Abstract: The present invention provides a novel CXCL12-?2 locked dimer polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using said dimer in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disease, and HIV/AIDS.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel regulators of plasminogen activation and their use for regulating cell migration, plasminolysis, angiogenesis, fibrinolysis, for treating cancer and thrombo-embolic diseases such as heart stroke. Furthermore, the present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions form regulating cell migration, plasminolysis, angiogenesis and for treating cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of regulating the activation of plasminogen comprising contacting a solution of pro-urokinase (uPA) or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen with melanotransferrin (p97) for a time sufficient to effect regulation thereof.

Abstract: Methods for treating obesity are disclosed which comprise administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an amylin or an amylin agonist alone or in conjunction with another obesity relief agent.

Abstract: Novel ?10 polypeptides and heterodimers thereof, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same are disclosed. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, selective binding agents, and methods for producing ?10 polypeptides and heterodimeric forms thereof, specifically ?2/?10. Also provided for are methods for the treatment, diagnosis, amelioration, or prevention of diseases with ?10 polypeptides and ?2/?10 heterodimers or their respective binding agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating an immune response in a subject are provided. Methods include administering to the subject a composition comprising an effective amount of a lymphocyte differentiation factor, e.g., protein A (PA), sufficient to modulate the immune response. Compositions include a lymphocyte differentiation factor, e.g., protein A (PA), in an amount less than 1 ?g.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are provided for treating diabetes and/or restoring ?-cell mass and function in a mammal in need thereof. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by immune damage to pancreatic beta-cells. Lisofylline analogs (LSF analogs) are immunomodulators that reduce interlukin 12 signaling and reduce the onset of T1DM in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. A combination therapy with both LSF analog (pretreatment) and INGAP provides protection from autoimmune destruction. The concomitant or combination of an LSF analog and INGAP after pre-treatment with an LSF analog is an effective therapy for a disease or condition resulting from the loss of pancreatic islet cells or insulin production in a mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating benign, pre-cancerous, or non-metastatic tumors using an anti-VEGF-specific antagonist. Also disclosed are methods of treating a subject at risk of developing benign, pre-cancerous, or non-metastatic tumors using an anti-VEGF-specific antagonist. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing recurrence of a tumor using an anti-VEGF-specific antagonist as well as use of VEGF-specific antagonists in neoadjuvant and adjuvant cancer therapy.

Abstract: A method of treating Multiple Sclerosis is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of SDF-1 alpha. An article of manufacture comprising SDF-1 alpha and an anti-Multiple Sclerosis agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A peptide having a sequence which satisfies all of the following requirements (I) to (V) and has an activity of stimulating an immune cell: (I) the number of constituent amino acid residues is 12 to 36; (II) the sequence is amphipathic; (III) the charge of the whole molecule is +2 or more; (IV) when constituent amino acid residues are arranged so as to form an a-helical structure, a side chain of any aromatic amino acid residue is not located between side chains of at least two positively charged amino acid residues on a side where hydrophilic amino acid residues are located; and (V) the sequence contains an amino acid residue which serves as a cleavage point for a mitochondrial processing enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel method for preparing a stable immunogenic product comprising antigenic heterocomplexes of TNF? and a carrier protein, the method steps of which are disclosed in the specification.

Abstract: Antigen specific immune tolerance is induced in a mammalian host by administration of a toleragen in combination with a regimen of immunosuppression. The methods optionally include a preceding conditioning period, where immunosuppressive agents are administered in the absence of the toleragen. After the tolerizing regimen, the host is withdrawn from the suppressive agents, but is able to maintain specific immune tolerance to the immunogenic epitopes present on the toleragen. Optimally, the toleragen will have high uptake properties that allow uptake in vivo at low concentrations in a wide variety of tolerizing cell types.

Abstract: A therapeutic or prophylactic treatment method of ischemia, such as due to myocardial infarction, by administering thrombopoietin, alone or in combination with other drugs, to a patient suffering from or at risk of cardiac injury, such as myocardial ischemia. The thrombopoietin is administered in a concentration such that the subject's platelet count or production of platelets is not significantly affected.

