Abstract: Disclosed are antagonists of IL-17A and IL-17F. The antagonists are based on soluble IL-17RA and IL-17RC fusion proteins, including hybrid soluble receptors comprising portions of both IL-17RC and IL-17RA (“IL-17RC/IL-17RA”). Such antagonists serve to block, inhibit, reduce, antagonize or neutralize the activity of IL-17F, IL-17A, or both IL-17A and IL-17F. Also disclosed are methods of using such antagonists for treating disease, particularly inflammatory diseases mediated at least in part by IL-17A and/or IL-17F.

Abstract: Osteogenic sponge compositions having enhanced osteoinductive properties for use in bone repair are described. The compositions include a quickly resorbable porous carrier, a more slowly resorbed mineral scaffold and an osteogenic factor, preferably a bone morphogenetic protein. The compositions enable increased osteoinductive activity while retaining a reliable scaffold for the formation of new bone at an implant site. Methods for therapeutic use of the compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage-stable composition containing a parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) analogue and methods of using a PTHrP analogue 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: 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: The invention relates to polypeptides of amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 according to formula (1), the use thereof for producing a medicament, and medicaments for the treatment of diseases related to monocyte recruitment.

Abstract: Methods and assays are disclosed for treating a subject with a disease or condition in which macrophages play a pathogenic role using agents that inhibit or down regulate Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to: TNF-? antagonists containing IGFBP5 protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof; and the use of the TNF-? antagonists. More specifically, the present invention relates to: a polynucleotide encoding the protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof; a vector containing the polynucleotide; a transformant containing the vector; and a method for screening a therapeutic agent for TNF-? overexpression-related diseases by checking whether the mutual reaction thereof is facilitated after treating with candidates to the cell expressing the IGFBP5 protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof, and the TNER1.

Abstract: The invention relates to melanocortin receptor-specific cyclic peptides of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b, R4c, R5, x and y are as defined in the specification. These compounds are particularly useful in the treatments of energy homeostasis and metabolism related (e.g. diabetes), food intake related and/or energy balance and body weight related diseases, disorders and/or conditions, including obesity, overweight and diseases, disorders and/or conditions associated with obesity and/or overweight, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

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 invention relates to the field of medicinal research, cartilage physiology and diseases involving the degeneration of cartilage tissue. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and means for identifying compounds that inhibit catabolic processes in chondrocytes and that decrease the degradation of cartilage and/or ECM. The invention also relates to the compounds that are useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The invention also relates to targets, the modulation of which results in a decrease in the degradation of ECM and/or cartilage and decrease inflammation. In addition, the invention relates to compositions and methods for the use thereof in treating conditions that are characterized by the degradation of ECM and/or cartilage and inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptide compounds which are effective in modulating one or more melanocortin receptor types, to the use of the compounds in therapy, to methods of treatment comprising administration of the compounds to patients in need thereof, and to the use of the compounds in the manufacture of medicaments. The compounds of the invention are of particular interest in relation to the treatment of obesity as well as a variety of diseases or conditions associated with obesity.

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: Methods of treatment using Fzd8 extracellular domains (ECDs), Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules, and/or antibodies that bind Fzd8 are provided. Such methods include, but are not limited to, methods of treating obesity and obesity-related conditions. Fzd8 ECDs and Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules are also provided. Polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising or encoding such molecules are provided. Methods of making and using Fzd8 ECDs, Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules, and antibodies that bind Fzd8 are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of SIRT 1.

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: Based on the discovery that a soluble polypeptide including a nonphosphorylatable form of the cytoplasmic domain is capable of inhibiting in a dominant negative manner, the present invention provides compositions including MT1-MMP inhibitors such as peptide inhibitors, and methods for treating diseases associated with MT1-MMP activity. Such diseases include cancer, arthritis, and heart disease, and vascular disease.

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

Abstract: Neuromedin U receptor agonists for use in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes are disclosed. In particular, disclosed are neuromedin U receptor agonists that comprise neuromedin S (NMS).

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: The invention features polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences based on the 134R sequence. In some embodiments, these sequences include a heterologous signal sequence, such as the myxoma virus T7 signal sequence. The invention also features methods for treating immunological disorders and neoplasms (e.g., cancer) using the polypeptides and nucleotides described herein. Finally, the invention features fusion proteins including the myxoma virus T7 signal sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical polypeptide compositions that promote proteoglycan synthesis, and promote the activity of chondrocyte cells, thereby treating arthritis. Methods of providing these compositions to treat arthritis are also provided.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and compositions of the formula I as described herein which are inhibitors of MMP-13. Also disclosed are methods of using and making compounds of the formula I.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to compositions and methods regarding the reprogramming of biological samples (such as cells) without introducing exogenous genes to the samples. In particular, the present inventions are directed to transducible materials that are capable of transducing into the biological samples but are not genes or causing genetic modifications. The present inventions also are directed to methods of reprogramming the path of biological samples or treating diseases using the tranducible compositions thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel 2-amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering an NMDA glycine-site antagonist.

