Abstract: A liquid carrier medium is provided which is suitable for solubilizing growth factors, such as mixtures of bone morphogenetic proteins, that are found to induce an angiogenic response in ischemic tissues. The liquid medium comprises an aqueous solution of polyvinyl pyrrolidone.

Abstract: Enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins are used in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for promoting the take of a graft, e.g. in soft tissue such as skin or mucosa or mineralized tissue such as bone.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for separating and extracting biological products of avian origin. The method allows for the production of avian cartilages and of active ingredients which can be extracted from the cartilages thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing demineralized osteoinductive bone, and demineralized osteoinductive bone produced thereby. The process achieves demineralization of bone by subjecting bone, including for example ground bone, bone cubes, chips, strips, or essentially intact bone, to a rapid continuous acid demineralization process. The process includes subjecting bone to a continuous exchange of demineralizing acid solution where the demineralizing acid solution is recirculated from the substantially closed container through an ion exchange media to remove calcium and phosphate thereby producing a regenerated acid, and returning the regenerated acid to the substantially closed container to produce osteoinductive demineralized bone. The process allows bone to be rapidly demineralized to a precise and specific desired residual calcium level, without sacrificing osteoinductivity.

Abstract: The restorative and grafting material for reconstruction of hard tissue defects and the fabrication method of the same are provided. In particular, the restorative and grafting material of this invention is produced by the steps of cleansing, decoloration (bleaching), burning, and pulverization of collected animal teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of extracts from marine ooze. To extract a larger proportion of the cosmetically and balneologically active ingredients from the ooze, the process proposes paraffinum subliquidum, ethanol, dimethicone a water/ethanol mixture and a mixture of water/ethanol/glycerin/propylene glycol. The mixture is extracted while stirring it either for 24 to 30 hours at room temperature or 1 to 3 hours at 50° to 70° C. and is filtered. The filtrate has a proportion of active ingredients from the marine ooze.

Abstract: The bones of animals such as bovines and horses are, for example, boiled, dried sufficiently, melted under heating and made into a fibrous or filamentous form to produce animal bone fiber using animal bones as raw material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is demineralized bone putty composition comprises: (1) demineralized bone matrix (DBM); and (2) a lipid fraction selected from the group consisting of lecithin and a mixture of lecithin and triglycerides containing unsaturated fatty acids. The putty composition is moldable, biocompatible, slowly resorbable, insoluble in tissue fluids, and non-extrudable. The composition delivers a biologically active product to animals and humans that will enhance bone formation at sites where bone is lost, deficient, or present in suboptimal amounts. The composition can further comprise calcium, an antioxidant such as Vitamin E or Vitamin C, or a hydrophilic polymer such as methylcellulose, a methylcellulose derivative, carboxymethyl cellulose, or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Abstract: A therapeutic wound gel is provided which will enhance healing of the wound and reduce swelling and increase elasticity of the skin. Humatrix is bacteriostatic protectant with no bacteriocidal activity. The gel consist essentially of by weight percent, about 88-97% water, about 0.4-0.6% carbomer, about 1.2-7.8% propylene glycol, about 0.6-1.3% glycerin, about 0.5% DMDM Hydantoin, about 0-0.8% citric acid, about 0.1% chondroitin sulfate and animal protein, and about 0-0.6% triethanolamine. The gel is formed in three phases which are combined together, the first phase consisting essentially of about 88-99% of the water of the gel, the carbomer, the propylene glycol, and the glycerin; the second phase consisting essentially of the remaining water, the DMDM Hydantoin, and the citric acid if needed; and the third phase consisting essentially of the chondroitin sulfate and animal protein and the triethanolamine, if needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for an implantable putty material for delivery of active compounds to a patient. More specifically, the present invention provides a material having a pH of between about 3 and 6 and possessing putty-like physical properties, wherein the composition of the material includes collagen and water. The present invention also provides a method for using the implantable putty material.

