Abstract: A composition for inducing an immune response in a mammal, comprises lymphoid cells in which expression of tumor antigens has been chemically induced. The tumor antigens are induced in proliferating normal lymphoid cells, especially during the log phase of proliferation. The proliferation of the normal lymphoid cells is stimulated by normal mature dendritic cells. Most conveniently, the lymphoid cells are lymphocytes, especially peripheral blood lymphocytes. The tumor antigens are typically cancer/testis antigens, which may be chemically induced by DNA demethylation. Cancer/testis antigens are expressed in a wide range of tumors, so the composition is able to raise an immune response that is effective against a wide range of tumors, despite the fact that it is derived from normal cells. The composition may be used for preparation of an anti-tumor vaccine for prophylactic or therapeutic use.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, improved replicons and vectors encoding them, where the replicons provide sustained expression of an encoded protein. These replicons comprise flavivirus replicases and heterologous protein coding sequences, wherein the heterologous protein coding sequences are flanked by separation sequences for improved efficacy. These nucleic acids provided by the invention, including self-replicating RNAs provided by the invention, are useful in methods of protein expression, such as for vaccines (e.g., for methods of immunization), as well as expression of therapeutic proteins, such as antibodies (e.g., for methods of treatment).

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of molecular biology, virology, immunology and medicine. The invention provides a composition comprising an ordered and repetitive antigen or antigenic determinant array. The invention also provides a process for producing an antigen or antigenic determinant in an ordered and repetitive array. The ordered and repetitive antigen or antigenic determinant is useful in the production of vaccines for the treatment of infectious diseases, the treatment of allergies and as a pharmaccine to prevent or cure cancer and to efficiently induce self-specific immune responses, in particular antibody responses.

Abstract: In certain aspects the invention provides HIV-1 engineered envelope proteins and their uses. The engineered envelopes comprise a sequence that prevents cleavage of the envelope associated with recombinant expression in a cell line, and N-terminal deletion which improves envelope expression as a monomer.

Abstract: HIV-1 envelope proteins and fragments that possess naturally occurring and novel engineered epitopes that can be used to elicit (and are recognized by) broadly neutralizing antibodies.

Abstract: A method of immunization against Group B Streptococcus infection, using an immunogenic composition conjugates of GBS capsular saccharide conjugated to carrier proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions and methods for producing them, and in particular, immunogenic compositions comprising a protein antigen cross linked to an oxoadenine adjuvant.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of treating a patient suffering from a localized fibrotic condition which comprises administering to the patient an amount of an IL-33 antagonist effective to treat the patient. The subject invention also provides a method of treating a patient suffering from a localized fibrotic condition which comprises administering to the patient an amount of a TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) antagonist effective to treat the patient. The invention additionally provides a method of treating a patient suffering from liver fibrosis of lung fibrosis which comprises administering to the patient an amount of a TNFR2 antagonist effective to treat the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind to EGFR and methods of using same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human EGFR with high affinity. In certain embodiments, the antibodies of the present invention are capable of inhibiting the growth of tumor cells expressing high levels of EGFR and/or inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of such cells. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of various cancers as well as other EGFR-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind to ErbB3 and methods of using same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human ErbB3. In certain embodiments, the antibodies of the present invention block the interaction of ErbB3 with an ErbB3 ligand such as neuregulin 1. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of various cancers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a host cell protein-(HCP) reduced antibody preparation from a mixture comprising an antibody and at least one HCP, comprising an ion exchange separation step wherein the mixture is subjected to a first ion exchange material, such that the HCP-reduced antibody preparation is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating cell proliferation disorders comprising: (1) administering to the subject at least one activatable pharmaceutical agent that is capable of activation by a simultaneous two photon absorption event and of effecting a predetermined cellular change when activated; (2) administering at least one plasmonics-active agent to the subject, and (3) applying an initiation energy from an initiation energy source to the subject, wherein the plasmonics-active agent enhances or modifies the applied initiation energy, such that the enhanced or modified initiation energy activates the activatable pharmaceutical agent by the simultaneous two photon absorption event in situ, thus causing the predetermined cellular change to occur, wherein said predetermined cellular change treats the cell proliferation related disorder; and the use of plasmonics enhanced photospectral therapy (PEPST) and exiton-plasmon enhanced phototherapy (EPEP) in the treatment of various cell prolifer

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition containing a nucleic acid molecule and a buffer, and having the features of (a) being in the form of a solution at ambient temperature; and (b) a content of the nucleic acid molecule after storage at 25° C., relative humidity 60% for 4 weeks, of not less than 80% relative to the content at the time of start of the storage.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an aminoglycosidic antibiotic and at least one zinc-chelating agent in a specified concentration, and methods of inhibiting bacterial colonization, biofilm formation and if treating bacterial infections utilizing the compositions are provided. Topical formulations suitable for wound care, and surface-applicable formulations suitable for medical, industrial and household disinfecting needs are also described.

