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: A medical material having high hemostatic ability, which is easy to handle and shows improved productivity, is described. A hemostatic material comprising a polypeptide having a peptide fragment represented by General Formula (1) below: -(Pro-Y-Gly)n-??(1) [wherein in General Formula (1), Y represents hydroxyproline or proline, and n represents an integer of 74 to 171].

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for treatment of vascular conditions. The invention provides arginine polymers and arginine homopolymers for the treatment and/or prevention of glaucoma, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, erectile dysfunction, Raynaud's syndrome, heparin overdose, vulvodynia, and wound healing. The invention also provides arginine polymers and arginine homopolymers for use in organ perfusate and preservation solutions.

Abstract: The present application relates to CTLA4-Ig immunoadhesins that target CD80 and CD86, and their use, particularly for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for stimulation or an activation of immunological function directed to activate natural killer cells and macrophages or increase production of serum antibody in a patient in need of such stimulation or activation, comprising administering an isolated and/or purified polypeptide of a fungal immunomodulatory protein. This invention also relates to a method for suppressing proliferation of a cancer cell and a method for suppressing a tumor cell mobility, comprising providing to the tumor cell a purified polypeptide of a fungal immunomodulatory protein.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides from syndecan 1 and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit ?4?6 interaction with HER2, thereby preventing tumor cell growth and tissue invasion.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a proteoliposome comprise the step of contacting a liposome with an effective portion of RalBP1 to create a proteoliposome. RalBP1 is effective for the protection and treatment of mammals and the environment against the accumulation of toxic compounds and prevents accumulation of one or more toxic compounds, reduces the concentration of toxic compounds, and protects against further contamination with one or more toxic compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides from syndecan 4 and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit ?6?4 integrin interaction with EGFR, thereby preventing tumor cell growth and tissue invasion.

Abstract: Microspheres are produced by contacting an aqueous solution of a protein or other macromolecule with an organic solvent and a counterion, and chilling the solution. The microspheres are useful for preparing pharmaceuticals of defined dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nuclear factor ?B (NF?B)-inducing factor polypeptides (NFIF polypeptides) which are capable of inducing NF?B. The present invention includes within its scope NFIF polypeptides, including NFIF-14b and NFIF-7a, DNA, including cDNA, encoding these polypeptides, and expression vectors capable of expressing NFIF polypeptides. Also included are methods and compositions for increasing NF?B induction in a patient, methods and compositions for lowering NF?B induction in a patient, methods for inhibiting inflammation, and methods for manufacture of a medicament intended for the treatment and/or prevention of an NF?B-regulated inflammatory response. In addition, methods for determining whether a test compound inhibits or enhances the activity of NFIF polypeptides are provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods of producing exosomes. The application also provides a method for preparing a protein composition comprising culturing an exosome-producing cell expressing a Nef-fusion protein comprising a Nef-derived peptide fused to a protein of interest; isolating exosomes from the exosome-producing cell culture; and purifying the protein of interest from the isolated exosomes. The application further discloses compositions that comprise exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein, as well as methods of using the Nef-fusion protein and exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein.

Abstract: It is disclosed here that synaptotagmin I (syt I) and synaptotagmin II (syt II) are the cellular receptors for botulinum neurotoxin B (BoNT/B) that mediate the cellular entry and toxicity of BoNT/B. The BoNT/B binding domains of syt I and II are also disclosed. While syt I needs gangliosides for BoNT/B binding, syt II can bind to BoNT/B in the absence of gangliosides. Various nucleic acids and polypeptides that relate to the BoNT/B binding domain of syt I or II are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods of reducing BoNT/B toxicity, methods of identifying agents that can block the binding between BoNT/B and syt I or II, methods of identifying agents that can bind to the BoNT/B binding domain of syt I or II, methods of detecting BoNT/B or Clostridium botulinum and kits for use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anticoagulant and a composition for preventing thrombus formation, which contain poly-gamma-glutamic acid (PGA) as an active ingredient. The inventive PGA is a water-soluble, anionic, biodegradable and edible amino acid polymer material, which has an anticoagulant effect of preventing thrombi from being accumulated in blood vessels, shows an excellent sustained-release effect and is harmless to the human body. Thus, it is useful as a high-value-added anticoagulant and a food or beverage composition for preventing thrombus formation.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising packaging material and a pharmaceutical composition is disclosed, the article of manufacture being identified in print in or on the packaging material for treatment of an immunity-related disease in a subject in need thereof. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, as an active ingredient, a compound being capable of modulating an interaction between a heparin-binding domain of a thrombospondin and a receptor of the heparin-binding domain.

