Abstract: Isolated peptides from the protein EMMPRIN (CD147/Basigin) and antibodies directed against antigenic determinants within the peptides. Pharmaceutical compositions including the peptides and antibodies and methods of their production and use in vaccination, immunotherapy and diagnosis of proliferative, hyperpermeability, inflammatory, and angiogenesis-related diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Fragment peptides having a proper length, which consists of a portion of the HMGB1 protein were synthesized, and the peptides were confirmed to show therapeutic effects on injury of the spinal cord.

Abstract: The invention provides monomeric and oligomeric amyloid beta peptide isomers that are resistant towards fibrillogenesis and their use as screening reagents or antigens in methods and pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to protein misfolding. The alanines at positions 21 and 30, in wild type amyloid beta peptide amino acid sequence, are according to the invention replaced by cysteins, which results in an intra molecular disulphide bond. The invention further provides transgenic animals expressing modified amyloid precursor proteins or amyloid beta peptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel designer osteogenic proteins having altered affinity for a cognate receptor, nucleic acids encoding the same, and methods of use therefor. More preferably, the novel designer osteogenic proteins are designer BMPs and have altered affinity for a cognate BMP receptor. The designer BMPs demonstrate altered biological characteristics and provide potential useful novel therapeutics.

Abstract: A peptide compound useful in the treatment of hypoglycemia is described.

Abstract: Novel acylated insulin analoges exhibiting resistance towards proteases can, effectively, be administered pulmonary or orally. The insulin analoges contain B25H and A14E or A14H.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer in mammals, more particularly in human subjects. More specifically, the invention concerns anti-tumor vaccines based upon plasmid DNA and/or genetic vectors carrying a codon-usage optimized sequence and coding for a mutant form of the ErbB-3 receptor. Furthermore, the invention refers to monoclonal antibodies directed against the ErbB-3 receptor, obtained using these methods and capable to block its activity in cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention provides T cell receptors (TCRs) having antigenic specificity for a cancer antigen, e.g., tyrosinase. Also provided are related polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, isolated host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides a method of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and a method of treating or preventing cancer in a host using the inventive TCRs or related materials.

Abstract: A transformed T-cell for T-cell therapy, and a composition including the same for anticancer immunotherapy. More particularly, the transformed T-cell is characterized by the transfection of a gene for coding a chimera protein. The T-cell, to which the gene for coding the chimera protein is transected, may improve the therapeutic effects induced by immune tolerance of cancer cells, and furthermore maximize anti-cancer effects by activating signal transduction to induce the activation of T-cells. Also, the disclosure allows treatments that minimize side effects such as the development of autoimmune diseases due to systematic T-cell activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels and to the use of hydrogels for repair or restoration of tissue. In particular, the hydrogels of the present invention can be used for the repair or restoration of cardiac tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the general field of therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and/or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Thus, the invention relates to a molecule selected from the trappin-2 protein or an active fraction thereof, a member of the WAP family proteins or an active fraction thereof or a member of the Serpin family proteins or an active fraction thereof for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The invention also relates to a recombinant food-grade bacterium comprising a gene selected from a gene coding for the trappin-2 protein or an active fraction thereof, a gene coding for a member of the WAP family proteins or an active fraction thereof, or a gene coding for a member of the Serpin family proteins or an active fraction thereof.

Abstract: Provided are biosensors, compositions comprising biosensors, and methods of using biosensors in living cells and organisms. The biosensors are able to be selectively targeted to certain regions or structures within a cell. The biosensors may provide a signal when the biosensor is targeted and/or in response to a property of the cell or organism such as membrane potential, ion concentration or enzyme activity.

Abstract: Recombinant monoclonal antibodies to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) gB protein are described. The affinities of these antibodies are higher than the best previously reported antibodies. Since high affinity is critical to prevention of virus transfer across the placenta, the invention antibodies are useful as therapeutic and prophylactic agents to prevent or ameliorate effects on the fetus of CMV infection during pregnancy.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved binding compounds capable of specifically binding Gram-positive bacteria. Binding compounds are provided that are fully human, enabling therapeutic applications in human individuals.

