Abstract: The present application relates to use of a Midkine family protein for growing hair on a mammal, or in the manufacture of a medicament for growing hair on a mammal, especially for treatment or prevention of different forms of alopecia.

Abstract: The present invention provides mimetics of erythropoietin that bind to the erythropoietin receptor and that are suitable for use in pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also provides methods of treatment using the mimetics of erythropoietin as well as methods of making the mimetics of erythropoietin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of modulating appetite and/or body weight in a subject, said method comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a MIC-1-modulating agent, wherein said agent increases or decreases the amount of MIC-1 present in said subject, or inhibits or enhances the biological activity of MIC-1 present in said subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polypeptides that bind to IL-23 receptor and inhibit the binding of IL-23 to its corresponding receptor and cell signaling thereof. The novel polypeptides of the present invention has a core structure of WX1X2X3W, where W is tryptophan, and X1, X2 and X3 are amino acids, with the proviso that when one of X1, X2 or X3 is W, the remaining two of X1, X2 or X3 cannot be W. The present invention relates a composition containing the novel polypeptides, and use of same in treating IL-23 associated human diseases including, for example, inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: Tissue engineering structures with biologically favorable structural and chemical properties are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to tissue engineered scaffolds having a fiber support and honey. The tissue engineered scaffolds having a fiber support and honey can further include at least one biomolecule. The tissue engineered scaffolds can be used to promote cellular chemotaxis, enhance cell proliferation, enhance extracellular matrix production, increase angiogenesis, and provide antimicrobial activity. The nature of the tissue engineered scaffolds provides a template for cellular infiltration and guide tissue regeneration. The tissue engineered scaffolds can be used in the treatment of dermal wounds (burns, chronic wounds, etc.) or as a tissue engineering scaffold in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of promoting bone healing by locally administering a vanadium-based insulin mimetic agent to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides a new use of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds for manufacture of medicaments for accelerating bone-healing processes. In addition, the invention also encompasses a bone injury treatment kit suitable for localized administration of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds or compositions thereof to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for stimulating hair growth in a mammal comprising a modified osteopontin polypeptide in which an RGD domain is inactivated; and a pharmaceutically acceptable and/or cosmetically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent. The invention further provides methods of stimulating hair growth in a mammal.

Abstract: As the percentage of senior citizens increases at the present time, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic which can maintain the skin in a healthy state by preventing damage to the skin that accompanies aging, more specifically, discoloration and wrinkling, is very safe, does not pose ethical problems, and can be supplied in a sufficient amount. The present invention provides a cosmetic that comprises as the main component a powder of the supernatant produced by culturing the bone marrow or dental pulp stem cells of a nonhuman mammal. Moreover, provided is a method for ion introduction for protein by which the cosmetic is introduced by ion introduction.

Abstract: The disclosure provides granular forms of porous biomaterials and methods for forming and applying these biomaterials, including uses to promote vascularization and tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic comprising an osteopontin isoform a (“OPNa”) inhibitor where the OPNa inhibitor blocks activity of extracellular OPNa exon 4. The OPNa inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of (i) an exon-4 specific antibody or binding portion thereof; (ii) a peptide mimic of OPNa exon 4 or a fragment thereof; (iii) a nucleic acid aptamer that specifically binds to OPNa exon 4 or a fragment thereof; and (iv) a peptide inhibitor that binds to OPNa exon 4 or a fragment thereof. The present invention also relates to methods of inhibiting tumor growth and/or metastasis in a subject, treating a subject with chemotherapeutic resistance, and methods of increasing tumor cell sensitivity to a cancer therapeutic by administering an OPNa inhibitor according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for the therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment of Elastin comprising tissues. Therapeutic and cosmetic compositions comprising an elastin digest stimulate the endogenous production of Elastin and appear to enhance the elasticity of the skin and provide an external supply of peptide precursors of Elastin that penetrate into the tissue to which it is applied. The present invention describes compositions containing an elastin digest derived from proteolytic digestion of insoluble elastin derived from mammalian ligaments with a protein digesting composition, such as proteinase K. The elastin digest is a mixture of elastin peptides wherein the elastin peptide mixture comprises peptides of the sequence GXXPG, wherein X represents one of the natural amino acids. The elastin digest of the present invention may also comprise epitopes of cytokines, growth factors and di-peptides.

