds and promoting the healing thereof are described, including composition containing novel combinations of a carrier and recombinant platelet derived growth factor having fewer isoforms and enhanced biostability. Methods of treating wounds with novel therapeutic composition using dosing procedures leading to effective results with a minimal number of treatment applications are also described.