Abstract: A polymeric prodrug composition including a hydrogel, a biologically active moiety and a reversible prodrug linker. The prodrug linker covalently links the hydrogel and the biologically active moiety at a position and the hydrogel has a plurality of pores with openings on its surface. The diameter of the pores is larger than that of the biologically active moiety at least at all points of the pore between at least one of the openings and the position of the biologically active moiety.

Abstract: A drug delivery device that includes a capsule for implantation into the body; the capsule further includes a reservoir for containing a substance such as a therapeutic agent, at least one port for allowing the substance to diffuse from or otherwise exit the reservoir, and a nanopore membrane in communication with the capsule at or near the exit port for controlling the rate of diffusion of the substance from the exit port. The device also includes an optional screen for providing structural stability to the nanopore membrane and for keeping the pores of the nanopore membrane clear. One embodiment of the drug delivery device includes an osmotic engine internal to the device for creating fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment medical device useful in the storage, processing and extended shelf life of perishable products, especially pharmaceutical, food and biological products. Particular biological materials processed according to the present methods are human blood and blood products (RBCs). Also disclosed are processes for preserving food, pharmaceutical and biological products for long-term storage and extended shelf life employing a process that reduces the hydration level of the material to less than native hydration levels of the specific product. The invention further provides stabilized biological products, such as in the form of glassified beads, prepared using a two-phase system according to the described processes that may be rehydrated and prepared for clinical use, and having essentially no loss of biological and/or pharmacological activity.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a taxane or taxoid, such as paclitaxel, and a protein, such as albumin or a metal-transferrin, such as gallium-transferrin, can be prepared by combining an aqueous protein solution with a second solution containing the taxane or taxoid, a non-ionic surfactant, and an alcohol; adjusting the pH of the combined solutions to between about 7.9 and about 8.3; and purifying the pH-adjusted solution to remove solutes having a molecular weight less than 10,000 Da. Such compositions can be prepared that are substantially free of non-ionic surfactants, such as Cremophor EL, and are useful in the treatment of cancers, such as breast cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of 4-amidino benzylamine derivatives as cosmetic ingredients and to cosmetic compositions, as well as to non-therapeutic methods for the cosmetic treatment of the skin and the scalp. Said derivatives and compositions can be used as urokinase inhibitors to prevent and restore damage of the epidermal barrier. Barrier abnormalities and disruptions respectively are often the starting point of a dry skin state, of itching, of dandruff and of the perception of sensitive skin. These 4-amidino benzylamine derivatives can be used for topical skin and scalp care applications in form of creams, lotions, gels, shampoos and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds comprising modified corticotrophin releasing factor peptide and specifically urocortin and urocortin-related peptides, modified derivatives thereof, and conjugates of such modified peptides and derivatives to serum components, preferably serum proteins or peptides. The compounds and conjugates of the invention comprise a reactive group, which is covalently attached to a modified peptide or derivative, optionally through a linking group. The present invention also provides methods for the covalent attachment of a modified peptide or derivative to a serum protein or peptide to form a conjugate of the invention. The conjugates of the invention preferably exhibit a longer in vivo circulating half-life compared to the corresponding unconjugated peptides. The conjugates of the invention also retain at least some of the biological activity of the unconjugated peptides, and preferably exhibit increased biological activity compared to the unconjugated peptides.

Abstract: Supersaturated gel formulations including a solution of chitosan, albumin, and a laser specific chromophore. Laser tissue welding methods using the gel formulations of the present invention are also described. In the methods, the gel formulation of the present invention is provided to a site for tissue repair and the laser specific chromophore within the gel is excited with a laser in order to fuse tissue by inducing protein denaturation. The gel formulations and laser tissue welding methods may be used, for example, to enable skull base repairs, aerodigestive endoscopic repairs, endoscopic endonasal surgical repairs, iatrogenic esophageal perforation repairs, laparoscopic abdominal surgical repairs, lung repairs, colon repairs, anastomosis of vessels, urologic/gynecologic endoscopic pelvic repairs, orofacial surgical repairs, dental replacement, skin closure, uterine closure and repairs after fibroidectomies and bladder surgery.

Abstract: The invention provides disintegrin variants, and more specifically to disintegrin variants which are selective ?v?3 integrin antagonists for treatment and prevention of ?v?3 integrin-associated diseases. The present invention also relates to pegylated proteins, including proteins comprising a disintegrin variant having an RGD motif variant 48ARLDDL53. The invention also relates to the use of the polypeptides of the invention for the treatment and prevention of ?v?3 integrin-associated diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pH-sensitive block copolymer that forms polyionic complex micelles. The block copolymer is prepared by copolymerization of (a) a polyethylene glycol compound, (b) a poly(amino acid) compound, and (c) a heterocyclic alkyl amine compound having the ability to induce the formation of ionic complexes. Further disclosed is a drug or protein carrier using the block copolymer.

