Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modulating neovascularisation of a tissue in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or a combination of compounds selected from an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a gene selected from the group consisting of RIKEN c DNA S9430020K01, Agtrl1, Apelin, Stabilin 1, Stabilin 2, TNFaip8l1, TNFaip8 and FGD5, and homologues thereof; a gene product encoded by said genes, or encoded by homologues of these genes, and functional fragments thereof; an antibody or derivative thereof directed against a gene product of said genes, or encoded by homologues of these genes, and functional fragments thereof, said derivative preferably being selected from the group consisting of scFv fragments, Fab fragments, chimeric antibodies, bifunctional antibodies, intrabodies, and other antibody-derived molecules; an antisense molecule, in particular an antisense RNA or antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, an

Abstract: Provided is a modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or a fragment thereof that binds to a tumor necrosis factor in vivo or ex vivo. The modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or fragment exhibits improved ability to bind tumor necrosis factor and resistance to proteases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating dry eye using ?-turn peptidomimetic cyclic compounds or derivatives thereof. The ?-turn peptidomimetic cyclic compounds can be used alone, in combination and/or in conjunction with one or more other compounds, molecules or drugs that treat dry eye.

Abstract: The present application refers to cells, e.g. mesenchymal stem cells or mesenchymal stromal cells, or any further suitable cell, encoding and secreting a neuroprotective factor, an anti-angiogenic factor and/or any other protein or protein-like substance suitable for (intraocular) treatment of eye diseases. Such eye diseases include glaucoma and other optic nerve disorders, retinal diseases, particularly retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, etc. The cells used herein are encapsulated in a (spherical) microcapsule, preferably comprising a core and at least one surface layer, to prevent a response of the immune system of the patient to be treated. The present application also refers to the use of these (spherical) microcapsule(s) or such factors for (intraocular) treatment of eye diseases as defined herein (for the preparation of a (pharmaceutical) composition) for the treatment of such eye diseases.

Abstract: Compounds capable of modulating intracellular gap junctional communication, as well as their use in the treatment of diseases associated with impaired gap junction intracellular communication (GJIC) 1 are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a buffered ophthalmic composition for formulation of topically administrable suspensions useful for treating eye disorders by promoting wound healing, delivery of pharmaceutically active agents, and lubricating the eye. In particular the ophthalmic composition includes a buffer solution compatible with application to a mammalian eye, wherein the buffer provides increased mechanism of action of pharmaceutically active agents as well as therapeutic qualities. The ophthalmic composition exhibits dual therapeutic action to alleviate various eye disorders as it concomitantly treats corneal ulcerations and excessive inflammation which results from various eye injuries.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, methods, compounds, conjugates, and kits for use in targeted drug delivery using drug delivery conjugates containing hydrophilic spacer linkers for use in treating disease states caused by pathogenic cell populations, such as inflammatory cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods for screening for drugs effective for treating fibrotic conditions. One screening method comprises exposing a cell to a test compound, monitoring the effect of the test compound on the amount or form of a cell molecule, comparing the amount or form of the cell molecule with the result obtained by treatment of the cell with an anti-fibrotic -effective amount of a withanolide compound, and selecting a drug effective for treating a fibrotic disease based on the ability of the test compound to provide the effect obtained by the withanolide compound on the cell molecule. Also provided is a method of treating a fibrotic disease comprising administering an anti-fibrotic effective amount of a withanolide compound to a mammal in need of treatment for fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention is related methods of delivering MBD peptide-linked agents into live cells. The methods described herein comprise contacting MBD peptide-linked agents to live cells under a condition of cellular stress. The methods of the invention may be used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing delivery of drugs and other agents across epithelial tissues, including into and across ocular tissues and the like. The compositions and methods are also useful for delivery across endothelial tissues, including the blood brain barrier. The compositions and methods employ a delivery enhancing transporter that has sufficient guanidino or amidino sidechain moieties to enhance delivery of a compound conjugated to the reagent across one or more layers of the tissue, compared to the non-conjugated compound. The delivery-enhancing polymers include, for example, poly-arginine molecules that are preferably between about 6 and 25 residues in length (for example, SEQ ID NO:86).

Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide containing an amino acid sequence, which is a particular partial sequence of lacritin and is characterized by gyro-modification of N-terminal glutamine. The polypeptide promotes adhesion between a cell and extracellular matrix and is stable in aqueous solution.

Abstract: Exocyclic peptide mimetics that disable Fas were developed. A three dimensional model of the Fas receptor-ligand complex was constructed and structurally predicted regions of the receptor that were relevant to binding ligand were used to create constrained peptide mimetics. Exocyclic anti-Fas peptide mimetics were identified that block Fas receptor-ligand interactions, and modulate Fas biological activity both in vitro and in vivo. The mimetics are useful, e.g., for treating Fas-related pathologies.

