Abstract: A method for preparing polymer microparticles with a reduced initial burst, and the polymer microparticles prepared thereby, the method including: contacting polymer microparticles with an alcohol aqueous solution, the polymer microparticles prepared thereby, and use for drug delivery of the polymer microparticles.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods related to promoting protection or repair of articular cartilage and/or musculoskeletal soft tissue by contacting the cartilage, tissues or cellular components thereof with a parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH/PTHrP) receptor agonist or releasing factor.

Abstract: Cryogranulation systems with improved dispenser assemblies are provided for use in manufacturing frozen pellets of pharmaceutical substances in a fluid medium. Methods of cryogranulating the pharmaceutical substance in the fluid medium are also provided. In particular embodiments, the dispenser assembly is used with suspensions or slurries of pharmaceutical compositions including biodegradable substances, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical substance can be adsorbed to any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier particles suitable for making pharmaceutical powders. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical carrier can be, for example, diketopiperazine-based microparticles. The dispenser assembly improves the physical characteristics of the cryopellets formed and minimizes product loss during processing.

Abstract: Compositions of and methods for formulating and delivering biologically active agent formulations having enhanced physical stability, and wherein deterioration from the presence of oxygen and/or water is minimized and/or controlled, to yield a stable formulation. The compositions of and methods for formulating and delivering biologically active agents of the present invention further facilitate their incorporation into a biocompatible coating which can be employed to coat a stratum-corneum piercing microprojection, or a plurality of stratum-corneum piercing microprojections of a delivery device, for delivery of the biocompatible coating through the skin of a subject, thus providing an effective means of delivering the biologically active agents.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the PTH-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conformationally constrained parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogs, and methods of preparing and using the PTH analogs. The invention provides novel PTH polypeptide derivatives containing amino acid substitutions at selected positions in the polypeptides. The invention provides derivatives of PTH(1-34), PTH(1-21), PTH(1-20), PTH(1-19), PTH(1-18), PTH(1-17), PTH(1-16), PTH(1-15), PTH(1-14), PTH(1-13), PTH(1-12), PTH(1-11), and PTH(1-10) polypeptides, wherein at least one residue in each polypeptide is a helix, preferably an ?-helix, stabilizing residue. The invention also provides methods of making such peptides. Further, the invention encompasses compositions and methods for use in limiting undesired bone loss in a vertebrate at risk of such bone loss, in treating conditions that are characterized by undesired bone loss or by the need for bone growth, e.g., in treating fractures or cartilage disorders and for raising cAMP levels in cells where deemed necessary.

Abstract: A method for treating early-stage osteoarthritis in an animal is provided. The method comprises delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of a parathyroid hormone (PTH) or a PTH derived substance to an affected joint cavity of the patient. Methods for inhibiting articular chondrocytes apoptosis and for inhibiting a degenerative process of articular chondrocytes in an afflicted animal are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crystalline polymorphic forms of the di-sodium salt of N-(5-chlorosalicyloyl)-8-aminocaprylic acid, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, methods of preparing the same, and methods for facilitating the delivery of active agents with the same.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density.

Abstract: Supplemented matrices comprising a PTH releasably incorporated therein, optionally containing a granular material, which are used to heal bone fractures, particularly bone fractures with a risk of becoming delayed unions or non-unions, are described herein. The PTH is incorporated either through covalent linkage to the matrix or through non-covalent interaction with the matrix and/or the granules. These supplemented matrices decrease the time of healing compared to autograft and or trigger healing of bone fractures which otherwise would not heal. The matrices are biocompatible, preferably biodegradable, and can be formed in vitro or in vivo, at the time of implantation. The PTH may be a part of a fusion peptide. PTH can be incorporated into the matrices with full retention of its bioactivity. PTH can be releasably incorporated in the matrix.

Abstract: Compositions for nasal administration, which comprise a pharmaceutical, a physiologically active peptide, or a peptide-related compound, and as the carrier thereof, crystalline cellulose with a specific particle diameter and/or partially pregelatinized starch are provided. Such compositions improve the in vivo absorption efficiency of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for manipulating hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial stem cells, neural stem cells and related products through activation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in neighboring cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having a specific surface area of less than about 67 m2/g. The diketopiperazine microparticle can be fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug such as insulin.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel soybean derived human thyroglobulin, methods of producing human thyroglobulin in plants such as soybean, and novel diagnostic applications for the detection and stratification of endocrine malignancies including thyroid cancer and thyroiditis. The invention also includes the use of soybean-derived human thyroglobulin in affinity matrices to remove autoreactive anti-thyroglobulin antibodies from patient's sera prior to analyses. Moreover, the invention also includes methods and compositons of treating, preventing and or/ameliorating symptoms associated with thyroiditis.

