Abstract: A ganglioside or a mixture of gangliosides, isolated from the peripheral and central nervous system of a bird, in particular a parrot, their use for the preparation of a medicament, methods for the diagnosis of Proventricular Dilatation Disease and diagnostic kits thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, compositions, and methods are described which provide a tubular nanostructure or a composite tubular nanostructure targeted to a lipid bilayer membrane. The tubular nanostructure includes a hydrophobic surface region flanked by two hydrophilic surface regions. The tubular nanostructure is configured to interact with a lipid bilayer membrane and form a pore in the lipid bilayer membrane. The tubular nanostructure may be targeted by including at least one ligand configured to bind to one or more cognates on the lipid bilayer membrane of a target cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of afamin for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical preparation for the prevention or treatment of fertility disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for improving wound healing and in particular for preventing scar formation and thus loss of function that can occur in injured tissues during the natural wound healing process. Particularly, although by no means exclusively, the invention relates to the healing of chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteic acid polymers (pLNs) comprising specific properties to reduce tissue damage and improve functional recovery after injury, and the production process of said proteic acid polymers. Those pLNs are preferably obtained using the protein laminin diluted in an acidic pH in the presence of divalent cation. The use of said proteic acid polymers for the production of a drug, a pharmaceutical composition containing such pLNs and a method of treatment of animals affected by traumatic, degenerative or inflammatory tissue injuries in nervous tissue, muscle, epithelial and connective tissues in general are also objects of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical combination for the treatment of diseases which involves cell proliferation, migration or apoptosis of myeloma cells, or angiogenesis. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of said diseases, comprising co-administration of effective amounts of specific active compounds and/or co-treatment with radiation therapy, in a ratio which provides an additive and synergistic effect, and to the combined use of these specific compounds and/or radiotherapy for the manufacture of corresponding pharmaceutical combination preparations.

Abstract: A novel anionic polysaccharides functionalized by at least one hydrophobic acid derivative. These novel anionic polysaccharides including hydrophobic groups have good biocompatibility and their hydrophobicity can be easily adjusted without detrimentally affecting the biocompatibility or the stability. A method of synthesis which makes it possible to produce them and to pharmaceutical compositions including them.

Abstract: We describe modified peptide linkers that function to link at least first and second polypeptides wherein said modified peptide linker comprises a motif for the addition of a sugar moiety.

Abstract: Disclosed is alpha-dystroglycan protein (alpha-DG) in glycosylated and functional form. The disclosed alpha-DG binds to the basal lamina and to the sarcolemma of muscle fibers and may be injected into muscle and incorporated into muscle fibers in order to restore membrane integrity where the muscle fibers comprise a dysfunctional alpha-DG protein. Alpha-DG as disclosed herein may be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating diseases and disorders associated with or characterized by a dysfunctional alpha-DG, such as muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: The isolation and identification of glycosaminoglycans capable of binding to proteins having a heparin-binding domain is disclosed, as well as the use of the glycosaminoglycans isolated in the growth and/or development of tissue.

Abstract: A feed composition comprising conventional feed ingredients, peptidoglycan and nucleotides is described. The feed composition can be used to prevent or reduce infectious diseases, and prevent symptoms related to an infectious disease in an animal. There is also provided a method for feeding of fish by providing this feed composition in the period previous of the challenge by an infection, during the infection or after the infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to kinase modulators of the naphthyridine type and to the preparation and use thereof as medicaments for the modulation of misdirected cellular signal transduction processes, in particular for influencing the function of tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases and for the treatment of malignant or benign tumours and other disorders based on pathological cell proliferation, such as, for example, restenosis, psoriasis, arteriosclerosis and cirrhosis of the liver.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a disorder characterised by elevated or dysregulated myostatin, disorders where the interaction between follistatin and angiogenin can be used to improve function in tissues, neurological diseases or disorders, spinal injuries or diseases, bone diseases or disorders, diseases involving glucose homeostasis, wound healing, neuro-protection, nervous system functional support or managing metabolic diseases, the method comprising administering an effective amount of angiogenin or an angiogenin agonist. Compositions and neutraceuticals comprising angiogenin are also provided.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a gas-filled microvesicle and a structural entity which is capable to associate through an electrostatic interaction to the outer surface of said microvesicle (microvesicle associated component—MAC), thereby modifying the physico-chemical properties thereof. Said MAC comprises a targeting ligand a diagnostic agent or any combination thereof. Optionally a bioactive agent can further be associated to the MAC. The assembly of the invention can be formed from gas-filled microbubbles or microballoons and a MAC having preferably nanometric dimensions, e.g. a micelle, and is used as an active component in diagnostically and/or therapeutically active formulations, in particular for enhancing the imaging in the field of ultrasound contrast imaging, including targeted ultrasound imaging, ultrasound-mediated drug delivery and other imaging techniques such as molecular resonance imaging (MRI) or nuclear imaging.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods that make use of complexes comprising one or more inhibitory nucleic acids and a targeting polypeptide, wherein the targeting polypeptide consists of a cell surface receptor ligand. The compositions can be used in methods of silencing gene expression in a cell, in delivering agents to a target cell, and in treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject.

