Abstract: This invention provides a new therapeutic or prophylactic agent for arthritis such as osteoarthritis. Specifically, it provides a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for arthritis such as osteoarthritis, or an agent for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte, comprising a guanyl cyclase B (GC-B) activator as an active ingredient; or a method for inhibiting arthritis or for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte by activating GC-B; or a method for screening an agent for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte or an agent capable of treating arthritis using the GC-B activity as an indication.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition for increasing a body height of a patient with short stature or an individual other than patients with short stature. More specifically, the invention provides: a composition for increasing the body height of an individual comprising a guanyl cyclase B (GC-B) activator as an active ingredient, the composition being to be administered to an individual free from FGFR3 abnormality; a method for increasing the body height of an individual free from FGFR3 abnormality which comprises activating GC-B; a method for screening an agent for increasing the body height of an individual which comprises selecting an agent for increasing the body height using GC-B activity as an indication; and a method for extending a cartilage bone free from FGFR3 abnormality which comprises activating GC-B in an individual.

Abstract: A method for treating psoriasis comprising an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist such as, for example, an antibody against IL-6 receptor.

Abstract: A preventive and therapeutic agent for psoriasis comprising an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist such as, for example, an antibody against IL-6 receptor.

Abstract: This invention provides a new therapeutic or prophylactic agent for arthritis such as osteoarthritis. Specifically, it provides a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for arthritis such as osteoarthritis, or an agent for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte, comprising a guanyl cyclase B (GC-B) activator as an active ingredient; or a method for inhibiting arthritis or for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte by activating GC-B; or a method for screening an agent for promoting the growth of articular chondrocyte or an agent capable of treating arthritis using the GC-B activity as an indication.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to establish a clonal cell line of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells capable of differentiating into chondrocytes and adipocytes from a normal adult animal and to establish a screening method for cell differentiation-controlling materials. According to the present invention, cell lines capable of differentiating into chondrocytes and adipocytes, which are derived from normal adult animals; screening methods for cell differentiation-controlling materials using said cell lines; screening kits comprising said cell lines; cell differentiation-controlling materials obtained by said screening methods; and drugs containing said differentiation-controlling materials are provided.

Abstract: A formulation for cartilage tissue formation, comprising a drug having a chondrogenesis-promoting action, a biodegradable and/or biocorrosive polymer, and a porous matrix and/or a hydrogel, wherein the porus matrix and the hydrogel substantially do not inhibit cartilage repair.

Abstract: A chondrogenesis promoter comprising as an active ingredient a compound represented by general formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 represents a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, etc.; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkenyl group, a lower alkynyl group, a lower alkoxy group, an acyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, etc.; R3 represents a lower alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, etc.; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, etc.; X and Y represent —CH2—, —NH— or —O—; and n represents an integer of 0-4.

Abstract: A preventive and therapeutic agent for psoriasis comprising an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist such as, for example, an antibody against IL-6 receptor.

Abstract: A chondrogenic composition comprising a drug with chondrogenic effect, a biodegradable and/or bioerodable polymer and a water-soluble and/or water-dispersible organic solvent.

Abstract: A chondrogenesis promoter comprising as an active ingredient a compound represented by general formula (I) or a salt thereof: 1

Abstract: A chondrogenesis promoter comprising as an active ingredient a compound represented by general formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 represents a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, etc.; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkenyl group, a lower alkynyl group, a lower alkoxy group, an acyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, etc.; R1 represents a lower alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, etc.; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, etc.; X and Y represent —CH2—, —NH—or —O—; and n represents an integer of 0-4.