Abstract: End-capped polymers, methods for making those end-capped polymers, compositions containing those end-capped polymers, and methods for using those compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A nutritional compositions for alleviating fatigue is produced by grinding essentially Panax ginseng, androgen-containing Cervus sika, vitamin A- and B-containing extract of fruit meat of Euphoria longana, Dioscorea batalus, and Acanthopanax senticosus into powder, and then mixing and formulating the resulting powders with gelatin and pure water into a formulation, wherein, in 350 mg of said nutritional composition, the effective amounts of each components is: Panax ginseng 105 mg, androgen extracted from Cervus sika 51 mg, Acanthopanax senticosus 15 mg, gelatin 86 mg, pure water 14 mg, and vitamin A and B extracted from fruit meat of Euphoria longana 24 mg each.

Abstract: Active enamel substances may be used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition for healing of a wound, improving healing of a wound, soft tissue regeneration or repair, or for preventing or treating infection or inflammation.

Abstract: A bone repair material is described that is of putty-like consistency, particularly useful for repairing dental bony defects such as those caused by bone loss resulting from moderate or severe periodontitis, augmenting of bony defects of the alveolar ridge, filling tooth extraction sites, or sinus elevation grafting. The repair material includes a porous, resorbable particulate that is bone-derived or derived from bone-like hydroxyapatite or synthetic hydroxyapatite; and, a resorbable carrier, such as high molecular weight polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid. A high concentration of particulate in the putty enhances bone repair and requires a high concentration of carrier to retain the putty at the defect site. For a particulate density of about 1.2 g/cc such as PEPGEN P-15® Bone Graft, a preferred formulation comprises about 55% percent by weight of the putty suspended in a hyaluronic acid gel of about 1.

Abstract: A biocompatible connective tissue repair composition which comprises a therapeutic material and a carrier comprising a means for achieving reverse phase characteristics, and methods for using said composition. The therapeutic material can be demineralized bone powder, and the carrier can be a poloxamer such as poloxamer 407.

Abstract: Bone graft substitute compositions and methods of making the compositions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a composition includes contacting a mixing solution with a first mixture having calcium sulfate hemihydrate and a plasticizing material to form a second mixture; waiting a predetermined period of time after forming said second mixture; and then contacting demineralized bone with the second mixture to form the composition. A composition can be formed from a kit including a first mixture having calcium sulfate hemihydrate and a plasticizing substance, a second mixture having demineralized bone, and a mixing solution. The first and second mixtures and the mixing solution are unblended.

Abstract: An osteoinductive/osteoconductive composition prepared from a quantity, of demineralized fibrous bone elements possessing an average surface area to volume ratio of about 100:1 to about 20:1, a quantity of mostly shaped regular non-fibrous bone elements possessing an average surface area to volume ratio of about 10:1 or less and a sufficient quantity of biocompatible fluid carrier sufficient to provide the composition as a deformable mass is provided herein. Also provided is a method of using the composition to repair a bone defect site.

Abstract: An antler composition and its manufacturing process are disclosed, which comprises an antler extract mixture and a matrix which comprises &bgr;-cyclodextrin, a higher ester compound, a proteinase inhibitor, and an organic solvent; wherein the weight ratio of the matrix to the antler extract mixture is between 1:1.5 and 1:2.7. The antler composition poses excellent activities and stable properties to be released steadily in human body. The present invention also relates to the antler extract mixture and the process for preparing the antler composition and the antler extract mixture.

