Abstract: The invention is in the field of TNF signalling. Compounds have been identified which are capable of modulating signalling of TNF trimers through receptors. Methods of identifying such compounds are therefore provided. The compounds themselves have utility in therapy.

Abstract: It has been demonstrated that certain compounds bind to TNF and stabilise a conformation of trimeric TNF that binds to the TNF receptor. Accordingly, these compounds can be used as modulators of TNF. A new assay for identifying compounds with this mechanism of action is also disclosed.

Abstract: A series of substituted 3,4-di-hydro-2H-.1,4-benzoxazin-3-one derivatives, and analogues thereof, being potent modulators of human TNF? activity, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders.

Abstract: A series of benzimidazole derivatives, being potent modulators of human TNF? activity, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders.

Abstract: A series of benzimidazole derivatives, being potent modulators of human TNF? activity, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a comb polymer comprising the steps of: a) providing: (i) (w+z) molar equivalents of a monomer; (ii) one molar equivalent of an initiator compound of formula (IX), wherein B3 represents a halogen, B2 represents H or a halogen, Y1 represents a group capable of attaching the residue of an antibody or fragment thereof or capable of being converted into such a group, L represents a linker group, y is 1, 2 or 3, w is at least 1 and z is 0 or greater; (iii) a catalyst capable of catalysing the polymerization of a plurality of the monomers to produce the comb polymer; and b) causing the catalyst to catalyse, in combination with the initiator, the polymerization of a plurality of the monomers (i) to produce the comb polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound consisting essentially of the following elements: one or more reactive groups; and two or more cross-linked antibodies or fragments thereof; characterised in that the or each reactive group is suitable for attaching an effector molecule but does not react with any of the antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an albumin-binding compound essentially of the following elements: a spacer group, a water-soluble bridging group, a fatty acid chain and an acidic group characterised in that the acidic group is attached to the distal end of the fatty acid chain. The invention also provides an albumin-binding compound to which one or more biologically active moieties are attached.

Abstract: Branched molecular scaffolds are provided which are capable of linking two polymer residues (derived, for example, from polyethylene glycol) to two, three or four residues derived from biologically active molecules (e.g. from whole antibodies or from functionally active fragments or derivatives thereof), the latter being attached to the scaffold by means of hydrolytically stable linkages.

Abstract: Targeted lipids and lipid particles are described which are assemblies of multipolar lipids, targeting molecules such as antibodies and polyanions. The lipids are of particular use for the delivery of bioactive substances such as nucleic acids to cells in vitro and especially in vivo.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (1) are described: in which X is an —O— or —S— atom or —N(R2)— group and R1 is a group Ar1L2Ar2Alk- in which Ar1 is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group, L2 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group, Ar2 is an optionally substituted bicyclic heteroarylene group and Alk is a chain —CH2—CH(R)—, —CH?C(R)—, OR—CH(CH2R)— in which R is a carboxylic acid (—CO2H) or a derivative or biostere thereof. The compounds are selective inhibitors of alpha 4 integrins such as ?4?1 and are of use in modulating cell adhesion for the prophylaxis or treatment of inflammatory diseases or disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which the extravasculation of leukocytes plays a role.

Abstract: Bipolar lipids are described which are able to form complexes with polyanions. The lipids comprise a cationic head linked to a hydrophobic backbone and a hydrophilic tail and are capable of self assembly to form stable complexes in aqueous solutions. The lipids are of particular use for the delivery of bioactive substances such as nucleic acids to cells in vitro and especially in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a comb polymer comprising the steps of: a) providing: (i) (w+z) molar equivalents of a monomer; (ii) one molar equivalent of an initiator compound of formula (IX), wherein B3 represents a halogen, B2 represents H or a halogen, Y1 represents a group capable of attaching the residue of an antibody or fragment thereof or capable of being converted into such a group, L represents a linker group, y is 1, 2 or 3, w is at least 1 and z is 0 or greater; (iii) a catalyst capable of catalysing the polymerisation of a plurality of the monomers to produce the comb polymer; and b) causing the catalyst to catalyse, in combination with the initiator, the polymerisation of a plurality of the monomers (i) to produce the comb polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound consisting essentially of the following elements: one or more reactive groups; and two or more cross-linked antibodies or fragments thereof; characterised in that the or each reactive group is suitable for attaching an effector molecule but does not react with any of the antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Enamine derivatives of formula (1) are described: wherein R1 is a group Ar1L2Ar2Alk- in, which Ar1 is an aromatic or heteroaromatic group, L2 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group, Ar2 is an arylene or heteroarylene group and Alk is a chain —CH2—CH(R)—, —CH═C(R)— or in which R is a carboxylic acid or a derivative or biostere thereof; R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-6alkyl group; Cy is a cycloaliphatic or heterocycloaliphatic ring in which X is a N atom or a C(Rw) group; Rx is a oxo, thioxo, or imino group; Rw and Rz is each a hydrogen atom or optional substituent; provided that Cy is not a cyclobutenedione group; and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof. The compounds are able to inhibit the binding of integrins to their ligands and are of use in the prophylaxis and treatment of immune or inflammatory disorders, or disorders involving the inappropriate growth or migration of cells.

Abstract: Bipolar lipids are described which are able to form complexes with polyanions. The lipids comprise a cationic head linked to a hydrophobic backbone and a hydrophilic tail and are capable of self assembly to form stable complexes in aqueous solutions. The lipids are of particular use for the delivery of bioactive substances such as nucleic acids to cells in vitro and especially in vivo.

Abstract: Enamine derivatives of formula (1) are described: 1

Abstract: Enamine derivatives of formula (1) are described: wherein R1 is a group Ar1 L2Ar2Alk- in which Ar1 is an aromatic or heteroaromatic group, L2 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group, Ar2 is an arylene or heteroarylene group and Alk is a chain —CH2—CH(R)—, —CH═C(R)— or in which R is a carboxylic acid or a derivative or biostere thereof; R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-6alkyl group; Cy is a cycloaliphatic or heterocycloaliphatic ring in which X is a N atom or a C(Rw) group; Rx is a oxo, thioxo, or imino group; Rw and Rz is each a hydrogen atom or optional substituent; provided that Cy is not a cyclobutenedione group; and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof. The compounds are able to inhibit the binding of integrins to their ligands and are of use in the prophylaxis and treatment of immune or inflammatory disorders, or disorders involving the inappropriate growth or migration of cells.

Abstract: Enamide derivatives of formula (1) are described: wherein R1 is a group Ar1L2Ar2Alk- in which Ar1 is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group, L2 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group, Ar2 is an optionally substituted arylene or heteroarylene group and Alk is a chain —CH2—CH(R)—, —CH═C(R)— or  in which R is a carboxylic acid (—CO2H) or a derivative or biostere thereof; R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-6alkyl group; X is an O or S atom or the group NR30 group; j and k is each zero or the integer 1 or 2 provided that the sum of j and k is zero or the integer 1 or 2; Cy1 is an optionally substituted cycloaliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, aromatic or heteroaromatic group; and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof.

Abstract: Bipolar lipids are described which are able to form complexes with polyanions. The lipids comprise a cationic head linked to a hydrophobic backbone and a hydrophilic tail and are capable of self assembly to form stable complexes in aqueous solutions. The lipids are of particular use for the delivery of bioactive substances such as nucleic acids to cells in vitro and especially in vivo.