Abstract: A radiation protection device for providing protection of a body part that includes active bone marrow from ionizing radiation may include a radiation protection component configured to be placed adjacent to and externally cover the body part so as to reduce a radiation dose absorbed in that body part.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for increasing survival in a subject, and/or preserving bone marrow function, and/or promoting hematopoietic recovery or restoration. The methods include administering a dose of IL-12 to the subject following an acute exposure to non-therapeutic whole body ionizing radiation. Formulations and kits are also provided.

Abstract: Conjugates are provided herein which comprise a protein attached to at least two polymeric moieties, at least one of which exhibits reverse thermal gelation. The conjugates are suitable for being cross-linked by non-covalent and/or covalent cross-linking. Compositions-of-matter comprising cross-linked conjugates are provided herein, as well as processes for producing same. Methods of controlling a physical property of compositions-of-matter are also provided herein. The conjugates and compositions-of-matter may be used for various applications, such as cell growth, tissue formation, and treatment of disorders characterized by tissue damage or loss, as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting heart damage in a patient. The invention also relates to methods for treatment of patients identified as having heart damage. The invention further pertains to methods for evaluating the efficacy of an ongoing therapeutic regimen designated to treat a damaged heart in a patient.

Abstract: A method of correcting spinal deformity, which includes locating pharmaceutical-loaded implants adjacent to targeted spinal growth plates, and then eluting the pharmaceutical onto the growth plates. Preferably, the method involves correcting spinal deformity by simply inserting a pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screw onto the concave side of a scoliotic curve. The screw has a cannulated internal reservoir that contains a chondrocyte growth-inducing pharmaceutical (such as a growth factor or small molecule) and at least one fenestration that allows the pharmaceutical to elute onto the vertebral body growth plate.

Abstract: Provided are a peptide for inhibiting an interaction between an RANKL and an RANK consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating bone diseases including the peptide. The peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 is not present in a cyclic shape, and has 10 or less amino acids, thereby having better biostability than a conventional peptide to inhibit an RANKL-RANK interaction, being preferable in price during synthesis, and having a better RANKL-RANK interaction inhibitory effect. For this reason, the peptide may be used as an effective component of the composition effectively inhibiting differentiation of osteoclasts. A pharmaceutical composition including the peptide is bound with the RANKL and the peptide, instead of the RANK, thereby inhibiting the interaction between the RANKL and the RANK, and thus inhibiting osteoclast differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the harvesting of specific materials in multiple stages of filtration of bone graft materials from a reaming device, specifics of interconnected stages, related filtration materials, and techniques. The harvesting process collects large material in a first stage, and other materials of a limited geometric size in at least a second stage of filtration. Such material captured in the second stage may contain plasma, cellular elements including stem cells as well as growth factors and other particulate matter of a specific geometrically limited size, using various filtration approaches including centrifugation in some embodiments. Further embodiments of the invention provide for an improved tubing interface and management approach to ease use in the operating room. Filtration materials may include biodegradable-material based filters and may allow direct implantation of small scale and larger scale matter in specific portions within the biodegradable-material itself.

Abstract: A medicament for treating cystitis and a method of treatment are provided. The medicament comprises a stromal vascular fraction provided in a liposomal carrier. Optionally, the medicament also controls one or more additional agents, such as a growth factor, glycosaminoglycan, DMSO, and/or another small molecule used to treat cystitis or having an effect on human stem cells. Cystitis is treated by intravesically administering to a patient a therapeutically effective dose of the medicament. The SVF can be derived from a patient's own adipose cells via liposuction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hemojuvelin (HJV) fusion protein (e.g., a human HJV.Fc) protein, polynucleotides and vectors encoding such proteins, and methods for making such proteins. Also provided are methods for treating iron-related disorders which include administration of a HJV fusion protein to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilizing Bone Morphogenetic Protein in various lyophilized formulations and compositions. The present invention comprises formulations primarily including trehalose as an excipient for lyophilized compositions and their subsequent storage and reconstitution, and can also optionally include other excipients, including buffers and surfactants.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for delivering a polypeptide to the central nervous system of a mammal via intranasal administration are provided. The polypeptide can be a catalytically active protein or an antibody, antibody fragment or antibody fragment fusion protein. The polypeptides are formulated with one or more specific agents.

