Abstract: The invention features contacting (in vitro or in vivo) a receptor-binding ligand with an organic molecule, which can be a small molecule (i.e., an organic molecule that is not a peptide), or a peptide that noncovalently binds to the ligand and either another ligand for the receptor (either a second copy of the first ligand, or a second, different ligand), the receptor itself, or both. Exemplary ligand/receptor pairs include FGF-2/FGF-R1 and EPO/EPO-R. The invention further features pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using such compositions for treating various medical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for the treatment, and pharmaceuticals for use in the prevention and/or treatment, of chronic renal failure and other renal disorders in subjects (particularly mammalian subjects) renal replacement therapy. The methods involve the conjoint administration of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitors or Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (AIIRAs) with one or more OP/BMP family of proteins (morphogens, or inducers of morphogens, or agonists of the corresponding morphogen receptors, etc.). The invention also provides methods for implantation of renal cells induced with the conjoint administration of ACE inhibitors or AIIRAs with those morphogens.

Abstract: OP/BMP morphogen may be combined with GDNF/NGF neurotrophic factors to promote the survival or growth, or inhibit the death or degeneration, of mammalian cells, particularly neural cells, which express OP/BMP-activated serine/threonine kinase receptors and GDNF/NGF-activated tyrosine kinase receptors. Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of such cells, including treatments for mammals afflicted with, or at imminent risk of, damage or injury to, such cells, as well as new pharmaceutical preparations for such treatments.