Abstract: The present invention primarily relates to a method for analyzing the amount of immunoregulatory integrin binding factors and/or patient endogenous antibodies which are directed against such factors, the factors having the capacity to modulate the immune functions in a. subject suffering from cancer or inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, by utilizing binding reagents to determine these factors and/or the patient endogenous antibodies which are directed against such factors, whereby the prognosis and/or the therapeutic efficacy of any treatment of a subject suffering from cancer or inflammatory or autoimmune diseases can be determined and/or monitored. The invention further relates to the use of therapeutically active compounds for eliminating, inhibiting or enhancing such binding factors for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals to be used in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for the generation and use of conformation-specific anti-bodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the generation of antibodies, e.g., monoclonal antibodies including fully human monoclonal antibodies, that recognize Jagged 1 and/or Jagged 2, to antibodies, e.g., monoclonal antibodies including fully human antibodies that recognize Jagged 1 and/or Jagged 2, and nucleic acid molecules that encode antibodies, e.g., nucleic acid molecules that encode monoclonal antibodies including fully human cross-reactive antibodies that recognize both Jagged 1 and Jagged 2, and to methods of making the anti-Jagged antibodies and methods of using the anti-Jagged antibodies as therapeutics, prophylactics, and diagnostics. The invention also relates generally to activatable antibodies that include a masking moiety (MM), a cleavable moiety (CM), and an antibody (AB) that specifically bind to Jagged 1 and Jagged 2, and to methods of making and using these activatable anti-Jagged antibodies in a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic and prophylactic indications.

Abstract: Use of an anti-NGF antibody capable of inhibiting the binding between NGF and TrkA, capable of blocking the biological activity of TrkA for the preparation of a medicament for treating and/or preventing chronic pain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-Nodal antibodies and use of the anti-Nodal antibodies for diagnosing, preventing, and treating a Nodal-related disorder or disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to discovery of the ectopic expression of EDEM2 in a production cell to improve the yield of a useful multi-subunit protein. Thus, the present invention provides for production cell lines, such as the canonical mammalian biopharmaceutical production cell—the CHO cell, containing recombinant polynucleotides encoding EDEM2. Also disclosed is a production cell containing both an EDEM2-encoding polynucleotide as well an XBP1-encoding polynucleotide. Improved titers of antibodies produced by these cell lines are disclosed, as well as the improved cell densities attained by these cells in culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low acidic species (AR) compositions comprising a protein, e.g., an antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, and methods for producing such low AR compositions using displacement chromatography. Methods for using such compositions to treat a disorder, e.g., a disorder in which TNF? is detrimental, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody that binds to the p19 subunit of human IL-23 and is characterized as having high affinity, selective, and neutralizing properties. The antibody is useful in the treatment or prevention of an autoimmune or inflammatory condition selected from the group consisting of consisting of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, graft-versus-host disease, lupus and metabolic syndrome. The antibody is also useful in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for ACTH. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies binding fragments thereof described herein, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and/or CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-ACTH antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention further contemplates methods of making said anti-ACTH antibodies and binding fragments thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing a variant polypeptide (e.g. antibodies) having modified binding characteristics for human Fc gamma receptor IIA (CD32A) leading to increased inhibition of proinflammatory mediators while retaining binding to a target antigen via its Fv portion, which processes comprise altering the polypeptides by substitution of at least two amino acid residues at EU position 325, 326 or 328 of a human IgG CH2 region for a sequence selected from SAAF, SKAF, NAAF and NKAF. Also disclosed are molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly immunoglobulins (e.g. antibodies) that include a variant CDR3 region, wherein the variant CDR3 region includes at least one amino acid modified relative to a wild-type CDR3 region. The polypeptides that can be generated according to the methods of the invention are highly variable, and they can include antibodies and fusion proteins that contain an Fc region or a biologically active portion thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are variant Fc-fragments that contain an insertion within or adjacent to a loop that bind to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) with higher affinity and/or higher binding activity at pH 5-6 and approximately the same or lower affinity at a physiologic pH as compared to a control Fc-fragment, that is, little or no binding activity at a physiologic pH. Also described are variant Fc-polypeptides that comprise these variant Fc-fragments. Further described are methods of making and identifying such Fc-fragments and methods for making and using such Fc-polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated bispecific affinity reagents, such as antibodies or antibody fragments that bind TNF? and a marker molecule for macrophages and/or neutrophils. The affinity reagents of the invention enable pathogenic sub-populations of TNF? to be neutralized, while protective sub-populations of TNF? are not affected.

Abstract: The invention provides engineered heteromultimeric protein complexes constructed using one, two, or three tethers and methods for making, using, and purifying such complexes, such as antibodies with different binding properties.

