Abstract: The present invention is drawn to cyclic RGD peptides linked via a disulfide bond, where the terminal cysteines are preferably in the D configuration. These peptides target ?v?3 integrin on tumor cells and neovasculatures and function as targeting agents for tumor diagnostic imaging and therapy. Compared with the commonly used RGD ligands, compounds of the present invention have improved targeting efficacy and lower nonspecific binding to normal organs. Moreover, the compounds of the present invention can be functionalized to conjugate imaging payload without decreasing binding strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide compounds that are modulators (e.g., agonists and antagonists) of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. The compounds described herein are polypeptide of the following structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Values and preferred values of the variables in structural Formula (I) are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for preparation of eptifibatide that involve coupling of amino acids in a (2+5), (4+3) and (3+4) sequence method. The invention further provides products produced by the described processes, novel compounds that can be used as synthetic intermediates for the preparation of eptifibatide.

Abstract: Provided herein is a process for the production of Cyclosporin-A (Cyc-A) including the steps of inoculating a nutrient medium with the fungus Tolypocladium sp., strain NRRL No. 18950 followed by cultivation under static conditions to obtain a fermented medium with the fungal biomass, and harvesting the biomass and subjecting the harvested biomass to extraction followed by purification to obtain pure Cyc-A. The nutrient medium includes glucose, glycerol, casein acid hydro lysate, malt extract, peptone, and L-valine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods and compositions for targeting drug delivery systems to specific cells. One aspect relates to a drug delivery system comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP) component and a ligand selected from the group consisting of mIgA and knob capable of either drug encapsulation or drug attachment. Further aspects relate to drug delivery systems comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP) component and a ligand; wherein the ligand specifically binds to a receptor selected from the group consisting of CAR and pIgR. Further aspects include the novel transcytosing properties of the elastin-like peptide and the ligand, knob. Also provided are methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the disclosed therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising an adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid protein, comprising one or more amino acids substitutions, wherein the substitutions introduce a new glycan binding site into the AAV capsid protein.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide including the amino acid sequence of a carrier polypeptide and the amino acid sequence of an ORF2086 polypeptide. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic conjugate including ORF2086 polypeptide and a carrier polypeptide. The invention further includes immunogenic compositions and methods for inducing an immune response against Neisseria meningitidis in a mammal.

Abstract: Embodiments described are immunosuppressant therapeutics and compositions comprising a Vop protein derived from Vibro parahaemolyticus; and drug delivery vehicles derived from a V. parahaemolyticus expressing a mutant VopZ protein lacking amino acid residue 38-62.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the therapeutic use of the encoding sequence of the carboxy-terminal domain of the heavy chain of the tetanus toxin and of the polypeptide encoded by said sequence, preferably for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a peptide molecule or a nucleic acid molecule, for use in medicine and, in particular, for use in preventing or treating a non-cancerous condition or relieving pain in a patient. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or nucleic acid molecule of the invention and methods of treatment thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating a liquid volume of white blood cells and platelets with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for regulating somatic cell reprogramming in mammals, and in particular, for positively and negatively regulating cell reprogramming in human cells in vivo and in vitro. The invention also provides PHF20-derived compositions and methods useful for cancer immunotherapies, including breast cancer therapies in particular.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration, ocular neovascularization, or ocular inflammation. In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that involves administering an expression vector that delivers a secretable and cell penetrating CARD to a subject in need of treatment or prevention of age-related macular degeneration or another condition involving macular degeneration or ocular neovascularization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a use of mutant haptoglobin having angiogenesis-promoting activity and, more particularly, to a mutant haptoglobin polypeptide, a recombinant vector containing a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, or a composition for promoting angiogenesis containing, as an active ingredient, a transformant transformed with the recombinant vector. The mutant haptoglobin according to the present invention includes an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 in which the 143rd amino acid is substituted with an amino acid other than Arg. The mutant haptoglobin according to the present invention has excellent angiogenesis-promoting activity and excellent capillary-like tube formation capability as compared with wild-type haptoglobin, and promotes cell migration, and thus is useful as a therapeutic agent for treating diseases caused by non-angiogenesis.

Abstract: This invention provides a cancer antigen peptide that can be administered to a wide range of cancer patients in the form of a peptide vaccine for cancer without the need for HLA typing and regardless of the HLA types of patients. Such peptide having 5 linked CTL epitopes is obtained by linking 5 CTL epitope peptides selected from among CTL epitope peptides derived from tumor antigen molecules that are reported to have the capacity for CTL induction via linkers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified atrial natriuretic peptide that exhibits prolonged duration in blood and maintains cGMP elevating activity. The present invention provides a modified peptide in which at least one sugar substance is linked directly through a glycosidic bond or via a linker structure to at least one hANP peptide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a medicament comprising the modified peptide or the salt thereof as an active ingredient, etc.