Abstract: The invention provides a new glucocorticoid receptor coactivator named STAMP (Steroid receptor coactivator-1 and Transcription intermediary factor-2 Associated Modulatory Protein) that can modulate transcription of glucocorticoid-, progesterone-, mineralocorticoid- and androgen-responsive genes. The invention also provides antibodies that can bind STAMP and modulate its activity. In addition, the invention provides antisense, ribozyme and siRNA STAMP nucleic acids that can modulate the expression of STAMP. Also provided are compositions and methods for modulating glucocorticoid-responsive gene expression and for treating a variety of diseases and conditions.

Abstract: The effects of GLP-2 are enhanced using a GLP-1 activity inhibitor. For medical use to treat or inhibit the onset of medical conditions, disorder or diseases for which treatment with GLP-2 is indicated, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical combination comprising a GLP-2 activity enhancer, and a GLP-1 activity inhibitor. The combination is useful particularly to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as small bowel syndrome, mucositis and Crohn's disease, and to suppress appetite, for instance to treat obesity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and uses for controlling tight blood glucose levels in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a somatostatin inhibitor. The present disclosure provides methods and uses for treating or preventing hypoglycemia in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a somatostatin inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for reducing a condition associated with fetal alcohol syndrome in a subject who is exposed to alcohol in utero with an ADNF polypeptide (e.g, ADNF I polypeptides, ADNF III polypeptides, or mixtures of ADNF I and ADNF III polypeptides). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for reducing a condition associated with fetal alcohol syndrome in a subject who is exposed to alcohol in utero with a mixture of ADNF I and ADNF III polypeptides. The present invention further relates to methods for reducing neuronal cell death by contacting neuronal cells with a mixture of ADNF I and ADNF III polypeptides. Still further, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a mixture of ADNF I and ADNF III polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition including an effective amount of at least one of an antimicrobial peptide and a substance having an antimicrobial peptide effect and an effective amount of a neurotrophin. The composition can also include an effective amount of at least one of a growth factor and a neuropeptide. The present invention also relates a method of treating an injury to a nervous system of an animal that includes the steps of identifying the injury to the nervous system and applying to the injury an effective amount of at least one of antimicrobial peptide and a substance having an antimicrobial peptide effect. The method can also include applying an effective amount of one or more trophic factors selected from the group consisting of a growth factor, a neurotrophin, and a neuropeptide to the injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of immunogenic peptides comprising a T-cell epitope derived from a soluble allofactor and a redox motif such as C-(X)2-[CST] or [CST]-(X)2-C in the prevention and/or suppression of immune responses to said soluble allofactor and in the manufacture of medicaments therefore.

Abstract: The invention concerns a concentrated hormone pharmaceutical composition having from about 0.6 to about 80% of at least one hormone; from about 20 to about 90.4% of at least one solvent, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The concentrated hormone pharmaceutical composition according to this invention provides a concentrated pharmaceutical composition that is easy to use and saves time and money to the pharmacies dealing with BHRT pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to intrauterine devices that release progestins or an inflammatory cytokine after placement. These devices can be used to reduce the risk of a woman developing endometrial cancer. The invention is also directed to therapeutic methods in which a sample of uterine cells obtained from a woman is assayed to determine the extent to which PTEN null clones (latent endometrial precancers) are present. In cases where the number of such null clones is high, the woman is administered an intrauterine device that releases either a progestin or an inflammatory cytokine.

Abstract: The present invention provides to immunogene therapy protocols for the treatment of tumors. In particular, the present invention provides combinations of immune-modulating proteins that induce systemic immunity against tumors. In addition, the present invention provides humanized animal models suitable for the evaluation of anti-human tumor immunity and permit the identification of combinations of immune-modulating genes which when delivered to human tumor cells induce an effective anti-tumor response, including a systemic anti-tumor response.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulin resistance improving agent and a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes, which contain a C-terminal globular domain of adiponectin, adiponectin, or a gene for the domain or adiponectin. The invention also provides a method for improving insulin resistance and treating type 2 diabetes by administering the aforementioned agent(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using a pheromone, a luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from or suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel neuregulin related ligand (NRG3) including fragments and variants thereof, as new members of the neuregulin family of compounds. The invention also concerns methods and means for producing NRG3. The native polypeptides of the invention are characterized by containing an extracellular domain including an EGF-like domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain. Isolated nucleotide sequences encoding such polypeptides, expression vectors containing the nucleotide sequences, recombinant host cells transformed with the vectors, and methods for the recombinant production for the novel NRG3s are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of for treating insulin resistance and a method identifying a compound for treating insulin resistance.

