Abstract: Disclosed are SPARC and albumin binding peptides for the targeting of disease sites, such as tumors, with therapeutic and diagnostic agents In particular, compositions comprising SPARC binding peptide—Antibody Fc domain fusion proteins and methods of their use are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substance capable of promoting the repair of a fractured part in a fracture caused by an external force, fatigue or a disease. Also disclosed is a method for producing the substance. Further disclosed is a product capable of promoting the repair of a fracture, such as a food, a beverage and a feed, which comprises the fracture repair promoter. Specifically disclosed is a fracture repair promoter comprising, as an active ingredient, a fraction containing a milk-derived basic protein. In the promoter, the fraction containing the milk-derived basic protein is produced by contacting milk or a milk-derived raw material with a cation exchange resin to cause the adsorption of the basic protein on the cation exchange resin and eluting a fraction adsorbed on the resin by means of an eluent having a salt concentration of 0.1 to 1.0 M.

Abstract: Methods of treating, inhibiting, or ameliorating gout, including chronic acute (refractory) gout, pseudogout, or drug-induced gout, in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutic amount of an interleukin 1 (IL-1) antagonist, wherein the incidence of a gout flare is reduced or inhibited.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for targeting and internalizing molecules into cells of interest and for penetration by molecules of tissues of interest. The compositions and methods are based on peptide sequences, such as truncated CAR peptides, that are selectively internalized by a cell, penetrate tissue, or both. The disclosed internalization and tissue penetration is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to cells and tissues of interest.

Abstract: Compositions and pharmaceutical formulations for buccally delivering parathyroid hormone comprising a) a delivery agent, b) a PTH component and, optionally, c) an antiresorptive agent are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the finding that collagen peptides bind to the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and stimulate the activation and/or differentiation of OSCAR expressing cells, such as osteoclasts and osteoclast precursor cells. Collagen peptides are described which may be useful in the modulation of the differentiation and/or activation of OSCAR expressing cells, for example in the treatment of bone defects and disorders characterized by altered differentiation and/or activation of OS-CAR expressing cells.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods of promoting or maintaining an anabolic state in a female animal. The methods comprise administering a composition to the female animal, with the composition comprising between about 15% to about 25% protein (w/w) and about 5% to about 15% fat (w/w).

Abstract: To provide a collagen/elastin crosslinked material capable of satisfactorily corresponding to various uses such as medical materials including an artificial dermis and scaffolding materials for cell culture. The collagen/elastin crosslinked material is obtained by crosslinking a fish-derived collagen and a fish-derived elastin, and is fully capable of corresponding to various uses such as medical materials including an artificial dermis and scaffold material for cell culture.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic paste compositions with enhanced osteoinductive properties for use in bone repair. Compositions comprising a quickly resorbable paste carrier, a more slowly resorbed mineral matrix, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) or other osteogenic factor are described which enable increased osteoinductive activity while retaining a reliable scaffold for the formation of new bone at the implant site. Methods for making and methods for therapeutic use of the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An osteogenic enhancer composition for bone and cartilage repair and methods of using the same are described.

Abstract: Provided is a purified, negative regulator of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, specifically LRRc17. Further provided are methods and compositions for treating degenerative bone disorders, and treatments and prophylactic approaches for regulating bone resorption, and for decreasing or inhibiting the excessive bone loss associated with abnormal or excessive generation of or activity of osteoclasts.

Abstract: Implantable pliable bone blocks comprising a solid block of cortical bone characterized by a length, width and thickness, having a first and a second face on opposite sides of the block. The first and second faces have a plurality slot features. The angle of incidence of the slot features of the first face and the x-axis and the angle of incidence of the slot features of the second face and the x-axis (a2) are such that the slots would intersect if they were in the same plane. Methods are provided for making implantable pliable bone blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel class of self-assembling peptides, compositions thereof, methods for the preparation thereof and methods of use thereof. The invention also encompasses methods for tissue regeneration, increasing the production of extracellular matrix proteins, and methods of treatment comprising administering self-assembling peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of modulators of the sclerostin:sclerostin-binding-partner interaction for the treatment, amelioration, and diagnosis of sclerostin-related disorders, e.g., osteoporosis and sclerosteosis, and sclerostin-related disorders, e.g., cancers and cardiovascular disorders. The invention also relates to the use of sclerostin-binding-partner mimetics for the treatment, amelioration, and diagnosis of sclerostin-related disorders. Assays for the identification of modulators of the sclerostin:sclerostin-binding-partner interaction, as well as the resulting signaling, are also provided.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method of treating an animal suffering a disease characterized by excessive apoptosis by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one serine protease inhibitor and thereafter monitoring a decrease in apoptosis. The inhibitor of the invention includes ?1-antitrypsin or an ?1-antitrypsin-like agent, including, but not limited to oxidation-resistant variants of ?1-antitrypsin, and peptoids with antitrypsin activity. The diseases treatable by the invention include cancer, autoimmune disease, sepsis neurodegenerative disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, toxin induced liver injury and AIDS. The method of the invention is also suitable for the prevention or amelioration of diseases characterized by excessive apoptosis.

