Abstract: The use of a peptide is described as a carrier for the transport of molecules or radioisotopes into cancer cells; also described are modifications of said peptide and their use.

Abstract: The present specification provides drug delivery platforms useful for the controlled release of a compound over time in an individual.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of isolating and culturing neuronal stem cells from hypothalmi, methods of differentiating the neuronal cells into beta-endorphin neurons, and methods of treatment of various diseases comprising administering agents to differentiate endogenous neuronal stem cells into beta endorphin neurons.

Abstract: Compositions and methods involving administration of agents useful for the treatment, prevention, inhibition, etc., of inflammatory disease or fibrous adhesions using low sulphate fucans and, if desired, one or more other anti-inflammatory disease or anti-fibrous adhesion agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particle. The particle has a radius of less than about 1 ?m, and includes at least one peptide comprising at least a biologically active portion of CD47. The present invention also includes a method of increasing the life of a particle in vivo in a mammal, the method comprising attaching at least one peptide comprising at least a biologically active portion of CD47 to a particle and administering the particle having CD47 so attached to a mammal, wherein the administered particle has a longer half life in the mammal than an otherwise identical particle that does not have CD47 attached thereto.

Abstract: The present application provides compositions and methods useful for treating influenza. As described herein, the compositions and methods are based on the development of peptides and peptide combinations which exhibit immunogenic properties against influenza. In some embodiments, the peptide combinations induce a protective response against multiple strains of influenza, e.g., seasonal strains of influenza or even the new pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus of swine origin.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of molecular biology, virology, immunology and medicine. The invention provides a modified virus-like particle (VLP) comprising a VLP which can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs), and particular peptides derived from MelanA linked thereto. Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against MelanA peptide analogues optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against the MelanA peptide analogues are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of macular degeneration or other diseases or disorders associated with activation of TLR3. Administration of double stranded RNAs having a length of 22 nucleotides or less treats or prevents macular degeneration or other diseases or disorders associated with activation of TLR3 due to the ability of the RNAs to bind to but not activate TLR3. Furthermore, all double stranded RNAs (both targeted and non-targeted) of 22 nucleotides or less in length can bind to but not activate TLR3 and thereby treat or prevent such conditions. Also provided of a method for increasing the specificity of a desire siRNA target knockdown, the method comprising administering an amount of a target siRNA sufficient to knockdown a target gene and an amount of a double stranded RNA of 22 nucleotides or less which prevents the target siRNA from activating TLR3.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of ECM microparticles incorporating bioactive molecules for drug delivery has been developed, using a modified emulsification method or a water-in-oil-phase-separation method. The microspheres are photochemically crosslinked to control the release of the bioactive molecules for better drug delivery usage without compromising the biocompatibility of the crosslinked structures. The method uses mild fabrication conditions and simple processes, no toxic chemical crosslinking reagent, which may cause cytotoxicity and calcification after implantation, no organic solvents, which may reduce drug availability and bioactivity, and no vigorous stirring action, which may fragmentize material with poor shape and mechanical stability and thus destabilize the emulsion. The resulting microparticles or microspheres are of controlled size, controlled release, highly biocompatible, and useful for drug delivery as well as cell culture.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a plurality of injectable hollow particulate fillers suspended in a biocompatible fluid carrier to significantly improve the clumping resistance and injectability of the composition. The hollow particulate fillers have a lower effective density and are able to suspend in the carrier without precipitation. The loss of skin volume as a result of aging, diseases, weight loss, and injury can lead to uneven skin surface (e.g. wrinkle, etc.). The uneven skin can be repaired by injecting appropriate amount of hollow fillers underneath the skin. Some cases of urinary incontinence occur when the resistance to urine flow has decreased excessively. Continence is restored by injecting the present invention to the urethra tissue to increase resistance to urine outflow. Similarly, the present invention allows for the control of gastric fluid reflux by submucosal injections of the fillers to the esophageal-gastric and gastric-pyloric junction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament against tumors and their metastases, which preferentially settle in bone tissue, comprising active ingredient at least one binding molecule that binds to bone sialoprotein or a fragment thereof in serum or plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, desirably pharmaceutical compositions, containing micronized tanaproget. The compositions can also contain microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, anhydrous lactose, and magnesium stearate; or can contain microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, and magnesium stearate. The compositions are useful in contraception and hormone replacement therapy and in the treatment and/or prevention of uterine myometrial fibroids, benign prostatic hypertrophy, benign and malignant neoplastic disease, dysfunctional bleeding, uterine leiomyomata, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the pituitary, endometrium, kidney, ovary, breast, colon, and prostate and other hormone-dependent tumors, and in the preparation of medicaments useful therefor. Additional uses include stimulation of food intake.