Abstract: An aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising 200-1000 U/mL of insulin glulisine.

Abstract: Compositions may include a pharmaceutical active agent, a high viscosity liquid carrier material (HVLCM), a lactic acid-based polymer, and an organic solvent. Related compositions and methods are also disclosed. For instance, a carrier formulation for controlled release of injectable drugs is disclosed. The formulation may include a non-water soluble high viscosity liquid which may be sucrose acetate isobutyrate, a lactic-acid based polymer which may be a poly(lactic acid)(glycolic acid), and an organic solvent which maintains the composition in a monophasic form at 25° C. in one atmosphere. Drug in the formulation may be released upon administration such that less than 10% (e.g. 2-8%) of drug is released in the first 5 hours; 10% to 80% of the drug is released during a period of 5 hours to 7 days after administration; and 10% to 40% of the drug is released gradually over a period of 7 days to 28 days from initial administration. The drug may be an anti-schizophrenia agent delivered by injection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to film coating compositions for use on oral dosage forms such as compressed tablets and other orally-ingestible substrates which contain a water-soluble polymer and guar gum. The film coating compositions can be applied either directly to a substrate or after the substrate has been coated with a subcoat. In preferred aspects, the water-soluble polymer is a cellulosic or vinyl polymer. Aqueous suspensions containing the inventive film coating compositions and the coated substrates themselves are also disclosed. The resulting coated substrates have relatively low coefficients of static and dynamic friction on wet surfaces rendering them easier to swallow than prior art compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a non-woven fabric type composite hemostatic agent, obtained by overlapping (i) at least one web of a first polymer selected from the group consisting of biodegradable polymers, oxidative regeneration cellulose, and alkali metal salt neutralizers of oxidative regeneration cellulose and (ii) at least one web of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of oxidative regeneration cellulose and alkali metal salt neutralizers thereof, followed by needle punching, compressing, and integrating.

Abstract: Described herein are platinum-based brush-arm star polymers (Pt-BASPs), or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, for delivery of platinum-based agents, such as cisplatin. Also provided are methods and kits involving the Pt-BASPs, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, for treating proliferative diseases such as cancers (e.g., lung cancer, head-and-neck cancer, esophagus cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, pancreas cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate cancer) in a subject.

Abstract: The disclosure describes prodrugs and derivatives of prostaglandins, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists and other drugs, as well as controlled delivery formulations containing such prodrugs and derivatives, for the treatment of ocular disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides amphiphilic telodendrimers that aggregate to form nanocarriers characterized by a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic exterior. The nanocarrier core may include amphiphilic functionality such as cholic acid or cholic acid derivatives, and the exterior may include branched or linear poly(ethylene glycol) segments. Nanocarrier cargo such as hydrophobic drugs and other materials may be sequester in the core via non-covalent means or may be covalently bound to the telodendrimer building blocks. Telodendrimer structure may be tailored to alter loading properties, interactions with materials such as biological membranes, and other characteristics.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are presented in which recombinant IL-11 is PEGylated to achieve improved half-life in serum while having desirable therapeutic activity and presenting less side-effects. Most preferably, the IL-11 is an N-terminally truncated human or humanized IL-11 and has a 20 Kd or 40 Kd branched PEG moiety, Y- or comb-shaped in particular, coupled to the N-terminal amino group. Such compounds are characterized by substantially increased stability in serum and sustained biological activity while exhibiting significantly reduced plasma expansion.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising two or more therapeutically active agents, such as two or more anticancer agents, conjugated to one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein the molar ratio of the agents and/or schedules of delivery provide a synergistic therapeutic effect, are described. Methods of making and using the pharmaceutical compositions are further described. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions contain topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II inhibitors conjugated to the same or different biocompatible polymers. The two or more anticancer agents are covalently coupled to the polymer(s), and thereby can be delivered to a tumor at a molar ratio which provides a synergistic effect. Optionally, the agents are coupled indirectly to the polymer(s) via a linker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for enhancing the delivery of an agent across the blood brain barrier utilizing a composition comprising an inhibitor of PIKfyve.

Abstract: Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.

Abstract: Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody-drug conjugate, in particular, to an antibody-drug conjugate targeting an epidermal growth factor receptor. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising the antibody-drug conjugate, and use of the antibody-drug conjugate in manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a disease associated with epidermal growth factor receptor, in particular in manufacture of a medicament for prophylaxis and/or treatment of colon cancer, rectal cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer and esophageal cancer. The antibody-drug conjugate of the invention has a good inhibition activity on tumor cell growth both in vivo and in vitro, and has low toxicity, and thus has a good application prospect.