Abstract: Isolated active compound of a naturally occurring fraction of Enamel Matrix Derivatives (EMD), having at least one of each two N-terminal polypeptide fragments of amelogenin, which are at least 95% identical to an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. No:1 and/or 2. The invention relates to the use of said isolated active compound of a fraction and/or of the fraction itself, and/or the at least one of each two polypeptide fragments for use as a medicament and/or for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for a variety of different medical indications such as inducing and/or promoting cementogenesis, bone growth and/or binding between parts of living mineralised tissue, for bonding of a piece of living mineralised tissue to a bonding site on a piece of other living tissue, for endorsing binding between hard tissues, for inducing regeneration of dentin, and/or for filling a mineralized wound cavity and/or tissue defect following from a procedure and/or trauma.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an improved apparatus and packaging system to more expeditiously hydrate or reconstitute medical grafts and to effectively and uniformly seed the medical grafts with biological components and cells. The systems generally comprise a container comprising entry port, at least one substrate cavity, and top, side and bottom walls defining an inner surface. The entry port is configured to receive the biological solution. The cavity is in communication with the entry port and includes the porous substrate maintained under negative pressure. The container volume is substantially the same as a volume of the porous substrate. The side and bottom walls are configured to promote a laminar flow of the biological solution received through the entry port.

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 relates to biomaterials, said biomaterials for use in methods to control and/or induce bone growth. Particularly, the invention relates to macroporous calcium phosphate biomaterials pre-loaded with certain amounts of osteoclastic activity inhibitors for use in methods to control and/or induce bone growth in primates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide capable of binding to an immunoglobulin, a fusion protein with the peptide, nucleic acids coding for the peptide and for the fusion protein, methods for producing the peptide and the fusion protein, and a composition and means for binding an immunoglobulin, as well as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of a disease caused by the binding between C1q and an immunoglobulin, which includes a peptide capable of binding to the immunoglobulin or a fusion protein with the peptide, and others.

Abstract: A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analogue comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the effect of glucocorticoids, particularly dexamethasone, which suppress growth hormone secretion, by administering ghrelin or a ghrelin analogue, for example, [Aib2, Glu3(NH-hexyl)]hGhrelin(1-28)-NH2 (SEQ ID NO:2) or other suitable ghrelin agonist, to counteract the catabolic effects of said dexamethasone and other natural glucocorticoids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of BiP or a variant, homologue, derivative or fragment thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of bone loss or bone resorption.

Abstract: Provided is a protein comprising an antibody binding site that binds to a sulfated epitope of a Wnt pathway protein that is not Wnt5A, Wnt11, or Wnt3a. Also provided is a composition comprising an isolated and purified Wnt pathway protein, where the protein is sulfated but not glycosylated. Additionally provided is a preparation of a Wnt pathway protein comprising at least one sulfation site and at least one glycosylation site, where all of the Wnt pathway protein in the preparation is glycosylated but not sulfated. Further provided is a composition comprising a peptide less than 75 amino acids or amino acid analogs, the peptide consisting of a fragment of a Wnt pathway protein, wherein the fragment is sulfated. A modified Wnt pathway protein comprising a sulfation site that is not present in the native Wnt pathway protein is also provided. Also provided is a method of detecting or quantifying a sulfated Wnt pathway protein in a preparation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detecting abnormal lymphocytes said method comprising detecting an amount or expression of the FOXP2 gene in lymphocytes in a sample, wherein an increased amount or expression of the FOXP2 gene in said lymphocytes indicates the presence of abnormal lymphocytes. Additionally, the invention concerns a method for detecting or assessing a condition associated with the presence of abnormal lymphocytes. The methods of the invention may also be useful for diagnosing myeloma or MGUS or for determining the prognosis for patients with lymphoma, myeloma or MGUS. The severity of bone disease or bone colonisation of tumours may also be able to be predicted. Further, treatment of conditions associated with the presence of abnormal lymphocytes using an agent which inhibits FOXP2 expression and/or FOXP2 activity is provided. An antibody which binds to the N-terminus of FOXP2 has also been developed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition for treating, preventing or ameliorating a bone or cartilage condition and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone-regenerating composition containing angiogenin and to a bone-generating scaffold comprising the composition.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to peptides and salts thereof that are useful as anti-inflammatory agents and to compositions containing such peptides and salts as active ingredients. Specifically exemplified herein are endomorphin-1 peptide (EM-1), analogs and salts thereof, and uses for modulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) production and/or substance P (SP) and for treatment of inflammation, particularly neurogenic inflammation.