Abstract: Methods are described for producing non-immunogenic nanoparticles from protein sources by controlling the pH in a nanoprecipitation process. The nanoparticles that are produced by the disclosed methods range in diameter size from about 100 ran to about 400 nm, with a preferred diameter size of from approximately 100 nm to approximately 300 nm, thereby rendering them non-immunogenic. The invention further discloses methods for producing nanoconjugates that are suitable for a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic and other uses.

Abstract: A method of controlling a physical characteristic of polymeric nanocarrier-encapsulated protein particles includes altering or selecting a weight percentage of a hydrophobic polymer block in a total amphiphilic diblock copolymer of a primary emulsion of a double emulsion, freeze-thaw technique. The primary emulsion is formed using a freeze-thaw cycle of the amphiphilic diblock copolymer and a protein having a molecular weight of up to or equal to 300,000 Da. Selection of the hydrophobic polymer block percentage alters one or more characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles, such as shape. Thus, as one aspect, a method of producing filamentous polymeric nanocarrier-encapsulated protein (i.e.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials, such as viruses, bacteria, cells, or liposomes, in freeze dried particles suitable for pulmonary administration. Methods provide spray freeze drying of formulations to form stable freeze dried particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powder delivery system containing a composition comprising gelatin or collagen powder having a mean particle size of at least 10 ?m. The gelatin or collagen powder is typically in dry form, i.e. no liquid components and/or propellants are added to the composition. The present invention is also directed to an improved powder delivery system which contains a protective structure, such as a skirt, located close to the orifice of the delivery system. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to gelatin- or collagen-based compositions useful in hemostatic applications. In a further aspect of the invention the powder delivery system comprises gelatin or collagen powder in a dry form ready to use. Further the powder delivery system in a dry form might comprise an agent incompatible with moisture and/or water.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using Monoamine Oxidase C (MAO-C), also known as renalase, as a therapeutic protein in its active and inactive forms. Administering inactive renalase protein to individuals with lower renalase levels can be used to provide them with an adequate pool of the protein that can be activated by the body as needed. Active renalase protein can be administered to individuals needing an immediate reduction of catecholamine levels. An inhibitor of renalase may be used to enhance adrenergic action.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an embolic material which, in some embodiments, may be in the form of a microsphere or a plurality of microspheres. The embolic material generally comprises carboxymethyl chitosan (CCN) crosslinked with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In some embodiments, the embolic material may further comprise a therapeutic agent, such as doxorubicin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means of inhibiting the growth and metastasis of cancer cells by administering anti-chemokine antibodies. It is possible to identify the particular chemokines which are over-expressed in the tumor using methods of the invention and administer antibodies against that over-expressed chemokine.

Abstract: A method of forming prolonged-release injectable steroids. The method includes providing a steroid composition, a bioabsorbable polymer and a solvent. A solution is formed from the steroid composition, the bioabsorbable polymer and the solvent. Droplets are formed from the solution. The solvent is removed from the droplets to cause the droplets to form microspheres.

Abstract: This invention provides a production method for a solid sustained-release preparation, characterized in that a sustained-release preparation (a sustained-release preparation suspension) is freeze-dried in a freeze-drying container whose inner face is partially or totally coated with an ice layer or water-repelling base material.

Abstract: A protein-phospholipid dispersion preparation in a drug delivery system is provided, in which the weight ratio of protein to phospholipid is 1:300-300:1 and the particle size is between 5 nm and 1000 nm. The preparation process of the said preparation contains the mixture of protein phase and phospholipid phase and the homogenization process. The said drug delivery system can be used in many different pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to producing medicinal agents for treating diabetes. There is proposed a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition containing insulin on a polysaccharide carrier, which involves mixing initial ingredients, wherein there is provided, for mixing, supplying positively charged chitosan sol with pH of 3.5 to 4.5 and negatively charged zinc free insulin, which is taken in the form of a colloidal solution or in the form of nanosized crystalline particles, bringing the pH of the mixed sol to a value of 5.5 to 6.5, producing a gel and dehydrating the produced gel to obtain solid particles, the size of which ranges from 10 to 100 mkm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a nanoparticulate cyclosporine having improved bioavailability. The nanoparticulate cyclosporine particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm in diameter and are useful in the prevention and treatment of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other related diseases. The invention also relates to a controlled release composition comprising a cyclosporine or a nanoparticulate cyclosporine that in operation delivers the drug in a pulsed or bimodal manner for the prevention and treatment of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other related diseases.