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. Compositions of the polymeric forms of thyroid hormone, or thyroid hormone analogs, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chitosan capsule in which a soluble active ingredient is encapsulated in a matrix containing chitosan and phytic acid; a cross-linking method and materials capable of being used in preparing the capsule; and pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic compositions comprising the capsule. The chitosan capsule according to the present invention is prepared via ionic gelation of chitosan as a biodegradable polymer with phytic acid capable of rapidly and effectively forming a cross-linking reaction with the chitosan polymer. The capsule of the present invention shows high encapsulation efficiency for a soluble active ingredient and protects the soluble active ingredient from being damaged in a digestive tract, resulting in improving an in vivo delivery efficiency of a physiologically active material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hatching of hatchery eggs comprising: (a) treating the egg shell surface with a coating composition comprising a coating agent, to form a coating on the surface of the egg's shell; and (b) incubating the egg under conditions to cause hatching to occur; wherein the yield of hatching of said hatchery eggs is improved as compared to control eggs not treated as defined in (a). The invention additionally relates to a composition for treating of hatchery eggs prior to incubation, wherein said composition comprising a coating agent, and wherein said composition improves the hatching yield of said hatchery eggs.

Abstract: Fibrillar human serum albumin was shown to be effective in the treatment of various types of cancers. Methods and compositions are disclosed for using fibrillar human serum albumin as a medicament to treat subjects having cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fully synthetic albumin analog, to a hemocompatible coating for medical devices containing the fully synthetic albumin analog, as well as to medical devices coated with the hemocompatible coating. The albumin analog preferably has two basic structures which are connected with one another via at least one bridging unit, the basic structures respectively having, in a geometrically defined manner, at least two bound joint regions to which at least one residue is covalently bound, wherein the basic structures are, respectively, a benzene carboxylic acid, and wherein the joint regions are formed via acid amide bonds, and wherein each residue, respectively, comprises a lipophilic region and a hydrophilic region.

Abstract: A soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFRII) mutant has an amino acid substitution at position 92Glu compared with the wild TNFRII. The mutant improves the cytotoxicity capacity of neutralizing TNFalpha and lymphotoxin. The mutant and fusion protein comprising it are useful for the treatment of TNFalpha and lymphotoxin related diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates peptide entry inhibitors and methods of determining such inhibitors that are bindable to regions of viruses having class II E proteins, such as the dengue virus E protein, as candidates for in vivo anti-viral compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to therapeutic fusion proteins in which a coagulation factor is fused to a half-life enhancing polypeptide, and in which both are connected by a linker peptide that is proteolytically cleavable. The cleavage of such linkers liberates the coagulation factor from activity-compromising steric hindrance caused by the half-life enhancing polypeptide and thereby allows the generation of fusion proteins may show relatively high molar specific activity when tested in coagulation-related assays. Furthermore, the fact that the linker is cleavable can enhance the rates of inactivation and/or elimination after proteolytic cleavage of the peptide linker compared to the rates measured for corresponding therapeutic fusion proteins linked by the non-cleavable linker having the amino acid sequence GGGGGGV.

Abstract: Disclosed are an injectable sustained-release pharmaceutical formulation and a process for preparing the same. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises an active ingredient in a therapeutically effective amount, an amphipathic molecule, an organic acid and/or a salt thereof which is hardly soluble in water, and an oily solvent. The injectable sustained-release pharmaceutical formulation provides a good sustained-release effect for various active ingredients, in particular peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and saccharides.

Abstract: The invention relates to proteins comprising serine protease inhibiting peptides, such as Kunitz domain peptides (including, but not limited to, fragments and variants thereof) fused to albumin, or fragments or variants thereof. These fusion proteins are herein collectively referred to as “albumin fusion proteins of the invention.” These fusion proteins exhibit extended shelf-life and/or extended or therapeutic activity in solution. The invention encompasses therapeutic albumin fusion proteins, compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, formulations and kits. The invention also encompasses nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids and vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. The invention also relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting neutrophil elastase, kallikrein, and plasmin.

Abstract: Compositions of proteins having free thiols, and methods of making and using such compositions, are described.

Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.