Abstract: This disclosure provides pegylated GLP-1/glucagon agonist peptides for the treatment of metabolic diseases, e.g., obesity.

Abstract: The invention relates to growth hormone compounds with a long plasma half-life obtained by Fc linkage. An increased half-life is an advantage allowing a less frequent or low dosage administration of therapeutic. The invention further relates to methods of producing such compound including expression vectors for heterologous expression.

Abstract: Mutant forms of human CTLA4, and their use, e.g., in xenotransplantation.

Abstract: A method of treating a TNF Alpha associated medical condition selected from the group consisting of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and a liver disease or disorder is provided. The method comprising enterally administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of plant cells expressing a TNF Alpha polypeptide inhibitor, thereby treating the TNF Alpha associated medical condition.

Abstract: A plant produced chimeric polypeptide is provided. The plant produced chimeric polypeptide comprising: (i) a first domain which comprises a TNF Alpha binding domain of a TNF receptor, and (ii) a second domain which comprises an Fc domain of an immunoglobulin, wherein the first domain and the second domain are N-terminally to C-terminally respectively sequentially translationally fused and wherein the chimeric polypeptide specifically binds TNF Alpha.

Abstract: A plant produced TNF alpha polypeptide inhibitor is provided. Also provided are methods of generating and using same.

Abstract: The invention provides epsilon toxin (ETX) produced by Clostridium perfringens type B or type D as a causative toxin for human multiple sclerosis (MS). The invention further identifies ETX binding receptor MAL for ETX mediated cell death and other toxin-logical activities in MS. Methods and compositions to prevent humans from multiple sclerosis (MS) and/or treating MS by directly or indirectly interfering with epsilon toxin (ETX), its binding receptor (e.g., MAL), or ETX-receptor interactions so as to inhibit or suppress downstream ETX mediated receptor signaling activities are provided. Also provided are various methods to detect, diagnose, monitor, assess multiple sclerosis (MS) by determining an expression level of ETX gene or its encoding protein in human patient suspected for and/or at risk for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Abstract: Fc regions useful for site-specific conjugation to a variety of agents are provided. Methods for the design, preparation, screening, selection and use of such Fc regions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of identifying and using FAM150A agents, FAM150B agents, and FAM150 antagonists are provided. Methods of identifying and using LTK agonists (including LTK agonist antibodies, FAM150A agents, and FAM150B agents) and FAM150 antagonists are provided. Such methods include, but are not limited to, methods of treating cancer, methods of treating immune disorders such as autoimmune diseases, and methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Novel antibodies, methods and compositions for treatment of a disease which is susceptible to amelioration by the blocking of APP cleavage.

Abstract: Antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof are engineered to bind Transforming Growth Factor-? (TGF?). TGF?-isoform selective antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof may selectively bind human TGF?1, compared to human TGF?2 and human TGF?3, or may selectively bind human TGF?3, compared to human TGF?1 and human TGF?2. The design of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof is facilitated by a co-crystal structure of a recombinant Fab fragment of GC1008 bound to TGF?2 and by another co-crystal structure of the scFv version of GC1008 bound to TGF?1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monoclonal antibody that recognizes human FGFR4 in its native form. The invention is also directed to a hybridoma cell line that produces the monoclonal antibody and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present inventors identified inhibition of a combination of EGFR ligands that serve as targets for inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. More specifically, EREG antagonists and TGF? antagonists were found to be useful as inhibitors of cell growth. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing EGF family ligand antagonists as components.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a human antibody that specifically binds to human nerve growth factor (hNGF). The formulations may contain, in addition to an anti-hNGF antibody, at least one non-ionic surfactant, at least one sugar, and acetate. The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention exhibit a substantial degree of antibody stability after storage for several months.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a human anti-TNFa antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, which reduces pain associated with injection in a subject by at least about 50% when compared to injecting an otherwise identical formulation comprising at least one salt and/or at least one buffer. The invention also provides a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a human anti-TNFa antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, having increased bioavailability upon subcutaneous administration into a subject. The formulation may comprise a therapeutic protein, such as a human anti-TNF-alpha antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, or a biosimilar thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methodology of producing antibodies that recognize peptides associated with a tumorigenic or disease state, wherein the peptides are displayed in the context of HLA molecules. These antibodies will mimic the specificity of a T cell receptor (TCR) but will have higher binding affinity such that the molecules may be used as therapeutic, diagnostic and research reagents. The method of producing a T-cell receptor mimic of the present invention includes identifying a peptide of interest, wherein the peptide of interest is capable of being presented by an MHC molecule. Then, an immunogen comprising at least one peptide/MHC complex is formed, wherein the peptide of the peptide/MHC complex is the peptide of interest.

Abstract: The present application relates to antibodies that specifically bind to hepcidin and methods of using the antibodies. Another aspect relates to antibodies which bind hepcidin and regulate iron homeostasis. Another aspect relates to the use of humanized antibodies which bind hepcidin for the treatment of a disease or condition associated with hepcidin.