Abstract: A method for treating and/or inhibiting arthritis is provided. The method includes administering an effective amount of a composition including a parathyroid hormone and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or salt to a subject with arthritis. Additionally, a method for inhibiting and/or rescuing terminal differentiation of cells is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to PTH variants and uses thereof in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of various disease states.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods related to promoting protection or repair of articular cartilage and/or musculoskeletal soft tissue by contacting the cartilage, tissues or cellular components thereof with a parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH/PTHrP) receptor agonist or releasing factor.

Abstract: Described herein are CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, therapeutic delivery systems comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, compositions comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, dosage forms comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, and kits comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates. Also disclosed are methods of using (e.g., to treat a disorder) the CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, therapeutic delivery systems comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, compositions comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, dosage forms comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, and kits comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of promoting local bone growth by administering a therapeutic amount of a Sost antagonist to a mammalian patient in need thereof. Preferably, the Sost antagonist is an antibody or FAB fragment selectively recognizing any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-23. The Sost antagonist may be coadministered together or sequentially with a matrix conducive to anchoring new bone growth. Orthopedic and Periodontal devices comprising an implantable portion adapted to be permanently implanted within a mammalian body and bearing an external coating of a Sost antagonist are also disclosed, as it a method of increasing bone density by administering to a mammalian patient a therapeutic amount of a Sost antagonist together with an antiresorptive drug.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of promoting bone healing by locally administering a vanadium-based insulin mimetic agent to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides a new use of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds for manufacture of medicaments for accelerating bone-healing processes. In addition, the invention also encompasses a bone injury treatment kit suitable for localized administration of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds or compositions thereof to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage-stable composition containing a parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and methods of using a PTHrP and the PTHrP compositions described herein to treat osteoporosis, to increase bone mass or to increase bone quality. The composition is storage stable, in sterile form, and in general may be stored at room temperature for at least several weeks to allow convenient parenteral administration to human patients.

Abstract: Compounds having activity for lowering parathyroid hormone levels are described. In one embodiment, the compounds are comprised of a contiguous sequence of subunits, X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6-X7, wherein the X1 subunit comprises a thiol-containing moiety and the distribution of charge on the X2-X7 subunits provides the desired activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating hyperparathyroidism, bone disease and/or hypercalcemic disorders are also described, and in particular, methods for lowering plasma PTH and serum calcium are provided. The compounds can be used to treat subjects having, for example: primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism; hypercalcemia of malignancy; metastatic bone disease; or osteoporosis.

Abstract: Fusion proteins containing active agonist or antagonist fragments of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) coupled to a collagen-binding domain are presented. The fusion proteins can be used to promote bone growth, to promote hair growth, to prevent cancer metastasis to bone, to promote immune reconstitution with a bone marrow stem cell transplant, to promote mobilization of bone marrow stem cells for collection for autologous stem cell transplant, and to treat renal osteodystrophy. Pharmaceutical agents comprising a collagen-binding polypeptide segment linked to a non-peptidyl PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist or antagonist are also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed are two PTH analog ligands, SP-PTH-AAK and Aib-SP-PTH-AAK, that have long-acting activity at the PTH receptor, as demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. These polypeptides are thus particularly useful in the treatment of diseases, such as hypoparathyroidism, in which long-acting activity is desired. The method of making the analog polypeptides is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel short-chain peptides, which primarily act as parathyroid hormone (PTH/PTH-1) receptor agonist. These short-chain peptides exhibit increased stability to proteolytic cleavage. Most of short-chain peptides were found to be stable in rat plasma up to 24 hours (in vitro), showed increased stability against GIT enzymes such as pepsin and acidic stomach pH and also against liver microsomes (in vitro). Due to increased metabolic stability, other than parenteral route of administration, some of the short-chain peptides can also be delivered by oral routes of administration, for the treatment/prevention of hypoparathyroidism and diseases characterized by bone mass reduction, such as osteoporosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis and for stimulating bone repair.