Abstract: The present invention can be directed to poly(diol-citrate)-based copolymers, compositions thereof comprising protein components and methods of use and assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of dry eye and/or corneal and conjunctival lesion which comprises a recombinant human serum albumin produced by a recombinant yeast obtained by transforming a yeast with a gene for human serum albumin. Further, the present invention provides a method for the treatment of dry eye and/or corneal and conjunctival lesion, which comprises administering an effective amount of a recombinant human serum albumin produced by a recombinant yeast obtained by transforming a yeast with a gene for human serum albumin to a subject in need of the treatment of eye and/or corneal and conjunctival lesion.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of modulating immune responses in a subject, such as by administering to the subject agents which modulate tim-1, tim-2 or tim-4 activity, or which modulate the physical interaction between tim-1 and tim-4 or between tim-2 and a tim-2 ligand. Immune responses include, but are not limited to, autoimmune disorders, transplantation tolerance, and Th1 and Th2-mediated responses and disorders. The invention also relates to novel assays for identifying agents which modulate the physical interaction between tim-1 and tim-4. In addition, the invention relates to novel soluble tim-4 polypeptides and to nucleic acids which encode them.

Abstract: A biodegradable polyurethane scaffold, comprising at least one polyisocyante, polyisocyanate prepolymer, or both, at least one polyester polyol, at least one catalyst, wherein the density of said scaffold is from about 50 to about 250 kg m-3 and the porosity of the scaffold is greater than about 70 (vol %) and at least 50% of the pores are interconnected with another pore, and wherein the scaffold incorporates at least one biologically active component in powder form.

Abstract: Techniques, methods and lavages are disclosed for prevention or treatment of shock, particularly cecal ligation or cecal inoculation shock, by administering a specific therapeutic agent, which is able to use smaller volumes of reagent to achieve partial to complete inhibition, than other previously described techniques. The agent includes a combination of enzyme inhibitor, cytotoxic lipid binding protein, and antibiotic.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to attach a biopolymer composition to a synthetic polymer substrate without the use of a toxic adhesive. The present invention provides a medical composition, wherein a synthetic polymer substrate and a composition mainly composed of a biopolymer directly adhere to each other due to dissolution of the surfaces thereof.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides compositions and methods for biocompatible biomaterials with improved control of microorganisms, improved biocompatibility, lower toxicity, and reduce vCJD transmission potential. These combined benefits cascade to provide improved efficacy, improved patient compliance and improved performance, while limiting clinical complications in treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of proteins comprising at least one follistatin domain to modulate the level or activity of growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8). More particularly, the invention relates to the use of proteins comprising at least one follistatin domain, excluding follistatin itself, for treating disorders that are related to modulation of the level or activity of GDF-8. The invention is useful for treating muscular diseases and disorders, particularly those in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. The invention is also useful for treating diseases and disorders related to metabolism, adipose tissue, and bone degeneration.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to fusion proteins comprising a rhodostomin variant having an RGD motif variant 48ARLDDL53, wherein the rhodostomin variant is conjugated with a variant of Human Serum Albumin (HSA). The invention also relates to the use of these fusion proteins for treatment and prevention of ?v?3 integrin-associated diseases.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: A method for the prevention or treatment of an eye disease, which includes topically applying to a patient in need of the treatment an aqueous ophthalmic composition which includes N-acetylcarnosine, a N-acetylcarnosine derivative or a pharmacologically acceptable salt of N-acetylcarnosine, in combination with an amount of a cellulose compound or a pharmacologically acceptable salt which is effective to increase intraocular absorption of N-acetylcarnosine or L-carnosine or a derivative of L-carnosine, such as anserine or balenine, in the aqueous humor. A hydrophilic hydrogel contact lens and an ocular polymer insert for topical application of an ophthalmic composition to the eyes of a patient is also disclosed, with the lens or insert containing N-acetylcarnosine, a N-acetylcarnosine derivative or a pharmacologically acceptable salt of N-acetylcarnosine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of therapeutic human albumin for the preparation of a drug for the treatment of patients suffering from cognitive disorders. In particular, the invention relates to methods of treating patients suffering from cognitive disorders, in which the mode of administration of the drug comprises the administration to the patient for a minimum of three successive times of a therapeutically effective amount of human therapeutic albumin by plasma exchange and/or intravenous perfusion, independently of the content of A? in the patient's blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant albumins fused with poly-cysteine peptide and methods for preparing the same, more precisely recombinant albumins in which cysteines that can be used for drug binding are amplified at N-terminal and C-terminal of the albumin and methods for preparing the same. The recombinant albumin of the present invention demonstrates improved albumin-drug conjugation efficiency when it is used for drug delivery system, indicating that it can effectively deliver a large amount of drug to a target tissue. At the same time, the recombinant albumin of the present invention can be used as an excellent drug deliverer with reduced side effects, compared with the conventional albumin carriers, by regulating the amount of drug conjugated to each unit of albumin by regulating the number of cysteine fused thereto.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for prevention or treatment of physiological shock by administering a specific therapeutic agent, which is able to use smaller volumes of reagent to achieve complete inhibition, than other previously described techniques.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for promoting neuronal survival and regeneration using LINGO-1 antagonists and TrkB agonists. Additionally, the invention relates to methods for treating pressure induced optic neuropathies using LINGO-1 antagonists. The invention also relates generally to methods for increasing TrkB activity and inhibiting JNK pathway signaling using a LINGO-1 antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composition and method for an adhesive composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition of an adhesive composition containing a protein component and an aldehyde component where the aldehyde component further comprises of a thickening agent. The adhesive composition is used for adhering to a tissue in various applications. The adhesive composition can be used for marking a location within the human body, such as a tumor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising in an aqueous phase, particles having a diameter in the range of 20 to 500 nm, said particles containing:—an oil phase;—in said oil phase,—an aqueous droplet, or—a nanocapsule (NC) comprising:—an aqueous core, and—a polymeric shell or a shell composed of an amphiphilic substance; and—a surfactant. This composition is particularly useful for encapsulating hydrophilic and/or lipophilic substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to branched macromolecules bearing functional moieties. In particular, the invention relates to dendrimers, derived from lysine or lysine analogues, bearing a plurality of functional moieties. The invention further relates to the use of such macromolecules, particularly in therapeutic applications, and compositions comprising them.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the prediction, prognosis and/or diagnosis of metastasis. The present invention also provides proteins (or the related nucleic acid sequences) or protein expression profiles which are predictive and/or prognostic for metastasis. The invention thus relates to the use of said proteins and the corresponding amino acid or nucleic acid sequences for the prediction, prognosis or diagnosis of metastasis.