Abstract: Compositions for treating disorders of iron homeostasis are provided. More particularly, anti-ferroportin antibodies, compositions containing such antibodies, corresponding nucleic acids, vectors and host cells, and methods of making such antibodies are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates in essence to use of a compound, which decreases or inhibits the binding of mammalian T-cells to mammalian endothelial cells for use in a method of prophylaxis and/or amelioration and/or treatment of clinical adverse events caused by a therapy which comprises re-directing of T-cells against target cells in a patient. Such a therapy includes, but is not limited to, treatment with an antibody comprising a CD3 binding domain, such as a CD20×CD3 or a CD19×CD3 bispecific single chain antibody, e.g., blinatumomab (MT-103). Methods of treatment of patients having or being at risk of clinical adverse events caused by therapy which comprises re-directing of T-cells against target cells are also contemplated, as are methods of identifying a compound for administration in the methods of prophylaxis, amelioration and/or treatment.

Abstract: Provided are methods for optimizing therapy of, treating a patient having, or selecting (identifying) patients who will benefit from treatment for, a cancer (e.g., a non-hematological cancer; e.g., a gynecological cancer). The methods comprise determining whether the patient will benefit from treatment with an ErbB3 inhibitor (e.g., an anti-ErbB3 antibody), with or without either a taxane or an aromatase inhibitor, or with a taxane or an aromatase inhibitor in the absence of an ErbB3 inhibitor, based on levels of particular biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers measured in a biological sample obtained from the patient. The methods further comprise optimizing the patient's therapy, selecting the patient for treatment, or treating the patient accordingly. In various aspects the biological samples are sections of a biopsy (e.g., a formalin fixed paraffin embedded biopsy). In other aspects the biomarkers are proteins and/or nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in improving the antibody constant region to have increased stability under acid conditions, reduced heterogeneity originated from disulfide bonds in the hinge region, reduced heterogeneity originated from the H chain C terminus, and increased stability at high concentrations as well as in discovering novel constant region sequences having reduced Fc? receptor-binding, while minimizing the generation of novel T-cell epitope peptides. As a result, the present inventors successfully discovered antibody constant regions with improved physicochemical properties (stability and homogeneity), immunogenicity, safety, and pharmacokinetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides directed against or specifically binding to chemokine receptor CXCR2 and in particular to polypeptides capable of modulating signal transduction from CXCR2. The invention also relates to nucleic acids, vectors and host cells capable of expressing the polypeptides of the invention, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptides and uses of said polypeptides and compositions for treatment of diseases involving aberrant functioning of CXCR2.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind to prolactin receptor (PRLR) and methods of using the same. According to certain embodiments, the antibodies of the invention bind human PRLR with high affinity. In certain embodiments, the invention includes antibodies that bind PRLR and block prolactin-mediated cell signaling. In other embodiments, the invention includes antibodies that bind PRLR but do not block prolactin-mediated cell signaling. The antibodies of the invention may be fully human antibodies. The invention includes anti-PRLR antibodies conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, radionuclide, or other moiety detrimental to cell growth or proliferation. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of various cancers as well as other PRLR-related disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating pain using comprising RANK/RANKL antagonists.

Abstract: A highly stable mutant of human IgG4 antibody is provided. Such antibody is an antibody in which the CH3 domain of human IgG4 is substituted with the CH3 domain of human IgG1 and which exhibits inhibited aggregate formation, an antibody in which the CH3 and CH2 domains of human IgG4 are substituted with the CH3 and CH2 domains of human IgG1, respectively, or an antibody in which arginine at position 409 indicated in the EU index proposed by Kabat et al. of human IgG4 is substituted with lysine and which exhibits inhibited aggregate formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting the survival time of a patient suffering from myocardial infarction or the recurrence of a myocardial infarction. The method comprises the steps of i) determining the expression level of BAFF in a sample from the patient, ii) comparing the expression level with a predetermined reference value and iii) providing a good prognosis of the survival time or a low risk of the recurrence of a myocardial infarction when the expression level is lower than the predetermined reference value and a poor prognosis of the survival time or a high risk of the recurrence of a myocardial infarction when the expression level is higher than the predetermined reference value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silent Fc variants of anti-CD40 antibodies and compositions and methods of use of said antibodies for treating pathological disorders such as autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and/or for preventing or reducing the risk of graft rejection in transplantation.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating disorders associated with elevated levels of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) ligands and other biomarkers. The invention also relates to methods of treating, delaying the progression of, or otherwise ameliorating a symptom of a disorder associated with elevated levels of TLR4 ligands and other biomarkers using agents that interfere with or otherwise antagonize TLR4 signaling, including neutralizing anti-TLR4 antibodies.

