Abstract: The present invention provides a virus-like particle comprising several or more types of HBs-L antigen proteins or a virus-like particle composition comprising a combination of the virus-like particles, for the purpose of provision of an antigen that triggers an immune reaction against HBV of various genotypes.

Abstract: A hepatitis B vaccine comprising a surface antigen particle that has only hepatitis B virus L protein or a variant thereof assembling on a lipid membrane to form the particle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virus-like particle comprising several or more types of HBs-L antigen proteins or a virus-like particle composition comprising a combination of the virus-like particles, for the purpose of provision of an antigen that triggers an immune reaction against HBV of various genotypes.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an immunoassay that has excellent detection sensitivity and that remarkably suppresses the detection background. The means for achieving the object is to provide a virus-like particle that contains a protein having self-organization ability, the particle being modified with a biologically active molecule at at least one cysteine residue of the protein having self-organization ability via a thiol group or thiol groups thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 15-deoxyprostaglandin derivative of the formula (I): ##STR1## in which ##STR2## is a 5 membered ring which is selected from a group consisting of ##STR3## R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R.sup.2 is C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkenyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkadienyl;provided that the compound of the following formula is excluded: ##STR4## wherein R' is hydrogen or methyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a 15-deoxyprostaglandin derivative as an active ingredient, which is useful as an intraocular pressure reducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating hypertension or glaucoma in the eye comprising contacting the surface of the eye with a therapeutic amount of a 15-deoxyprostaglandin derivative of the formula (I): ##STR1## in which ##STR2## is a 5 membered ring which is selected from a group consisting of ##STR3## R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R.sup.2 is C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkenyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkadienyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also relates to a kit for delivery of a topical solution for treatment of glaucoma which comprises (a) container having a solution including a compound of the formula (I), and (b) means for topical delivery of said solution to the eye in a controlled dosage.

Abstract: Method of treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma which comprises administering an effective amount of prostaglandin D.sub.2 -active substance to a subject in need of such treatment.