Abstract: A composition includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate, an accelerant material, e.g., calcium sulfate dihydrate, a plasticizing material, a mixing solution, and demineralized bone matrix having a moisture content of between about 10 and about 30 weight percent.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods related to the administration of deer antler, one or more nor-testosterone precursors, and one or more testosterone precursors, to increase testosterone levels, treat sexual dysfunction, improve sexual function, improve energy, enhance feelings of well-being and increase muscle mass in males. This invention also provides for inhibitors of the enzymes aromatase and/or 5-alpha reductase, to support testosterone levels and avoid undesirable metabolites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: For the repair of injured bone or cartilage, an oxygen enriched material is formed with a high-level (partial pressure) and amount (volume) of dissolved oxygen to support tissue healing. The oxygenated material can be placed in a container having an air valve and pressurized in the container with oxygen to supersaturate the material. The resulting container can be sterilized and transported for use. Immediately prior to use, the valve can be operated to vent the pressure in the container thereby facilitating access to the material. The material can then be applied directly to the hard tissue injury. Absorption of the oxygen to facilitate healing can be enhanced with the use of ultrasonic energy. An oxygen inhibiting film can be placed over the material to direct the oxygen toward the wound.

Abstract: An antiviral agent of an antiviral ability against various viruses and a method of producing the same are provided. A heat treatment is applied to a calcium-containing substance represented by calcium carbonate-containing substances originating from the animal such as clamshell, eggshell, crustacean shell, bone, coral, and pearl, and calcium carbonate-containing minerals such as limestone. When a temperature of the heat treatment is not less than 650° C. and less than a melting point of the calcium component-containing substance, a sufficient time of the heat treatment is 2 to 13 hours.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a bone product are provided. The method includes contacting an interior section of a cylindrical bone portion with a high pressure fluid medium such as at least about 1000 psi to remove at least a portion of cancellous bone matrix from the bone portion. Preferably the bone contains less than about 25% by weight cancellous bone. The apparatus includes multiple stations of opposing high pressure nozzles holding the cylindrical bone portion from each end and for contacting the interior surfaces of a bone portion with a fluid medium. The apparatus also includes a third nozzle for contacting the exterior surface of the bone portion with a fluid medium.

Abstract: A method and composition for repairing bone in a human. A high-molecular hydrogel such as a hyaluronate is mixed with a bovine or other animal bone particulate or with artificial bone such as hydroxyapatite particulate. A growth-inducing peptide may also be included.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of bone gel and bone putty which comprises producing a viscous supernatant by dissolving demineralized bone matrix in water or a solution comprising water and at least one component normally found in human blood serum, at a temperature above about 25° C. Agitation and/or ultrasound or pressure accelerates dissolution of the demineralized bone. The resulting viscous supernatant is cooled, then mixed with demineralized or non-demineralized bone matrix particles to form a gel-like suspension or putty-like material.

Abstract: A demineralized bone putty composition comprises: (1) demineralized bone matrix (DBM); and (2) a lipid fraction selected from the group consisting of lecithin and a mixture of lecithin and triglycerides containing unsaturated fatty acids. The putty composition is moldable, biocompatible, slowly resorbable, and soluble in tissue fluids, and non-extrudable. The composition delivers a biologically active product to animals and humans that will enhance bone formation at sites where bone is lost, deficient, or present in suboptimal amounts. The composition can further comprise calcium, an antioxidant such as Vitamin E or Vitamin C, or a hydrophilic polymer such as methylcellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sterile bone structure for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth at the site comprising a partially demineralized cortical bone structure, said bone structure comprising a cross sectional surface are ranging from 85% to 95% of the original bone surface area before demineralization with the remaining partially demineralized cortical bone structure having an outer demineralized layer ranging in thickness from about 0.05 mm to about 0.14 mm and a mineralized core.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing demineralized osteoinductive bone, and demineralized osteoinductive bone produced thereby. The process achieves demineralization of bone by subjecting bone, including for example ground bone, bone cubes, chips, strips, or essentially intact bone, to a rapid high volume, pulsatile acidification wave process. The process includes subjecting bone to two or more rapid pulse/drain cycles where one or more demineralizing acids are rapidly pulsed into a vessel containing bone, and after a desired period of time, is rapidly drained from the vessel, the vessel containing the bone is then rapidly refilled with the one or more demineralizing acids (pulsed). The process allows bone to be rapidly demineralized to a precise ans specific desired residual calcium level, without sacrificing osteoinductivity.

