Abstract: The invention concerns a peptide having the biological activity of an inhibitor of amyloid formation and its diagnostic and medical use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions #involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separating substances from or in biological materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Calcitonins and calcitonin derivatives such as are employed for therapy for, for example, osteoporosis. Paget's disease or hypercalcemia. The calcitonins and calcitonin derivatives are distinguished by a bridging of the amino acids present in the positions 17 and 21. In this case, by means of a suitable choice of the amino acids present in these positions an 18- or 19-membered ring is produced. This ring leads to an increased conformational stability and to an increased activity of the modified calcitonin. A particularly suitable hCt (human Ct) analog is the cyclo17,21-[Asp17, Orn21]-hCt according to the invention having a 19-membered ring structure between the lactam-bridged Asp17 and Orn21.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions #involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the isolation and purification of nucleic acids. According to the invention, after decomposition of a sample the nucleic acids present in said sample are isolated and purified.

Abstract: The patent relates to a method for spectroscopic and spectrofluorimetric determination of the interaction between materials. The determination takes place using apparatus consisting of several basins.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating cell material from a tissue system and/or a liquid includes (1) a vessel open at the top, into which the cell material to be isolated can be introduced in the tissue system and/or the liquid; and (2) a separating device having a stamp-shaped configuration and including a flat separating disk having a peripheral edge fitting with the inner walls of the vessel in a fluid-tight manner and presenting at least one passage opening which is covered by a filter membrane, and which device can be inserted from the top into the vessel. The isolating disk pressurises the cell material inclusive of the tissue system and/or the liquid and acts thereupon with shearing forces by rotation. The cells and/or cell systems pass through the pores of the filter membrane whereas the residual tissue material is retained.

Abstract: Certain peptide molecules can be used as the basic structures (template molecules) for inhibiting and analysing amyloid formation and cytotoxicity in amyloid illnesses. These peptides have an effect on the molecules which are responsible for the amyloid illnesses (for their part amyloid-forming peptides and proteins). The peptides are thus either inhibitors themselves or agonists of amyloid formation and cytotoxicity or can serve as a template for identifying and producing further inhibitors and agonists and can be used as molecular tools during analysis.

Abstract: Superpotent calcitonin analogs have greatly increased hypocalcemic action in vivo. These calcitonins and calcitonin derivatives are employed for the therapy of, for example, osteoporosis, Paget's disease or hypercalcemia. The calcitonins and calcitonin derivatives are distinguished by a bridging of the amino acids present in the positions 17 and 21. By means of suitable choice of the amino acids present in these positions an 18-membered or 19-membered ring is produced. This ring leads to an increased conformational stability and to an increased activity of the modified calcitonin. A particularly suitable hCt (human calcitonin analog) is a cyclo17,21-[Asp17, Orn21]-hCt having a 19-membered ring structure between the lactam-bridged Asp17 and Orn21.

Abstract: Certain peptide molecules can be used as the basic structures (template molecules) for inhibiting and analysing amyloid formation and cytotoxicity in amyloid illnesses. These peptides have an effect on the molecules which are responsible for the amyloid illnesses (for their part amyloid-forming peptides and proteins). The peptides are thus either inhibitors themselves or agonists of amyloid formation and cytotoxicity or can serve as a template for identifying and producing further inhibitors and agonists and can be used as molecular tools during analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating an individual having a disease caused by cytokine-mediated toxicity comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of (a) an antibody that binds to an MIF polypeptide, wherein the MIF polypeptide has a molecular weight of about 12.5 kDa in combination with (b) anti-TNF.alpha., anti-IL1, anti-IFN-.gamma., IL-1RA, a steroid, a glucocorticoid, or IL-10.