Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated monoclonal human antibodies that specifically binds insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 1 nM or less, wherein the antibody bind IGF-I with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 1 mM or greater. The antibodies inhibit phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor receptor. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including these nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids are also disclosed. The antibodies can be used to detect human IGF-II in a sample. Methods of diagnosing a tumor are disclosed herein that utilize these antibodies. Methods of treating a subject with a tumor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soluble and stable anti-VEGF immunobinders comprising CDRs from rabbit monoclonal antibodies. Said antibodies are designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of VEGF-mediated disorders. The hybridomas, nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of producing human monoclonal antibodies against a wide variety of antigens including bacterial and viral antigens, as well as tumor antigens, and various autoantigens. Also provided are the antibodies themselves, nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, cells producing such antibodies, and methods of using such antibodies for diagnostic assays and passive immunity against disease states such as infection and cancer.

Abstract: Compositions comprising polynucleotides encoding heavy and light chains of antibodies that interact with osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) are described. Methods of making such antibodies are described.

Abstract: A human antibody or antigen-binding fragment of an antibody which specifically binds human nerve growth factor (NGF) with KD of 5 pM or less, as measured by surface plasmon resonance, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof binds human NGF with an affinity of about 2-10-fold higher than the antibody or fragment binds rat and mouse NGF. The antibodies are useful in treating pain, including inflammatory pain, post-operative incision pain, neuropathic pain, fracture pain, osteoporotic fracture pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer pain, pain resulting from burns, gout joint pain, as well as diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, and liver cirrhosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to human brain natriuretic peptide or a human brain natriuretic peptide fragment with a high binding affinity, methods for producing and selecting said antibodies, immunoassays for human brain natriuretic peptide or a human brain natriuretic peptide fragment that employ said antibodies and therapeutic compositions containing said antibodies.

Abstract: The invention herein provides isolated antibodies that bind to VEGF. The invention further provides methods of making anti-VEGF antibodies, and polynucleotides encoding anti-VEGF antibodies.

Abstract: An antibody specifically binding to angiopoietin-2, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, and a use thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to progastrin monoclonal antibodies, fragments thereof, compositions comprising progastrin monoclonal antibodies, and methods of making and using progastrin monoclonal antibodies and compositions thereof. The present disclosure is directed to methods of treating colorectal cancer with progastrin monoclonal antibodies and compositions comprising progastrin monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof. The present disclosure is further directed to methods comprising detection of progastrin, including methods of diagnosing colorectal cancer and methods of monitoring efficacy of anti-cancer therapy in subjects suffering from colorectal cancer.

Abstract: [Object of the Invention] To provide an antibody that inhibits histamine releasing activity induced by an antigenic substance contained in sweat. [Means for Attaining the Object] An antibody which can react with a sweat antigen composition and inhibit the histamine releasing activity of the composition on a sweat antigen stimulation-responsive cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody against FGF-8, particularly a humanized antibody against FGF-8 and the antibody fragment thereof, a DNA sequence encoding the above antibody or the antibody fragment, a vector comprising the DNA sequence and a host cell transformed by the vector, a production process of the above antibody or the antibody fragment using the host cell, and a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic agent for cancer using the antibody or the antibody fragment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to human brain natriuretic peptide or a human brain natriuretic peptide fragment with a high binding affinity, methods for producing and selecting said antibodies, immunoassays for human brain natriuretic peptide or a human brain natriuretic peptide fragment that employ said antibodies and therapeutic compositions containing said antibodies.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression is associated with a variety of conditions involving aberrant angiogenesis. Disclosed herein are fully human antibodies that specifically bind human VEGF and inhibit VEGF binding to VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2, and therefore inhibit VEGF signaling Based on their ability to inhibit VEGF signaling, the antibodies disclosed herein may be used to treat angiogenesis and conditions associated with angiogenesis both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Method for determining the level of PTX3 protein in a sample of a biological fluid; hybridoma capable of producing a rat anti-PTX3 monoclonal antibody where said hybridoma is selected from the group comprising MNB10 and Pen-3; specific anti-PTX3 rat monoclonal antibody selected from the monoclonal antibodies produced by the hybridomas MNB10 and Pen-3; kit for determining the level of PTX3 protein in a biological fluid wherein the said kit includes a rat anti-PTX3 monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Medicaments for treating diseases related to HB-EGF escalation are in demand. The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof which binds to a cell membrane-bound HB-EGF, a membrane type HB-EGF and a secretory HB-EGF.