Abstract: A topical preventative medicament against burns-related systemic inflammatory response syndrome containing a low-molecular-weight chaperone as the main active ingredient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are expression vectors that encode cowpox virus protein CPXV014 and homologs thereof that are useful in inhibiting CD3/CD28 mediated T cell stimulation. Further disclosed are polypeptide compositions comprising CPXV014 and homologs thereof as well as methods of inhibiting CD3/CD28 mediated T cell stimulation using the polypeptide compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are keratin compositions useful for treating ischemia and/or reperfusion injury, such as that associated with myocardial infarct, ischemic stroke, brain trauma such as traumatic brain injury, hypothermia, chronic wounds, and burns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to melanocortin receptor binding conjugates and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: The present document describes a buccal delivery dosage form for administration of an active ingredient, including pharmaceutically, pharmacologically, or biologically active ingredients, in the mouth of a subject. The buccal delivery dosage form by-passes the gastrointestinal tract metabolism. The buccal delivery dosage form may comprise chemical permeation enhancers, excipients, texture modulators, and active ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion proteins comprising a mucin-domain polypeptide covalently linked to an active protein that has improved properties (e.g. pharmacokinetic and/or physicochemical properties) compared to the same active protein not linked to mucin-domain polypeptide, as well as methods for making and using the fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polypeptide of use in the development of reagents or medicines favourable to application for prevention or treatment of ischemic disorders such as conditions caused by ateriosclerosis. The polypeptide has at least one part containing an amino acid of sequence ID 1, and also enhances expression levels of the amino acid in mammalian blood vessels removed from ischemic conditions by means of blood reperfusion.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating myotonic dystrophy.

Abstract: The invention provides the protein mixture including the fusion proteins of C-myc, SOX2, KLF4, OCT-4, wherein each protein comprises a protein transduction domain (PTD) and a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) fused with the said protein. The invention further provides the preparation method of the protein mixture and its use for inducing human pluripotent stem cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a galanin Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the protein conjugates, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigen-specific immune regulatory response. Methods for detecting an antigen-specific immune regulatory response, methods for selecting candidate vaccine recipients, and methods for improved vaccination strategies are presented.

Abstract: Novel nanoparticles of lactoferrin useful for preparing a pharmaceutical composition facilitating easy delivery of the drug contained therein wherein the sizes are in diameter in the range of 40 to 90 nanometers.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating spondylarthropathy with antagonists of MDL-1 alone or in combination with IL-23 antagonists.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding a T cell surface antigen from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this antigen are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, kits and compositions for preventing or treating age-related conditions or metabolic disorders. The Klotho fusion polypeptides of the invention include at least a Klotho protein or an active fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a Klotho polypeptide, a FGF (such as FGF23) and (optionally) a modified Fc fragment. The Fc fragment can, for example, have decreased binding to Fc-gamma-receptor and increased serum half-life. The Klotho fusion proteins are useful in the treatment and prevention of a variety of age-related conditions and metabolic disorders. In another embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a FGF (such as FGF23) and a modified Fc fragment.