Abstract: The invention provides sustained release formulations comprising a C5a receptor antagonist. In certain embodiments the sustained-release formulations include microparticles that comprise a complement C5aR antagonist and a biodegradable polymeric matrix. Methods of treatment comprising the sustained release formulations of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a synthetic peptide, which has an amino acid sequence that has 20-39 amino acid residues. The synthetic peptide has at least 80% amino acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, and includes at least 20 consecutive residues that has at least 90% amino acid sequence identity to residues 11-30 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Also disclosed herein are compositions containing the synthetic peptide and applications thereof. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the synthetic peptide is useful in promoting stem cells proliferation or wound healing.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising trophic factors, methods to decrease the degeneration of a retina, methods of treating ocular degenerative diseases and methods to select cells for transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of molecular physiology. Specifically, this invention relates to the prevention and/or treatment of vasculoproliferative conditions, especially those of the eye and in the treatment of tumours that exhibit vascular proliferation. Levels of leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (Lrg1) have been demonstrated to be increased in patients suffering from such conditions and animal models of such conditions. Antagonists of Lrg1 can be used to prevent and/or treat vasculoproliferative conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns the prevention and treatment of complement-associated eye conditions, such as choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by administration of factor B antagonists.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing ocular disorders associated with increased intraocular pressure comprising administering a bradykinin B2 receptor agonist to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating TRPV1 activity-related or inflammation-related, diseases or conditions, containing a Maillard peptide separated from well-aged traditional soy sauce as an active ingredient. The Maillard peptide according to the present invention functions both as a TRPV1 agonist and a TRPV1 antagonist, and thus functions as a TRPV1 activity modulator. Therefore, the present Maillard peptide can be used as a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating TRPV1 activity-related diseases such as pain, neurological diseases, urgent defecation, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory diseases, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, neurogenic/allergic/inflammatory skin diseases, skin, eye or mucosal irritation, hyperacusis, tinnitus, vestibular hypersensitivity, heart disease, etc.

Abstract: As a result of intensive studies for the purpose of finding a new medicinal use of an indazole derivative, it was found that an indazole derivative inhibits glutamate-induced retinal neuronal cell death in rat fetal retinal neuronal cells, in other words, the indazole derivative acts directly on the retinal neuronal cells and exhibits an effect of protecting retinal neuronal cells. Accordingly, the indazole derivative is useful for the prevention or treatment of an eye disease associated with retinal neuronal cell damage or retinal damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods to confer protection on neurons. Peptides derived from the NAPVSIPQ (SEQ ID NO:4) peptide and including branched amino acids, such as alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, are included. Also included are methods of preventing and treating neurodegenerative disorders and damage caused by neurotoxic substances.

Abstract: Degradable polymeric compositions containing water-insoluble drugs blended with copolymers of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups polymerized with biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid ester groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks, wherein the molar fraction in the copolymer of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks relative to the weight percentage of the drug in the composition is effective to provide pseudo-zero order release of the drug from the composition during the sustained-release phase of drug delivery under physiological conditions. Ocular treatment methods and manufacturing methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating ocular disorders.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, use of said compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of inter alia shock conditions as well as to a method for treatment of said conditions, wherein said compounds are administered. The compounds are represented by the general formula (I), as further defined in the specification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Volvox carteri-derived light-receiving channel rhodopsin with an improved expression efficiency on a cell membrane. Specifically disclosed is a modified Volvox carteri-derived light-receiving channel rhodopsin protein. The protein is modified to contain an N-terminal region of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii-derived channel rhodopsin-1 at the N-terminal of the Volvox carteri-derived light-receiving channel rhodopsin protein, wherein the N-terminal region is involved in cell membrane-localized expression and contains no transmembrane domain of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii-derived channel rhodopsin-1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drug delivery system for delivering a drug at a sustained constant rate for a long period, which can be transplanted into an affected part safely and in a simple manner and can deliver a drug to the affected part for a long period. Specifically disclosed is a sustained drug delivery system in which an implant is implanted into a body, wherein the implant is a PEG capsule comprising a box-shaped PEG and a porous PEG sheet.

Abstract: The invention features ophthalmic formulations of mucin polypeptides to treat or prevent dry eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating retinitis pigmentosa using ?-turn peptidomimetic cyclic compounds or derivatives thereof. The ?-turn peptidomimetic cyclic compounds can be used alone, in combination and/or in conjunction with one or more other compounds, molecules or drugs useful in treating retinitis pigmentosa.

Abstract: An eyedrop containing a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by Ser-Ser-Ser-Arg (“SSSR”), or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof; and a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 (“FGLM”), or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. The concentration ratio between SSSR or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof and FGLM or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof is between 1/15 and 1/50. The concentration of SSSR or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof is between 0.001% and 0.3% (w/v) and the concentration of FGLM or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof is between 0.015% and 1.5% (w/V). The pH of the eye drop is maintained between 2.5 and 6.5.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising administering cyclosporin A topically to an eye of a person for the purpose of treating or preventing loss of vision from keratoconus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to compositions and methods of dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for treating soft tissue injuries using a patch having a polymer on its surface linked to polypeptides having a disintegrin domain. The polypeptides having a disintegrin domain can include contortrostatin, vicrostatin, and ADAM derived polypeptides. Compositions of the invention can be used for the treatment of injuries to soft tissues that include the eye, liver and brain.