Abstract: Compounds having activity for lowering parathyroid hormone levels are described. In one embodiment, the compounds are comprised of a contiguous sequence of subunits, X1—X2—X3—X4—X5—X6—X7, wherein the X1 subunit comprises a thiol-containing moiety and the distribution of charge on the X2—X7 subunits provides the desired activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating hyperparathyroidism, bone disease and/or hypercalcemic disorders are also described, and in particular, methods for lowering plasma PTH and serum calcium are provided. The compounds can be used to treat subjects having, for example: primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism; hypercalcemia of malignancy; metastatic bone disease; or osteoporosis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the PTH-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.

Abstract: A method for augmenting a tissue including introducing into the tissue a first thermoplastic material at a first condition; treating the first thermoplastic material to achieve a second condition that includes an at least partially crystalline skin; and introducing a second material into the tissue whereby the first thermoplastic material and the second material are contained by the at least partially crystalline skin. Also a method of fracture reduction in a tissue including exposing to gamma radiation a mass of polycaprolactone characterized by a first shape; heating the mass of irradiated polycaprolactone above its melting temperature; introducing the heated mass of polycaprolactone into the tissue annulus to deform it from the first shape; allowing the material to return to the first shape.

Abstract: The invention provides a powdered composition for nasal administration, comprising a physiologically active peptide and cellulose acetate as the base, and having excellent nasal absorption for physiologically active peptides.

Abstract: A medicine that is extremely useful for preventing and/or treating osteoarthritis, which includes a parathyroid hormone (PTH), and methods of use of such medicine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preparation for transnasal application, which has improved fluidability. Specifically disclosed is a preparation for transnasal application, which comprises at least a complex comprising: a fluidability-improving component comprising a first crystalline cellulose (A) having specified powder properties, tricalcium phosphate (B) having specified powder properties, and a second crystalline cellulose (C) having specified powder properties or a starch (D) having specified powder properties; and a physiologically active substance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to stimulate endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation in a subject which method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of one or more of the following compounds prazosin, quinacrine, emetine, apomorphine, and debrisoquine, whereby endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation is stimulated in said subject. The endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation may enhance bone formation and/or cartilage formation.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following formula (1), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or an optically active form thereof: wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification. A compound having a calcium-sensing receptor antagonistic action, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, particularly a calcium receptor antagonist and a therapeutic drug for osteoporosis are provided.

Abstract: A method of local treatment of specific bone defects such as osteoporosis or bone cysts comprises the step of local administration of a formulation comprising a fusion peptide containing a first domain comprising PTH or BMP 2 or BMP 7, and a second domain comprising a covalently crosslinkable substrate domain; and a material suitable of forming a biodegradable matrix suitable for cellular growth or in-growth, wherein the fusion peptide is covalently linked to the matrix. In one embodiment, the matrix contains one or more contrast agents, and is preferably formed in the absence of a growth factor. The matrix may be used in the treatment of fluid-filled cysts such as Tarlov cysts, ovarian cysts, arachnoid cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts or hepatic cysts.

Abstract: A method of treating osteoporosis by PTH that has excellent safety and high efficacy is disclosed, along with a method for inhibiting/preventing bone fractures by PTH that has excellent safety, as well as providing a drug to do this. A drug containing PTH as the active ingredient is disclosed, characterized in that a unit dose of PTH of 100 to 200 units is administered weekly in the above method.

Abstract: Black bear parathyroid hormone (PTH) and functional fragments thereof are provided. Also provided are methods of using black bear PTH and functional fragments for increasing cAMP in a bone-forming cell; reducing apoptosis in a bone-forming cell; decreasing the ratio of expression levels of Bax protein to Bcl-2 protein in a bone-forming cell; increasing the expression level of one or more of a bone matrix protein, a transcriptional activator, or a transcriptional regulator in a bone-forming cell; enhancing bone mineral density, increasing bone mass, decreasing bone loss, or reducing the incidence of bone fractures, or any combination thereof, in a subject; also provided are antibodies directed against black bear parathyroid hormone (PTH) and functional fragments thereof.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation for use in a spinal fusion method, comprising a composition for forming a matrix, a kit comprising the composition, a pharmaceutical product obtainable from the pharmaceutical formulation, and an interbody spinal fusion cage containing the pharmaceutical formulation or the pharmaceutical product are described herein. The composition comprises at least a first matrix material precursor component and a second matrix material precursor component that are able to crosslink to form the matrix under appropriate conditions, a bioactive factor that is biologically active for stimulating bone formation between two vertebrae and for effecting or supporting spinal fusion. The bioactive factor is PTH, optionally a PTH fusion peptide. The bioactive factor is releasably incorporated in the matrix upon crosslinking of the matrix material precursor components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new use of rapamycin and rapamycin derivatives.