Abstract: Provided are a folyl extract of fermented soybean (EFS) produced by fermenting a culture including a folic acid and soybean extract by using a microorganism, and a composition including the folyl EFS. The folyl EFS has an anti-histamine effect, an anti-allergic effect, a calcium-absorption-promotion effect, a bone-growth-promotion effect, a cell growth promotion effect, a collagen biosynthesis promotion effect, a wrinkle improvement effect, and an UV-induced cell damage inhibition effect. Accordingly, the folyl EFS can be used in a skin external application or cosmetic composition, a health supplement food composition, a feed composition, and a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transgenic animal whose genome comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises a Cre recombinase and a mutated ligand binding domain of human estrogen receptor (CreER), wherein the first nucleic acid is operably linked to a chondrocyte-specific promoter and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a ?-catenin polypeptide, wherein the second nucleic acid sequence comprises one or more loxP sequences. Also provided is a method of modifying a transgenic animal comprising administering tamoxifen to the transgenic animal. Also provided are methods of screening for an agent that reduces or prevents Cre-Negative Control one or more symptoms of osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease in a subject. Methods for identifying a subject with or at risk of developing osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease are also provided, as well as methods of treating or preventing osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease in a subject.

Abstract: A peptide fragment of the netrin-4 protein and nucleic acids coding for the peptide are described. The peptide can inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and cell migration, as well as activate the proliferation and migration of pericytes and smooth muscle cells. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the peptide and/or the nucleic acids can be used to treat a variety of tumoral and non-tumoral pathologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel activin IIB5 receptor polypeptides capable of binding and inhibiting the activities of activin A, myostatin, or GDF-11. The present invention also provides polynucleotides, vectors and host cells capable of producing the receptor polypeptides. Compositions and methods for treating muscle-wasting, metabolic and other disorders are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient having a disease or condition related to IVD degeneration are provided. The methods comprise administering cells obtained from human umbilical cord tissue, or administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising such cells or prepared from such cells and optionally a hydrogel. In some embodiments, administering the cells promotes repair and regeneration of degenerated IVD tissue in the patient. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the inventive methods, as well as kits for practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable filler for restoration of alveolar bones is disclosed, which includes: first cross-linked collagen fibers prepared from reacting Non-crosslinked collagen fibers with a cross-linking agent; and supporting particles which are biomedical ceramic particles, bioactive glass, or a combination thereof, and distributed among the first cross-linked collagen fibers.

Abstract: Recombinant NELL peptides and methods of preparing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved coating for surfaces of medical implants. The coating comprises at least one interfacial biomaterial (IFBM) which is comprised of at least one binding module that binds to the surface of an implant or implant-related material (“implant module”) and at least one binding module that selectively binds to a target analyte or that is designed to have a desired effect (“analyte module”). The modules are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, the IFBM coating acts to promote the recognition and attachment of target analytes to surface of the device. The IFBM coating improves the performance of implanted medical devices, for example, by promoting osteointegration of the implant.

Abstract: A composition is provided for faster bone repair and early orthopedic implant fixation. The composition comprises an osteoinductive or osteopromotive biological factor embedded in a carrier slurry. The slurry is prepared by wetting a biodegradable polymer and calcium phosphate particles with a biocompatible fluid. The composition may be applied to the site of the bone fracture, to an orthopedic implant or to both during the surgical procedure. The composition utilizes low dosages of the biological factor and, therefore, is cost effective to be used routinely.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogs that have tissue protective activities while having little or no potentially undesirable hematopoietic effects. The peptides and peptide analogs are useful in preventing and treating a variety of diseases and disorders associated with tissue damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method, and the process to manufacture a medicament, for treating gout or pseudogout, comprising administering an effective amount of inhibitors blocking IL-1 or its maturation by the NALP3 inflammasome.

Abstract: A mutated protein includes the sequence of wild type netrin 4, represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein at least one amino acid of the amino acids at position (13, 68, 183, 205, 234, 331, 332, 353, 472, 515, 589, 625, 626, 627) and (628) is mutated enabling thus to confer 1 to 15 mutations to the wild type protein, or, truncated protein derived from the mutated protein, wherein the 19 first contiguous, or the 31 first contiguous amino acids at the N-terminus part of the mutated protein are deleted; and/or the mutated protein being deleted of all amino acids located after the amino acid in position (477) or of all amino acids located after the amino acid in position (515).

