Abstract: The present invention provides for the treatment of multiple sclerosis by combination therapies of CD52 specific antibodies, such as CAMPATH-1H, with either a Type 1 interferon or coploymer-1.

Abstract: A composite formulation has been developed for selective, high efficacy delivery to specific regions of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. The formulation is typically in the form of a tablet or capsule, which may include microparticles or beads. The formulation uses bioadhesive and controlled release elements to direct release to specific regions, where the drug is absorbed in enhanced amounts relative to the formulation in the absence of the bioadhesive and/or controlled release elements. This is demonstrated by an example showing delivery of gabapentin with a greater area under the curve (“AUC”) relative to the FDA reference immediate release drug, i.e., the AUC of the composite bioadhesive formulation is greater than 100% of the AUC of the immediate release drug. In the preferred embodiments, the formulation includes drug to be delivered, controlled release elements, and one or more bioadhesive elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding for the Cryptomeria japonica major pollen allergen Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments or peptides thereof. The present invention also provides purified Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and at least one fragment thereof produced in a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid sequence coding for Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I prepared synthetically. Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments thereof are useful for diagnosing, treating, and preventing Japanese cedar pollinosis. The present invention also provides isolated peptides of Cry j I and Cry j II. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprise at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of Cry j I or Cry j II.

Abstract: An oral delivery system for Class II drugs that have low oral bioavailability due to their insolubility in water and slow dissolution kinetics and method for making such a drug delivery system are disclosed herein. The formulation may be a controlled release or immediate release formulation. The immediate release formulation contains a Class II drug, together with a hydrophobic polymer, preferably a bioadhesive polymer. In one embodiment, the drug and polymer are co-dissolved in a common solvent. The solution is formed into small solid particles by any convenient method, particularly by spray drying. The resulting particles contain drug dispersed as small particles in a polymeric matrix. The particles are stable against aggregation, and can be put into capsules or tableted for administration. The controlled release formulations contain a BCS Class II drug and a bioadhesive polymer. The controlled release formulations may be in the form of a tablet, capsules, mini-tab, microparticulate, or osmotic pump.

Abstract: Polymers with improved bioadhesive properties and methods for improving bioadhesion of polymers have been developed. A compound containing an aromatic group which contains one or more hydroxyl groups is grafted onto a polymer or coupled to individual monomers. In one embodiment, the polymer is a biodegradable polymer. In another embodiment, the monomers may be polymerized to form any type of polymer, including biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers. In some embodiments, the polymer is a hydrophobic polymer. In the preferred embodiment, the aromatic compound is catechol or a derivative thereof and the polymer contains reactive functional groups. In the most preferred embodiment, the polymer is a polyanhydride and the aromatic compound is the catechol derivative, DOPA. These materials display bioadhesive properties superior to conventional bioadhesives used in therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding for the Cryptomeria japonica major pollen allergen Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments or peptides thereof. The present invention also provides purified Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and at least one fragment thereof produced in a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid sequence coding for Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I prepared synthetically. Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments thereof are useful for diagnosing, treating, and preventing Japanese cedar pollinosis. The present invention also provides isolated peptides of Cry j I and Cry j II. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprise at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of Cry j I or Cry j II.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic compositions and methods for treating disease conditions in humans associated with an antigen specific immune response by the human to an antigen such as a protein antigen (i.e. allergy and autoimmune diseases). Therapeutic compositions of the invention are reproducible preparations which are suitable for human therapy. Compositions of the invention comprise at least one isolated peptide having a defined sequence of amino acid residues and the composition is capable of down regulating an antigen specific immune response to an offending antigen in a population of humans subject to the antigen specific immune response. Compositions and methods of the invention may be used to treat sensitivity to protein allergens in humans and may also be used to treat autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, myasthenia gravis, Grave's disease, Good Pasture's syndrome, thyroiditis and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for preventing and/or treating cancer in a patient comprising administering an effective amount of substantially purified D enantiomer of difluoromethylornithine (D-DFMO) or an analog of D-DFMO to the patient. D-DFMO or an analog thereof is administered at a dose of about 0.05 to about 20.0 gm/M2/day. D-DFMO or an analog thereof may be administered more than once for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer. Methods of administration as well as compositions and formulations of substantially purified D-DFMO and analogs of D-DFMO are described.

