Abstract: A resorbable extracelluar matrix for reconstruction of cartilage tissue includes a purified collagen II derived from natural cartilage tissue from which non-collagen proteins have been removed.

Abstract: Injured nerves are reconnected and regenerated by inserting injured nerve ends into a collagen tube having an outer compact smooth barrier surface preventing ingrowth of connective tissue, avoiding formation of scar tissue and allowing for unimpaired healing of injured nerves. The tube has an inner fibrous surface opposite the outer smooth barrier surface. The soft fibrous inner surface of the tube facilitates nerve growth promotion.

Abstract: A method of promoting regeneration of surface cartilage of a joint includes the steps of covering the area to be treated with a patch which includes a sheet of collagen membrane material. The collagen membrane material has at least one barrier layer to prevent passage of cells therethrough. The collagen membrane further includes a matrix layer predominantly of collagen II having an open sponge-like texture. The patch is fixed over the area to be treated, and the area is allowed to regenerate cartilage.

Abstract: A bone mineral product for use in repair of combined cartilage defects and bone defects in articulating bone joints includes porous bone mineral particles derived from natural bone having a crystal structure substantially that of natural bone and being substantially free from all endogenous organic material, the particles having at least at a surface thereof resorbable, physiologically compatible collagen II fibers wherein the weight ratio of the collagen II fibers to the porous bone mineral particles is at least about 1:40.

Abstract: A resorbable extracellular matrix for reconstruction of cartilage tissue, the matrix being substantially free from non-native collagen, and including a purified collagen II material formed form natural cartilage and having fibers of native collagen II which are physiologically acceptable for implant into a mammalian body.

Abstract: A method of protecting a spinal area of a patient includes the step of positioning a sheet of collagen membrane material so as to surround at least a portion of a patient's spinal chord. The sheet of collagen membrane preferably includes at least one barrier layer with a smooth face to inhibit cell adhesion and act as a barrier to prevent passage of cells therethrough. When surgery involves placement of s vertebrae replacement material between vertebrae, the collagen membrane material can be positioned so as to surround at least a portion of the vertebrae replacement material.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with wound healing and in particular with the use of a collagen-containing membrane in guided tissue regeneration. The invention provides a resorbable collagen membrane for use in guided tissue regeneration wherein one face of the membrane is fibrous thereby allowing cell growth thereon and the opposite face of the membrane is smooth, thereby inhibiting cell adhesion thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides products containing tumour necrosis factor (TNF), and taurolidine and/or taurultam as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use for treatment of patients suffering from medical conditions mediated by TNF.

Abstract: The invention provides a purified particulate bone mineral product for use in medicine, the particles of said mineral being substantially free from all endogenous organic material and having at least at the surface thereof resorbable, physiologically compatible, natural or synthetic macromolecular material. In particular the invention provides a bone mineral impregnated with a gel-forming protein or polysaccharide such as gelatin to provide a surprising increase in strength and a product comprising bone mineral in a matrix of collagen-fibres and a gel-forming protein. Such products are intended as remodeling implants or prosthetic bone replacement.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of high purity bone mineral wherein the organic matter in degreased bone is degraded and solubilized by heating with ammonia or a primary amine, characterized in that the solubilized degradation products are extracted by washing with flowing water at temperatures below 60.degree. C., such heating with primary amine and washing steps optionally being repeated, whereby substantially all organic matter removable by these steps is removed, the bone mineral so treated being heated in air at temperatures of up to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of high purity bone mineral wherein the organic matter is degraded by heating with ammonia or a primary amine, characterized in that the solubilized degradation products are extracted by washing with flowing water at temperature below 60.degree. C., such heating with primary amine and washing steps optionally being repeated, whereby substantially all organic matter removable by these steps is removed, the bone mineral so treated being heated in air at temperatures between 250.degree. C. and 600.degree. C.

Abstract: An enhanced water-absorbency hydrophilic polymer material, suitable for use in for example wound dressings, is prepared by a process in which a water-containing organic hydrogel comprising a gelable polysaccharide and/or protein or polypeptide interspersed with a polymer of a hydrophilic acrylic or methacrylic acid derivative is permeated with a base, the pH of said hydrogel being raised to at least 9 during treatment with said base.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel preparations for the treatment and for prophylaxis of tooth and gum infections, and in particular parodontosis, comprising derivatives of thiadiazine as active ingredient. Pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are described and exemplified.