Abstract: Application of oligonucleotide and polypeptide sequences of molecules of the family of the vascular permeability factor (VPF), their receptors, and co-receptors, as well as their modifications, in the active immunotherapy of pathologic entities in which course is associated to the increase of angiogenesis. These procedures can be employed in the single or combined therapy for the treatment of cancer and its metastasis, acute and chronic inflammatory processes, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetic and newborn retinopathies, organ transplant rejection, macular degeneration, neovascular glaucoma, hemangioma, and angiofibroma, among others.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating diseases associated with loss of neuronal function are described. The methods are designed to promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, or integration of endogenous progenitor stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A therapy, such as an electrical signal or a stem cell enhancing agent, or a combination of therapies, is applied to a CNS region containing endogenous stem cells or a CNS region where the endogenous stem cells are predicted to migrate and eventually reside, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Connective tissue regenerative compositions and methods of repairing and regenerating connective tissue using such compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise a bioactive hydrogel matrix comprising a polypeptide, such as gelatin, and a long chain carbohydrate, such as dextran. The hydrogel matrix may further include polar amino acids, as well as additional beneficial additives. Advantageously, the compositions include further components, such as osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials, medicaments, stem or progenitor cells, and three-dimensional structural frameworks. The compositions are useful for regenerating connective tissue, and can be administered to an area having injury to, or a loss of, connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of fibromodulin and lumican, particularly active fragments thereof, to increase muscle mass, especially in the treatment of muscular dystrophies.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of tendon and ligament injuries and/or repair of damaged tendons and ligament. The invention provides compositions comprising a biocompatible matrix and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Abstract: This invention relates to the production and use of pharmaceutical growth factor compositions with novel characteristics, e.g. improved solubility and controlled release characteristics under physiological conditions. The compositions of one or more precursor proteins of growth factors of the GDF family provoke morphogenic effects such as growth, differentiation, protection and regeneration of a variety of tissues and organs, e.g. bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, nerves and skin. The compositions can be advantageously used for the healing of tissue-destructive injuries and for the prevention or therapy of degenerative disorders.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing peritoneal dissemination is provided. The pharmaceutical composition includes an effective dose of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier thereof.

Abstract: Isolated protein complexes are provided comprising growth factors such as IGF-I, IGF-II, EGF, bFGF, KGF, VEGF or PDGF, or at least domains thereof that enable binding to and activation of both a growth factor receptor, and an integrin receptor-binding domain of vitronectin or fibronectin. These protein complexes may be in the form of oligo-protein complexes or single, synthetic proteins where the growth factor and vitronectin or fibronectin sequences are joined by a linker sequence. In particular forms, vitronectin or fibronectin sequences do not include a heparin binding domain and/or polyanionic domain. Also provided are uses of these protein complexes for stimulating or inducing cell migration and/or proliferation which may have use in wound healing, tissue engineering, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments such as skin replacement and skin replenishment and treatment of burns where epithelial cell migration is required.

Abstract: The present invention provides modulators of TNF, particularly peptides and their derivatives, particularly GEP peptides, which antagonize TNF and TNF-mediated responses, activity or signaling. The invention provides methods of antagonizing TNF and the modulation of TNF-mediated diseases or responses, including inflammatory diseases and conditions. Compositions of GEP peptides, including in combination with other inflammatory mediators, are provided. Methods of treatment, alleviation, or prevention of TNF-mediated diseases and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, Chrohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, inflammatory lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides new systems and strategies for the regulation of iron metabolism in mammals. In particular, methods of using agonists and antagonists of TGF-? superfamily members to modulate the expression or activity of hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, are described. The inventive methods find applications in the treatment of diseases associated with iron overload, such as juvenile hemochromatosis and adult hemochromatosis, and in the treatment of diseases associated with iron deficiency, such as anemia of chronic disease and EPO resistant anemia in end-stage of renal disease. The present invention also relates to screening tools and methods for the development of novel drugs and therapies for treating iron metabolism disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioactive hydrogel as a hybrid material of heparin and star-branched polyethylene glycol with functionalized end groups, wherein the heparin is bound directly by reaction of the carboxyl groups activated with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimides/N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (EDC/s-NHS) with the terminal amino groups of the polyethylene glycol covalently by amide bonds.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for using the cysteine variants of the invention.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for stimulating or enhancing proliferation of a population of cells by activating MUC1 receptor on the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable paste comprising bioactive glass spheres having a size distribution of 50-425 ?m, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight range of 200-700 g/mol, medium molecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight range of 700-2500 g/mol and high molecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight range of 2500-8000 g/mol, with the proviso that the molecular weight of the low molecular weight polyethylene glycol and of the medium molecular weight polyethylene glycol differ from each other by at least 80 g/mol and that the molecular weight of the medium molecular weight polyethylene glycol and of the high molecular weight polyethylene glycol differ from each other by at least 300 g/mol.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an angiogenesis-related pharmaceutical composition using connective tissue growth factor, more particularly to a pharmaceutical composition for promoting angiogenesis containing the connective tissue growth factor or a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting angiogenesis containing at least one selected from the group consisting of polypeptide, antibody and a compound binding to connective tissue growth factor.