Abstract: The invention relates to gene polymorphisms and genetic profiles associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of alternative complement cascade deregulation disease such as AMD and/or MPGNII. The invention provides methods and reagents for determination of risk, diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. In an embodiment, the present invention provides methods and reagents for determining sequence variants in the genome of a individual which facilitate assessment of risk for developing such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non human animal model for increased retinal vascular permeability wherein said increased retinal vascular permeability is induced by inhibiting in Müller cells of said animal the expression of a gene encoding for Dp71 or a dystrophin associated protein (DAP). Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of a disease associated with an increased retinal vascular permeability in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for detection and treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. In particular, the invention relates to polypeptides that can protect against cone degeneration, nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides, and antibodies that recognize said polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a human gene, Complement Factor H (CFH), associated with the occurrence for developing age related macular degeneration (AMD), which is useful for identifying or aiding in identifying individuals at risk for developing AMD, as well as for diagnosing or aiding in the diagnosis of AMD.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treatment of ocular diseases. The methods comprise administering a compound of general Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and Ak are as defined in the specification.

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 disclosure provides an anti-TGFbetaRII immunoglobulin single variable domain. The disclosure also provides a polypeptide, ligand or pharmaceutical composition for treating a disease associated with TGFbeta signaling and a disease selected from the group of: tissue fibrosis, such as pulmonary fibrosis, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, liver fibrosis, including cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ocular disorders, or fibrosis of the skin, including keloid of skin, and kidney such as nephritis, kidney fibrosis and nephrosclerosis, and a vascular condition, such as restenosis.

Abstract: Apoptosis inducing factor (“AIF”) contains a PAR-binding motif (“PBM”) that binds to Poly(ADP-ribose) (“PAR”). Binding of PAR to AIF via the PBM is required for AIF release from the mitochondria to occur, and that this PAR-related release is a key step in the programmed cell death process known as parthanatos, both in vitro and in vivo. Preventing or disrupting this release can inhibit parthanatos and thus be the basis for treatments for patients suffering from diseases or medical conditions during which parthanatos commonly occurs, including Parkinson's disease or diabetes, or patients who have had and are recovering from heart attack, stroke and other ischemia reperfusion-related injuries. Alternatively, agents could be identified that enhance the release of AIF, thereby promoting parthanatos and serving as potential anti-tumor chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a patient having demyelinating optic neuritis (DON) comprising the sequential or simultaneous administration of a steroid compound and an interferon-beta protein. It is found that early, aggressive treatment of IFN-b is beneficial in such a treatment regimen, for example where the interferon-beta protein is administered at a cumulative weekly dose of more than 12 MIL). The method according to the invention is particularly suitable and beneficial for treatment of patients having early stage DON. In particular, the DON that will benefit from being treated according to the present invention may be in subclinical stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of peptide compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of ophthalmic diseases. In particular, the present invention relates to a peptide compound comprising an amino acid sequence displayed by amino acids 7 to 11 of SEQ ID NO: 2 (KEQWFGNRWHEGYR) or of SEQ ID NO: 1 (KEKWFENEWQGKNP), or a functionally active derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the prevention and/or treatmend of an ophthalmic disease in an individual. While SEQ ID NO: 2 is a part of the human CD44v6, SEQ ID NO: 1 is a part of the rat CD44v6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?)-mimicking peptide containing a particular amino acid sequence and a composition for preventing or treating TGF-?-effective disorders or conditions using the same. The peptide of the present invention may be much higher stability than natural-occurring TGF-? and improve drawbacks caused by high molecular weight of natural-occurring TGF-?. The peptide of this invention can be advantageously applied to treatment or improvement of TGF-?-effective disorders or conditions and have excellent efficacies on skin whitening and wrinkle improvement.

Abstract: The method of the invention relates to a modified OmCI polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding a modified OmCI polypeptide which lacks LK/E binding activity and the use of such polypeptides and polynucleotides for the treatment of a disease or condition mediated by complement.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and uses thereof to inhibit or enhance the activity of fibromodulin (FMOD). Such compositions are useful in methods for treatment of age-related macular degeneration involving choroid neovascularization in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a fibromodulin activity inhibitor to the subject.

Abstract: This invention comprises a polypeptide, a recombinant vector, a recombinant organism as well as RNA- and DNA-sequences. Furthermore, the use of polypeptides and recombinant vectors is described. Additionally the invention comprises methods for medical treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptidomimetic macrocycles and methods of using such macrocycles for the treatment of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to targeted binding agents against ?5?1 and uses of such agents. More specifically, the invention relates to fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to ?5?1. The described targeted binding agents are useful in the treatment of diseases associated with the activity and/or overproduction of ?5?1 and as diagnostics.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of compstatin and complement inhibiting analogs thereof for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, and/or retinal neovascularization. The invention also provides compositions comprising compstatin or a complement inhibiting analog thereof and a second therapeutic agent. The invention also provides compositions comprising compstatin or a complement inhibiting analog thereof and a gel-forming material, e.g., soluble collagen, and methods of administering the compositions.