Abstract: Compositions for nucleus pulposus regeneration is provided. Such composition may comprise a scaffolding material and a pore creating agent dispersed within the scaffolding material. The pore creating agent is removed from the scaffolding material in vivo, after the composition is administered to a patient. The pore creating agent may include an active agent, such as a growth factor, which may be released as the pore creating agent is being gradually removed from the scaffolding material. In addition, removal of the pore creating agent results in a porous scaffold for cells capable of regeneration of nucleus pulposus, either existing in situ or delivered separately, to attach to for further proliferation and regeneration.

Abstract: A carrier matrix may be delivered to a target position within a patient in a minimally invasive manner by first cutting a collagen sponge sheet into a plurality of relatively small pieces. These pieces are sized so that, when wet, they are capable of flowing through a cannula and/or reduced-diameter syringe tip. The pieces are placed into a syringe and wetted, say with a morphogenic solution, and optionally mixed with a bulking material, which is similarly sized to fit through the cannula. The thoroughly mixed and wetted product forms a viscous aggregate which may then be injected into the patient at the target site.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that the human NELL-1 gene induces or upregulates bone mineralization. The NELL-1 gene or gene product thus provides a convenient target for screening for modulators of bone mineralization. In addition, NELL-1 can be used to facilitate repair of bone fractures and/or to generally increase bone density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a bone graft material, a scaffold for tissue engineering applications and type I collagen Binding Peptides which have bone calcification-promoting peptides immobilized on the surface, and more particularly, to a bone graft material and a scaffold for tissue engineering applications (hereinafter, referred to as scaffold), which have peptides specifically binding with type I collagen immobilized on the surface, and pharmaceutical composition for recovering tissue regeneration containing type I collagen binding-inducing peptide.

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: The present invention is directed to peptide analogs of chemokine, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to methods of using such analogs to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions useful therefor comprising said analogs.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for promoting the differentiation of osteoblast bone forming cells to a mineralization phenotype and increasing bone mass using inhibitors of Brahma. Subjects benefiting from such treatment may have non-union fractures, osteopenia or osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, or a bone graft or bone fusion or orthopedic and dental implants, osteolytic bone disease, skeletal defects or deficiencies or periodontal disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for increasing bone production and/or decreasing bone fracture healing time in a subject, by administering an effective amount of periostin and/or active peptides and/or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for enhancing bone mineralization for bone repair or regeneration and compositions and grafts therefor. Methods for screening agents that enhance or modulate NELL-1 gene expression or NELL-1 protein production in a cell are also provided.

Abstract: A firm but pliable medical device for use as a bone graft substitute or bone graft extender retains its shape without the requirement of a containment device, such as a syringe. Because the device is solid, it is easy to locate or position in-vivo and, in the moist environment of the body, it will hold its shape well, for an extended time. Because the lyophilized pliable medical device is porous, it adsorbs blood and other beneficial cells containing body fluids, such as bone marrow, contributing to its superior bone repair efficacy in comparison to an analogous putty that has not been lyophilized. In addition these lyophilized pliable medical devices are easier to terminally steam sterilize than the analogous putty because there is no moisture present to boil and “blow-out” of the containment device (syringe). The glycerin that is present in the formulation lends pliability but has a low vapor pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination for the treatment of osteoporosis and/or the prophylaxis and treatment of bone fractures, said combination comprising collagen, an additional peptide, a calcium-containing substance and a wetting agent with a terminally functionalized oligolactone. The invention also relates to artificial bones and implants produced by the combination and to the use of said combination for fixing implants and treating osteoporosis and/or the prophylaxis and treatment of bone fractures. The invention further relates to a method for producing artificial bones and implants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a newly identified SDF-1 splice variant molecule, its polypeptide sequence, and the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide sequence, and active fragments thereof. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques employing, for example, vectors and host cells. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides and modulators thereof for the treatment of diseases, including cancer, immune diseases, infectious diseases, and ischemic diseases.

Abstract: Methods of using an injectable or implantable rod-shaped formulation for delivery of osteogenic proteins to treat osteoporotic and/or osteopenic bone are disclosed. The formulation comprises hyaluronic acid derivatives and osteogenic proteins, and optional excipients and active ingredients such as a bone resorption inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous inorganic/organic hybrid nanoscale composite comprising an enzymatically biodegradable organic polymer and a sol-gel derived silica network, its production and use as a macroporous scaffold in tissue engineering.

Abstract: The invention relates to tendon stem cell useful for treating a variety of diseases and conditions, including tendon repair and attachment of tendon to bone. The invention is also directed to treatment and/or inhibition of bone formation by use of biglycan and/or fibromodulin.

