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: A method of detecting a risk of a pregnant female mammal developing pre-eclampsia or a complication linked thereto, or of a fetus of the pregnant female mammal developing a fetal or neonatal deficiency linked to maternal pre-eclampsia, comprises detecting the level of a VEGFxxxb in a sample from the pregnant female mammal at less than about 24 weeks of gestation and comparing the detected level with a reference level. A reduced level in the sample from the pregnant female mammal is indicative of a risk of the pregnant female mammal developing pre-eclampsia or a complication linked thereto or of the fetus developing the fetal or neonatal deficiency linked to maternal pre-eclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for screening for and treating hereditary lymphedema in human subjects.

Abstract: This invention relates to expression vectors comprising VEGF-D and its biologically active derivatives, cell lines stably expressing VEGF-D and its biologically active derivatives, and to a method of making a polypeptide using these expression vectors and host cells. The invention also relates to a method for treating and alleviating melanomas or tumors expressing VEGF-D and various diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides that bind cellular receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor polypeptides; polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides; compositions comprising the polypeptides and polynucleotides; and methods and uses involving the foregoing. Some polypeptides of the invention exhibit unique receptor binding profiles compared to known, naturally occurring vascular endothelial growth factors.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having conditions related to angiogenesis including administering an effective amount of a polymeric nanoparticle form of thyroid hormone agonist, partial agonist or an antagonist thereof, to promote or inhibit angiogenesis in the subject. Nanoparticle forms of thyroid hormone or thyroid hormone analogs as well as uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and compositions for treating dry eye and related conditions by administering compositions comprising compounds that increase capillary permeability of either the lacrimal gland, accessory lacrimal gland, or ocular surface.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method for mobilising endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and/or mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in a patient, wherein the method comprises the steps of (i) administering a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) agonist to the patient; and (ii) administering an antagonist of CXCR4 to the patient. Also provided are uses of EPC and MSC harvested using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Catheter injectable depot compositions are provided that include a bioerodible, biocompatible polymer, a solvent having miscibility in water of less than or equal to 7 wt. % at 25° C., in an amount effective to plasticize the polymer and form a gel therewith, a thixotropic agent, and a beneficial agent. The solvent comprises an aromatic alcohol, an ester of an aromatic acid, an aromatic ketone, or mixtures thereof. The compositions are have substantially improved the shear thinning behavior and reduced injection force, rendering the compositions readily implanted beneath a patient's body surface by injection.

Abstract: Peptide of a size comprised between 5 and 40 amino acids, originating from a cytokine, in which at least one of its amino acids comprises at least one of its atoms separated by a distance d of less than 5 angströms from an atom of the receptor corresponding to said cytokine, the spacing d being evaluated on the basis of structural data, derivatives, immunogenic compounds comprising them, use of a peptide or peptide derivative or immunogenic compound for the preparation of a curative or preventative medicament intended for the treatment or prevention of diseases linked to an excess or to the presence of cytokines or for the treatment of an auto-immune disease and pharmaceutical compositions which contain at least one abovementioned peptide or peptide derivative or immunogenic compound as active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention provides VEGFxxxb, or an agent which selectively promotes the expression of VEGFxxxb in preference to VEGFxxx in cells of a subject or in vitro, or an expression vector system which causes the expression of the VEGFxxxb in a host organism, for use in treating or preventing neuropathic and neurodegenerative disorders, or for use as a neuroprotective or neuroregenerative agent in vivo or in vitro. The VEGFxxxb is preferably VEGF165b.

Abstract: A method for targeted delivery of therapeutic compounds from hydrogels is presented. The method involves administering to a cell a hydrogel in which a therapeutic compound is noncovalently bound to heparin. The hydrogel may contain covalent and non-covalent crosslinks.

Abstract: Fragments of CXCL12 Gamma A chemokine having improved chemotaxis activity in vivo defined by an unprecedented capacity to associate and immobilise on extracellular glycans.