Abstract: Two Vi conjugates have been prepared by carbodiimide-mediated synthesis, using adipic acid dihydrazide derivatized CRM197 (a non-toxic variant of diphtheria toxin) and tetanus toxoid, as carrier proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are optimized keratin preparations for use in medical applications. Methods to produce optimized keratin preparations are provided for use in biomedical applications, particularly for the treatment of bleeding, and for the treatment of wounds. Also disclosed are surgical or paramedic aids comprising a substrate with keratin preparations provided thereon, and kits comprising keratin derivatives packaged in sterile form.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods of promoting the healing or closure of perforated tympanic membranes or wounds, as well as methods for minimizing scar formation and removing necrotic tissue. In particular the invention relates to the use of components of the plasminogen activating system, especially mini-plasminogen, mini-plasmin, micro-plasminogen, micro-plasmin, delta-plasminogen, and delta-plasmintopromote wound healing processes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method that uses enzyme-treatment of whole soybeans or partially defatted soybeans to select soybeans with improved bioactivity or bioactivities. The invention further provides a soybean plant and seed with a non-transgenic mutation conferring enhanced bioactivity as an hydrolysate when compared to hydrolysate from other seeds, for instance in a cell-based assay, including reduced cancer cell viability; increased LDL receptor activity; reduced lipid accumulation; increased adiponectin expression; decreased FAS and LPL expression; reduced production of NO and PGE2, and expression of iNOS and COX-2; higher antioxidant activity; promotion of growth of bifidobacteria; and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria; for instance when compared to other seeds tested as hydrolysates.

Abstract: A construct comprising a cell delivery peptide covalently attached to a biologically active compound suitable for delivery of said biologically active compound into cells, wherein optionally the cells are cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, smooth muscle or contractile cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are self-assembling pharmaceutical compositions comprising a heat shock protein fused to a biotin-binding protein, wherein the biotin-binding protein is non-covalently bound to four biotinylated components, and further wherein at least two of the four biotinylated components are not identical.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a preparation for oral administration in which the bitter taste derived from quercetin glycoside is improved. The bad taste derived from quercetin glycoside can be improved, thereby improving palatability, by blending an aqueous chondroitin sulfate extract in a preparation for oral administration containing quercetin glycoside.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for delivery of a therapeutic agent to target cells. Liposome delivery vesicles binds to a specific cell population via a targeting molecule attached to the liposome surface. After the liposomes bind to a target cell they are internalized into compartments within the cell called endosomes. It has been shown by prior art that by encapsulating a pore forming bacterial hemolysin into the lumen of a liposome, the endosome is broken down and drug is delivered into the cell cytoplasm. Instead of encapsulating the hemolysin within the liposome, this invention improves on current techniques by associating the hemolysin with the lipid membrane of the liposome. This modification reduces development cost significantly, eases production methods and increases the effectiveness and versatility of the treatment. Using this technique, we have demonstrated effective targeting and killing of Her-2 overexpressing tumor cells.

Abstract: Based on the three-dimensional structure of transferrin, the inventors have designed variant polypeptides (muteins) which have one or more Cysteine residues with a free thiol group (hereinafter referred to as thiotransferrin). The variant polypeptide may be conjugated through the sulphur atom of the Cysteine residue to a bioactive compound.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength ?1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.

