Abstract: The invention concerns a bone graft material for use in a spinal fusion method, wherein the material comprises i) a composition for forming a matrix, comprising at least a first matrix material precursor component and a second matrix material precursor component, capable of forming a matrix by crosslinking of the precursor components under appropriate conditions; and ii) a bioactive factor, which is biologically active to stimulate bone formation between two vertebrae, and for effecting or supporting spinal fusion; wherein the spinal fusion method comprises the steps of applying a cage in between the two vertebrae, which is not pre-filled with the bone graft material; and subsequently applying the bone graft material adjacent to and/or into the cage, such that essentially the entire remaining volume between the two vertebrae is filled with the bone graft material. The invention allows for ease of use while forming a more homogeneous matrix.

Abstract: Methods for producing a fibrin matrix comprising a fusion peptide are described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes providing three different components, including a first component containing fibrinogen or a fibrinogen precursor and optionally, transglutaminase or a transglutaminase precursor, a second component containing thrombin or a thrombin precursor, and a third component containing a fusion peptide. In these embodiments, neither the first component nor the second component includes the fusion peptide. In some embodiments, the first or second components are premixed with the third component. The first, second and third components are mixed to form a fibrin matrix comprising a covalently linked fusion peptide. The mixing is carried out in a time frame of not more than 5 days. A kit for producing the fibrin matrix comprising a covalently linked fusion peptide is also described herein.

Abstract: Methods for producing a fibrin matrix comprising a fusion peptide are described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes providing three different components, including a first component containing fibrinogen or a fibrinogen precursor and optionally, transglutaminase or a transglutaminase precursor, a second component containing thrombin or a thrombin precursor, and a third component containing a fusion peptide. In these embodiments, neither the first component nor the second component includes the fusion peptide. In some embodiments, the first or second components are premixed with the third component. The first, second and third components are mixed to form a fibrin matrix comprising a covalently linked fusion peptide. The mixing is carried out in a time frame of not more than 5 days. A kit for producing the fibrin matrix comprising a covalently linked fusion peptide is also described herein.

Abstract: Methods for producing a fibrin matrix comprising a fusion peptide are described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes providing three different components, including a first component containing fibrinogen or a fibrinogen precursor and optionally, transglutaminase or a transglutaminase precursor, a second component containing thrombin or a thrombin precursor, and a third component containing a fusion peptide. In these embodiments, neither the first component nor the second component includes the fusion peptide. In some embodiments, the first or second components are premixed with the third component. The first, second and third components are mixed to form a fibrin matrix comprising a covalently linked fusion peptide. The mixing is carried out in a time frame of not more than 5 days. A kit for producing the fibrin matrix comprising a covalently linked fusion peptide is also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of medicine, public health, vaccine and drug formulation. The invention provides composition formulations comprising a nicotine-carrier conjugate and a stabilizer, wherein said stabilizer comprises a non-reducing disaccharide and a non-ionic surfactant. The composition formulations are stable after a long time of storage at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding novel polypeptides that modulate immune responses as well as corresponding recombinant vectors and host cells comprising said vectors. The invention also encompasses the above mentioned polypeptides, derivatives thereof, antibodies directed against said polypeptides and corresponding hybridoma cell lines. Furthermore, the invention is directed at pharmaceutical compositions comprising the above mentioned nucleic acids, vectors, polypeptides and/or antibodies. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method of identifying a compound that modulates a cell response, and a method of treating and/or preventing a disease in a mammal, wherein said disease benefits from an enhanced or reduced immune response. A further aspect provides a method of producing a polypeptide, nucleic acid, vector or antibody according to the invention.

Abstract: There is described a novel class of calcium binding proteins of the nervous system, in particular calsyntenin-1-3. Calsyntenin proteins are valuable agents in the treatment of disorders of the nervous system, in particular the central nervous system. They are very useful for the development of drugs for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system.