Abstract: A demineralized bone putty composition comprises: (1) demineralized bone matrix (DBM); and (2) a lipid fraction selected from the group consisting of lecithin and a mixture of lecithin and triglycerides containing unsaturated fatty acids. The putty composition is moldable, biocompatible, slowly resorbable, and soluble in tissue fluids, and non-extrudable. The composition delivers a biologically active product to animals and humans that will enhance bone formation at sites where bone is lost, deficient, or present in suboptimal amounts. The composition can further comprise calcium, an antioxidant such as Vitamin E or Vitamin C, or a hydrophilic polymer such as methylcellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Abstract: An osteogenic composition is prepared by a process including the steps of subjecting demineralized bone to an extraction medium to produce an insoluble extraction product and a soluble extraction product, separating the insoluble extraction product and the soluble extraction product, drying the soluble extraction product to remove all or substantially all of the moisture in the soluble extraction product, and combining the dried soluble extraction product of step c) with demineralized bone particles. Preferably, the process does not involve heating.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of an improved xenograft bone particulate with respect to osteo-integration and bone remodeling, while diminishing the primate-to-pig immunological response using established bone-processing technique. Work was carried out using undecalcified bone to determine immunocompatibilty and bone remodeling potential of processed porcine bone struts following onlay graft implantation. New bone formation was evident, including the infiltration of cellular materials responsible for fusion and bone reconstruction.

Abstract: A method for processing and preserving an acellular collagen-based tissue matrix for transplantation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of processing biological tissues with a stabilizing solution to reduce procurement damage, treatment with a processing solution to remove cells, treatment with a cryoprotectant solution followed by freezing, drying, storage and rehydration under conditions that preclude functionally significant damage and reconstitution with viable cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cartilage repair product that induces both cell ingrowth into a bioresorbable material and cell differentiation into cartilage tissue. Such a product is useful for regenerating and/or repairing both vascular and avascular cartilage lesions, particularly articular cartilage lesions, and even more particularly mensical tissue lesions, including tears as well as segmental defects. Also disclosed is a method of regenerating and repairing cartilage lesions using such a product.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing demineralized osteoinductive bone, and demineralized osteoinductive bone produced thereby. The process achieves demineralization of bone by subjecting bone, including for example ground bone, bone cubes, chips, strips, or essentially intact bone, to a rapid continuous acid demineralization process. The process includes subjecting bone to a continuous exchange of demineralizing acid solution where the demineralizing acid solution is recirculated from the substantially closed container through an ion exchange media to remove calcium and phosphate thereby producing a regenerated acid, and returning the regenerated acid to the substantially closed container to produce osteoinductive demineralized bone. The process allows bone to be rapidly demineralized to a precise and specific desired residual calcium level, without sacrificing osteoinductivity.

Abstract: Active enamel substances may be used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition for healing of a wound, improving healing of a wound, soft tissue regeneration or repair, or for preventing or treating infection or inflammation.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a formable bone composition for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth at the site which comprises a new bone growth inducing compound of demineralized lyophilized allograft bone particles. The particle size ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 cm and is mixed in a hydrogel carrier containing a sodium phosphate saline buffer, the hydrogel component of the carrier ranging from about 1.0 to 5.0% of the composition and a pH between 6.8-7.4 with one or more additives of a cellular material, growth factor, demineralized bone chips or mineralized bone chips.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an osteoimplant for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth at the site which comprises a new bone growth inducing composition of demineralized allograft bone material mixed with an aqueous phosphate buffered gelatin which when lyophilized to remove water from the composition cross links the gelatin to form a solid structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a geometric/material computer model of hierarchical bone based upon the viscoelastic properties of longitudinal and alternate osteons. The viscoelastic properties of osteons include, for example, mechanical properties and osteon content of various components such as collagen, mucopolysacharides, hydroxyapatite, osteocytes and osteoblasts. The invention also provides a method for preparing such a model.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bioactive compositions that induce the repair of damaged or diseased connective tissues upon contact of the damaged or diseased tissues with the composition in vivo. More particularly the present invention is directed to the use of compositions comprising an effective amount of bone sialoprotein to enhance the repair of damaged or diseased bone.

