Abstract: Methods of making tissue fillers are provided. In certain embodiments, the tissue is flake-like and has regenerative properties.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: The invention provides modified collagen and related therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A haemostatic kit to be used as a medical device provides for a containment unit and a haemostatic agent in said containment unit, said haemostatic agent occupying less than 90% of the volume of the containment unit. This allows for facile and consequently sterile preparation of, for instance, a gelatin paste for use in haemostatis when combined with saline, thrombin or another agent to assist in haemostatis.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for the treatment of native tissues with crosslinkers are provided. The methods and compositions will find particular use in increasing resistance to tearing, fissuring, rupturing, and/or delamination.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a first layer comprising a first medicament, a second layer comprising a second medicament, and a third layer comprising a third medicament. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a first layer comprising a first medicament, a second layer comprising a second medicament, and a reservoir comprising a third medicament disposed within the reservoir. The medicaments may be independently selected from a haemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, anti-microbial agent, an anti-adhesion agent, an anti-coagulant agent, a pharmaceutically active agent, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, and combinations thereof. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.

Abstract: A cross linked recombinant gelatin composition for the controlled release of a cellular adhesion inhibitory agent.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions featuring agents that bind to denatured collagen and methods of using such agents to treat or prevent fibrosis or inflammation in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed which have as a component thereof an inhibitor of the enzymatic production of 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG) from fructoselysine and/or an inactivator of 3DG, and which are useful for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition or disease state that is alleviated by inhibiting such 3DG production. Methods of using such compositions, e.g., for improving the appearance, texture and/or elasticity of aging skin, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing, treating, managing and/or ameliorating a condition associated with inflammation (e.g., an inflammatory disorder) or a symptom thereof, the methods comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a theaflavin composition and an effective amount of one or more therapies other than such a theaflavin composition. In particular, the present invention provides methods for preventing, treating, managing and/or ameliorating a condition associated with inflammation (e.g., an inflammatory disorder) or a symptom thereof, the methods comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a theaflavin composition, an effective amount of a glucosamine composition, and optionally one or more other therapies.

Abstract: A process for preparing a conditioned cell culture medium is provided. The process comprises a) culturing eukaryotic cells in a growth medium having a composition effective to support cell growth; b) separating the cultured cells from the growth medium; and c) maintaining the cultured cells in a basal medium having a composition suitable to maintain cell viability, but not to support substantial cell growth. The cells are preferably dermal sheath, dermal papilla or dermal fibroblast cells. The compositions are useful as pharmaceutical compositions, especially for wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition comprising an implant, scaffold or construct bound to a biological or chemical moiety. The bound moiety has the ability to bind to a component of the extracellular matrix of biological tissue, allowing the implant to be bound to the biological tissue in a short period of time after implantation. The invention also relates to the use and manufacture of this novel composition, as well as a novel use for the protein CNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and product for transdermal delivery of therapeutics, including neurotoxins and methods for use thereof. The method and system comprises pharmaceutical compositions for facilitating transdermal delivery of therapeutics without pain by absorption and more particularly a series of pharmaceutical formulations for topical administration of neurotoxins to humans, including a neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin, and absorption enhancing agents that facilitate absorption of the neurotoxin through the skin of the patient and do not eliminate the bioactivity associated with the neurotoxin. The pharmaceutical compositions are topically applied on a patient, and are generally in a cream or gel form.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for use in tissue augmentation of a human. More specifically, the composition comprises collagen extracted from human placenta and a bulking agent. Furthermore, the invention discloses methods of augmenting soft tissue comprising the use of the compositions described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell sheet for tissue repair and bio-artificial tissue engineering. The cell sheet comprises treated stem cell embedded in its self-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) and formed a cell sheet. The cell sheet is formed by isolating the stem cell, expanding the stem cell and treating the stem cell with biological factors or factors leading to the production of biological factors, to induce its differentiation, production of extracellular matrix and formation of a cell sheet in vitro. The cell sheet is used as a bioactive material or as an acellular material for the promotion of tissue repairs or used to form a bio-artificial organ for tissue replacement. The cell sheet of the present invention eliminates the need to use scaffolds for cell delivery. The cell sheet facilitates in vivo cell transplantation and provides some tensile mechanical strength for bearing early mechanical load during tissue repair.

