Abstract: The invention concerns HER2-transgenic non-human mammals, animal models for screening drug candidates for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with the overexpression of HER2. In particular, the invention concerns animal models designed to test drug candidates for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing cancers, including breast cancer, that are not responding or poorly responding to current treatments.

Abstract: The present invention concerns isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel TIE ligands NL1, NL5, NL8, and NL4, the proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, as well as methods and means for making and using such nucleic acid and protein molecules.

Abstract: The present invention concerns isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel TIE ligands NL1, NL5, NL8, and NL4, the proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, as well as methods and means for making and using such nucleic acid and protein molecules.

Abstract: The invention concerns HER2-transgenic non-human mammals, animal models for screening drug candidates for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with teh overexpression of HER2. In particular, the invention concerns animal models designed to test drug candidates for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing cancers, including breast cancer, that are not responding or poorly responding to current treatments.

Abstract: The application concerns methods of treatment using anti-ErbB receptor antibody-maytansinoid conjugates, and articles of manufacture suitable for use in such methods. In particular, the invention concerns ErbB receptor-directed cancer therapies, using anri-ErbB receptor antibody-maytansinoid conjugates.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for extending the plasma half-life of heparin-binding proteins by coadministering such proteins with a therapeutically acceptable compound capable of inhibiting their binding to a low affinity heparin-like binding site on the surface of cells. In one embodiment of the invention, the heparin-binding protein is a growth factor or selectin. The binding inhibitory compound can, for example, be a purified native heparin preparation, a heparin fragment, or another polyanionic compound, such as dextran sulfate, heparan sulfate, pentosan sulfate, or hyaluronate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for extending the plasma half-life of heparin-binding proteins by coadministering such proteins with a therapeutically acceptable compound capable of inhibiting their binding to a low affinity heparin-like binding site on the surface of the cells. In one embodiment of the invention, the heparin-binding protein is a growth factor. The binding inhibitory compound can, for example, be a purified native heparin preparation, a heparin fragment, or another polyanionic compound, such as dextran sulfate, heparan sulfate, pentosan sulfate, or hyaluronate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing occurrence or progression of liver damage using hepatocyte growth factor. In the methods, a preventatively effective amount of the hepatocyte growth factor is administered to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can be administered, for instance, prior to administering a hepatotoxic therapy to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can further be administered with activin or transforming growth factor-beta to prevent liver damage. Compositions comprising hepatocyte growth factor and activin antagonist or transforming growth factor-beta antagonist are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing occurrence or progression of liver damage using hepatocyte growth factor. In the methods, a preventatively effective amount of the hepatocyte growth factor is administered to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can be administered, for instance, prior to administering a hepatotoxic therapy to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can further be administered with activin or transforming growth factor-beta to prevent liver damage. Compositions comprising hepatocyte growth factor and activin antagonist or transforming growth factor-beta antagonist are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for extending the plasma half-life of heparin-binding proteins by coadministering such proteins with a therapeutically acceptable compound capable of inhibiting their binding to a low affinity heparin-like binding site on the surface of cells. In one embodiment of the invention, the-heparin-binding protein is a selectin. The binding inhibitory compound can, for example, be a purified native heparin preparation, a heparin fragment, or another polyanionic compound, such as dextran sulfate, heparan sulfate, pentosan sulfate, or hyaluronate.