Abstract: Provided are novel specific binding molecules, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize neoepitopes of disease-associated proteins which derive from native endogenous proteins but are prevalent in the body of a patient in a variant form and/or out of their normal physiological context. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, antibodies and mimics thereof and methods of screening for novel binding molecules, which may or may not be antibodies as well as targets in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

Abstract: Provided are novel human copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, also known as superoxide dismutase 1 or SOD1, specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for SOD1 are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for SOD1 targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.

Abstract: Provided are novel TDP-43-specific binding molecules including polypeptides such as human antibodies, as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof. Also provided are methods related to these TDP-43 specific binding molecules. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to TDP-43-specific binding molecules, including polypeptides such as, human antibodies are also disclosed. The TDP-43-specific binding molecule, antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for TDP-43 targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the technical field of medicine, in particular to the field of neurodegenerative, neurological and protein misfolding disorders such as amyloidosis. By establishing a role of ankG in APP processing the method of the present invention provides a new insight into the role of ankG in AD pathology and provides ankG as a target, drug, diagnostic agent and particularly as a vaccine in the treatment and diagnosis of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Abstract: Provided are human tau-specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for tau are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for tau targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.

Abstract: Provided are novel specific binding molecules, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize neoepitopes of disease-associated proteins which derive from native endogenous proteins but are prevalent in the body of a patient in a variant form and/or out of their normal physiological context. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, antibodies and mimics thereof and methods of screening for novel binding molecules, which may or may not be antibodies as well as targets in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

Abstract: Provided are novel specific binding molecules, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize neoepitopes of disease-associated proteins which derive from native endogenous proteins but are prevalent in the body of a patient in a variant form and/or out of their normal physiological context. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, antibodies and mimics thereof and methods of screening for novel binding molecules, which may or may not be antibodies as well as targets in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

Abstract: Provided are novel specific binding molecules, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize neoepitopes of disease-associated proteins which derive from native endogenous proteins but are prevalent in the body of a patient in a variant form and/or out of their normal physiological context. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, antibodies and mimics thereof and methods of screening for novel binding molecules, which may or may not be antibodies as well as targets in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

Abstract: Provided are novel human tau-specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for tau are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for tau targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.

Abstract: Provided are human alpha-synuclein-specific autoantibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for ?-synuclein are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for ?-synuclein targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.

Abstract: Provided are novel specific binding molecules, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize neoepitopes of disease-associated proteins which derive from native endogenous proteins but are prevalent in the body of a patient in a variant form and/or out of their normal physiological context. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, antibodies and mimics thereof and methods of screening for novel binding molecules, which may or may not be antibodies as well as targets in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing or prognosing depression, in particular major depression, in a subject, or determining whether a subject is at increased risk of developing depression, in particular major depression, comprising: determining a level, or an activity, or both said level and said activity, of neurotrophin 3 and/or of a transcription product of a gene coding for neurotrophin 3 in a sample from said subject; and comparing said level, or said activity, or both said level and said activity, to a reference value representing a known disease or health status, thereby diagnosing or prognosing depression in said subject, or determining whether said subject is at increased risk of developing said depression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of monitoring an immunotherapy against amyloidosis and other diseases characterized by the deposition of abnormal protein aggregates. More specifically, it relates to a method of evaluating an immunotherapy against Alzheimer's disease, based on a novel assay that is characterized by scoring immunoreactivity levels of patient sera in amyloid plaque containing samples. The assay possesses highly predictive properties in relation to the clinical outcome of such an immunotherapy, in contrast to previously used, conventional ELISA assays. Therefore, the novel assay is useful for the evaluation of the efficacy of an immunotherapy in a patient suffering from amyloidosis, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Based on the unexpected identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the LIPA gene as novel genetic risk factors that link cholesterol metabolism to Alzheimer's disease, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing or prognosticating Alzheimer's disease, or determining the propensity or predisposition of a subject to develop Alzheimer's disease. The method comprises detecting the presence or absence of a variation in the LIPA gene which encodes the enzyme acid cholesteryl ester hydrolase. Furthermore, the invention provides methods of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease by using the CH25H gene and/or the LIPA gene and their corresponding gene products.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing or prognosing Alzheimer's disease in a subject, or determining whether a subject is at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, involves determining a level, or an activity, or both the level and the activity, of nerve growth factor in a sample taken from cerebrospinal fluid of the subject, and comparing the level, or the activity, or both the level and the activity, to a reference value representing a known disease or health status, wherein a varied level, or activity, or both the level and the activity, of nerve growth factor in the cerebrospinal fluid from the subject relative to the reference value representing a known health status indicates a diagnosis, or prognosis, or increased risk of the Alzheimer's disease in the subject.

Abstract: Based on the unexpected association of a SOAT1 gene polymorphism with reduced genetic risk for a neurodegenerative disease, in particular Alzheimer's disease, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing or prognosticating such a disease, or determining the propensity or predisposition of a subject to develop such a disease. The method comprises detecting the presence or absence of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the SOAT1 gene which encodes the enzmye ACAT1, acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase 1.

Abstract: Based on the unexpected identification of a CYP46 gene polymorphism as a novel genetic risk factor that links cholesterol metabolism to Alzheimer's disease, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing or prognosticating Alzheimer's disease, or determining the propensity or predisposition of a subject to develop Alzheimer's disease. The method comprises detecting the presence or absence of a variation in the CYP46 gene which encodes the enzyme cholesterol 24-hydroxylase.

Abstract: Methods of lowering the levels of A&bgr;40, A&bgr;42 and tau protein in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of talsaclidine, or a physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, and methods of treating diseases associated with the formation of diffuse and senile plaques or A&bgr;40-, A&bgr;42- and tau-containing plaques are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of lowering the levels of A&bgr;40, A&bgr;42, and tau protein in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of talsaclidine or a physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof and methods of treating or preventing diseases associated with the formation of diffuse and senile plaques or A&bgr;40-, A&bgr;42- and tau-containing plaques.

Abstract: A device is provided for increasing the surface area of the gas generant used in an automotive safety air bag module. Depending on crash conditions, the surface area of the gas generant is increased by shattering the gas generant wafers. One embodiment utilizes a squib having a high brisant zone which upon activation shatters the gas generant wafers. Alternatively, a dual function squib is used which can produce mechanical forces which force a breaking object to impact on the gas generating wafers thereby shattering them and increasing the surface area of the gas generant.