Abstract: Chimeric molecules that contain at least one pathogen-detection domain and at least one effector domain, and their methods of use in preventing or treating a pathogen infection in a cell or organism are described. The pathogen-detection domain and effector domain of the chimeric molecules are domains not typically found in nature to be associated together. Agents are also described herein having at least one pathogen-interacting molecular structure and at least one effector-mediating molecular structure, the agent being one that is non-naturally-occurring in a cell. The methods of prevention and treatment described herein are effective for a broad spectrum of pathogens and exhibit little or no toxic side-effects. Assays for the detection of a pathogen, pathogen component, or product produced or induced by a pathogen, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel muteins derived from human lipocalin 2 (hNGAL) and related proteins that bind a given non-natural ligand with detectable affinity. The invention also related to corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding such a mutein and to a method for their generation. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutein. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a lipocalin mutein as well as to various uses of the mutein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for assessing, treating, and preventing diseases, especially cancer, using cancer-associated targets (CAT). Methods and compositions are also provided for determining or predicting the effectiveness of a treatment for these diseases or for selecting a treatment, using CAT. Methods and compositions are further provided for modulating cell function using CAT. Also provided are compositions that modulate CAT (e.g., antagonists or agonists), such as antibodies, proteins, small molecule compounds, and nucleic acid agents (e.g., RNAi and antisense agents), as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided are methods of screening for agents that modulate CAT, and agents identified by these screening methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified forms of C-peptide, and methods for their use. In one aspect, the modified forms of C-peptide comprise modified C-peptide derivatives which exhibit superior pharmacokinetic and biological activity in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:9 or 7. The invention further pertains to nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell-permeable endostatin recombinant protein in which a macromolecule transduction domain (MTD) is fused to an angiogenesis inhibitor (angiogenesis inhibitor) endostatin; a polynucleotide encoding the cell-permeable endostatin recombinant protein; an expression vector for the cell-permeable endostatin recombinant protein; and a pharmacological composition for an anti-cancer preparation with improved inhibitory activity against angiogenesis in cancer, which contains the cell-permeable endostatin recombinant protein as an active component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating tumors or tumor metastases in a patient, comprising administering to said patient simultaneously or sequentially a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and an agent that sensitizes tumor cells to the effects of EGFR kinase inhibitors, wherein said agent is an mTOR inhibitor that binds to and directly inhibits both mTORC1 and mTORC2 kinases. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an EGFR kinase inhibitor and an mTOR inhibitor that binds to and directly inhibits both mTORC1 and mTORC2 kinases, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A preferred example of an EGFR kinase inhibitor that can be used in practicing the methods of this invention is the compound erlotinib HC1 (also known as TARCEVA®).

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

Abstract: Cyclic constructs which bind to a natriuretic peptide receptor and include a plurality of amino acid residues, at least one amino acid surrogate of formula I: where R, R?, Q, Y, W, Z, J, x and n are as defined in the specification, and a cyclic linkage including one or two amide bonds, pharmaceutical compositions including such cyclic constructs, and methods of treating congestive heart failure or other conditions, syndromes or diseases for which induction of anti-hypertensive, cardiovascular, renal or endocrine effects are desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of botulinum based pharmaceuticals used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatment. This invention offers an improvement on the prior art by eliminating the potential of blood-borne contamination with botulinum based pharmaceuticals. Recombinant serum albumin is taught for use in the place of human serum albumin as a stabilizing or enhancing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Rspondins, particularly Rspondin2 (Rspo2) or Rspondin3 (Rspo3) or Rspondin nucleic acids, or regulators or effectors or modulators of Rspondin, e.g. Rspo2 and/or Rspo3 to promote or inhibit angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis, respectively. The invention is based on the demonstration that Rspo3 and Rspo2 are angiogenesis promoters, and the identification of Rspo2 and 3 as positive regulators of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These results indicate a major role for Rspondins, particularly Rspo3 and/or Rspo2 in the signaling system during angiogenesis. The invention also relates to the use of regulators or effectors or modulators of Rspondin3, including agonists and antagonists, in the treatment of conditions where treatment involves inhibiting or promoting angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis.