Abstract: The present invention concerns antibodies that neutralize at least one biological activity of pleiotrophin. The antibodies can inhibit cancer cell growth and angiogenesis in vitro or in vivo. The present invention provides for methods of inhibiting cancer cell growth or angiogenesis in a subject comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of the antibodies described herein. The present invention also provides for methods of making the neutralizing antibodies described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies against sclerostin and compositions and methods of use for said antibodies to treat disease related to bone abnormalities such as osteoporosis. An embodiment of the invention herein provides an antibody or a functional protein comprising an antigen-binding portion of said antibody for a target in sclerostin polypeptide, characterized in that the antibody or functional protein specifically binds to sclerostin polypeptide and can increase at least one of bone formation, bone mineral density, bone mineral content, bone mass, bone quality and bone strength in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents and methods for the detection of osteopontin fragments and distinguishing them from each other and from the full-length osteopontin protein. The present invention also relates to assays for the determination of the presence of osteopontin fragments in samples obtained from subjects and, further, the correlation of osteopontin fragment levels fragment levels with disease detection, progression and prognosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of protachykinin and/or fragments thereof that can be isolated from body fluids, tissues or other bioiological samples and therefore, serves as a marker peptide for medical diagnosis of diseases/disorders of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression and/or conditions of pain, neurological, endocrinological, cerebral, muscular, local, systemic, chronic, inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases comprising bacterial and viral infections, meningitis, sepsis, Crohn's disease, colitis ulcerosa, sickle cell anemia, ischemia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, arthritis comprising rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, hyperalgesia, asthma, intoxication comprising bacterial intoxication, immunological disorders, poly/-trauma comprising cranio-cerebral trauma, tumors/cancer, stroke, stress, atopis dermatitis, HIV, Huntington's disease, burns, schizophrenia, Hirschsprung's disease, allergies, familial dysautononmia (Riley Day syndrome),

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigen-binding proteins having specificity for hepcidin, and their use for treating and diagnosing diseases associated with hepcidin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a member of the human chemokine CC protein family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the chemokine ?-15 protein. Chemokine ?-15 polypeptides are also provided. The invention further concerns diagnostic methods for detecting thymus disorders and therapeutic methods for modulating bone marrow cell proliferation and differentiation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated monoclonal human antibodies that specifically binds insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 1 nM or less, wherein the antibody bind IGF-I with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 1 mM or greater. The antibodies inhibit phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor receptor. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including these nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids are also disclosed. The antibodies can be used to detect human IGF-II in a sample. Methods of diagnosing a tumor are disclosed herein that utilize these antibodies. Methods of treating a subject with a tumor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disease, disorder or condition of the central nervous system. The methods include administering TGF-? polypeptides, related polypeptides, fragments and mimetics thereof useful in stimulating progenitor cell or stem cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. The methods of the invention are useful to treat and prophylactically ameliorate neurological tissue injury in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for treating a patient who has a neurological deficit. The method can be carried out, for example, by contacting (in vivo or in culture) a neural progenitor cell of the patient's central nervous system (CNS) with a polypeptide that binds the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and directing progeny of the proliferating progenitor cells to migrate en masse to a region of the CNS in which they will reside and function in a manner sufficient to reduce the neurological deficit. The method may include a further step in which the progeny of the neural precursor cells are contacted with a compound that stimulates differentiation.

Abstract: Isolated antibodies have been characterized which show specific affinity to a repeating conformational epitope of a protofibril form of the human ?-amyloid peptide as compare to low molecular weight forms of ?-amyloid peptide. These isolated antibodies and related pharmaceutically effective compositions may be useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of Alzheimer's disease by effectively blocking the ability of the protofibril form of ?-amyloid peptide to form fibril forms linked with complications associated with Alzheimer's disease. The isolated antibodies of the present invention are also useful in various diagnostic assays and associated kits.

Abstract: Antibody molecules, in particular fully human antibodies that bind to human IGF-1 and cross-react with IGF-2 such that binding of IGF-1 and IGF-2 to the IGF-1 receptor is prevented and IGF-1 receptor-mediated signaling is inhibited. The antibodies do not bind to insulin and thus do not affect the mitogenic properties of insulin that are mediated by its binding to the insulin receptors. The antibodies are useful for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, in particular cancer.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an antibody, by which metastin or its derivative can be quantified specifically with a high sensitivity, a method of detecting/quantifying metastin or its derivative using the antibody, and a diagnostic agent (e.g., a diagnostic for pregnancy) the same. Specifically, an antibody capable of specifically reacting with a partial peptide at the N-terminus or C-terminus of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or its derivative, and a method of detecting/quantifying metastin or its derivative using the antibody as well as a diagnostic agent using the same.