Abstract: A porous cellulose aggregate characterized by having a secondary aggregate structure resulting from aggregation of primary cellulose particles, having a pore volume within a particle of 0.265 to 2.625 cm3/g, containing I-type crystals and having an average particle size of over 30 to 250 ?m, a specific surface area of 0.1 to less than 20 m2/g, a repose angle of 25° to less than 44° and a swelling degree of 5% or more, and characterized by having the property of disintegrating in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of encapsulating biologically active agents such as proteins in particulate carriers such as nanoparticles using Hip agents. Also provided are compositions comprising particulate carriers obtainable by such methods and uses of such compositions in treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to excipients in powder form for use in solid pharmaceutical presentations, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer and a liquid or semisolid solubilizing surface-active substance.

Abstract: A sprayer device and related method that delivers multicellular aggregates in suspension. A purpose of the sprayer embodiment may be to deliver cells into chronic wound beds, and additional purposes of the sprayer include additional application in other cell delivery environments, such as during open-heart surgery or other surgeries where it may be desirable to treat internal organs with aggregates of stem cells.

Abstract: A method of producing water-insoluble anti-cancer drug in the form of particulates, the method including preparing a water-insoluble anti-cancer drug having at least one multiple bond in the structure, and irradiating said water-insoluble anti-cancer drug with a laser beam having a wavelength of a low absorption portion in the vicinity of the foot of an absorption curve on the long wavelength side within the absorption band until said water-insoluble anti-cancer drug is formed into particulates having an average particle diameter of 50 to 200 nm.

Abstract: A formulation for generating an adhesion barrier that includes a plurality of particles or a dry powder that is made of a polymer combination of at least one biodegradable polymer and at least one water soluble polymer is disclosed. Methods of making and delivering the formulation are further disclosed. The formulation of particles is deposited on a surface of internal body tissue and the deposited formulation absorbs moisture from the tissue and forms a film over the surface. The film acts as an adhesion barrier by reducing or preventing adhesion of the surface to other body tissue.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide hollow nanoparticles and uses thereof. In particular, the invention provides membrane-enclosed vesicles comprising a truncated form of an HBsAg S protein lacking one or two of its amino-terminal transmembrane domains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one active ingredient delivered by a nanoparticle. More specifically, the invention relates to solid pharmaceutical compositions comprising nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in the form of agglomerates with elevated equivalent aerodynamic diameters. The invention further relates to a process for producing such nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having conditions related to angiogenesis including administering an effective amount of a polymeric nanoparticle form of thyroid hormone agonist, partial agonist or an antagonist thereof, to promote or inhibit angiogenesis in the subject. Nanoparticle forms of thyroid hormone or thyroid hormone analogs as well as uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: An immunological adjuvant comprises an aluminium salt, an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and a polycationic polymer, wherein the oligonucleotide and the polymer ideally associate with each other to form a complex. The adjuvant can be included in a composition with an immunogen e.g. to elicit an immune response that protects against a bacterial disease or a fungal disease.

Abstract: The present invention concerns preferably surfactant-free solid pharmaceutical formulations comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one of irbesartan and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and at least one disintegrant. Preferably, the active ingredient comprises irbesartan hydrochloride. Also, the present invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of such formulations, including a wet granulation process (A) and a direct granulation process (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming granules of (2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(4-amino-2-oxo-2H-pyrimidin-1-yl)-2-azido-3,4-bis-iso-butyryloxy-tetrahydro-furan-2-ylmethyl isobutyrate; hydrochloride salt (I), comprising mixing I, with a granulating amount of a granulating liquid, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/polypropylene glycol (PPG) block copolymer as a binder and solubility enhancer to form wet granules which are then dried to remove the granulating liquid.

Abstract: An effervescent composition for reducing breath odors and preventing and/or reducing plaque buildup, deposits and/or formation on the teeth of pet animals. The effervescent composition includes at least one active agent adapted to reduce or destroy bacteria present in the mouth of the pet animal responsible for causing bad breath and plaque; and an effervescent component including a carbonate containing compound and an acidifying compound.

Abstract: In the conventional technology, macromolecular polysaccharides, which the aloe vera gel inherently has, are broken down into small molecules for the following reasons: First, cellulose is broken down by the enzyme such as cellulose; Second, agitation in the cellulose breakdown process by the enzyme of cellulase and the like is performed in a heated state for an extended period of time; Third, nearly the same technique is employed also in the aloin absorption process by the activated charcoal; Fourth, a plurality of times of filtering causes intense oxidation to the gel juice. For the reasons described above, the molecular weight of macromolecular polysaccharides, which the aloe vera gel inherently has, is reduced to 80,000 dalton or less. Therefore, by use of the conventional technology, it is impossible to provide macromolecular polysaccharides that the aloe vera gel has in a state where aloin is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides colloidally stable dispersions of nanoparticles comprising beta-lactoglobulin and a polysaccharide which are transparent when diluted in aqueous media. In particular these colloidally stable dispersions of nanoparticles are useful as delivery vehicles of hydrophobic nutraceuticals and fat-soluble vitamins, for enrichment of food products, especially of transparent beverages and other non-fat or low fat foods and drinks. The present invention further provides methods for the preparation of said colloidally stable dispersions.