Abstract: The regenerative potential of aged stem cells is enhanced by activation of the Notch signaling pathway and/or inhibition of TGF-? signaling pathway. Stem cells in aged tissues are capable of proliferation and tissue regeneration, but in their native setting are not provided with the appropriate signals to do so. By administering tissue regenerating agents, organ stem/progenitor cells are provided with the appropriate signals to regenerate the corresponding differentiated tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a GM-CSF neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, 1783J22, as well as methods of making and use thereof. The monoclonal antibody is further characterized by its ability to bind epitopes from GM-CSF proteins of multiple species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and composition of a depot implant for optimal delivery of growth factors to treat osteoporotic bone, in that such depot implant is constructed to be in a cylinder (rod) or sphere shape and have a natural or synthetic polymer scaffold with or without impregnated calcium phosphate particles. The density of the depot is higher than a typical BMP sponge carrier to facilitate it's implantation and slower release of the growth factor. The scaffold is such that it has adequate porosity and pore size to facilitate growth factor seeding and diffusion throughout the whole of the bone structure resulting in increased bone mineral density in the osteoporotic bone. In addition, the shape of the depot implant allows for delivery through a cannula or large bore needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least one cytokine from the IL-6 family -gp130, preferably selected from among IL-11, the leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM), cardiotrophin-1, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), the cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC) and combinations thereof or a DNA sequence encoding same, in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition which is intended for combined administration with at least one IFN-? or a DNA sequence encoding same, for use in the treatment of viral diseases. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable quantity of at least one cytokin from the IL-6 family ?gp130 or a DNA sequence encoding same and a pharmaceutically-acceptable quantity of at least one IFN-? or a DNA sequence encoding same, a pharmaceutical kit and a method for the treatment of viral diseases with the combined administration of the aforementioned cytokines and IFN-?.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell adhesion molecule (CAM), designated F11 receptor (F11R), which is a member of the immunoglobulin super family localized on the surface of human platelets, and determined to effect platelet aggregation, secretion, platelet spreading and cellular adhesion. Cloned F11R cDNA and full length F11R cDNA and amino acid sequences are provided. F11R-antagonists and methods for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, stroke and other clinical disorders involving thrombus formation are also provided.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and prevention of bone loss diseases including osteoporosis in a mammal.

Abstract: An isolated VEGF polypeptide having anti-angiogenic activity, said polypeptide including the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID NO. 1, or variants thereof.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in a mammalian female, said method comprising the co-administration to said female of —a substance having follicle stimulating hormone activity (FSH substance) in an amount effective to stimulate multiple follicular development; —gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist in an amount equivalent to a daily subcutaneous dose of at least 0.5 mg ganirelix to prevent a premature LH-surge; and —a LH substance in an amount effective to prevent or suppress symptoms of luteinising hormone (LH) deficiency resulting from the administration of the GnRH antagonist; followed by administering a meiosis and luteinisation inducing substance (ML substance) in an amount effective to stimulate resumption of meiosis and luteinisation, and wherein the LH substance is not obtained from the urine of human females.

Abstract: Formulations of modified human growth hormone polypeptides are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating cancer involving administering an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1 receptor) agonist and an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Also provided are compounds for treating cancer comprising an IGF-1-receptor ligand coupled to an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Also provided are compounds for treating cancer comprising an insulin-receptor ligand coupled to an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to agents for binding and/or inactivating native ghrelin. These agents include those that specifically bind and/or cleave octanoylated native ghrelin. Such agents include antibodies and enzymes. The agents also include those that can be used to generate antibodies that specifically hind and/or cleave octanoylated native ghrelin. Compositions that include the agents are also provided. Further provided are methods of producing and using the agents and compositions thereof. For instance, the agents and compositions can be used to reduce or eliminate the hunger response activity of octanoylated native ghrelin. Therefore, the agents, compositions and methods provided can be used to suppress appetite and/or treat obesity. In addition, the agents, compositions and methods can be used to treat any disease associated with or caused by ghrelin (e.g., Prader-Willi Syndrome).