Abstract: The invention relates to collagenous polypeptide films on which cells are cultivated. In particular the invention relates to such films that are used to treat wounds such as severe burns or physical or chemical injury. The invention also related to methods for producing such films.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes one or more layers containing a first anti-microbial agent and optionally at least one of: a chelating agent, a second anti-microbial agent, a zinc-containing agent, a cell-signaling agent, and an additional active ingredient or agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a fibromodulin (FMOD) peptide (FMOD-P), a composition and a formulation comprising a FMOD-P, optionally with a TGF-? isoform, or comprising FMOD with a TGF-? isoform. The present invention also provides methods of making and using the FMOD-P, composition, or formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of a Collagen gene, in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of a Collagen gene. The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Collagen genes.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns the detection and/or treatment of aneurysm in a non-invasive manner. In particular cases, the invention concerns methods and compositions for localizing a labeled composition to the site of an aneurysm for its detection and, in further cases, treatment of the aneurysm. In specific cases, the composition targets a subendothelial component of the aneurysmal wall, such as a smooth muscle cell exposed at the luminal surface of the vessel. In further specific cases, the composition targets an integrin receptor or laminin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to degradation-stabilised, biocompatible collagen matrices which are distinguished in particular by the fact that they contain soluble collagen and peptide constituents, to processes for the preparation of such collagen matrices, which processes include in particular chemical crosslinking with an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent, and to the use of the collagen matrices according to the invention as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent, in particular for topical use, and as a wound treatment agent, as an implant or as a haemostatic agent in humans or animals, and as a scaffold for cell population in the biotechnology, basic research and tissue engineering field.

Abstract: A sugar-free chewable composition for delivering dietary supplements and pharmaceutical compounds. The chewable composition includes a sugar-free delivery vehicle and an active ingredient. The delivery vehicle may include a sugar-free gummy candy. The active ingredient may include an over-the-counter drug or a prescription drug to provide a desired effect on the user. The active ingredient may also include any combination of nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, soluble and insoluble fiber, herbs, plants, amino acids, probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes.

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: It is an object of the present invention to provide a targeting agent that enables drug delivery to a neovascular site and the imaging of such a neovascular site, utilizing the effect of the agent to accumulate in the neovascular site. The present invention provides a targeting agent to a neovascular site, which comprises a gelatin-like protein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an in situ-forming, bioadhesive hydrogel and the medical uses thereof. Being formed by in situ crosslinking through an enzymatic reaction, the hydrogel has an advantage over conventional bioadhesive hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility. In addition, the in situ-forming bioadhesive hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength and has excellent tissue adhesiveness thanks to modification with/without dopa derivatives. The hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field, including bioadhesives or hemostats, implant substances for tissue regeneration and augmentation, carriers for delivering biologically active materials or drugs, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and materials for forming a polymeric matrix having improved biocompatible properties. A polymerization accelerator is provided that includes an N-vinyl group and a biocompatible functional group. The polymerization accelerator is particularly useful for the polymerization of macromers, which can be used to form biocompatible polymeric coatings on the surface of biological materials, such as cells and tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising hydrolyzed gelatin or a mixture of hydrolyzed gelatin and gelatin, and the same compositions for use in methods comprising administering a low dose of the compositions useful in prophylaxis and treatment of hair loss in humans and shedding in animals. The compositions provide a palatable, malleable and well-tolerated product.

Abstract: Topical compositions comprising extracts of Rhizomucor miehei that are substantially devoid of acid-protease activity and their use in treating dermatologic conditions, including reducing the appearance of signs of skin aging.

Abstract: The invention relates to collagen for use in the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative skin diseases and damage to the skin connected therewith, such as in particular in the treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis, neurodermitis, rosacea, urticaria (hives), pruritus (itching), skin eczema and actinic keratosis. In particular, the invention relates to freeze-dried collagen in the form of layered dressings, sheets, pads or masks for the aforementioned use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition containing ergothioneine and/or synthesized l-ergothioneine and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of vitamin B-12, glucosamine sulfate, calcium ascorbate, turmeric extract, black pepper extract, hyaluronic acid, collagen, glycosaminoglycans, cat's claw extract, acai berry; and white willow bark extract is provided to a mammal to improve a variety of health related factors, including but not limited to brain health, joint health, eye health, mitondchorial optimization/improvement and reduction of inflammation and pain in a mammal.

Abstract: Collagen compositions, methods for preparing those collagen compositions, and graft compositions formed from those collagen compositions are provided. In particular, methods of isolating collagen that exhibits an enhanced rate of polymerization and enhanced microstructural and mechanical properties upon polymerization, such collagen compositions, and graft compositions formed from such collagen compositions are provided.