Abstract: The present invention provides variants of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) comprising one or more deletions; additions of and/or substitutions with natural amino acids, unnatural amino acids and/or peptidomimetics (including peptide bond isosteres); amino acid extensions; and/or other chemical moieties such as, e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) and hydrophobic acids. The CNP variants are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases responsive to CNP, including but not limited to bone-related disorders such as, e.g., skeletal dysplasias and achondroplasia, and vascular smooth muscle disorders such as, e.g., restenosis and arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of treatment, prophylaxis and diagnosis. More particularly, the present invention identifies genes and gene products associated with bone morphogenesis and pathologies of the bone. Even more particularly, the present invention contemplates the regulation of expression of these genes or the activity of the gene products in the treatment, prophylaxis and diagnosis of bone pathologies. Cell-based therapies and manipulation of cells in in vitro culture also form part of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition, for augmentation and regeneration of living tissue in a subject, comprising a population of porous microparticles of a biodegradable polymer, one or more mammalian cell populations, and optionally, a biocompatible adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and use of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-binding domains of members of the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) protein family, and polypeptide fragments and fusion proteins derived therefrom. The domains, i.e., peptide fragments and fusion proteins, according to the invention are suitable as agents for the active or passive immunization of individuals, or as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for use for diseases or medical conditions in whose origin or progression a member of the RGM family and a cellular receptor associated with this molecule, such as neogenin and/or BMP in particular, is involved. The invention further relates to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against the binding domains according to the invention, and against the polypeptides derived therefrom, and to methods for producing the polypeptides, fusion proteins, and antibodies according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injectable bone regeneration material containing a bone formation enhancing peptide, and more particularly, to an injectable bone regeneration material, in which a bone formation enhancing peptide essentially containing one and more amino acid sequences among SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 28 is bonded or mixed to a gel-forming base material selected from the group consisting of chitosan, alginic acid, silk fibroin, propylene glycol, propylene glycol alginic acid, poloxamer, chondroitin sulphate, and the combination thereof. The injectable bone regeneration material according to the present invention can increase differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblasts into bone tissue, thus maximizing tissue regeneration by a peptide capable of promoting differentiation of bone tissue and periodontal tissue regeneration. The injectable bone regeneration material is in the form of a gel, and thus can be applied to a surface of various medical devices such as implant etc.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides are disclosed comprising an amino acid sequence encoding a monomer of a fibrous polypeptide attached to a heterologous polysaccharide binding domain. Composites comprising same, methods of generating same and uses thereof are all disclosed.

Abstract: Peptides for the treatment of inflammation, and therapeutic uses and methods of using the same are disclosed. Peptides including a transducing sequence are effective for inhibiting cytokine activity and TNF-? secretion through interaction with toll-like receptors.

Abstract: An integrated scaffold for bone tissue engineering has a tubular outer shell and a spiral scaffold made of a porous sheet. The spiral scaffold is formed such that the porous sheet defines a series of spiral coils with gaps of controlled width between the coils to provide an open geometry for enhanced cell growth. The spiral scaffold resides within the bore of the shell and is integrated with the shell to fix the geometry of the spiral scaffold. Nanofibers may be deposited on the porous sheet to enhance cell penetration into the spiral scaffold. The spiral scaffold may have alternating layers of polymer and ceramic on the porous sheet that have been built up using a layer-by-layer method. The spiral scaffold may be seeded with cells by growing a cell sheet and placing the cell sheet on the porous sheet before it is rolled.

Abstract: Present inventions present composites of particles and polymers, as well as methods of making such composite and uses thereof. A low or non-porous composite comprises a plurality of bone particles; and polyurethane components with which the bone particles are combined. Provided composites can be prepared in a one-shot process. Alternatively or additionally, composites can be prepared by compression molding under a high pressure. Before or after implantation, provided composites may be set to form a hardened state of composites that provides mechanical strength and supports the in-growth of cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone-reinforcing agent which comprises a milk protein fraction having the following properties (1) to (4): (1) the milk protein fraction is derived from milk; (2) the milk protein fraction is a fraction containing a protein component having a molecular weight of 6,000 to 150,000 Daltons; (3) the milk protein fraction has a basic amino acid content of 12 to 14 wt % in the constitutional amino acid composition, and the ratio of the amount of a basic amino acid(s) to the amount of an acidic amino acid(s) is 0.5 to 0.7; and (4) the milk protein fraction has an activity of accelerating the calcification in an osteoblast.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variants of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), pharmaceutical compositions comprising CNP variants, and methods of making CNP variants. The CNP variants are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases responsive to CNP, including but not limited to bone-related disorders, such as skeletal dysplasias (e.g., achondroplasia), and vascular smooth muscle disorders (e.g., restenosis and arteriosclerosis).