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: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soluble CD47 binding polypeptides, for use as a medicament, in particular for the prevention or treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, for example allergic asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. The invention more specifically relates to a soluble CD47 binding polypeptide for use as a medicament, comprising an extracellular domain of SIRP? (CD172a) or functional derivatives which bind to human CD47.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an osteogenic synthetic peptide, derived from bone morphogenetic protein-7, consisting of a sequence of 15 amino acid residues. Provided are also a pharmaceutical composition and a medium composition comprising the same. Having remarkable activity related to promoting osteoblast differentiation, the osteogenic synthetic peptide is very useful in the treatment of osteoporosis, bone defects and/or osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Beneficial and synergistic effects for alleviating joint pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis have been found using a mixture of fish oil and fish oil derived, choline based, phospholipid bound fatty acid mixture including polyunsaturated EPA and DHA wither alone or in combination with other active constituents, including astaxanthin and polymeric hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) in an oral dosage form.

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: The invention relates to active fragments of the IL-18 binding protein, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such active fragments, and to medical uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combined use of an IL-1 antagonist/inhibitor and IL-18 binding protein in inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for administration of an effective amount of RANKL-binding molecules that act on prechondrocytes and/or mesenchymal stem cells, accelerate cartilage differentiation, proliferation, and maturation of such cells, enhance chondrocyte differentiation, and induce chondrocyte proliferation to induce chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation or increase cartilage matrix production and a pharmaceutical composition used for inducing chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation or increasing cartilage matrix production.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides with at least two cysteine residues capable of forming one or more disulfide bonds. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the isolated peptides of the present invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting, preventing or improving the pathological or clinical manifestations of cancer or an inflammatory disease or disorder in a subject, comprising administering a peptide of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for GPCRs based on the discovery that the affinity of a receptor agonist for a GPCR (such as the parathyroid hormone receptor) when not bound to a G-protein is correlated with the length of time over which the agonist is effective, independently of its pharmacokinetic properties. The invention also provides PTH- and PTHrP-derived polypeptides.

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: The present invention provides anti-inflammatory compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof for treating inflammatory disorders. The present invention also provides methods of identifying anti-inflammatory compounds and methods of inhibiting NF-?B-dependent target gene expression in a cell.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating a mammal afflicted with an inflammatory disease, such as peritonitis, peritoneal adhesions or endometriosis, comprising the administration, intraperitoneal or otherwise, of a therapeutically effective amount of a SPARC polypeptide or a SPARC polypeptide-encoding isolated polynucleotide and a pharmacologic carrier.

Abstract: Liquid formulations of bone morphogenetic proteins are provided for prolonged use at elevated temperatures. More specifically, the invention relates to liquid formulations comprising rhGDF-5, trehalose, and one or more biocompatible excipients that provide stability to the protein for at least 30 days at temperatures up to body temperature.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and the use of said compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing, as active ingredients, a mixture of a corticosteroid and a kinin B2 receptor antagonist. Said compositions have proved particularly effective, especially in the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as asthma, ophthalmic or dermatological disorders and, above all, as regards the joints, arthritis.

Abstract: A novel class of embryo derived peptides are described (Preimplantation factor) that were generated synthetically and were tested on peripheral blood immune cells and shown to block activated but not basal immunity, inhibiting cell proliferation and creating a TH2 type cytokine bias, in addition PIF enhance endometrial receptivity by increasing adhesion molecules expression. PIF biological activity appears to be exerted by specific binding to inducible receptors present on the several white cell lineages. PIF peptides, which are immune modulators therefore may have diagnostic and non toxic therapeutic applications in improving fertility, reducing pregnancy loss as well may be useful when administered for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for prevention xenotransplants rejection.

Abstract: The present invention is a peptide compound which stimulates the formation of hard tissues such as bone and cartilage. The invention is also related to a method to treat a defect in hard tissues such as bone and cartilage using the peptide. The method of the present invention may be used to treat or prevent the defects in bones and cartilages which are caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis which involves the regeneration of new bone or cartilage in or around the defects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptide compounds which are effective in modulating one or more melanocortin receptor types, to the use of the compounds in therapy, to methods of treatment comprising administration of the compounds to patients in need thereof, and to the use of the compounds in the manufacture of medicaments. The compounds of the invention are of particular interest in relation to the treatment of obesity as well as a variety of diseases or conditions associated with obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a hyperproliferative disease by administering a composition of lactoferrin alone or in combination with standard anti-cancer therapies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, IA, II, HA, III, or IHA and their pharmaceutical uses. Particular aspects of the invention relate to the use of those compounds for the selective inhibition of one or more caspases. Also described are methods where the compounds of Formula I, IA, II, IIA, III, or IIIA are used in the prevention and/or treatment of various diseases and conditions in subjects, including caspase-mediated diseases such as sepsis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative disease (e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases).

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying agents that modulate intracellular calcium. Also provided are methods of modulating calcium within cells and methods of identifying proteins involved in modulating intracellular calcium.