Abstract: A method for modulating Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling activity in a cell or tissue of a vertebrate subject is provided which comprises administering a polynucleotide or polypeptide encoding a Secreted Modular Calcium Binding Protein (SMOC) polypeptide, or a conservatively modified variant, derivative, or analog thereof, in an amount effective to activate intracellular Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinase activity and to reduce BMP signaling activity in the cell or tissue of the vertebrate subject. Methods for treating joint disorders in a mammalian subject are provided.

Abstract: An osteogenic composition is provided for implantation at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin, the osteogenic composition comprising a growth factor and a coloring agent, wherein the coloring agent imparts color to the growth factor to allow the user to see the growth factor at or near the target tissue site. In some embodiments, a method is provided for accelerating bone repair, the method comprising mixing bone morphogenic protein-2 and a coloring agent to form a mixture; applying the mixture to a surface of a porous collagen matrix, wherein the coloring agent allows the user to see bone morphogenic protein-2 distribution on or in the porous collagen matrix; and implanting the porous collagen matrix at or near a target tissue site in need of bone repair.

Abstract: A novel nucleic acid construct for down-regulating angiogenesis in a tissue of a subject is provided. The nucleic acid construct includes: (a) a first polynucleotide region encoding a chimeric polypeptide including a ligand binding domain fused to an effector domain of an apoptosis signaling molecule; and (b) a second polynucleotide region encoding a cis acting regulatory element being for directing expression of the chimeric polypeptide in a specific tissue or cell; wherein the ligand binding domain is selected such that it is capable of binding a ligand present in the specific tissue or cell, whereas binding of the ligand to the ligand binding domain activates the effector domain of the apoptosis signaling molecule. Also provided are methods of utilizing this nucleic acid construct for treating diseases characterized by excessive or aberrant neo-vascularization or cell growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for promoting bone growth, bone healing and/or bone formation. Disclosed herein are isolated truncated Wilms tumor on gene chromosome X (WTX) polypeptides and uses thereof. Also disclosed are methods of treating a bone related disease or condition in a subject by modulating the expression or activity of a (WTX) polypeptide in bone cells of the subject. The bone related disease or condition is any disease or condition including bone related trauma or injury due to any cause including surgery. The compositions and methods according to the invention are useful for enhancing and stimulating bone mineralization and for preferentially directing the differentiation of certain stem cells, thereby altering cell fate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CCN3 peptide for treating a subject in need thereof having an amino acid sequence identified as CCNp37, CCNp38 (human), CCNp38 (mouse), a cysteine-substituted CCNp37, cysteine-substituted CCNp38 (human) or a cysteine-substituted CCNp38 (mouse).

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic and diagnostic somatostatin analogs including radiotherapeutic and radiodiagnostic reagents, and methods of making and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel salts and solvates of macrocyclic compounds that bind to and/or are functional agonists of the ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue) receptor. The invention also relates to polymorphs of these salts and solvates, pharmaceutical compositions containing these salts or solvates, and methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions. These pharmaceutical compositions are useful as therapeutics for a range of disease indications, in particular, for treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal disorders including, but not limited to, postoperative ileus, gastroparesis, including diabetic and postsurgical gastroparesis, opioid bowel dysfunction, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, short bowel syndrome, functional gastrointestinal disorders and gastrointestinal dysmotility, such as that occurring in conjunction with other disease states, in critical care situations or as a result of treatment with pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: A method for delivering a drug depot of a compound of interest to a selected region in a subject. The method comprises administering a composition directly to said region of interest, the composition comprising the compound of interest to be delivered (such as an antiinflammatory agent or a chemotherapeutic agent) and a polymer (such as an elastin-like peptide or ELP) that undergoes an inverse temperature phase transition, so that a sustained release of the compound of interest at the selected region is provided. Compositions useful for carrying out the invention are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of a bone disease comprising, as an active ingredient, a protein comprising an extracellular cysteine-rich domain, which is from the Frizzled receptor selected from the group consisting of mammalian animal-derived Frizzled 1, Frizzled 2, and Frizzled 7 and has activity of increasing bone mass, bone density, and/or bone strength, or a mutant of such domain having sequence identity of 85% or higher to the amino acid sequence of the domain and having activity of increasing bone mass, bone density, and/or bone strength, or a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding the protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of microfluidic chemotaxis device to identify novel active compounds of the metabolome and methods to characterize their actions on cell motility. The invention also includes the active compounds of the metabolome identified by the methods and devices disclosed herein. The results from these in vitro experiments were then correlated with in vivo physiologic responses to identify the downstream effects and therapeutic value. Thus, the invention provides novel methods for treating or preventing second organ injury resulting from ischemia-reperfusion in a patient in need thereof The invention also provides methods of treating, preventing or ameliorating connective tissue degeneration in a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides methods of treating or preventing bone loss. In addition, the invention provides method for inducing bone regeneration in patients in need thereof or preventing bone loss in patients suspected to be in need thereof.