Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of preventing or treating a condition associated with a defect in, or damage to, an organ in a subject with, or at risk for, such defect or damage to such organ which comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the fully reduced (all thiol) form of HMGB1 or a biologically active truncated form of HMGB1, so as to prevent or treat such condition. The subject invention also provides a method of improving regeneration of blood in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the fully reduced (all thiol) form of HMGB1 or a biologically active truncated form of HMGB1, effective to improve regeneration of blood.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of preventing a consequence of an anticipated injury in a subject which comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the fully reduced (all thiol) form of HMGB1 or a biologically active truncated form of HMGB1, so as to prevent the consequence of the anticipated injury.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of promoting bone formation in a patient at a site in need thereof, the method comprising the step of locally administering a pro-inflammatory compound to the site, wherein the pro-inflammatory compound is selected from one or more of TNF-? at optimal osteogenic dose of 0.5 to 50 ng/kg of patient body weight, or 0.01 to 3.5 ?g, or 1 ng/ml or similar; IL-1? at optimal osteogenic dose of 0.1 ng/ml or similar; alarmins eg HMGB1, HMGN1, S100A8, S100A9, S100A8/9, S100A12, heat shock proteins, lactoferrin, cathelicidins, a-defensins, matrix components including versican, biglycan, fragments of hyaluronic acid and heparan sulphate; and TLR-2 or TLR-4 ligands. The invention also provides the above pro-inflammatory compounds for use in promoting bone formation in a patient at a site in need thereof. Kits comprising the compounds of the invention and a surgical implant are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, uses and compounds for promoting bone formation in a patient at a site in need thereof by the provision of a pro-inflammatory compound at the site. The site is generally a site of injury or a site of surgical intervention in the patient. Exemplary compounds include pro-inflammatory: cytokines. Inhibitors of indoleamine 2, 3, dioxygenase 1 are also provided in the methods and uses of the invention.