Abstract: This application discloses immunoconjugates comprising antibodies against a particular target (such as cancer associated antigen or cancer specific antigen) that are conjugated with an immune enhancer, recruiter or solicitor. Also discloses are compositions and methods of using the inventive immunoconjugates to treat cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies comprising multiple non-natural amino acid residues at site-specific positions, compositions comprising the antibodies, methods of their production and methods of their use. The antibodies are useful for methods of treatment and prevention, methods of detection and methods of diagnosis.

Abstract: A nanostructure comprises a MOX NP and a bidentate ligand on a surface of the MOX NP. A cancer recognition molecule is covalent coupled to the surface of the MOX NP via the bidentate ligand. A biocatalyst is also coupled to the surface of the MOX nanoparticle via the bidentate ligand. The cancer recognition molecule includes a structure configured to selectively recognize a corresponding antigen on a surface of a cancer cell and bind to the antigen. The biocatalyst is structured to selectively catalyze the oxidation of a light emitting compound to produce photons. The photons transform the MOX NPs into an excited state such that the MOX NPs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vicinity of the cancer cells in the excited state. The reactive oxygen species lyse or cause apoptosis in the cancer cells in situ. The biocatalyst includes luciferase and the light emitting compound includes luciferin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are tyrosine-modified rAAV vectors, as well as infectious virions, compositions, and pharmaceutical formulations that comprise them. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and methods for using the disclosed tyrosine-phosphorylated capsid protein mutant rAAV vectors in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications including in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy, and large-scale production of rAAV vectors.

Abstract: The design and generation of a number of chimeric VSV-G (or VSV-G variants) proteins are used as transfer vehicles to enhance delivery of nucleic acids like plasmid DNA, single and double stranded DNA and RNA, and antisense oligonucleotides into human and animal cells. These chimeric VSV-G protein-nucleic acid transfer vehicles have widespread applications to deliver nucleic acids for exon skipping and gene delivery for gene replacement in human and animals.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the role for miR-322(424)/503 in the differentiation of cardiac precursor cells. Thus, the use of these molecules in the programming of resident stem/progenitor cells into cardiomyocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction to prevent or limit scarring and to promote myocardial repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Adeno-associated virus 9 methods and materials useful for systemically delivering polynucleotides across the blood brain barrier. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to methods and materials useful for systemically delivering polynucleotides to the central and peripheral nervous systems. The present invention also relates to Adeno-associated virus type 9 methods and materials useful for intrathecal delivery of polynucleotides. Use of the methods and materials is indicated, for example, for treatment of lower motor neuron diseases such as spinal muscle atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as well as Pompe disease and lysosomal storage disorders. Use of the methods and materials is also indicated, for example, for treatment of Rett syndrome.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to a peptide based biomaterial for visualization by SHG microscopy. In particular the invention relates to the use of short peptides as a non-linear optical (NLO) material for second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. A preferred short peptide comprises LIVAGK (LK6) and contains a non-polar aliphatic tail (with decreasing hydrophobicity) and a polar head; and can self-assemble into hydrogels; wherein which the peptide forms a tunable fibrous structure for in vitro and in vivo imaging applications and is suitable in disease diagnostics such as amyloidosis, including 1) neuro-degenerative amyloidosis, e.g. Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's, Huntington's (PD), 2) non-neuropathic localized amyloidosis such as in Type II Diabetes, and 3) systemic amyloidosis that occurs in multiple tissues, e.g. cataracts and lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD), as well as drug delivery and/or wound dressings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) as defined herein as well as conjugates comprising said compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds or conjugates. Also encompassed are methods for selectively detecting oligomeric proteins or peptides associated with a conformational disorder in a sample, and methods for diagnosing or treating a conformational disorder associated with protein or peptide oligomers in a subject.

Abstract: A composition, as well as methods using the composition, for detection or quantification of a molecule at a singlet state (e.g., singlet oxygen). The composition includes one or more nanoparticles, and the nanoparticle has an energy donor, an energy acceptor associated with the energy donor, and an energy transfer mechanism between the energy donor and the energy acceptor.

Abstract: A ferumoxytol-based dual-modality imaging probe for long-term stem cell tracking through MRI and early diagnosis of cell apoptosis through simultaneous fluorescence imaging is provided. Specifically, a ferumoxytol-based dual-modality imaging probe is provided with enhanced T2* relaxivity for tracking stem cells through magnetic resonance imaging and detecting apoptotic stem cells through fluorescence imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel substituted ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid bisamide derivatives, their complexes with Mn(II) ion and the use thereof as contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis.

