Abstract: Improved treatments of joint diseases, such as, e.g.

Abstract: Methods for improving pain management in a mammal, the methods comprising administering a combination of a strontium-containing compound and a second therapeutically and/or prophylactically active substance selected from the group consisting of analgesic agents, anti-inflammatory agents and palliative agents to the mammal. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in such methods, comprising a strontium-containing compound and a second therapeutically and/or prophylactically active substance selected from the group consisting of analgesic agents, anti-inflammatory agents and palliative agents.

Abstract: Tablets comprising strontium in the form of a strontium salt such as strontium malonate. The tablets are designed to contain a very high load of the strontium salt (75% w/w or more), which is especially advantageous due to the fact that strontium must be administered in relative high amounts for therapeutic use. Furthermore, the tablets provided by the present invention lead to an improved bioavailability and presents a therapeutic advantage.

Abstract: A method for improving the diagnostic assessment of cartilage degenerative processes, and to provide means of monitoring the effects of therapeutical measures taken towards arthritic diseases in most mammals utilizes an immunoassay to detect fragments of collagen type II resulting from collagenase activity comprising an antibody directed against an epitope comprised in the amino acid sequence HRGYPGLDG, located in the helical region of collagen type II.

Abstract: A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an ostenonecrotic bone disease in a mammal in need thereof, such as, e.g., idiopathic or secondary osteonecrosis, avascular bone necrosis, glucocorticoid induced bone ischemia/osteonecrosis, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and femoral head necrosis, the method comprising administering an effective dose of a strontium-containing compound (a) to the mammal. A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an osteonecrotic bone disease, such as, e.g., idiopathic or secondary osteonecrosis, avascular bone necrosis, glucocorticoid induced bone ischemia/osteonecrosis and femoral head necrosis, in a mammal who is to be or is treated with a therapeutic agent (b) known to or suspected of inducing apoptosis and/or necrosis of bone cells, the method comprising administering a strontium-containing compound (a) in combination with (b).

Abstract: Methods are described for improving the diagnostic possibilities of diseases where oxidative NO-modifications occur, for example inflammatory conditions, cancer, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, and to provide means of monitoring the effects of therapeutical measures taken towards such diseases. The invention enables the detection of disease specific catabolic markers related to oxidative NO-modifications, utilizing an immunoassay comprising antibodies directed against nitrated and non-nitrated epitopes characteristic of a specific protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for performing an immuno-assay that includes measuring the amount of an isomerised or optically inverted non-collagen protein derived from cartilage.

Abstract: A new method for preparing salts of metal cations and organic acids, especially divalent salts of alkaline earth metal ions from group II of the periodic system and carboxylic acids. The method comprising the use of a high temperature (about 90° or more) and, optionally. high pressure, in order to obtain a higher yield, purity and faster reaction speed than obtained with known synthesis methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the production of strontium salts of carboxylic acids. Novel strontium salts are also provided by the present method.

Abstract: 0Type II collagen degradation is measurable using a sandwich immunoassay in which a single antibody specific for the amino acid sequence EKGPDP is used to form each side of antibody-collagen fragment-antibody sandwich complexes and the amount of said complexes is measured.

Abstract: A combination treatment, wherein a strontium-containing compound together with one or more active substances capable of reducing the incidence of bone fracture and/or increasing bone density and/or improving healing of fractured bone and/or improving bone quality are administered for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cartilage and/or bone conditions.

Abstract: A controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprising a strontium salt. The invention also relates to the use of a strontium salt for treating a male suffering from diseases and conditions affecting metabolism and/or structural integrity of cartilage and/or bone. The invention also relates to the use of a strontium-containing compound for preventing a cartilage and/or bone condition in a subject, and for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of secondary osteoporosis.

Abstract: Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cartilage and/or bone conditions and for methods of treating such condition. The compounds are salts of strontium that have a water-solubility of from about 1 g/l to about 100 g/l at room temperature, especially amino acid salts of strontium or dicarboxylic acid salts of strontium. Examples of novel water-soluble strontium salts are e.g. strontium glutamate and strontium alpha-ketoglutarate. The present invention also relates to an improved method for preparing the strontium salt of glutamic acid.

Abstract: A method for improving the diagnostic assessment of cartilage degenerative processes, and to provide means of monitoring the effects of therapeutical measures taken towards arthritic diseases in most mammals ultizes an immunoassay to detect fragments of collagen type II resulting from collagenase activity comprising an antibody directed against an epitope comprised in the amino acid sequence HRGYPGLDG, located in the helical region of collagen type II.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for performing an immuno-assay that includes measuring the amount of an isomerised or optically inverted non-collagen protein derived from cartilage.

Abstract: In an in vitro diagnostic test for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the amount or presence in a sample of anisomerised or optically inverted protein fragment is measured which derives from perlecan, bigylcan, decorin, fibrillin-1 or protocadherin or which is a specific sequence from aggrecan, type II collagen, COMP or CILP.

Abstract: 0Type II collagen degradation is measurable using a sandwich immunoassay in which a single antibody specific for the amino acid sequence EKGPDP is used to form each side of antibody-collagen fragment-antibody sandwich complexes and the amount of said complexes is measured.

Abstract: Antibodies and T-lymphocytes having immune reactivity with proteins isomerised at an aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamine or glutamic acid residue are found to be associated with auto-immune conditions involving auto-reactivity to IgG (rheumatoid arthritis) and myelin basic protein (multiple sclerosis). Diagnosis assays for auto-immune reactivity to isomerised protein sequences are described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of an autoimmune disease by the selective suppression of autoimmune activity against an auto-antigen, which activity involves immunological reactivity with an epitope containing an isomerised peptide linkage and/or an optically inverted amino acid comprise the use of a protein or peptide or analogue thereof containing an epitope recognised by an auto-reactive immune system component involved in said condition, which epitope contains an isomerised peptide linkage and/or an optically inverted amino acid or comprising a compound which immunologically mimics a said protein or peptide.

Abstract: An enzyme preparation comprising (a) first enzyme with xylanase activity and (b) a second enzyme having cellulotytic, xylanolytic or pectinolytic activity and are supported by the specification.

Abstract: An enzyme from Aspergillus aculeatus exhibiting endoglucanase activity encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:17 or 18, and useful for degrading plant cell walls.