Abstract: A device is configured to remove a target molecule from a bodily fluid of a subject and to deliver a therapeutic agent to the subject. Such a device may be used for treatment of a disease associated with amyloid beta accumulation in the subject. Agents selected from the group consisting of an ApoE-modulating agent; a RAGE inhibitor; a ?-secretase 1 (BACE1) inhibitor; a ?-secretase inhibitor; a muscarinic receptor subtype 1 (M1) agonists; a growth factor; an enzyme capable of degrading amyloid beta; a mitochondrial antioxidant; insulin; and an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) may be administered directly to the central nervous system of a subject for treatment of a disease associated with amyloid beta accumulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a clottable concentrate of platelet growth factors for therapeutic and/or cosmetic use, preferably comprising the growth factors PDGF, TGT-?, IGF, EGF, CTGF, bFGF and VEGF. In a preferred embodiment, the clottable concentrate of platelet growth factors does not induce blood cell-related transfusion reactions. The present disclosure also relates to a method for preparing a clottable concentrate of platelet growth factors including the steps of contacting a platelet concentrate with a solvent and/or a detergent, incubating the platelet concentrate with the solvent and/or detergent for a period of at least 5 minutes to 6 hours, at a pH maintained in a range from about 6.0 to about 9.0, and at a temperature within the range of from 2° C. to 50° C., preferably within the range of from 25° C. to 45° C., and removing the solvent and/or the detergent by oil extraction and/or chromatographic means.

Abstract: Osteogenic compositions are formed from a coprecipitate that contains at least one insoluble calcium salt and at least one osteogenic protein, the coprecipitate being in divided form. A process for preparing the coprecipitate in divided form contains at least one insoluble calcium salt and at least one complex between an osteogenic protein and a polysaccharide. The invention also relates to the formulations, pharmaceutical products, kits and medical devices comprising the coprecipitate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant fusion protein which stimulates the rejuvenation and reactivation of skin and epidermal cells for improving skin appearance, smoothing wrinkles and freckles, and whitening skin. Particularly, the present invention provides various types of products for improving skin, which contain recombinant fusion protein of human serum albumin (HSA) with cytokine peptides (EGF, FGF, KGF, HGH, HGF, PDGF, GCSF, interferon, IL-11 or IGF) by genetic engineering technology. The fusion protein can be used independently or in a combination or combination with yeast fermentation products, or with varied emulsifiers, thickeners, moisturizer, preservatives, yeasts and ferments.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery of therapeutic agents, including nucleic acids. The compositions can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I) or (II) in the treatment of mammalian target of VEGF-driven angiogenic diseases, methods of use of said compounds in the treatment of said diseases in a warm-blooded animal, especially a human, pharmaceutical preparations comprising said compounds for the treatment of said diseases and said compounds for use in the treatment of said diseases.

Abstract: Methods, processes, uses, and pharmaceutical compositions are provided herein for mobilizing hematopoietic progenitor cells and/or cancer stem cells from bone marrow into peripheral blood, comprising the administration of an effective amount of an inhibitor of GTPases, such as a Cdc-42 specific inhibitor alone or in combination with one or more additional agents. Specifically, methods are disclosed for mobilizing hematopoietic stem cells into a subject's peripheral blood. In particular, embodiments of the method involve specific inhibition of the Cdc42 GTPase to increase the numbers of hematopoietic stem cells into a subject's peripheral blood of a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating pre-eclampsia and eclampsia using compounds that increase VEGF or PlGF levels or compounds that decrease sFlt-1 levels. Compounds that inhibit the binding of VEGF or PlGF to sFlt1—are also disclosed herein for the treatment of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.

Abstract: The invention relates to endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in which the alanine at AA position 111 is replaced by proline. The arginine at AA position 110 may moreover be replaced by another amino acid. The invention also relates to derivatives of the VEGF according to the invention, nucleic acids, expression systems, medicaments and the use of the VEGF mutants of the invention for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material for wound healing and skin reconstruction containing a peptide, wherein the peptide is a self-assembling peptide which is an amphiphilic peptide having 8 to 200 amino acid residues with periodic repeats of alternating hydrophilic amino acids and hydrophobic amino acids, and forms a stable ?-sheet structure in an aqueous solution in the presence of a monovalent ion. The material for wound healing and skin reconstruction of the present invention is capable of healing a wound area of mammals quicker than spontaneous recovery without leaving any scars, wherein the material has no potential risk of infectious disease such as virus transmission.