Abstract: A device and technique for the performance of distraction osteogenesis of bone with controlled drug delivery using a bead chain consisting of two bands and a series of drug delivery capsules placed in a precise manner such that the relative motion of the bone segments brings the wires, pins, or screws into contact with the capsules and divides them. This action sequentially delivers the drug to the distraction zone throughout the distraction osteogenesis process.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof that correspond to a novel human secreted stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing processes for producing novel human secreted stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: ERR? is expressed in bone and cartilage in vivo and osteoblastic and chondrocytic cells in vitro. ERR? is a transcriptional activator of an osteoblast-associated osteopontin (OPN) and chondrocyte-associated (Sox9) gene in osteoblasts and chondrocytes respectively. Knockdown of ERR? expression by antisense oligonucleotide strategies in osteoblastic cell cultures reduces alkaline phosphatase activity. Together these findings indicate that ERR? is expressed in and plays a functional role in bone and cartilage. The results also indicate that agonists and antagonists of ERR? may be useful as therapeutic agents in a wide variety of diseases affecting bones and joints.

Abstract: Compositions comprising osteogenic factors fused with membrane transduction domains of viral proteins are provided. Also provided are methods of expression and use of such compositions. Further, the methods of making such compositions are also provided. The methods involve transfecting the cells with an isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a LIM mineralization protein operably linked to a promoter and optionally a membrane transduction domain of a viral protein. Transfection may be accomplished ex vivo or in vivo by direct injection of virus or naked DNA, or by a nonviral vector such as a plasmid. Methods for treating disc disease associated with trauma or disc degeneration are also described.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted N-(4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)butanamid derivatives which modulate androgen receptors to treat conditions such as: osteoporosis, peridontal disease, bone fracture, frailty, and sarcopenia.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osteogenesis enhancer comprising a molecule capable of acting on RANKL that enhances differentiation, proliferation, maturation, or calcification of osteoblasts or cells capable of differentiating into osteoblasts. A pharmaceutical composition for treatment or prevention of bone metabolism diseases associated with osteopenia, which comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound that acts on RANKL located on osteoblasts or cells capable of differentiating into osteoblasts and promotes differentiation, proliferation, maturation, or calcification of osteoblasts or cells capable of differentiating into osteoblasts is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to peptide analogues of Exendin-3 and Exendin-4 and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, to methods of using such analogues to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions containing said analogues and/or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous structures that each comprise chitosan, alginate and divalent metal cations, wherein: (a) the chitosan is ionically linked to the alginate; and (b) the structure is porous and has a compressive yield strength of at least 0.35 MPa. The present invention also provides methods for making the porous structures, and methods for using the porous structures as substrates to grow living cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein comprising or consisting of one of the following sequences: the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4, or a fragment of said sequence represented by one of the sequences SEQ ID NO: 2q, q varying from 3 to 36, or the sequence SEQ ID NO: 185 to SEQ ID NO: 209. It also relates to a nucleotide sequence coding for said protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a particulate composition adapted for forming a bone graft substitute cement upon mixing with an aqueous solution, including i) a calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder having a bimodal particle distribution and a median particle size of about 5 to about 20 microns, wherein the calcium sulfate hemihydrate is present at a concentration of at least about 70 weight percent based on the total weight of the particulate composition; ii) a monocalcium phosphate monohydrate powder; and iii) a ?-tricalcium phosphate powder having a median particle size of less than about 20 microns. Bone graft substitute cements made therefrom, a bone graft substitute kit comprising the particulate composition, methods of making and using the particulate composition, and articles made from the bone graft substitute cement are also provided.

Abstract: Calcium-strontium-hydroxyphosphate (strontium-apatite-) cement preparations are described, comprising a powder mixture, which contains molar quantities of the components calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr) and phosphate (P) in the mixture in the ranges 1.00<Ca/P?1.50 and 0<Sr/P<1.5, together with an alkali salt or an ammonium salt of phosphoric acid, and with water and/or an aqueous solution. The powder mixture particularly contains, as the Ca-component, Ca3(PO4)2 (TCP), and as the Sr-component SrHPO4 and/or Sr3(PO4)2 and optionally additional SrCO3. As the aqueous mixing solution for the formation of the strontium-apatite cement, an aqueous solution of an alkali salt or an ammonium salt of the phosphoric acid is suitable.

Abstract: A method for promoting bone formation is provided. More specifically, a method for promoting bone formation by promoting osteoclast formation is provided. In one embodiment, an implant comprising an implantable material and an osteoclast stimulating substance is provided.