Abstract: A human antibody or a functional fragment thereof having specific binding ability to CD98 which is derived from the cell membrane of cancer cells and is in the form of a complex with a protein having an amino acid transporter activity (for example, LAT1) is disclosed. This antibody binds to CD98 in the form of a dimer with LAT1 on the surface of cancer cells, specifically attacks cancer cells expressing CD98 via the immune system by ADCC or CDC, and further inhibits amino acid uptake of the cancer cells via LAT1, to suppress growth of the cancer cells. Accordingly, a preventive and therapeutic agent for cancer comprising this antibody or a fragment thereof, which acts on various cancers, is specific to cancer, and causes no side effect, is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antigen binding site for binding to a P2X7 receptor, the antigen binding site being defined by general formula 1: FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4.

Abstract: In this application are described chimeric, humanized, affinity matured, stability enhanced, and bispecific Anti-GD2 antibodies and fragments thereof. Also provided are methods of using individual antibodies or compositions thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of GD2-related diseases, in particular, neuroblastoma.

Abstract: The invention provides a product combination or composition, and also multispecific antibodies comprising two or more antigen-binding sites (as antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof), wherein two the antigen-binding bind to distinct non-overlapping epitopes of the human c-Met protein. The product combination or composition or multispecific antibody inhibits HGF-independent activation of the human c-Met receptor protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind to the human c-Met receptor protein and that act as strict antagonists of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-mediated activation of the c-Met receptor and also inhibit HGF-independent activation of the human c-Met protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for expression and production of recombinant antibodies in a host cell system, such as prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems. Particularly contemplated are recombinant systems for temporally separated expression of light chain and heavy chain of antibodies. The antibody products including antibody fragments can be used in various aspects of biological research, diagnosis and medical treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anti-migis-??antibody specific for the migis-? of human m? chain that can bind to mIgA on B lymphocytes, cause the lysis of mIgA-expressing B lymphocytes, and decrease IgA production by IgA-secreting B lymphocytes. Disclosed further is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the anti-migis-? antibody and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Disclosed further is a method for lysing mIgA-expressing B lymphocytes and reducing IgA production in a human subject in vivo by employing an antibody specific for the migis-? of human m? chain that can bind to mIgA on B lymphocytes, cause the lysis of mIgA-expressing B lymphocytes, and decrease IgA production by IgA-secreting B lymphocytes.

Abstract: Provided is a protein-polymer complex which is capable of detecting a target with good sensitivity. Specifically provided is a protein-polymer complex comprising a polymer having a glutamine (Gln) residue or a primary amine on a side chain, wherein either a protein having a primary amine is bound to the glutamine (Gln) residue, or a protein having a glutamine (Gln) residue is bound to the primary amine.

Abstract: A process for producing thermally inhibited starch is described resulting in a visco-stable starch product with improved whiteness. The process comprises pretreating a dry starch with an alkaline solution in a water-miscible solvent, adjusting the water content of the starch to below 12 wt. %, heating the starch at a temperature between 140 and 190° C., preferably between 140 and 180° C., and cooling and optionally further processing the starch. The thermally inhibited starch has the advantages of not being chemically modified. The process is more flexible and faster than conventional inhibition processes.

Abstract: A troche comprising at least 5 mg hyaluronan, wherein the troche is adherent, and wherein hyaluronan is released from the troche, is used to treat mucositis, including stomatitis, vestibulitis, aphthous ulcerations, lichen planus and Behcet's syndrome. A method for treating or preventing mucositis in a patient is provided, comprising applying to a mucosal surface or a tooth or orthodontic brace of a patient in need thereof an adhering troche comprising at least 5 mg hyaluronan.

Abstract: Disclosed are ethylenically unsaturated salts of allyl (poly)ether sulfates utilized as reactive surfactants (emulsifiers) during emulsion polymerization.

Abstract: Superabsorbent material, comprising clay-crosslinked superabsorbent polymers, obtainable by polymerizing in a spray-stream, polymerizable compounds in the presence of a polymerization initiator system, and nano-sized or individual clay particles, which are all introduced into a vessel by a spraying step in the form of a said spray-stream thereof, whereby said clay particles crosslink said polymers during polymerization. The invention also relates to such a process and absorbent articles comprising such superabsorbent material.