Abstract: Preparations comprising a capsule, tablet or other dosage form containing a core of different types of DFMO are provided. These preparations are capable of providing for the direct and constant delivery of DFMO to the entire GI tract or just the colon and rectum. The DFMO-containing granules include granules specially formulated to achieve rapid DFMO release, and granules formulated to achieve slower DFMO release and/or granules formulated for gastric, enteric or colorectal release. Methods of using the preparations to flood the GI tract with relatively constant levels of DFMO may thus be provided. The ratio of the (+) to the (−)-enantiomeric forms of DFMO in the granules will be controlled so as to enhance the pharmacological profile and reduce toxicity of the preparation relative to racemic DFMO. Preparations and methods for achieving systemic delivery as well as direct colon delivery of DFMO are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides of the major protein allergens of the genus Dermatophagoides. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprises at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of a protein allergen selected from the allergens Der p I, Der p II, Der f I, or Der f II. The invention also pertains to modified peptides having similar or enhanced therapeutic properties as the corresponding, naturally-occurring allergen or portion thereof, but having reduced side effects. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences coding for peptides of the invention. Methods of treatment or of diagnosis of sensitivity to house dust mites in an individual and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more peptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding for the Cryptomeria japonica major pollen allergen Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments or peptides thereof. The present invention also provides purified Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and at least one fragment thereof produced in a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid sequence coding for Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I prepared synthetically. Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments thereof are useful for diagnosing, treating, and preventing Japanese cedar pollinosis. The present invention also provides isolated peptides of Cry j I and Cry j II. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprise at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of Cry j I or Cry j II.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides of the major protein allergens of the genus Dermatophagoides. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprises at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of a protein allergen selected from the allergens Der p I, Der p II, Der f I, or Der f II. The invention also pertains to modified peptides having similar or enhanced therapeutic properties as the corresponding, naturally-occurring allergen or portion thereof, but having reduced side effects. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences coding for peptides of the invention. Methods of treatment or of diagnosis of sensitivity to house dust mites in an individual and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more peptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides of the major protein allergens of the genus Dermatophagoides. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprises at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of a protein allergen selected from the allergens Der p I, Der p II, Der f I, or Der f II. The invention also pertains to modified peptides having similar or enhanced therapeutic properties as the corresponding, naturally-occurring allergen or portion thereof, but having reduced side effects. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences coding for peptides of the invention. Methods of treatment or of diagnosis of sensitivity to house dust mites in an individual and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more peptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A topical bioadhesive ointment composition comprising an aqueous mineral oil emulsion which is readily spread able and film-forming, and, upon application to moist skin or a mucosal surface, forms a stable, coherent layer thereon which resists removal therefrom by water or a body fluid associated with the mucosal surface to which the ointment composition is applied is disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the ointment compositions and a pharmaceutically active agent, e.g. , TGF.alpha.; and methods of using and methods of preparing the compositions.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration to animals or humans are prepared comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant IFN-.beta. protein dissolved in an inert carrier medium comprising as solubilizer/stabilizer(s) one or more biocompatible non-ionic polymeric detergents or a combination of one or more biocompatible non-ionic polymeric detergents with an additional solubilizing and/or stabilizing agent, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate or glycerol. The compositions are in liquid form or lyophilized.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration to animals or humans are prepared comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) protein dissolved in an inert carrier medium comprising one or more biocompatible non-ionic polymeric detergents which act as solubilizer/stabilizers for the claimed formulations.

Abstract: An approved procedure for the purification and renaturation of biologically active, bacterially produced IFN-.beta. is described. The partially purified material obtained by solubilization of isolated refractile bodies from the recombinant cells is treated to obtain reduction of the protein in the presence of a chaotropic environment and then oxidized after removal of the reducing agent. However, the chaotropic environment is retained during the oxidation. Upon removal of the chaotropic environment, a solubilizing additive is supplied to maintain the IFN-.beta. in solution. Further purification by conventional means may also be effected.

Abstract: Improved RP-HPLC methods for purifying recombinant betainterferon are disclosed. Said RP-HPLC methods employ wide pore silica gel reverse-phase columns and solvent systems containing acetonitrile as the organic modifier and either heptafluorobutyric acid or trifluoroacetic acid as the organic acid.The invention further concerns processes for purifying recombinant IFN-.beta. incorporating said improved RP-HPLC methods.The invention further concerns recombinant IFN-.beta. purified by said RP-HPLC methods, or recovered and/or purified by processes incorporating said RP-HPLC.

Abstract: A biologically active reference therapeutic protein is protected against oxidation by a method involving substituting a conservative amino acid for each methionyl residue susceptible to chloramine T or peroxide oxidation, wherein additional, non-susceptible methionyl residues are not so substituted. The oxidation-resistant mutein so produced is preferably a human mutein of interleukin-2 or interferon-.beta., and the conservative amino acid is most preferably alanine.

Abstract: Method of oxidizing reduced cysteine-containing microbially produced synthetic proteins, such as synthetic IFN-.beta. or synthetic IL-2, in a controlled manner so that the synthetic proteins have the same disulfide bridging as their native counterparts. The oxidation employs o-iodosobenzoate as oxidizing agent and is carried out in an aqueous medium at a pH at least about one-half pH unit less than the pK.sub.a of the cysteines to be oxidized, a synthetic protein concentration of less than about 5 mg/ml, and an oxidizing agent:protein mol ratio that is at least stoichiometric, provided that the oxidizing agent is in excess in the terminal portion of the reaction.