Abstract: A composition for treating damaged tissue and promoting healthy tissue growth, healing and tissue regeneration, wherein said composition comprises an extracellular matrix compound, a surface-active lipid, one or more enantiomerically pure L-amino acids or glycine, a hydrophilic surfactant with a high HLB, as well as vitamins, minerals or trace elements. Not only does it maintain good health, but the components are non-intrusive, bio-safe, non-coalescent and can mimic normally occurring stem-cells within a body. When applied to diseased tissues, the subject compositions can stimulate, facilitate, and accelerate protein synthesis for the regeneration of diseased organs and tissues. The healing efficacy of these tissue components gives us further appreciation of the protective action of human tissue over and above and other than the immune protective system or perhaps an integral component part of the immune system.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of biomaterials from polymeric collagen (PC) and its seeding with cells and other components of biomaterials. Polymeric collagen is isolated from tissue, suspended in an acidic solution, and then neutralised at low temperature. The neutralised suspension is then seeded with biomaterial components, such as cells, and the polymeric collagen aggregated to form a biomaterial comprising the biomaterial components. Polymeric collagen biomaterials produced as described herein may therefore be useful in a range of tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: A biocompatible, resorbable collagen membrane having a wedge shape with a thick edge of relatively higher strength and rigidity and a thin edge of relatively higher deformability and elasticity, which membrane is bendable to a desired configuration and is sufficiently rigid to retain the bent configuration upon implantation at a surgical site; a method of making such a membrane, and the use of such a membrane in a “sinus lift” procedure for augmenting alveolar bone.

Abstract: A formulation has been developed for treatment of the symptoms of dry eye which incorporates the natural product jojoba wax, or components thereof, to enhance the spreading of the artificial tear and eyedrop as well as stabilize the eyedrop. The improved performance of the jojoba wax supplemented tear relieves irritation and discomfort as well as sharpens the blurred vision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fish skin as novel industrial source of collagen. Advantageously, said skin is obtained after the filleting or cutting of the fresh fish and frozen immediately after filleting/cutting, thus guaranteeing a very good quality of the base material, both from the bacteriological standpoint and from the standpoint of the native property of the protein.

Abstract: A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation.

Abstract: Disclosed are in situ-forming injectable hydrogel and medical uses thereof. In the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel two or more homogeneous or heterogeneous polymers are bonded to each other by a dehydrogenation reaction between phenol or aniline moieties on adjacent polymers, wherein a polymer backbone is grafted with a phenol or aniline moiety using a linker. In contrast to conventional hydrogel, the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel is superior in terms of in vivo stability and mechanical strength thanks to the introduction of a water-soluble polymer as a linker which leads to an improvement in the reactivity of phenol or aniline moieties. Having the advantage of superior bio stability and mechanical strength, the hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improved osteoinductive materials comprising matrix materials and morphogenetic proteins, wherein depending on the subject matter the proteins may be dimeric or monomeric proteins. The osteoinductive materials according to the present invention have improved properties. The invention further concerns methods for producing the respective improved osteoinductive materials.

Abstract: Short biologically active tetrapeptides are disclosed that are comprised of the sequences GxxG and PxxP where G (glycine) and P (proline) are maintained and x is a variable amino acid. The peptides can be used singly or in combination to stimulate production of extracellular matrix proteins in skin. A rapid, low-cost method of producing heterogenous formulations of tetrapeptides is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are compositions that include polymeric fibers and microspheres entrapped within the fibers, the compositions being capable of controlled delivery of one or more agents while also maintaining their structural properties. Also provided are related methods of fabricating these compositions and methods of utilizing the compositions to deliver agents to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials and the methods of making and using protein biocoacervates and biomaterials. More specifically the present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, coated medical devices (e.g. stents, valves . . . ), vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein suture biomaterials and biomeshes, dental plugs and implants, skin/bone/tissue grafts, tissue fillers, protein biomaterial adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible biocoacervate or biomaterial devices.

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: 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: 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: Compositions and methods for inducing the deposition of elastin in skin by administering compositions including a mineralocorticoid, such as, for example, aldosterone and, optionally, a secondary active agent for enhancing or modulating the effect of the mineralocorticoid are described herein.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of skin cells. Described herein are CD109 polypeptides and uses thereof for the in vivo treatment of various skin disorders, including skin fibrosis, skin scarring, wound healing and psoriasis.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising collagen covalently bound to particles, wherein covalent bonds are formed between reactive groups of the collagen and reactive groups of the particles, and wherein the particles have an average particle diameter ranging from 20 to 1000 nanometers. Also disclosed are various methods that utilize the compositions.

Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological preparation that is obtainable by combining collagen and/or a derivative thereof, chitosan and/or a derivative thereof, glycosylaminoglycan and/or a derivative thereof with a peptide which is capable of promoting skin cell growth and/or with a composition which comprises glycoproteins 1 and 2 and ginseng and horsetail extracts.

Abstract: The invention relates to collagen peptides, as well as related methods. The invention also relates to methods and products for modulating cytokine production and/or inflammation.