Abstract: Disclosed are agents (e.g., peptides, polypeptides, proteins, small molecules, antibodies, and antibody fragments that target senescent cells) and methods of their use for imaging senescent cells in vivo and for treating or preventing cancer, age-related disease, tobacco-related disease, or other diseases and disorders related to or caused by cellular senescence in a mammal. The methods include administering one or more of the agents of the invention to a mammal, e.g., a human. The agents, which specifically bind to senescent cells, can be labeled with a radioactive label or a therapeutic label, e.g., a cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the growth and/or metastasis of invasive pancreatic cancer in a subject, comprising a molecular-targeted anticancer agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the molecular-targeted anticancer agent is a conjugate of a toxin or cytotoxic agent and an antibody or fragment thereof which immunologically and specifically binds to a cell-surface folate receptor ? (FR?) protein of an FR? (+) macrophage that exists around pancreatic cancer cells at the invasive front, and to a diagnostic agent and kit for determining the degree of malignancy of pancreatic cancer or the presence of invasive pancreatic cancer, characterized by determining that the cancer tissue is invasive and metastatic when FR? (+) macrophage is distributed around pancreatic cancer cells at the invasive front.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of an inhibitor of an interaction between phosphatidylserine and a TIM receptor for preventing or treating a virus entry cofactors, in particular phosphatidylserine harboring virus infection such as flavivirus infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, an isolated cell line, 3M as well as methods for making such a cell line and methods of using such a cell line, e.g., to produce a protein such as an immunoglobulin.

Abstract: Antigen binding proteins that bind Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 (LAG-3), and more particularly to antigen binding proteins that cause depletion of LAG-3+ activated T cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bispecific molecules that are capable of localizing an immune effector cell that expresses an activating receptor to a virally infected cell, so as to thereby facilitate the killing of the virally infected cell. In a preferred embodiment, such localization is accomplished using bispecific molecules that are immunoreactive with an activating receptor of an immune effector cell and to an antigen expressed by a cell infected with a virus wherein the antigen is detectably present on the cell infected with the virus at a level that is greater than the level at which the antigen is detected on the virus by the bispecific molecules, and to the use of such bispecific molecules in the treatment of latent viral infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a superagonistic monoclonal antibody (mAb), which is specific for a naturally costimulatory receptor expressed on T cells, or a mimicry compound thereto, for producing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases occurring with lacking costimulability of T cells, in particular of the B-CLL.

Abstract: The disclosure provides anti-B7-H4 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Methods of using antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind ?v?5 or ?5 to treat or prevent acute kidney injury and/or its sequelae are disclosed.

Abstract: Humanized antibodies and antibody fragments thereof that bind to ?v?6 are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using these antibodies and antibody fragments to diagnose, treat, and/or prevent ?v?6-mediated diseases such as acute tissue injury, fibrosis, and cancer.

Abstract: Formulations of anti-VLA-1 antibodies are described.

Abstract: Antibody fragment comprising a first polypeptide comprising a light chain variable domain and two constant domains and a second polypeptide comprising a heavy chain variable domain and two constant domains, wherein two chain constant domains are light chain constant domains and two constant domains are CHI heavy chain constant domains.

Abstract: Provided are an improved EGFR antibody or a functional segment thereof, comprising an engineered heavy chain and light chain. Specifically, the antibody is an engineered whole human-source monoclonal antibody. Also provided is a method for manufacturing said whole human-source antibody and usage of the antibody in the manufacture of medicines used for the treatment of tumors.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising one of more molecules that specifically bind to CXC chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) and CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and methods for treating and improving the symptoms of pathologic bone loss in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides CD20-binding proteins that bind to and rapidly internalize CD20 antigens from a cell surface location to the interior of a cell. CD20-binding proteins of the invention comprise a CD20 binding region and a Shiga toxin effector region. Certain of the disclosed CD20-binding proteins kill cells that express CD20 on their surface. Further, the presently disclosed CD20-binding proteins can comprise additional exogenous materials and are capable of targeted delivery of these additional exogenous materials into the interior of CD20 expressing cells. Such additional materials may include peptides, antigens, enzymes, and polynucleotides. These CD20-binding proteins have uses in methods of internalizing themselves, targeted killing of CD20 expressing cells, delivering exogenous materials into CD20 expressing cells, and treating a variety of diseases involving CD20 expressing cells, such as cancers and immune disorders.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure concern therapeutic vectors and cells that target certain cancer cells but do not other cells having the same antigen. In specific embodiments, the methods and compositions of the disclosure concern cells having a CD138-specific chimeric antigen receptor whose expression is under the control of environment-specific regulation. In specific embodiments the environment is hypoxia. In some cases, the compositions comprise a suicide gene.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-GPC3 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same.