Abstract: It is intended to provide a novel polypeptide having an activity of growing vascular endothelial cells, an activity of promoting transcription form c-fos promoter, an activity of promoting transciption from VEGF promoter and/or an angiogenic activity; a polynucleotide encoding this polypeptide; the above polypeptide and/or a pharmaceutical composition containing the polypeptide for treating a disease selected from the group consisting of obstructive arteriosclerosis, Buerger's disease, peripheral vascular disorder, angina, myocardial infraction, brain infarction, ischemic heart disease and ischemic brain disease; a method of treating these diseases; and an antibacterial composition. The above problems can be solved by isolating a novel peptide having the above-described activities and a nucleotide encoding this peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a segment of glycosylation-deficient HGF having mutation(s) introduced into an amino acid sequence so as to prevent glycosylation at at least one glycosylation site of a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and a method of producing the same. The segment of glycosylation-deficient HGF of the present invention has the same activity as that of a segment of glycosylated HGF, therefore, it is useful as an alternate for a segment of glycosylated HGF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemically stable muteins of type 1 Placental Growth Factor (PLGF-1) bearing the substitution or elimination of a cysteine residue from the wild type protein amino acid sequence, their preparation, their therapeutic and cosmetic uses, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions containing the derivatives. The invention likewise relates to the production of antibodies for the derivatives and their use in the diagnosis and treatment of tumoral and non-tumoral pathologies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing neuronal production in the brain, recruiting neurons to the brain, and treating a neurodegenerative condition by providing a nucleic acid construct encoding a neurotrophic factor, and injecting the nucleic acid construct intraventricularly into a subject's brain.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of IL-6 in liver cirrhosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits for the treatment of bone particularly impaired or damaged bone.

Abstract: Provided are purified and isolated VEGF-C polypeptides capable of binding to at least one of KDR receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-2) and Flt4 receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-3); analogs of such peptides that have VEGF-C-like or VEGF-like biological activities or that are VEGF or VEGF-C inhibitors; polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides; vectors and host cells that embody the polynucleotides; pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic reagents comprising the polypeptides; and methods of making and using the polypeptides. Methods of inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation are also provided.

Abstract: Anti-cancer agents and/or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta or TGF?) antagonists are disclosed, where the agents and/or antagonists include a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of therapeutically active portions of sRII and therapeutically active portions of sRIII or a fusion polypeptide or protein comprising therapeutically active portions of sRII and therapeutically active portions of sRIII. Methods for preventing, treating and/or ameliorating the symptoms of cancer are also disclosed based on administering an effective amount of a composition of this invention.

Abstract: Polypeptides which are an N- and/or C-terminally truncated fragment of the human osteopontin (hOPN) sequence or species variant, and which minimally have a 15 amino acid sequence corresponding to amino acids 138 to 152 of hOPN, and polynucleotides encoding said polypeptide, are useful for treatment or prevention of neurodegeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to G-CSF polypeptides and their uses, particularly for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment in human subjects. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids and recombinant cells containing the same. The invention further discloses methods of producing such polypeptides, as well as methods and tools for detecting or dosing these polypeptides in any sample.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention, including compounds that bind to a receptor for a glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an exendin, or an agonist, an analog (preferably an agonist analog), a derivative, or a variant of any of aforementioned compounds, are used in the prevention and treatment of arrhythmias associated with cardiac ischemia, cardiac ischemia-perfusion and/or congestive heart failure. The invention relates to both the method and compositions for such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating neurological conditions in a mammal by administering a hematopoietic growth factor such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF). The invention also provides methods of screening for compounds that bind to a GCSF or GMCSF receptor found on the surface of a neuronal cell; and which provides a neuroprotective, neuroproliferative and/or a STAT gene activation activity.

Abstract: Neuregulin, a known neuroprotein, has been found to ameliorate or prevent damage caused by mechanical or chemical assault to blood vessels and, when administered into the cerebral spinal fluid, can ameliorate damage to neuronal tissue caused by stroke, inflammation or organophosphate neurotoxins. Additionally, neuregulin has been found to be useful for enhancement of stem cell migration from the ventricle to the site of injury to the brain.

Abstract: The present invention features a novel combination therapy useful in the treatment of autoimmune disease that increases or maintains the number of functional cells of a predetermined type in a mammal by killing or inactivating autoimmune cells and re-educating the host immune system.