Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel injectable, biocompatible compositions, preferably, comprising a combination of particulate, processed tissue and a carrier. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising acellular, pulverized dermis combined with at least one glycosaminoglycan and/or gelatin. The subject compositions provide for improved retention of the composition at the site of implantation. Also disclosed are medical applications using the disclosed compositions, such as cosmetic enhancement or filling in of voids due to abnormalities, injuries, surgery, or aging. In addition, kits comprising at least one container of a freeze-dried, particulate tissue and at least one container of a glycosaminoglycan, or crude platelet extract and used thereof as a wound treatment/dressing, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel injectable, biocompatible compositions, preferably, comprising a combination of particulate, processed tissue and a carrier. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising acellular, pulverized dermis combined with at least one glycosaminoglycan and/or gelatin. The subject compositions provide for improved retention of the composition at the site of implantation. Also disclosed are medical applications using the disclosed compositions, such as cosmetic enhancement or filling in of voids due to abnormalities, injuries, surgery, or aging. In addition, kits comprising at least one container of a freeze-dried, particulate tissue and at least one container of a glycosaminoglycan, or crude platelet extract and used thereof as a wound treatment/dressing, are disclosed.

Abstract: An in vitro assay for quantifying the osteogenic capacity of bone implants involves in vitro isolation and quantitation of specific osteogenic factors. The method disclosed permits direct measurement of the osteogenic capacity of an implant to allow greater predictability of the degree to which new bone will grow in a given area. The method eliminates the need to practice the traditional technique of implanting material into a test animal and subsequently sacrificing the animal to assess bone growth associated with the implant. Since the present method does not involve animal testing, it is an extremely reproducible, rapid, and accurate method for predicting whether an implanted composition or material will induce bone growth without the need for in vivo assays.

Abstract: A thermally sterilized bone paste useful in the orthopedic arts, for example in the repair of non-union fractures, periodontal ridge augmentation, craniofacial surgery, implant fixation, impaction grafting, or any other procedure in which generation of new bone is deemed necessary, is provided by a composition comprising a substantially bioabsorbable osteogenic compound in a matrix of 11-19%, and preferably about 15-19% (w/w) or thermally sterilized gelatin. In various embodiments, the osteogenic compound is selected from (i) demineralized bone matrix (DBM); (ii) bioactive glass ceramic, BIOGLASS®, bioactive ceramic, calcium phosphate ceramic, hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite carbonate, corraline hydroxyapatite, calcined bone, tricalcium phosphate, or like material; bone marrow extracts, vascular proliferation or regeneration growth factors, bone morphogenetic protein, TGF-&bgr;, PDGF, or mixtures thereof, natural or recombinant; and (iv) mixtures of (i)-(iii).