Abstract: The present invention provides a stable composition of matter based on the cytotoxic activity of a basic phospholipase A.sub.2 of molecular weight 14,500 and isoelectric point 9.6-9.7 (crotoxin B) isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus which in complex with a specific, non-enzymatic, peptide of molecular weight 9,500 and isoelectric point 3.5-3.7 (crotoxin A) displays a preferential cytotoxic activity against various types of tumor cells. When administered parenterally in an acceptable vehicle and in pharmacologically efficient amounts to animals and humans the complex is useful in the treatment of malignant tumors in advanced stages. The method for purification of the active components, the preparation in a pharmacologically acceptable form, and the method of therapeutic use of the present composition of matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions for and methods of treating muscle weakness and degeneration are described. Such compositions include myogenic cells which are administered by the described methods to one or more affected muscles.

Abstract: A process for cryopreserving a biological material which comprises contacting the biological material with both an effective amount at least one cryopreservation agent, and an agent to increase diffusion of the cryopreservation agent into the biological material, such as a surfactant or a permeation enhancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osteogenically active protein preparation characterized by a molecular weight of from about 31,000 to 34,000 daltons as characterized comprising a subunit identical to or homologous to a subunit in P3 OF 31-34, by non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by the characteristic of eluting from a reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography column equilibrated with buffers containing trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile by eluting within the concentrations of 35% to 45% acetonitrile. The invention further provides improved methods for isolating such preparations and genes encoding all or a portion of polypeptide subunits of dimers comprising the osteogenic protein preparation.

Abstract: Method of, and dosage unit for, inhibiting angiogenesis in an aminal having an intestinal wall by administering to the animal, orally or anally, an effective amount of shark cartilage, particularly finely divided shark cartilage in solid dosage form such as a tablet, capsule, suppository, for passing through the intestinal wall of the animal as a suspension.

Abstract: The invention provides a storage stable lyophilized collagen product comprising acid soluble purified native collagen in combination with platelet derived growth factors and a pharmaceutical composition for enhancing wound healing comprising an aqueous solution of water soluble acid-soluble purified native collagen and platelet derived growth factors.

Abstract: A physiologically active substance is extracted from infected tissues inoculated with a poxvirus. The novel substance of the present invention has inhibitory action against the formation of kallikrein, thus is useful as drugs such as antiinflammatory, analgesic and antiallergic agents.

Abstract: Methods and artificial matrices for the growth and implantation of cartilaginous structures and surfaces are disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, chondrocytes are grown on biodegradable, biocompatible fibrous polymeric matrices. Optionally, the cells are proliferated in vitro until an adequate cell volume and density has developed for the cells to survive and proliferate in vivo. One advantage of the matrices is that they can be cast or molded into a desired shape, on an individual basis, so that the final product closely resembles a patient's own ear or nose. Alternatively, flexible matrices can be used which can be manipulated at the time of implantation, as in a joint, followed by remodeling through cell growth and proliferation in vivo. The cultured cells can also be maintained on the matrix in a nutrient media for production of bioactive molecules such as angiogenesis inhibiting factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to physiologically active substances extracted from infected tissues inoculated with a poxvirus. The substances of the present invention have excellent actions to improve blood flow and recover functions of diseased tissues, thus are useful as drugs for various diseases caused by blood flow disorders.

Abstract: An agent for inhibiting proliferation of human malignant tumor cells is obtained by culturing the human malignant tumor cells in a medium and removing the malignant tumor cells from the cultured medium.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease are due to lack of disorder-specific neurotrophic factors. Specific neurotrophic factors of .about.20-22 kD and .about.16-18 kD have been isolated from rat and human skeletal motor neurons, respectively, and purified. With tissue culture, the presence or absence of the specific neurotrophic factors provided herein can be assessed in ALS. If there is a deficiency, extracted and purified neurotrophic factors specific to the motor neuronal network or system can be administered to ALS-affected individuals.