Abstract: Novel classes of multi-arm polyalkylene oxide-based materials including PEG nanocarriers, nanogel particles, and aggregated nanogel particles are disclosed. These classes of compositions may be associated with therapeutic agents and targeting moieties, or visibility enhancing agents, and may have a modified surface structure. In some embodiments the PEG-based materials can be made to provide relatively high drug loads with improved solubility and targeted delivery.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and growth factor binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. The growth factor binding peptides include platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) binding peptides and growth differentiation factor (GDF) binding peptides. The tissue for repair includes tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, vascular tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and growth factor binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for mucosal delivery of agents are provided. The compositions are intended for administration to mucosal surface, such as oral, gastrointestinal and nasal mucosa. The compositions provided contain one or more mucoadhesive proteins and an agent to be delivered. Methods for delivery of agents using the compositions provided herein are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to glycoside-compound conjugates for use in antisense strategies and/or gene therapy. The conjugates comprise a glycoside linked to a compound, in which the glycoside is a ligand capable of binding to a mannose-6-phosphate receptor of a muscle cell. For example the cells are muscle cells of a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patient and the conjugate comprises an antisense oligonucleotide which causes exon skipping and induces or restores the synthesis of dystrophin or variants thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing a target RNA and protein levels via use of Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA)-peptide conjugates.

Abstract: Polysaccharide including carboxyl functional groups. The polysaccharide being chosen from the group of anionic synthetic polysaccharides including 1,6 bonds obtained from neutral polysaccharides of which at least one of a carboxyl functional groups is esterified by a hydrophobic alcohol (-Ah) (residue of a hydrophobic alcohol). The hydrophobic alcohol (Ah) being grafted or bonded to the anionic polysaccharide by a function F (ester function), which results from coupling between the carboxylate function of the anionic polysaccharide and hydroxyl function of the hydrophobic alcohol. Carboxyl functions of anionic polysaccharide, which are not substituted, are in the form of carboxylate of a cation. The polysaccharide including carboxyl functional groups are amphiphilic at neutral pH. It also relates to its use for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polysaccharide and at least one active principle.

Abstract: Compositions, systems and related methods for delivering a supercharged protein or a complex of a supercharged protein and therapeutic agent (e g, nucleic acid, peptide, small molecule) to cells are disclosed. Superpositively charged proteins may be associated with nucleic acids (which typically have a net negative charge) via electrostatic interactions. The systems and methods may involve altering the primary sequence of a protein in order to “supercharge” the protein (e g, to generate a superpositively-charged protein). The compositions may be used to treat proliferative diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, inborn errors in metabolism, genetic diseases, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric prodrugs including an intracellular releasable disulfide linker for the delivery of oligonucleotides. Methods of making the compounds as well as methods of delivering nucleic acids to tumor cells in a mammal using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing an oxidised polysaccharide-protein conjugate by oxidising a polysaccharide with an oxidising agent to form an oxidised polysaccharide and combining such oxidized polysaccharide with a protein. The oxidised polysaccharide is reacted with a protein to form a composition comprising a conjugate wherein the oxidised polysaccharide and the protein are conjugated via one or more imine bonds and wherein the oxidised polysaccharide comprises essentially no alpha-hydroxy aldehyde units. The conjugate may be used to provide sustained or latent activity of the protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conjugated molecule comprising a peptide derived from the CD4 receptor coupled to an organic molecule by means of a linker as well as a process for its preparation. Such a conjugated molecule can be used in antiviral treatment, namely in the treatment of AIDS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modulating nicotinic/NMDA receptor function in a mammal in need of such treatment comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that disrupts heterodimerization of ?7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and N-methyl-D-asparate glutamate receptor. A polypeptide and fragments thereof comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the second intracellular loop of the ?7 nAchR and carboxyl tail of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor are also provided, which are able to inhibit the heterodimerization. Also disclosed are nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides, and methods of inhibiting the heterodimerization of ?7 nAchR and NMDAR using the polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modulating cell junctions via the Gp140 membrane protein. Gp140 agonists and antagonists are provided, including activating and non-activating antibodies of Gp140, as well as compositions including the same. Methods of treatment including administration of a Gp140 agonist or antagonist are also provided. Finally, implants having a Gp140 modulator coupled thereto are provided.