Abstract: Methods for blocking autoreactive T cell-initiated destruction of tissues in a mammal are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering a purified CD24 polypeptide, a fusion protein comprising such polypeptide, or a biologically active fragment of such polypeptide to a mammalian subject who is suspected of having or predisposed to having an autoimmune disease. In another embodiment, anti-CD24 antibody or anti-CD24 Fab fragments are administered to the subject. In another embodiment, the method comprises administering a CD24 antisense molecule, an expression vector encoding a CD24 antisense molecule, CD24 dsRNAi, or an expression vector encoding CD24 dsRNAi to the subject. The present invention also relates to isolated and purified CD24 fusion proteins employed in the present methods and to transgenic mice that express the human CD24 protein on their T cells and/or their vascular endothelial cells but do not express murine heat shock antigen on any cells.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disordrs or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the use of gene expression profiling to determine whether an individual afflicted with cancer will respond to a therapy, and in particular to therapeutic agents such as platinum-based agents and antimetabolite agents. Methods for the treatment of individuals with the therapeutic agents are also provided. Methods of predicting the efficacy of cancer therapeutic agents such as platinum-based and antimetabolite therapeutic agents are also provided. Kits including gene chips and instructions for predicting responsiveness are also provided.

Abstract: The invention describes albumin fusion proteins comprising growth hormone and serum albumin. The invention also describes nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention, as well as vectors containing these nucleic acid molecules, host cells transformed with these vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally, the invention describes compositions comprising the albumin fusion proteins, and methods of treating patients in need of growth hormone, comprising administering the albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing polymers are disclosed. Compositions include novel plastics, including films and shaped forms comprising polymer matrices that are biologically compatible and biodegradable. Such plastics may comprise polymers derived from natural sources. Further, such plastics are useful in biological systems for wound repair, implants, stents, drug encapsulation and delivery, and other applications. The disclosed methods comprise mild manufacturing processes such that various additives, such as biologically active proteins, sugars, lipids, and the like may be incorporated into the polymer matrix without subsequent loss of bioactivity during processing. Additionally, methods of manufacture for controlling mechanical properties, such as elasticity, pliancy, and the porosity of such plastics are disclosed.

Abstract: A microprotrusion array for use in transport of a material across a biological barrier, wherein said array comprises a plurality of microprotusions composed of a swellable polymer composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an N-(phosphonoalkyl)-amino acid, a related compound or a derivative thereof, the N-(phosphonoalkyl)-amino acid, related compound or derivative thereof being in a form as a free acid, salt, partial salt, lactone, amide or ester, or in stereoisomeric or non-stereoisomeric form, other than N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine or N,N-bis(phosphonomethyl)-glycine. Also included is a composition including an N-(phosphonoalkyl)-amino acid, a related compound or a derivative thereof in a form as a free acid, salt, partial salt, lactone, amide or ester, or in stereoisomeric or non-stereoisomeric form, and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical or systemic administration to a mammalian subject, as well as a method of administering an effective amount of such a composition for alleviating or improving a condition, disorder, symptom or syndrome associated with at least one of a nervous, vascular, musculoskeletal or cutaneous system.