Abstract: Described are specific-binding therapeutic and/or diagnostic proteins directed against Glypican-3 (GPC3), which proteins include muteins of a lipocalin protein, such as lipocalin 2 (Lcn2 or NGAL). The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins and to methods for generation and use of such proteins and nucleic acid molecules. Accordingly, the invention also is directed to pharmaceutical and/or diagnostic compositions comprising such lipocalin proteins, including uses of these proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a polysaccharide and a botulinum toxin for reducing a skin wrinkle. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide comprises disaccharides. In some embodiments, the average molecular weight of a disaccharide unit of the polysaccharide is between about 345 D and about 1,000 D.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cobalamin acquisition protein, compositions containing the cobalamin acquisition protein, and the use of such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, modified pokeweed antiviral proteins, nucleic acids that encode the proteins, conjugates that incorporate the proteins, and methods to make and use the proteins. The present invention also provides methods to administer the conjugates to animals, for the purpose of directing toxin to particular cells.

Abstract: The invention provides multivalent ligand binding agents (traps) for members of the TGF-? superfamily and polypeptide linkers and methods for making and using such constructs. The traps may be used as therapeutic or diagnostic (imaging or non-imaging) agents for diseases/disorders caused by over-production/activity of the target ligand. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a multivalent binding agent with affinity for a member of the TGF-? superfamily, the agent having the general structure I: (<bd1>-linker1)k-[{<bd1>-linker2-<bd2>-linker3f-}n-(<bd3>)m-(linker4-<bd4>)d]h, where: n and h are independently greater than or equal to 1; d, f, m and k are independently equal to or greater than zero; bd's are polypeptide binding domains having an affinity for the same member of the TGF-? superfamily; and, linkers are unstructured polypeptide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified nucleic acid sequences coding for coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) and for von Willebrand factor (VWF) as well as complexes thereof and their derivatives, recombinant expression vectors containing such nucleic acid sequences, host cells transformed with such recombinant expression vectors, recombinant polypeptides and derivatives coded for by said nucleic acid sequences which recombinant polypeptides and derivatives do have biological activities together with prolonged in vivo half-life and/or improved in vivo recovery compared to the unmodified wild-type protein. The invention also relates to corresponding FVIII sequences that result in improved expression yield. The present invention further relates to processes for the manufacture of such recombinant proteins and their derivatives. The invention also relates to a transfer vector for use in human gene therapy, which comprises such modified nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of the application of genetic engineering and gene function, and it is directed to a new medical use of the gene encoding the recombinant soluble tumor necrosis factor ? receptor (HusTNFR). The present invention made intervention to fulminant hepatic failure in mice by use of the long-acting recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor ?receptor and the classic animal models of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure. The results showed that the long-acting soluble tumor necrosis factor ?receptor of the present invention has a half-life extended more than 10 times, and it significantly decreased the mortality of model animals and has superior therapeutic effect for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure in model animals. These receptors have a noticeable therapeutic effect for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure in comparison with the non-long-acting HusTNFR.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for highly precise spatial and temporal control over cytosolic delivery of compounds, in particular, those compounds that would otherwise be cell-impermeable. Among other things, the present invention provides a composition for targeted drug delivery comprising a nanoparticle, a targeting moiety specific for a cell type of interest, a light-activated drug delivery system, wherein the nanoparticles are associated with the targeting moiety and the light-activated drug delivery system.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shortened peptides comprising a muscle function enhancing amino acid sequence which is derived from the S100 calcium binding protein family. Furthermore, the present invention provides said peptides for medical use, in particular, for treating or preventing disorders associated with muscular malfunction, such as skeletal muscle or cardiac muscle disorders. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptides and a method for treating or preventing disorders associated with muscular malfunction using said peptides or said pharmaceutical compositions.