Abstract: A device and method for providing mechanical ventilation of a user is described. In an embodiment the device comprises at least two metallic coils, each coil configured to be placed adjacent to a phrenic nerve of the user; and a stimulation unit for providing an electric current to the metallic coils, and wherein the current stimulates the phrenic nerve to induce tetanic contractions of a diaphragm muscle of the user to regulate the user's breathing. This provides a ventilation whilst reducing the rehabilitation time post ventilation for a user due to lower muscle wasting of the diaphragm.

Abstract: This disclosure provides SERPIN B1 polypeptides that possess neutrophil or pancreatic elastase inhibitory activity, and the elastase inhibition activity is resistant to oxidation by free radicals. The free radicals may a reactive oxygen species, or a reactive nitrogen species, or both. In some embodiments, the SERPIN B1 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at residue 344 as compared to SEQ ID NO: 1. The SERPIN B1 polypeptides disclosed herein can be used to treat a patient having a disease or a genetic condition that is associated with the increased production of free radicals as compared to a normal individual or increased exposure to free radicals in environmental sources.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, typically smoking-induced emphysema. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of COPD or emphysema by inhalation of alpha one-antitrypsin (AAT).

Abstract: Fusion proteins of protease inhibitors are provided, in particular fusion proteins of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) and a second protease inhibitor, such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP). Polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors comprising such polynucleotides, and host cells containing such vectors are also provided. Methods of making the fusion proteins of the invention are also provide, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, for example to inhibit protease activity in a biological sample or in the treatment of an individual suffering from, or at risk for, a disease or disorder involving unwanted protease activity.

Abstract: Compositions containing a protease inhibitor and methods of use and production are described. The compositions contain an effective amount of a protease inhibitor in a carrier or diluent and are used for the treatment of inflammatory or hyperproliferic mucocutaneous disorders. The carrier or diluent is preferably a gelling agent, and the composition is a topical gel formulation containing alpha 1-antitrypsin in an aqueous liquid or viscous gel formulation.

Abstract: Fusion proteins of protease inhibitors are provided, in particular fusion proteins of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) and a second protease inhibitor, such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP). Polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors comprising such polynucleotides, and host cells containing such vectors are also provided. Methods of making the fusion proteins of the invention are also provide, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, for example to inhibit protease activity in a biological sample or in the treatment of an individual suffering from, or at risk for, a disease or disorder involving unwanted protease activity.

Abstract: Fusion proteins of protease inhibitors are provided, in particular fusion proteins of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) and a second protease inhibitor, such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP). Polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors comprising such polynucleotides, and host cells containing such vectors are also provided. Methods of making the fusion proteins of the invention are also provide, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, for example to inhibit protease activity in a biological sample or in the treatment of an individual suffering from, or at risk for, a disease or disorder involving unwanted protease activity.

Abstract: A dry powder composition comprises recombinant human alpha 1-antitrypsin (rAAAT).

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, typically smoking-induced emphysema. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of COPD or emphysema by inhalation of alpha one-antitrypsin (AAT).

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases associated with matrix metalloproteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases associated with matrix metalloproteases by inhalation of synthetic matrix metalloprotease inhibitors. Exemplary respiratory diseases associated with matrix metalloproteases that may be treated by the methods of the invention include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic bronchitis. An exemplary synthetic matrix metalloprotease useful in the methods of the invention is ilomastat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the treatment of otitis media by administration of protease inhibitors. In some embodiments, the protease inhibitors are alpha one-antitrypsin and/or ilomastat.

Abstract: Fusion proteins of protease inhibitors are provided, in particular fusion proteins of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) and a second protease inhibitor, such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP). Polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors comprising such polynucleotides, and host cells containing such vectors are also provided. Methods of making the fusion proteins of the invention are also provide, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, for example to inhibit protease activity in a biological sample or in the treatment of an individual suffering from, or at risk for, a disease or disorder involving unwanted protease activity.