Abstract: In the serum, PSP94 occurs as a free form or is associated with a carrier protein. PSP94 in its bound form has been quantified in the blood of prostate cancer patients and these measurements have shown utility as evaluation or prognosis of prostate cancer. Diagnostic assays, methods, and kits for detecting a free form of PSP94, and reagents such as antibodies able to bind to a free form of PSP94 are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A specific and sensitive in vitro ELISA assay and diagnostic test kit is disclosed for determining levels of NT-proBNP protein in a variety of bodily fluids, non-limiting examples of which are blood, serum, plasma, urine and the like. The NT-proBNP ELISA assay test employs the sandwich ELISA technique to measure circulating NT-proBNP in human plasma. In order to obtain antibodies with specific binding properties for targeted amino acid sequences within human proBNP, recombinant human proBNP (or rhproBNP) was expressed and purified for use as an immunogen. Polyclonal antibodies (PAb) to specific amino acid sequences were subsequently purified from goat serum by sequential affinity purification. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against specific polypeptides. Recombinant human NT-proBNP (or rhNT-proBNP) was expressed and purified in order to obtain material for use in calibration of a quantitative method for measurement of human NT-proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel anti-TNF antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-TNF antibody, TNF, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: Novels immuno-interactive fragments of the (alpha)C portion of a mammalian inhibin alpha subunit are disclosed, together with their variants and derivatives for producing antigen-binding molecules that are interactive with said (alpha)C portion, which are chemically well defined and which can be produced in commercially significant quantities. The antigen-binding molecules of the invention can be used for the detection of a mammalian inhibin and for the treatment and/or prevention of conditions associated with aberrant levels of a mammalian inhibin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an immunological test for determining NT-proBNP comprising at least two antibodies to NT-proBNP, wherein at least one of the antibodies to NT-proBNP is a monoclonal antibody. One of these antibodies is directed at least against parts of the epitope of NT-proBNP comprising the amino acids 38 to 50. In addition, one of these antibodies is directed at least against parts of the epitope of NT-proBNP comprising the amino acids 1 to 37 or 43 to 76. The epitope recognized by the antibodies can slightly overlap.

Abstract: The nerve growth factor (NGF) is used for the storage of corneas in culture, for the production and the storage in vitro of single cell populations of the corneal morphological and functional unit (i.e. epithelium, stroma/keratocytes and endothelium) and of the conjunctival epithelium, and for the production and the storage of corneal and conjunctival tissues, in particular for transplantation purposes. The NGF is also proposed for use in the therapy and/or the prophylaxis of diseases of the corneal surface, wherein a lack of integrity of the corneal and conjunctival morphological and functional unit occurs, in particular for pathologies having a dystrophic or neurodystrophic basis, both congenital and acquired.

Abstract: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in a patient's bloodstream or other biological sample can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other pathologies. Antibody-sandwich ELISA methods and kits for VEGF as an antigen are provided to detect types of VEGF levels in biological samples from animal models and human patients and can be used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a human MCH1 receptor, a purified human MCH1 receptor, vectors comprising isolated nucleic acid encoding a human MCH1 receptor, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to a human MCH1 receptor, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding human MCH1 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding human MCH1 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding a normal or mutant human MCH1 receptor, methods of isolating a human MCH1 receptor, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of a human MCH1 receptor, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian MCH1 receptors.

Abstract: The invention is based on the development of several sensitive and simple methods for detecting erythropoietin and the erythropoietin receptor and associated antibodies. The methods and reagents are useful for differential diagnosis in Epo and EpoR related clinical problems. Methods and kits for simultaneous measurement of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in a biological sample are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that may be used to modulate binding of a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) polypeptide to an FGF receptor (FGFR). In preferred embodiments, the methods and compositions of the invention modulate binding of a particular FGF polypeptide, the FGF4 polypeptide, to its receptor. The invention provides, in particular, variant FGF polypeptides that have at least one amino acid residue substitutions, insertion or deletion which alters the polypeptdies' binding affinity for an FGFR. The invention also provides models for the three-dimensional structure of a dimerized complex of FGF-FGFR-heparin. Using these models, key amino acid residues are identified and novel compounds (including novel variants of FGF and FGFR) can be identified which modulate FGF binding to its receptor. Such new compounds are therefore useful, e.g., as agonist and antagonist for FGF signaling and for bioactivities associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies, and portions thereof, which are capable of specifically binding to human vascular endothelial cell growth factor (hVEGF) or hVEGF-related protein. The invention also provides hybridoma cell lines that produce such monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents, either by themselves or in conjunction with cytotoxic or other chemotherapeutic agents, to treat diseases that are characterized by excessive vascular endothelial cell proliferation. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention also are useful in diagnostic and analytical methods for determining the presence of hVEGF or hVEGF related-protein in a test sample.

