Abstract: A method for performing apheresis of mammals, including humans, is set forth which does not require separation of the blood into plasma or any other portion. Termed whole blood apheresis herein, this advance makes it possible to perform apheresis more quickly and efficiently with less stress for the patient. This application also discloses important advances in apheresis for therapeutic treatments, including treatments for sepsis and AKI using whole blood apheresis, and immunotherapy where targets that interfere with recovery are removed by apheresis and gene-engineered fragments previously removed are reintroduced. Use of selective withdrawal through apheresis expands possible resolutions of illnesses and conditions previously thought to be untreatable.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or reducing inflammation in a mammal comprises administering MCP or similar Gal-3 binding moiety with honokiol in a range of about 8-10:1, by weight, MCP to honokiol. By pursuing complimentary pathways, a synergistic combination is achieved, where the reduction or degree of inflammation inhibition is greater than would be expected by the added administration of these two agents. The inflammation may be manifested as gingivitis, which may be addressed by a preparation comprising honokiol and MCP, or an MCP equivalent, in the indicated range by weight, where they are in the form of an oral rinse, lozenge, sucking candy, toothpaste or tablet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the treatment of COVID-19 patients by administering to patients either infected by SARS-CoV-2 or presymptomatic for COVID-19 but at risk of severe morbidity and mortality due to potential COVID-19 infection. Such patients are given modified pectin, preferably modified citrus pectin, in an amount that may range from 2.5 or 5 on up to 10-25 grams per day, divided into two or three doses per day. The administration may be oral, by inhalation, intrabuccal or IV. The process may be combined with the administration of supportive agents like antivirals, anti-inflammatories, immune based inhibitors, vitamins, monoclonal and polyclonal anti-viral or viral binding antibodies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the treatment of COVID-19 patients by withdrawing SARS-CoV-2 viral particles from the patient's circulation by apheresis using a binding agent in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. The reduction in viral particles may be combined by reduction of active gal-3 levels in the patient which may provide further relief of conditions associated with COVID-19 that may include symptoms associated with the cytokine storm that is associated with COVID-19 infection. Both SARS-CoV-2 viral particles and gal-3 may be bound by modified citrus pectin of less than sixty thousand Daltons. The process may be combined with the administration of supportive agents like antivirals, anti-inflammatories, immune based inhibitors, vitamins and modified citrus pectin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or reducing inflammation in a mammal comprises administering MCP or similar Gal-3 binding moiety with honokiol in a range of about 8-10:1, by weight, MCP to honokiol. By pursuing complimentary pathways, a synergistic combination is achieved, where the reduction or degree of inflammation inhibition is greater than would be expected by the added administration of these two agents. The inflammation may be manifested as gingivitis, which may be addressed by a preparation comprising honokiol and MCP, or an MCP equivalent, in the indicated range by weight, where they are in the form of an oral rinse, lozenge, sucking candy, toothpaste or tablet.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or reducing inflammation in a mammal comprises administering MCP or similar Gal-3 binding moiety with honokiol in a range of about 8-10:1, by weight, MCP to honokiol. By pursuing complimentary pathways, a synergistic combination is achieved, where the reduction or degree of inflammation inhibition is greater than would be expected by the added administration of these two agents. The inflammation may be manifested as gingivitis, which may be addressed by a preparation comprising honokiol and MCP, or an MCP equivalent, in the indicated range by weight, where they are in the form of an oral rinse, lozenge, sucking candy, toothpaste or tablet.

Abstract: A plasmapheresis device includes a column or other flow mechanism in which plasma lows following separation of the plasma from cellular components like blood cells, platelets and the like. The column includes a moiety, such as an antibody, which selectively binds to galectin-3. By removing galectin-3 from the blood stream of a mammal by at least 10%, improvements in the treatment of inflammation, suppression of the formation of fibroses, and a variety of cancer treatments can be effected or improved. The device provides tor multiple columns to remove a variety of elements but includes one which selectively removes galectin-3 from the blood flow. Other agents may be added to the plasma before recombination with the cellular components of the blood, and before returning the recombined flow to the patient.

Abstract: A plasmapheresis device includes a column or other flow mechanism in which plasma flows following separation of the plasma from cellular components like blood cells, platelets and the like. The column includes a moiety, such as an antibody, which selectively binds to galectin-3. By removing galectin-3 from the blood stream of a mammal by at least 10%, improvements in the treatment of inflammation, suppression of the formation of fibroses, and a variety of cancer treatments can be effected or improved. The device provides for multiple columns to remove a variety of elements but includes one which selectively removes galectin-3 from the blood flow. Other agents may be added to the plasma before recombination with the cellular components of the blood, and before returning the recombined flow to the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for the practice of apheresis employs modules in the system which can be selected for a particular patient to treat particular situations or combinations of difficulties. In one example, Gal-3 mediates a large number of body reactions, and is an effective protector of tumor microenvironments and the like, as well inflammation driver. Removal of Gal-3 may make antic-cancer treatments, like photopheresis and TNF administration more effective. Separate modules, such as one for photopheresis and one for TNF receptor removal, may be combined with a module for the reduction of Gal-3, to render the combination of treatments each more effective than if administered alone.

Abstract: An apheresis column for the treatment of mammals to reduce galectin-3 levels is set forth. The column features, as a stationary or adsorbent phase, pectin molecules, which naturally bind gal-3. Modified citrus pectin, having a molecular weight of about 40 kD or less, preferably about 25 kD or less, is a preferred adsorbent. The columns are disposable, and are used in the fashion for apheresis in general. Other targets, particularly including other galectins, as well as toxins, heavy metals and the like may also be withdrawn from the blood or plasma through this method. Gal-3 level reductions of 10%, 30% and even more may be achieved in a single treatment.

Abstract: A protocol for limiting the severity of allergic reactions, or preventing them entirely, is provided. The central feature of the protocol is the delivery, over a period of no more than an ninety minutes, of an amount of magnesium ranging from 50-500 mg magnesium, measured as elemental magnesium. A wide variety of salts and chelates of magnesium may be used. The magnesium is deliver via IV, at a relatively high rate, of no more than ninety and preferably about thirty minutes. IV bags, prepared for use in this invention, reflecting the instructions for use set forth above, are claimed as well.

Abstract: A system and method for the practice of apheresis employs modules in the system which can be selected for a particular patient to treat particular situations or combinations of difficulties. In one example, Gal-3 mediates a large number of body reactions, and is an effective protector of tumor microenvironments and the like, as well inflammation driver. Removal of Gal-3 may make antic-cancer treatments, like photopheresis and TNF administration more effective. Separate modules, such as one for photopheresis and one for TNF receptor removal, may be combined with a module for the reduction of Gal-3, to render the combination of treatments each more effective than if administered alone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

Abstract: Administration of low molecular weight (10,000-20,000 Daltons, or lower) pectins, particularly modified citrus pectins (MCP), like PectaSol-C reduces galectins-3 levels in vivo. Reduction of galectin-3 levels by MCP inhibits inflammation, inhibits fibrosis formation in organs and tissues, and inhibits cancer formation, progression, transformation and metastases. The reduction in circulating, serum and cellular galectin-3, inherently resulting from the administration of MCP, provides benefit over a spectrum of biological conditions, as evidenced by in vivo trials.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.