Abstract: The present invention makes available an optimal concentration of a hedgehog polypeptide for modulating growth and/or cartilage production by chondrocytes. The present invention allows for improvements in the culturing of chondrocytes to develop cartilaginous tissue ex vivo suitable for implantation to replace damaged or deteriorated cartilage in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated highly active hedgehog proteins esterified with a fatty acid having from 14 to 20 carbon atoms at the N-terminal domain of the protein. The highly active hh proteins are particularly useful therapeutic agents for treating bone disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Methods for obtaining the highly active modified hedgehog proteins are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated highly active hedgehog proteins esterified with a fatty acid having from 14 to 20 carbon atoms at the N-terminal domain of the protein. The highly active hh proteins are particularly useful therapeutic agents for treating bone disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Methods for obtaining the highly active modified hedgehog proteins are also provided.

Abstract: New compounds represented by the formula or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, wherein X1 and X2 are each independently selected from a CH group or a nitrogen atom; and R is an optionally substituted five or six membered nonaromatic carbocyclic ring or a nonaromatic or aromatic heterocyclic ring, whereby the ring is optionally condensed with a 6-membered, optionally substituted carbocyclic aromatic ring.

Abstract: A melanoma inhibiting activity factor (MIA), preferably in combination with an osteoinductive protein, is a useful pharmaceutical agent for promoting bone healing and/or cartilage repair.

Abstract: New compounds represented by the formula or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, wherein X1 and X2 are each independently selected from a CH group or a nitrogen atom; and R is an optionally substituted five or six membered nonaromatic carbocyclic ring or a nonaromatic or aromatic heterocyclic ring, whereby the ring is optionally condensed with a 6-membered, optionally substituted carbocyclic aromatic ring.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I 1

Abstract: New compounds represented by the formula 1

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for modulating the formation and/or maintenance of adipocyte tissue by ectopically contacting adipocyte cells, especially adipocyte stem/progenitor cells, in vitro or in vivo, with a hedgehog therapeutic or ptc therapeutic in an amount effective to alter the growth state the treated cells, e.g., relative to the absence of administeration of the hedgehog therapeutic or ptc therapeutic.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I wherein A, R1 and R2 are defined in the specification. These compounds are useful as HDAC inhibitors. Also disclosed are methods of making and using said compounds.

Abstract: A post-translationally processed hedgehog protein mutant which

Abstract: New compounds represented by the formula 1

Abstract: Compounds of formula I 1

Abstract: Compounds of formula I in which R1 denotes hydrogen or methyl R2 denotes lower straight-chained or branched alkyl with 1 to 10 carbon atoms R3 denotes hydrogen or lower alkyl n denotes 0-12 R4 denotes alkyl, alkenyl or alkinyl with 6 to 24 carbon atoms, processes for the production thereof as well as pharmaceutical agents containing these compounds for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention makes available an optimal concentration of a hedgehog polypeptide for modulating growth and/or cartilage production by chondrocytes. The present invention allows for improvements in the culturing of chondrocytes to develop cartilaginous tissue ex vivo suitable for implantation to replace damaged or deteriorated cartilage in a patient.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of promoting osteogenesis in a patient in need thereof by administering a plasminogen activator which activates the zymogen plasminogen by cleavage between arginine 506 and valine 561 to form the serine protease plasmin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of compounds of the general formula I ##STR1## for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of viral or retroviral infections, whereby R signifies a hydrogen atom or a straight-chained or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical with 1-7 carbon atoms, which can possibly be substituted by phenyl, or a phenyl ring which can possibly be substituted one or more times by C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy, hydroxyl, trifluoromethyl, methylsulphonyl or halogen, such as fluorine, chlorine or bromine, n stands for the numbers 0, 1 or 2, as well as of their pharmacologically compatible salts or tautomers.