Abstract: Composition comprising a granulate selected from the group consisting of autogenous bone material, bone/bone like material from natural sources, synthetic materials and mixtures thereof and a matrix obtainable by a self selective reaction of at least two precursors A and B in the presence of water. A kit for preparing said composition is also described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a novel anti-angiogenesis fusion protein. The present invention combines a chimeric vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) receptor or a fragment thereof with a multimerizing component, which have a superior binding capacity with human VEGF and placental growth factor (PIGF). The fusion protein has improved stability, prolonged half-life and the ability to form multivalent interactions with VEGF, and can be used for anti-angiogenesis, treating VEGF related diseases and inhibiting tumor growth.

Abstract: The present invention involves the identification and preparation of vascular endothelial growth factor-E (VEGF-E). VEGF-E is a novel polypeptide related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 1. VEGF-E has homology to VEGF including conservation of the amino acids required for activity of VEGF. VEGF-E can be useful in wound repair, as well as in the generation and regeneration of tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides injection vehicles suitable for administering particulate suspensions, such as polymer-based formulations, as well as associated pharmaceutical formulations, articles of manufacture, and kits. Other aspects of the invention included methods for producing and administering pharmaceutical formulations. The injection vehicles of the invention are superior to conventional injection vehicles in that they include a pseudoplastic composition that improves injectability, which facilitates delivery of the desired dose. The injection vehicles of the invention also allow the use of smaller-bore needles than are usually necessary to inject polymer-based formulations, reducing the pain associated with injection of such formulations.

Abstract: It has been discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (“VEGF”) promotes migration of activated (but not differentiating) keratinocytes to skin. This growth factor specifically increases migration of keratinocytes of the “wounded skin” phenotype but does not have significant effects upon differentiated keratinocytes. It also increases collagen deposition and reduces wrinkles, enhances skin quality, and increases skin thickness to normal levels in individuals where skin has thinned due to age or disorder such as diabetes. It is particularly well suited for use as cosmeceuticals when applied in purified form and in known amounts. The data presented in the examples demonstrate efficacy and specificity of VEGF in enhancing migration of normal human keratinocytes as well as formation of new granulation tissue including collagen formation. VEGF induces keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, formation of new tissue, and not only induces deposition of collagen but improves alignment of the collagen fibers.

Abstract: An isolated VEGF polypeptide having anti-angiogenic activity, said polypeptide including the amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID NO.1, or variants thereof.

Abstract: An agonist of the non-proteolytically activated thrombin receptor and an angiogenic growth factor can be used in combination in methods of therapy to stimulate cardiac revascularization, to stimulate vascular endothelial cell proliferation, to stimulate vascular endothelial cell migration and to promote repair of cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A functionalized electrospun matrix for the controlled-release of biologically active agents, such as growth factors, is presented. The functionalized matrix comprises a matrix polymer, a compatibilizing polymer and a biomolecule or other small functioning molecule. In certain aspects the electrospun polymer fibers comprise at least one biologically active molecule functionalized with low molecular weight heparin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hetero-bifunctional ligand for use in inducing internalization of a target receptor. The hetero-bifunctional ligand includes a target receptor-binding agent that specifically binds the target receptor linked to an internalizing receptor-binding agent that specifically binds to an internalizing receptor, where the two binding agents are non-identical. Also disclosed is a method of inducing the internalization of a target receptor on a cell. The method includes contacting a cell with a hetero-bifunctional ligand, where binding of the hetero-bifunctional ligand induces internalization of a target receptor of the cell. Also disclosed a method of treating a disease or condition associated with a target receptor using the disclosed hetero-bifunctional ligand and pharmaceutical compositions including a hetero-bifunctional ligand.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions that exhibit viscosities suitable for injectable formulations. The compositions comprise bioactive agent-loaded microparticles and hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof in a suitable liquid pharmaceutical carrier. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: A device and technique for the performance of distraction osteogenesis of bone with controlled drug delivery using a bead chain consisting of two bands and a series of drug delivery capsules placed in a precise manner such that the relative motion of the bone segments brings the wires, pins, or screws into contact with the capsules and divides them. This action sequentially delivers the drug to the distraction zone throughout the distraction osteogenesis process.

