Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and compositions for the treatment of immune system-mediated arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. The subject compositions comprise one or more different types of collagen or collagen derivatives and a mucosa binding structure. Specific combinations of collagen and/or collagen derivatives may be used to treat specific types of arthritis. The collagen(s) and/or collagen(s) derivatives used in the subject compositions may be either obtained from natural sources or produced by recombinant genetic engineering techniques by chemical modification. Another aspect of the invention is to provide methods for treating various types of arthritis by administering an effective amount of the subject collagen-containing compositions. The methods of the invention involve the oral administration of a collagen or collagens found in a specific tissue, e.g.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of compositions used in conductive bone repair are disclosed. The compositions contain a mixture consisting essentially of either a calcium phosphate particulate mineral component or particulate hydroxyapatite in admixture with atelopeptide reconstituted fibrillar collagen. The method is comprised of mixing a dispersion of the collagen and mineral, the latter which is present in dry particulate form, followed by molding and drying the composition in a mold to obtain a dried composition.

Abstract: A composition of crystalline TGF-.beta.2 is described. The tertiary structure of the protein homodimer determined by X-ray crystallography to 2.1 angstrom resolution is shown. This structure provides data useful in the rational design of drugs to mimic the physiologic properties of proteins of the TGF-.beta. family.

Abstract: A composition for use in bone repair, in particular, in only procedures, which comprises calcium phosphate mineral particles in admixture with atelopeptide reconstituted fibrillar collagen preparations is disclosed. This composition is non-immunogenic and encourages the fusion of host bone with new bone growth through the implant. Additional processes for curing the implant to improve its compressive strength include heat curing, maturation, and cross-linking.

Abstract: A composition suitable for inductive bone implants is disclosed. The composition comprises a purified form of osteogenic factor in admixture with a carrier having a percentage of mineral carrier. The resulting implants are sufficiently hypoimmunogenic to be effective when implanted in xenogeneic hosts.

Abstract: A process for coating the pores of a mineral matrix with collagen by pumping collagen through the molded matrix is disclosed. The resulting coated matrix can be used as a prosthesis in bone repair.

Abstract: Polypeptides called cartilage-inducing factors (CIFs) that are found in bone and have heretofore been identified as having in vitro cartilage-inducing activity. TGF-.beta. activity, and anti-inflammatory activity have now been found to possess potent oncostatic activity. The CIFs showed oncostatic activity on human and animal tumors, including carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, and melanomas.

Abstract: A composition for use in bone repair, in particular, in onlay procedures, which comprises calcium phosphate mineral particles in admixture with atelopeptide reconstituted fibrillar collagen preparations is disclosed. This composition is non-immunogenic and encourages the fusion of host bone with new bone growth through the implant. Additional processes for curing the implant to improve its compressive strength include heat curing, maturation, and cross-linking.

Abstract: A method of repairing bone defects by use of suspensions containing purified atelopeptide, reconstituted, fibrillar skin collagen or bone collagen powder or mixtures thereof is disclosed. The suspensions provide matrices for conductive growth of bone into the defect. The skin collagen may also be lyophilized and used in the form of mats.

Abstract: A composition which combines autogenic bone marrow with a suspension of purified atelopeptide reconstituted collagen is used to repair bone defects in mammals.

Abstract: A composition suitable for inductive bone implants is disclosed. The composition comprises a purified form of osteogenic factor in admixture with an carrier having a percentage of non-fibrillar collagen. The resulting implants are sufficiently hypo-immunogenic to be effective when implanted in xenogeneic hosts.