Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for identifying morphogen analogs. The preferred methods and compositions relate to the discovery that morphogen upregulation of the mouse type X collagen promoter activity is mediated by a MEF-2 like sequence and requires an adjacent AP-1 sequence. Certain methods rest on the use of test cells comprising DNA defining a morphogen-responsive transcription activating element operatively associated with a reporter gene. Other methods rest on the use of DNAs for measuring morphogen-inducible DNA-binding. In certain preferred embodiments, the methods and DNAs involve an osteogenic protein 1 (OP-1) responsive transcription activating element. Substances that mediate interaction with and/or activate the OP-1 responsive transcription activating element are considered herein likely to be useful for reproducing in vivo effects of morphogens such as OP-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for eliciting a disease modifying effect on an arthritic condition in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-resorptive compound. The present invention also relates to method for eliciting a disease modifying effect on subchondral bone sclerosis, preventing osteophyte formation or progression and preventing joint destruction in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-resorptive compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease or condition in a mammalian patient in need of such treatment comprising administering to said patient a cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitor in combination with an ?V?3, ?V?5? and/or ?V?6 integrin receptor antagonist in an amount effective to treat or prevent the inflammatory disease or condition. The present invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of an inflammatory disease or condition. Further, the invention provides for the manufacture of a medicament useful in the treatment or prevention of an inflammatory disease or condition.

Abstract: The inhibition of natural bone formation experienced in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of bone resorption disease with a bisphosphonic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is overcome by the concommitant administration of an agent that binds to the androgen receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease or condition in a mammalian patient in need of such treatment comprising administering to said patient a cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitor in combination with an &agr;V&bgr;3, &agr;V&bgr;5 and/or &agr;V&bgr;6 integrin receptor antagonist in an amount effective to treat or prevent the inflammatory disease or condition. The present invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of an inflammatory disease or condition. Further, the invention provides for the manufacture of a medicament useful in the treatment or prevention of an inflammatory disease or condition.

Abstract: The inhibition of natural bone formation experienced in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of bone resorption disease with a bisphosphonic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is overcome by the concommitant administration of an agent that binds to the androgen receptor.