Abstract: Compositions containing a therapeutic peptide covalently linked to Vitamin B12 at the 5?-hydroxyl group of the ribose moiety of ?-ligand are described. The length of the linkage is optimized so that the biological activity of both the Vitamin B12 and the therapeutic peptide is maintained. Therapeutic peptides for conjugation with vitamin B12 include insulin, PYY, NPY and GLP-1. Attachment to Vitamin B12 provides uptake of the therapeutic peptide from the digestive tract and longer residence time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 4,5-dihydromacbecin analogues to the formula (IA) or (IB), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt there of: wherein: R1 represents H or CONH2 that are useful, e.g. in the treatment of cancer, B-cell malignancies malaria, fungal infection, diseases of the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases, diseases dependent on angiogenesis, autoimmune diseases and/or as a prophylactic pretreatment for cancer. The present invention also provides methods for the production of these compounds and their use in medicine, in particular in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cancer or B-cell malignancies.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation containing a purified, active API in the form of a ready to use sterile solution that optionally includes an excipient, diluent or a carrier. At least 90% to 95% of the API is active and is present at a concentration between about 1% to about 10%. The pH of the preparation is in the range of 6.5-7.5 and the preparation is preferably devoid of a protein stabilizer. The API is stable for at least 3 months when stored at a temperature of between 20° C. to 25° C. and is stable for a minimum of at least 12 months, at least 21 months, or at least 36 months when the pharmaceutical composition is stored at a temperature of between 2° C. to 8° C. The composition is formulated to be administered intravenously or by inhalation.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified therapeutic agent, said modified agent comprising three or more membrane binding elements with low membrane affinity covalently associated with the agent which elements are capable of interacting independently and with thermodynamic additivity, with components of cellular or artificial membranes exposed to extracellular fluids wherein at least two membrane binding elements are lipophilic elements, which may be aliphatic acyl groups, which may be selected from the list consisting of Myristoyl, Decanoyl or Hexanoyl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and composition of a depot implant for optimal delivery of growth factors to treat bone avascular necrosis, in that such depot implant is constructed to be in a cylinder (rod) or sphere shape and have a natural or synthetic polymer scaffold with or without impregnated calcium phosphate particles. The density of the depot is higher than a typical BMP sponge carrier to facilitate its implantation and slower release of the growth factor. The scaffold is such that it has adequate porosity and pore size to facilitate growth factor seeding and diffusion throughout the whole of the bone structure resulting in increased new blood vessel growth and density in the avascular necrotic bone. In addition, the shape of the depot implant allows for delivery through a cannula or large bore needle.

Abstract: The invention provides a delivery system comprising a cell penetrating peptide, a polyarginine peptide, and an interfering RNA molecule. The system can be used for delivering interfering RNA molecules into a cell in vivo or in vitro. Therapeutic uses for the delivery system are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to the use of Human proIslet Peptide Receptor (HIP) are disclosed herein. Compositions include peptides and peptidomimetics capable of binding the HIP receptors. Methods include screening assays for ligands of receptors and proteins involved in islet cell signaling.

Abstract: The invention features a process of expressing secreted recombinant human alpha-fetoprotein (rHuAFP) in the milk or urine of transgenic mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protein or glycoprotein obtainable from a crude extract of Haliotis midae, with a molecular weight of approx. 30 kDa and an isoelectric point of around 4.3-4.5, possessing passive cutaneous anaphylaxis-inhibiting activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising clusterin and polypeptides substantially the same as clusterin and treatment methods for inflammatory diseases and dry eye disease. The pharmaceutical compositions include an isolated clusterin or an isolated polypeptide substantially the same as clusterin. The clusterin is preferably secreted clusterin. The method of treating dry eye disease includes administering to a patient in need an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an isolated clusterin or an isolated polypeptide substantially the same as clusterin. The method of treating a disease state characterized by inflammation includes administering to a patient having the disease state an amount of isolated clusterin or a protein substantially the same as clusterin effective to decrease the activity of a matrix metallproteinase selected from the group consisting of MMP-9, MMP-2 and MMP-7.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed J-Superfamily conotoxin peptides, J-conotoxins or J-conotoxin peptides herein), about 25 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds. The J-conotoxins are useful for treating disorders involving voltage gated ion channels and/or receptors.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods of modulating a population of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in a subject, for treating an autoimmune disease, and also treating cancer in a subject in need thereof. The methods comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that modulates the Tim-3 pathway. The Tim-3 pathway can be activated by a Tim-3 ligand, galectin-9, whereby MDSCs are expanded, or inhibited by an antibody to Tim-3, wherein the expansion of MDSCs is inhibited.

Abstract: Implantable devices comprise at least one or more targeting molecules that form a primary coating layer for selectively recruiting, isolating, activating, and/or eliminating any cells of interest, such as T cells, monocytes, and stem cells. The implantable devices can be utilized for selectively removing a particular subset of cells from bodily fluids of a patient. Various non-selective pharmaceutical agents and biological agents can be incorporated into the implantable devices so that cells of interest can be isolated for elimination or for activation/differentiation. Cell-type selectivity is conferred by the presence of cell-type-specific targeting molecules incorporated into the implantable device, preferably at the surface level to permit direct or indirect interaction between the cells of interest and targeting molecules of the implantable device. Related therapeutic methods for utilizing the implantable devices are also provided.