Abstract: This invention is related to bone fillers, hard tissue supporting films and three dimensional scaffolds that contains composite particle of inorganic compound/water soluble polymer (such as ?-TCP/Gelatin), that can lead to bone regeneration and release an antibacterial or bioactive agent at the defect area. The bone regenerative hard tissue supporting films and scaffolds were obtained by addition of antibacterial or bioactive agent loaded composite particles into biodegrable polymer (such as PCL) matrix.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for remodeling a peptide molecule, including the addition or deletion of one or more glycosyl groups to a peptide, and/or the addition of a modifying group to a peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Motoneuronotrophic Factors (MNTF) peptides and analogs thereof, including compositions capable of promoting the growth and viability of neurons. MNTF peptides between two and six amino acids in length are provided, as well as analogs of these MNTF peptides that are modified by covalent attachment to another moiety. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations suitable for targeting particular tissue and/or organ(s) with a formulated active ingredient, for example when administered upstream of the target organ or tissue, and to use of the same in treatment, methods of treatment administering the same and methods of preparing the formulations. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are for parenteral administration to a target tissue and comprise particles containing an active ingredient, and a biodegradable excipient, wherein 90% or more of the particles have a diameter of between 10 and 20 microns and the formulation is substantially free of particles with a diameter greater than 50 microns and less than 5 microns, such that where the formulation is administered upstream of the target tissue the ability of the active to pass through the target tissue and pass into systemic circulation is restricted.

Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to uses of growth and differentiation factor 8 (GDF-8) in vitro or in vivo for reducing the immunogenicity or risk of rejection of cells such as in particular mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), tissues or materials. The present invention further relates to methods for differentiating MSC in vitro or ex vivo into osteoprogenitors or osteoblastic cells or a cell population comprising osteoprogenitors and/or osteoblastic cells using FGF-2 and GDF-8. In addition, the present invention relates to osteoprogenitors or osteoblastic cells or a cell population comprising osteoprogenitors and/or osteoblastic cells obtainable by such methods and to the osteoprogenitors or osteoblastic cells or a cell population comprising osteoprogenitors and/or osteoblastic cells for use in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical formulations including a kidney growth factor peptide and one or more excipients, wherein the formulations have a pH of greater than about 6.8. The disclosure also provides processes for preparing the formulation and products prepared by such processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for neuroprotection. In particular, provided herein are compositions (e.g., hepatocyte secretory factors) for alleviating and/or protecting against neuronal damage (e.g., resulting from stroke), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Conjugates of hydroxyalkyl starch and a protein are provided herein. The conjugates are formed by a covalent linkage between the hydroxyalkyl starch or a derivative of the hydroxyalkyl starch and the protein. Methods of producing the conjugates and the use of the conjugates also are provided herein.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and compositions for the amelioration of arthritis or joint injuries by inducing mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing a novel delivery system for implantation in a patient. Further, this disclosure describes a delivery system including a carrier that is made of at least one monolithic bone tissue for retaining one or more substances.

Abstract: Methods for making non-immunogenic anti-inflammatory cytokine compositions, comprising (a) obtaining a liquid comprising cytokine producing cells from a mammalian donor; (b) contacting the liquid with a solid extraction material to generate a composition rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist; and performing one or both of (i) removing cells from the composition and (ii) freezing the composition. The compositions comprise two or more of IL1-ra, sTNF-R1, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII, Compositions may also contain white blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: Methods and therapeutic compositions for treating respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and devices for administering the therapeutic compositions. Methods for treatment include producing a protein solution, producing a concentrated bone marrow aspirate (cBMA), optionally combining the protein solution and cBMA to form an therapeutic composition, and optionally saturating the autologous therapeutic composition with hydrogen gas, and administering the therapeutic composition to a subject in need thereof. The present methods, compositions and devices are useful for treating COPD and the progression of COPD.