Abstract: Stable formulations for parenteral injection of peptide drugs and methods of using such stable formulations are provided. In particular, the present invention provides stable formulations for parenteral injection of glucagon and methods of using such glucagon formulations to treat hypoglycemia, especially severe hypoglycemia in emergency situations.

Abstract: A lipid layer forming wound healing promoting composition comprising volatile silicone oil, polar lipid, C2-C4 aliphatic alcohol, and a wound healing agent, in particular a low to medium size natural or synthetic peptide. Also disclosed is a method of forming the lipid layer on a wound and a medical patch provided with the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fumaryl diketopiperazine (FDKP) compositions and microparticles having a specific trans isomer content of about 45% to about 65%. The FDKP microparticles can comprise a drug such as an endocrine hormone, including, peptide, including, insulin, glucagon, parathyroid hormones and the like and can be used to make a powder formulation for pulmonary delivery of the drug.

Abstract: Bioavailability of peptide active agents to be administered orally is enhanced by a pharmaceutical composition providing an active peptide that is amidated at a site that is not naturally amidated.

Abstract: Compounds, methods, uses, compositions, kits and packages for the treatment of imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, based on uses of 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4-P-PDOT) and analogs, derivatives, prodrugs, precursors thereof, and salts thereof, are described.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a mixture of: (c) an active macromolecular principle; (d) an aromatic alcohol absorption enhancer chosen from propyl gallate, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) and analogues and derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof; and (d) a biguanide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, capable of increasing the solubility of the aromatic alcohol absorption enhancer in an aqueous medium, wherein the aromatic alcohol absorption enhancer is present in an amount by weight greater than or equal to that of the active principle.

Abstract: Described herein is a transmucosal delivery device and their use for delivering bioactive agents across a mucosal membrane. The delivery devices contain a pharmaceutically acceptable oxidizing and agents that facilitates the delivery of the blood stream across the mucosal membrane.

Abstract: Compounds having activity for lowering parathyroid hormone levels are described. In one embodiment, the compounds are comprised of a contiguous sequence of subunits, X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6-X7, wherein the X1 subunit comprises a thiol-containing moiety and the distribution of charge on the X2-X7 subunits provides the desired activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating hyperparathyroidism, bone disease and/or hypercalcemic disorders are also described, and in particular, methods for lowering plasma PTH and serum calcium are provided. The compounds can be used to treat subjects having, for example: primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism; hypercalcemia of malignancy; metastatic bone disease; or osteoporosis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having a specific surface area of less than about 67 m2/g. The diketopiperazine microparticle can be fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug such as insulin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to uses and methods of parathyroid hormone (PTH), preferably PTH (1-34), and/or parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), preferably PTHrP (1-34), for recruiting stem cells into tissue suffering from ischemia, wherein said stem cells are preferably capable of repairing and/or regenerating said tissue suffering from ischemia. Accordingly, the uses and methods of the present invention are preferably suitable for the prevention and/or treatment of ischemia. Moreover, the present invention relates to a composition comprising parathyroid hormone (PTH), preferably PTH (1-34), and/or parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), preferably PTHrP (1-34), and/or G-CSF or a G-CSF fragment for use as a pharmaceutical composition. In a particular aspect, a DPP IV antagonist is applied in the uses, methods and/or compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined pharmaceutical preparation comprising parathyroid hormone and a bone resorption inhibitor, said preparation being adapted for (a) the administration of parathyroid hormone during a period of approximately 6 to 24 months; (b) after the administration of parathyroid hormone has been terminated, the administration of a bone resorption inhibitor during a period of approximately 12 to 36 months.