Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for enhancing mass transport through any fibrous tissue capsule that may form around an implanted medical device following implantation. Methods and devices are also provided to enhance vascularization around the implanted device, which also will aid in mass transport to/from the device. The device preferably comprises multiple reservoirs containing (i) a drug formulation for short- or long-term, controlled drug delivery, (ii) sensors for sensing an analyte in the patient, or (iii) a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of modified pectin and for preparing and using them.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for releasing a ligand from a complex thereof. The method comprises contacting a medium suspected of containing such complex with an effective amount of a compound effective in releasing the ligand. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of an analyte that is a member of a specific binding pair in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a compound of the invention in an amount sufficient to enhance the accuracy of the determination. The invention has particular application to a method for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for releasing a ligand from a complex of the ligand with an endogenous protein using a releasing agent.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the storage and controlled release of a solid form of a drug. The device comprises a body portion; one or more reservoirs located in and defined by the body portion; a solid matrix which comprises a drug and which is contained in each of the one or more reservoirs; and one or more excipient materials dispersed throughout pores or interstices within the solid matrix and substantially filling any space not otherwise occupied by the solid matrix within each of the one or more reservoirs, wherein the excipient material enhances stability of the drug while stored in the one or more reservoirs or enhances release of the drug from each reservoir. In an alternative embodiment, the device provides for the storage and controlled exposure of a chemical sensor material.

Abstract: Liquid interferon compositions having a pH between 4.0 and 7.2 are described. The compositions comprise interferon-beta and a stabilizing agent at between about 0.3% and 5% by weight which is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of acidic amino acids, arginine and glycine. If needed, salt is added to provide sufficient ionic strength. The liquid composition has not been previously lyophilized or previously cavitated. The liquid is preferably contained within a vessel having at least one surface in contact with the liquid that is coated with a material inert to adsorption of interferon-beta. A kit for parenteral administration of a liquid interferon formulation and a method for stabilizing liquid interferon compositions are also described.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for releasing a ligand from a complex thereof. The method comprises contacting a medium suspected of containing such complex with an effective amount of a compound effective in releasing the ligand. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of an analyte that is a member of a specific binding pair in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a compound of the invention in an amount sufficient to enhance the accuracy of the determination. The invention has particular application to a method for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex thereof.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to assays for the detection of mycophenolic acid. The method comprises including in an assay medium suspected of containing mycophenolic acid a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of mycophenolic acid in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in combination in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. The present invention also provides assay reagents as well as packaged kits useful for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Denaturing agents used to pretreat test samples for immunoassays are neutralized and deactivated by the addition of a treatment agent which is a combination of a buffering agent in acid form and an agent for converting the sulfhydryl groups of the denaturing agents to a non-active form such as disulfides or alkylthio groups. The treatment agent serves this function without having sufficient denaturing activity by itself to interfere with subsequent steps of the assay procedure. Also disclosed is a protocol for a vitamin B.sub.12 assay which involves a sequential rather than competitive binding of the B.sub.12 with excess intrinsic factor followed by the binding of excess enzyme-labeled B.sub.12 to any remaining intrinsic and immobilizing such intrinsic factor on a solid phase. Various problems associated with B.sub.12 assays are avoided by this technique.

Abstract: A process for the purification of proteins from solutions containing contaminants of similar net charge and molecular weight is provided, comprising contacting a solution containing the desired protein with an immobilized metal affinity chromatography resin in a buffer containing a low concentration of a weak ligand for the chelant of the resin. The adsorbed protein is then eluted using a buffer having a high concentration of the same weak ligand, e.g., Tris. Particularly preferred features employ agarose-iminodiacetic acid resins having copper cations and are especially useful in obtaining preparations of homogeneous, stable rsT4 proteins.