Abstract: Acoustically responsive stabilized microbubbles formulated with a phospholipid monolayer shell, an encapsulated bioactive gas, and an encapsulated perfluorocarbon gas of the formula CxFy in a volume ratio of from about 10:1 to about 1:10, wherein X is greater than or equal to 3, are disclosed. Also provided are methods for promoting localized vasodilation in a patient in need thereof by delivering a microbubble comprising a phospholipid monolayer shell and an encapsulated bioactive gas locally to a target diseased section of the patient's vasculature; and releasing the bioactive gas at the target diseased section, wherein the microbubble comprises the bioactive gas in a ratio of from about 10:1 to about 1:10 by volume with a perfluorocarbon gas.

Abstract: An improved ultrasound gel adapted to have a shiny effect by adding glitter to an ultrasound gel, using a silver, reflective label and using a silver, reflective dispenser closure. This improved ultrasound gel is adapted to a pink lavendula lavender color by using the preservatives as coloring agents. Lavender essential oil is used as a perfume and preservative. The reflective glitter, reflective label, and reflective dispenser closure allow the ultrasonographer to better see the ultrasound gel and bottle in a darkened ultrasound room. The ultrasound gel is improved to have an aesthetic effect for the patient and healthcare provider by providing the combination of both a pink lavendula lavender color and a lavender scent.

Abstract: Provided are methods to treat cancer, in which (1) a patient is first identified as having a cancer that is likely to be susceptible to gallium therapy, by the use of a gallium scan or other procedure that shows whether the cancer is gallium-avid, and (2) the patient is then treated with a pharmaceutically acceptable gallium composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for diagnosing eosinophilic esophagitis in a subject. Also disclosed are methods for monitoring the course of eosinophilic esophagitis in a subject before, during, and after treatment. In another aspect, disclosed is a method of diagnosing eosinophilic esophagitis or eosinophilic diseases in a subject, comprising detecting an eosinophil granule protein in the mucosal tissue of the esophagitis or other organs in a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to antibodies binding to MUC1-C/extracellular domain (MUC1-C/ECD) and methods of using such antibodies to treat cancers that express the MUC1 antigen.

Abstract: The application provides polypeptides comprising or essentially consisting of at least one heavy chain variable domain of a heavy chain antibody (VHH) or a functional fragment thereof, wherein said VHH or a functional fragment thereof specifically binds to a target protein that is present on and/or specific for a solid tumor, e.g. HER2. The application further provides nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; methods for preparing such polypeptides; host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; compositions, and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions, that comprise such polypeptides, nucleic acids and/or host cells. The application further provides such polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells and/or compositions, for use in methods for detection, imaging, prognosis and diagnosis of cancer as well as for predicting patient response(s) to therapeutics.

Abstract: A disinfection system for use in cleansing one or more medical devices or components that are placed on, in, or in proximity to a patient during a medical procedure is disclosed. Non-limiting examples of a medical component that may be cleansed by the disinfection system include an ultrasound probe or a chest sensor of a catheter placement system. In one embodiment, therefore, a disinfection system for a medical device is disclosed, comprising a container configured for proximate placement with respect to the medical device and an array of light sources included with the container. Each light source is configured to produce disinfecting light in a high energy visible light wavelength range. Further, the light sources are arranged to impinge the disinfecting light upon a portion of the medical device so as to disinfect the impinged surfaces of the medical device.

Abstract: A solution for disinfecting flowable products, such as liquids, suspensions, creams, colloids, emulsions, powders, and/or the like, as well as accessories and products relating thereto, such as containers, caps, brushes, applicators, and/or the like, using ultraviolet radiation is provided. In an embodiment, an ultraviolet impermeable cap is configured to enclose a volume corresponding to a flowable product. At least one ultraviolet radiation source can be mounted on the cap and be configured to generate ultraviolet radiation for disinfecting the enclosed area. The ultraviolet radiation source can be configured to only generate ultraviolet radiation when the volume is enclosed by the ultraviolet impermeable cap.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for cleaning or sanitization of an affinity chromatography matrix, comprising the steps of: a) providing an affinity chromatography matrix having oxidation-tolerant proteinaceous ligands coupled to a support, b) contacting the matrix with a sanitization solution comprising at least one oxidant defined by formula I, R—O—O—H (I) wherein R is hydrogen or an acyl group R?—C(O)—, with R? being a hydrogen or a methyl, ethyl or propyl group.

Abstract: A mobile unit for group exposure of equipment to an ozone gas treatment, said mobile unit including: a high capacity fan, a power generator, an ozone generator, an oxygen concentrator; an ozone level monitor; and at least one of: (i) a standing rack; and (ii) a rotating rack, each rack designed for holding a plurality of individual equipment for treatment. A method of using this mobile unit for bulk cleaning treatments is also disclosed.