Abstract: A novel prophylactic therapy for cancer, as well as therapy against DNA damage, inflammation and immunosuppression involves the ?-blocker carvedilol, which is a racemic mixture consisting of two enantiomers, S- and R-carvedilol, in 1:1 ratio. S-carvedilol is a ?-blocker, with a highly potent antagonizing activity against the ?-adrenergic receptors, which is the main mechanism for the drug's pharmacological activity in treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. Carvedilol—the racemic mixture—prevents ultraviolet radiation induced skin cancer by attenuating DNA damage, reducing inflammation and reversing immunosuppression. The non-?-blocking enantiomer R-carvedilol exhibits the same cancer preventive efficacy as the racemic carvedilol, without disturbing the cardiovascular system. Both carvedilol and R-carvedilol prevent chemical carcinogen-induced lung cancer development and lung inflammation.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusions of coagulation Factor IX (FIX) and transferrin (Tf). These FIX-Tf fusion proteins can be administered orally, and are capable of reaching the systemic circulation by utilizing an endocytosis-dependent mechanism to cross the gut epithelium. Upon delivery of FIX-Tf fusion proteins to the systemic circulation, the fusion proteins are useful for treating bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia B.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method of treating an individual suffering from a bacterial infection, such as bacterial infections of various tissues or organs of an individual. In general, the method of treatment involves administering to an individual a pharmaceutical formulation that comprises a liposome-encapsulated antimicrobial agent, wherein polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules are covalently attached to the surface of the liposomes.

Abstract: The invention provides extracts and compositions derived from Tripterygium wilfordii for overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapy. This invention relates to organic solvent extracts of T. wilfordii and their use in cancer treatment, particularly in the treatment of cancers which have exhibited resistance to treatment by chemotherapeutic drugs. Methods of treating a cancer are disclosed. The method administers to a patient in need thereof a combination of (a) an organic solvent extract of T. wilfordii and (b) a chemotherapeutic drug. The organic solvent extract of T. wilfordii (a) and chemotherapeutic drug (b) are administered in a combined amount effective to treat the cancer. The cancer being treated is at least in part resistant to treatment by the chemotherapeutic drug (b) alone. Also disclosed are chemotherapeutic compositions comprising a combination of (a) an organic solvent extract of T.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method of treating an individual suffering from a bacterial infection, such as bacterial infections of various tissues or organs of an individual. In general, the method of treatment involves administering to an individual a pharmaceutical formulation that comprises a liposome-encapsulated antimicrobial agent, wherein polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules are covalently attached to the surface of the liposomes.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising wilforlide A for overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapy, particularly in the treatment of cancers which have exhibited resistance to treatment by chemotherapeutic drugs. Methods and compositions for treating a cancer are disclosed. The method administers to a patient in need thereof a combination of wilforlide A and a chemotherapeutic drug. Wilforlide A and chemotherapeutic drug are administered in a combined amount effective to treat the can cer. The cancer being treated is at least in part resistant to treatment by the chemotherapeutic drug alone.

Abstract: The invention provides extracts and compositions derived from Tripterygium wilfordii for overcoming drug resist-ance in cancer therapy. This invention relates to organic solvent extracts of T. wilfordii and their use in cancer treatment, particularly in the treatment of cancers which have exhibited resistance to treatment by chemotherapeutic drugs. Methods of treating a cancer are disclosed. The method administers to a patient in need thereof a combination of (a) an organic solvent extract of T. wilfordii and (b) a chemotherapeutic drug. The organic solvent extract of T. wilfordii (a) and chemotherapeutic drug (b) are administered in a com-bined amount effective to treat the cancer. The cancer being treated is at least in part resistant to treatment by the chemotherapeutic drug (b) alone. Also disclosed are chemotherapeutic compositions comprising a combination of (a) an organic solvent extract of T.