Abstract: The subject application provides small compounds that are able to suppress autophagy in various cells. These compounds are useful in augmenting the existing treatments of various cancers and microbial/parasitic infections. Thus, the subject application also provides methods of treating various types of cancers and microbial/parasitic infections. Also provided by the subject application are methods of suppressing the expansion of autophagosomes within cells or individuals and inhibiting the lipidation of autophagy-related protein 8 (Atg8).

Abstract: The present application provides compositions and methods for treating metastatic cancer. Patients having or at risk of developing metastases may be treated. Compositions useful for the invention include VEGFR-2 specific inhibitors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) polypeptide, which polypeptide lacks an amino acid sequence encoded by exon 5 of the VEGF gene. This variant of VEGF is capable of eliciting activities associated with VEGF whilst showing resistance to proteolytic degradation. The invention provides uses of this protein and nucleic acid sequences from the encoding genes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention provide purified Flt4 receptor tyrosine kinase polypeptides and fragments thereof, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind such polypeptides, and uses therefor.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and method for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a disease site in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically or diagnostically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the therapeutic or diagnostic agent coupled to a Procaspase 8 polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies, as well as molecules having at least the antigen-binding portion of an antibody, against agonist pro-angiogenic, pro-permeability, vasodilatory isoforms of VEGF. Disclosed antibodies and antibody fragments are characterized by being capable of binding to and neutralizing pro-angiogenic forms of VEGF while not effecting isoforms of VEGF which are anti angiogenic. Methods of production and use in therapy and diagnosis, of such antibodies and antibody fragments are also provided.

Abstract: Mixtures, such as gels or pastes, comprising freeze-milled cartilage particles and exogenous growth factors are used for repairing chondral defects. Such mixtures may be applied to constructs comprising cancellous bone for implantation at the defect site. Suitable growth factors include variants of FGF-2, particularly variants that include a sole amino acid substitution for asparagine at amino acid 111 of the ?8-?9 loop of the FGF-2 peptide. Such FGF-2 variants are released slowly and continuously at a constant rate from cartilage pastes. In other embodiments, the amino acid substituted for asparigine is glycine. Other variants that may be used include FGF-9 variants having truncated chains and a sole amino acid substitution in the ?8-?9 loop of the FGF-9 peptide either for tryptophan at amino acid 144 or for asparagine at amino acid 143.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides designated herein as EG-VEGF and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Also provided herein are methods of screening for modulators of EG-VEGF. Furthermore, methods and related methods of treatment are described herein which pertain to regulating cellular proliferation and chemotaxis.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having VEGF antagonist activity, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment. The polypeptides of the invention include polypeptides comprising a portion of SEQ ID NO: 1 having VEGF antagonist activity, polypeptides comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 or a portion thereof having VEGF antagonist activity, and a polypeptide having the structure of formula (I), set forth above. The present invention further includes analogs and derivatives of these polypeptides having VEGF antagonist activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for sustained release of a pharmaceutically active compound, the composition comprising a vesicular phospholipid gel. More particularly, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one proteinaceous substance as the pharmaceutically active compound in encapsulated form, the at least one proteinaceous substance being a biologically active protein, peptide or polypeptide. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the production of said pharmaceutical composition comprising dual asymmetric centrifugation and to the use of said pharmaceutical composition for immunotherapy and/or for stimulating selective tissue regeneration in the treatment of surgical defects in the course of surgical interventions.