Abstract: A method of measuring oestrogen or progesterone receptor (ER or PR) comprises identifying in histopathological specimen image data pixel groups indicating cell nuclei, and deriving image hue and saturation. The image is thresholded using hue and saturation and preferentially stained cells identified. ER or PR status is determined from normalised average saturation and proportion of preferentially stained cells. A method of measuring C-erb-2 comprises correlating window functions with pixel sub-groups to identify cell boundaries, computing measures of cell boundary brightness and sharpness and brightness extent around cell boundaries, and comparing the measures with comparison images associated with different values of C-erb-2. A C-erb-2 value associated with a comparison image having similar brightness-related measures is assigned. A method of measuring vascularity comprises deriving image hue and saturation, producing a segmented image by hue and saturation thresholding and identifying contiguous pixels.

Abstract: Screening methods for identifying compounds that bind to or activate (D1 or D5 dopamine receptors individually or in combination) or potentially regulate skeletal muscle mass or function in vivo. Also disclosed are screening methods for identifying compounds that prolong or augment the activation of D1 or D5 dopamine receptors or of D1 or D5 dopamine receptor signal transduction pathways and increase D1 or D5 dopamine receptor expression. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising D1 or D5 dopamine receptor agonists, antibodies to D1 or D5 dopamine receptors and methods for increasing skeletal muscle mass or function or for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy using D1 or D5 dopamine receptors as the target for intervention and methods for treatment of muscular dystrophies are described.

Abstract: A human EMAP III polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for preventing and/or treating neoplasia. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention for detecting diseases, for example, cancer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel assay system is disclosed for detecting the presence or amount of selected active proteases in biological samples. The assay system utilizes a chimeric protease detector protein composed of three domains: (1) a repressor domain, (2) a protease cleavage domain specific for the protease to be assayed, and a reporter domain. The reporter domain is not detectable when linked to the repressor domain, but becomes detectable upon release from the repressor domain by protease-mediated cleavage. Thus, the activity of the selected protein can be determined by measuring the amount of detectable reporter in the sample. Methods and test kits for using the novel assay system in a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods for preventing reovirus recognition in the treatment of cellular proliferative disorders, and particularly ras-mediated cellular proliferative disorders, in mammals. The method comprises suppressing or otherwise inhibiting the immune system of the mammal and, concurrently or subsequently, administering to the proliferating cells an effective amount of one or more reoviruses under conditions which result in substantial lysis of the proliferating cells. The methods may include the selective removal of immune constituents that may interfere with the systemic delivery of the virus; preventing reovirus recognition by the host immune system; and removal of the virus from an immune suppressed or immune incompetent host following treatment with reovirus. Alternatively, reovirus may be administered to a mammal with a diminished immune response system under conditions which result in substantial lysis of the proliferating cells.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies having high affinity for N-terminus pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are described. The monoclonal antibodies are prepared against a synthetic peptide having the Sequence ID No. 1. Specifically, the monoclonal antibodies described are produced from two hybridoma cell lines, 6G11-F11-D12 and 1C3-E11-R9, deposited with the American Type Culture Collection under Accession Numbers PTA-4844 and PTA-4845 respectively. The monoclonal antibody antibodies can be used as reagents in an immunoassay system to identify blood, serum or plasma levels of NT-proBNP. Such an immunoassay system can be used for diagnosing and quantifying congestive heart failure (CHF).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of transdifferentiating an epidermal basal cell into a cell having one or more morphological, physiological and/or immunological features of a neural progenitor, neuronal, or glial cell by culturing a proliferating epidermal basal cell population derived from the skin of a mammalian subject; exposing the epidermal basal cell(s) to an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), such as fetuin, noggin, chordin, gremlin, or follistatin; and growing the cell(s) in the presence of at least one antisense oligonucleotide comprising a segment of a human MSX1 gene and/or a segment of a human HES1 gene, or homologous non-human counterpart of either of these. Also disclosed is a transdifferentiated cell of epidermal origin and cell cultures derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific C-peptide assay method which can eliminate all interference due to proinsulin and its intermediates, in particular des-31,32-proinsulin and/or des-64,65-proinsulin. It also relates to antibodies for carrying out this assay.