Abstract: Nucleic acids are prepared by dissolving compounds containing them in a suitable solvent or solvent system and forming microspheres from the resulting solution. The microspheres are administered to an individual as protection from conditions where delivery of nucleic acids is useful, such as in treatment of autoimmune disease.

Abstract: An apatite/collagen composite powder absorbed and replaced by autogenous bone in the living body, a formable-to-any-shape artificial bone paste comprising an apatite/collagen composite powder and a binder, a method for producing an apatite/collagen composite powder by turning a suspension containing a fibrous apatite/collagen composite to liquid drops and rapidly cooling them, and a method for producing an apatite/collagen composite powder by granulating a blend comprising a fibrous apatite/collagen composite.

Abstract: Degradable, crosslinked aminated dextran microspheres are described. The microspheres contain aminated dextran crosslinked with a crosslinking agent having two or more functional groups that are capable of reacting with the primary amine groups of the aminated dextran to form covalent bonds. The degradable, crosslinked aminated dextran microspheres may be useful for temporary therapeutic embolization and drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dehydrated nanoparticles comprising chitosan and a nucleic acid. Preferably, the nucleic acid is a siRNA. Dehydrated nanoparticles of the invention have improved storage characteristics. The particles may be used in screening methods, e.g. where they have been dried onto a solid support, such as the surface of a culture well. The nanoparticles may also be dried onto implants for tissue engineering scaffolds, where they enable transfection of cells growing on the scaffold. Moreover, the particles have therapeutic relevance.

Abstract: A dry composition for use in therapy or diagnosis, obtainable by drying an aqueous composition comprising a protein and one or more displacement buffers, wherein the pH of the aqueous composition is such that the protein is stable, wherein the or each displacement buffer has a pKa that is at least 1 unit greater or less than the pH of the aqueous composition, and wherein the aqueous composition is substantially free of a conventional buffer having a pKa that is within one pH unit of the pH of the aqueous composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of nanoparticle carriers for drug delivery, said nanoparticles being produced by preparing a double emulsion of water-oil-water including one or more polymer which forms the basis of the nanoparticle carrier, blending the drug to be delivered into one of the emulsion phases, doping either the oil-phase or the outer-water phase with a carbohydrate, and spray drying the emulsion to form nanoparticles of a narrow particle size distribution of 100 nm to 1000 nm, which nanoparticles are substantially spherical.

Abstract: The present invention provides dynamic charge state cationic polymers that are useful for delivery of anionic molecules. The dynamic charge state cationic polymers are designed to have cationic charge densities that decrease by removal of removable functional groups from the polymers. The present invention also provides interpolyelectrolyte complexes containing the polymers complexed to a polyanion. Methods for using the interpolyelectrolyte complexes to deliver anionic compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes both sterilized and unsterilized hemostatic compositions that contain a continuous, biocompatible liquid phase having a solid phase of particles of a biocompatible polymer suitable for use in hemostasis and which is substantially insoluble in the liquid phase, and a discontinuous, biocompatible gaseous phase, each of which is substantially homogenously dispersed throughout the continuous liquid phase, methods for making such compositions, medical devices that contain sterilized hemostatic compositions disposed therein and methods of making such devices.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of synthesizing a multi-walled microsphere comprising at least one hydrophilic active compound as well as to a multi-walled microsphere obtained by the method of the present invention. The present invention further refers pharmaceutical compositions including multi-walled microspheres of the present invention.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical or veterinary granule composition in the form of a mixture consisting essentially of: (i) at least one drug classifiable as Class II or Class IV of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System, wherein said drug (i) constitutes from above about 20% to 50% by weight of the composition, said pharmaceutical or veterinary granule composition providing a drug release of at least 70% within 10 minutes in water, (ii) a first excipient being a maltodextrin representing from 40% by weight to 85% by weight of said composition, (iii) a wetting amount of a second excipient being a polyethylene glycol having a weight number molecular weight between 300 and 5,000, said second excipient comprising a solid fraction and a liquid fraction, and representing from 15% to 40% by weight of said composition, and optionally one or more pharma-ceutically acceptable fillers selected from the group consisting of hydrocolloids, glidants, lubricants, surfactants and diluents, wherein the weight ratio of said first excipien

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing novel biodegradable cross-linked nanoparticles based on covalently cross-linking modifications of hyaluronic acid. The final products of the present invention are stable in aqueous media, and may be used as detergents and as additives for pharmaceutical compositions for drug delivery, DNA carrier system and other applications. The nanoparticles made from the biopolymers of the present invention may also be used in controlled release applications, super-absorbent materials as well as biomaterials like enzyme immobilization.