Abstract: A method of treating a condition in a vertebrate animal characterized by bone having increased porosity and/or decreased bone mineral density. The porous bone is injected with an effective amount of a flowable bone composition. Also provided is a kit for the treatment of porous bone wherein a flowable bone composition is contained within an injectable delivery system.

Abstract: A composition is provided for use in health foods for promoting the circulation of blood, prepared from medicinal herbs, including Lycium chinense Miller, Agastache rugosa (Fischer et Meyer) O. Kuntze, Pueraria lobat Ohwi, Macrocarpium officinale Sieb. et Zucc., Gastrodia elata blume, Amomum xanthioides Wallich, Cratagegus pinnatifida Bge., Aquillaria Agallocha Roxburgh, Inula Helenium L., Cassia obtusifolia L., and Rubus sachalinensis Lev., and young antlers of Cornu cervi. In addition to being safe to the body, the composition exhibits excellent pharmaceutical effects of treating arteriosclerosis and alleviating the headache attributed to the disturbance of blood circulation.

Abstract: Methods of repairing a joint formed by at least two bone sections are provided wherein a biocompatible osteogenic band fabricated from an osteogenic biological material such as bone, tendon, ligament and collagen is affixed to two or more bone sections.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are compositions, devices, methods and kits that are useful in occluding lumens or bulking-up regions of tissues or organs in a living mammal. The invention pertains to a composition containing specific particulate components, wherein the particulates promote responsive body processes that contribute to the formation of the occlusion or bulked-up region.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for manufacture of autograft, allograft and xenograft implants which comprises assembling such implants from smaller pieces of graft materials to form a larger graft implant product. One segment of an assembled graft implant is comprised of two or more discrete regions having distinct characteristics and/or properties.

Abstract: A strong, thin flexible mineralized collagen membrane is disclosed that is useful for such medical applications as a barrier for guided tissue regeneration, periodontal defect repair, bone grafts and skin wound repair. The mineralized collagen membrane comprises a substantially homogeneous mineralized collagen composite consisting essentially of about 30% to about 70% by weight of a collagen component and about 30% to about 70% by weight of a calcium phosphate minerals component precipitated from a collagen slurry by a soluble calcium ion-containing solution and a soluble phosphate ion-containing solution. The calcium phosphate minerals component has a mole ratio of calcium to phosphate in the range of about 1.0 to about 2.0. The thin mineralized collagen membrane has a bulk density of the membrane of at least about 1.0 g/cm3 and has a thickness not greater than about 0.5 mm and preferably not greater than about 0.3 mm.

Abstract: This invention provides a claycy and sticky substance as a new biomaterial that cannot be found in the current medical field, which is bioresorbable, shows tackiness, plasticity and shape holding ability at a temperature of approximately from 30 to 40° C. and can give unrestricted shapes at body temperature or more by increasing its fluidity. This clayey and sticky substance comprises a copolymer of two or more bioresorbable monomers, preferably any one of copolymers of p-dioxanone with D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, D,L-lactic acid, trimethylene carbonate and &egr;-caprolactone, or a mixture of two or more of these copolymers. This clayey and sticky or clayey substance is suited for a hemostatic material, an adhesive material for tissues, a prosthetic material for tissue reconstruction use, a carrier of drug delivery system, a plugging material, an accretion-preventing material and a scaffold material for tissue engineering use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which stimulate bone growth. Also provided are methods for utilizing the compositions for filling in bone defects, promoting rapid fusion of bone fractures, grafts, and bone-prostheses, and promoting strengthening of osteoporotic bones.