Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the prophylactic treatment of metastases. The inventors showed in vivo that lung metastasis in GPVI deficient mice are reduced compared to controls. They demonstrated that GPVI is involved in platetet interaction with tumor cells and this interaction is mediated by EMMPRIN.). Using an anti-EMMPRIN antibody, they showed that the adhesion of platelets to tumors cells is decreased. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the prophylactic treatment of metastases in a patient suffering from cancer comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which inhibits the interaction between GPVI and EMMPRIN.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing CD34+CD41dim megakaryocyte (MK) progenitor cells, and a substantially pure cell population of megakaryocyte precursor cells obtained by said method and compositions thereof. The invention also relates to a method of producing proplatelet-bearing MKs and/or platelets using the CD34+CD41dim cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing CD34+CD4dim megakaryocyte (MK) progenitor cells, and substantially pure cell population of megakaryocyte precursor cells obtained by said method. The invention also relates to a method of producing proplatelet-bearing MKs and/or platelets using the CD34+CD4dim cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing the platelets present in a blood sample, said method comprises the steps of (a) adding to said sample a ligand which binds to the MCH I coupled to a fluorochrome, (b) measuring the mean fluorescence intensity of the platelets (MFIplatelets) with a flow cytometer and c) measuring the mean “Forward Scatter” parameter (FSC) with said flow cytometer and determining the MFIplatelets/FSC ratio. The invention also relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing a peripheral or central thrombocytopenia in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the prophylactic treatment of metastases. The inventors showed in vivo that lung metastasis in GPVI deficient mice are reduced compared to controls. They demonstrated that GPVI is involved in platetet interaction with tumor cells and this interaction is mediated by EMMPRIN.). Using an anti-EMMPRIN antibody, they showed that the adhesion of platelets to tumors cells is decreased. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the prophylactic treatment of metastases in a patient suffering from cancer comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which inhibits the interaction between GPVI and EMMPRIN.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing CD34+CD4dim megakaryocyte (MK) progenitor cells, and substantially pure cell population of megakaryocyte precursor cells obtained by said method. The invention also relates to a method of producing proplatelet-bearing MKs and/or platelets using the CD34+CD4dim cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the preservation of blood platelets. In particular, the present invention provides a method which includes submitting the platelets to zeodration carried out at temperatures between 18° C. and 24° C. The dried platelets thus obtained can be preserved at room temperature for long period of time. The invention also provides kits and compositions for using the preserved platelets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the preservation of blood platelets. In particular, the present invention provides a method which includes submitting the platelets to zeodration carried out at temperatures between 18° C. and 24° C. The dried platelets thus obtained can be preserved at room temperature for long period of time. The invention also provides kits and compositions for using the preserved platelets.

Abstract: Disclosed are conjugates comprising a dendrimer and a ligand, which is a functionalized congener of an agonist or antagonist of a receptor of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, for example, wherein the functionalized congener is an A1 adenosine receptor agonist having a purine nucleoside moiety and a functional group at the N6 position of the purine nucleoside moiety, wherein the functional group has the formula (I): N6H—Ar1—CH2—C(?O)NH—R1 (I), wherein Ar1 and R1 as defined herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treating various diseases, and a diagnostic method employing such conjugates.

Abstract: Disclosed are conjugates comprising a dendrimer and a ligand, which is a functionalized congener of an agonist or antagonist of a receptor of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, for example, wherein the functionalized congener is an A1 adenosine receptor agonist having a purine nucleoside moiety and a functional group at the N6 position of the purine nucleoside moiety, wherein the functional group has the formula (I): N6H—Ar1—CH2—C(?O)NH—R1 (I), wherein Ar1 and R1 as defined herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treating various diseases, and a diagnostic method employing such conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrorefining catalyst containing ruthenium sulphide including the synthesis thereof and also to a process for hydrorefining hydrocarbon feedstocks using the aforementioned catalyst.