Abstract: In various aspects, the present invention is directed to novel bioactive peptide loaded poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) tissue scaffolds and related methods for their making and use. In various embodiments, these bioactive peptide loaded poly(propylene fumarate) tissue scaffolds are formed by forming a PPF structure or matrix using photochemical 3-D printing techniques and then loading that printed PPF structure or matrix with a bioactive peptides or other bioactive compounds that have, or have been functionalized to have, a thiol functional group at or near its terminus. The thiol groups on the bioactive peptides or other compound will react with exposed alkene functional groups on the PPF polymer matrix via a thiol-ene “click” reaction, thereby binding these bioactive peptides or other compounds to the tissue scaffolds. The bioactive peptide loaded PPF tissue scaffolds of the present invention are particularly useful in repairing bone defects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices/kits and methods for reducing, treating, preventing or eliminating post-operative adhesions in an intervention/target site within a body of a subject. The method comprises the steps of: introducing an applicator, configured for applying an anti-adhesive composition, into an intervention/target site within a body of a subject; applying the anti-adhesive composition onto the intervention/target site; and extracting the applicator from the body of the subject, wherein the method is performed during or following an interventional procedure.

Abstract: For applications in drug delivery, “smart” materials have been designed to respond to conditions within microenvironments of tissues or cells. The present invention features stimuli-responsive cross-linked hydrogels that respond to specific metabolites of disease. For example, protein-polymer materials of the present invention are configured to release their drug cargo upon encountering the higher lactate concentrations within tumor microenvironments.

Abstract: CTP-modified human growth hormone polypeptides and pharmaceutical formulations and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and methods of producing, and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of IGF-1 modifications. In particular, it relates to modified IGF-polypeptides and modified IGF-1 precursor polypeptides wherein the cleavage of E-peptide is prevented. The invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides for treating muscle diseases and disorders.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density.

Abstract: Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder. Additionally, the medium is formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier as a vehicle for internal administration, applied directly to a food item or product, or formulated with a salve or ointment for topical applications. Also, the medium may be further processed to concentrate or reduce one or more factors or components contained within the medium.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a synthetic compound, Oxy149, having the structure (Formula I) or a bioactive or pharmaceutical composition comprising Oxy149 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods are also disclosed for using the compound or bioactive or pharmaceutical composition to treat a variety of disorders, including e.g. bone disorders, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders. Oxy149 can be delivered either locally or systemically.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bioactive composition containing conditioned cell culture medium is disclosed. The method comprises culturing cells of two or more eukaryotic cell line to form conditioned culture media, separating the cultured cells from the conditioned culture media, and combining conditioned culture media to form a bioactive composition. Novel bioactive compositions, formulations and their use in treating of a variety of diseases and health conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and medical device systems relating to treating exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) and nasopharyngeal cicatrix (NC) in a mammal. For example, one method comprises administering through inhalation a composition comprising a physiologically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of each of one or more stem cell derived factors. Exemplary stem cell derived factors include, but are not limited to, growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines. The mammal may be a horse, dog, camel, or Homo sapiens.

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: In certain embodiments compositions are provided that comprise a pentapeptide comprising the formula: C1-X2-X3-X4-C5 where C1 and C5 are independently selected cysteines or cysteine analogues, or other amino acids with sidechains suitable for cyclization, where the cysteines or cysteine analogs are attached to each other by a linkage that does not comprise X2, X3, and X4; where X2, X3, and X4 are independently selected amino acids; and the peptide, when administered to a cell alters APP signaling and/or switches APP processing from aberrant to normal. The compositions mitigate amyloid plaque formation.

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: A method is provided for treating a disease or condition characterized by aberrant epithelial cell proliferation and/or migration. One step of the method can include administering to a mammal an agent which disrupts an isolated protein complex including: insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I); an insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) selected from IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5; and vitronectin; or which prevents formation of the isolated protein complex, to thereby treat the disease or condition in the mammal. The agent is selected from the group consisting a polypeptide that is distinguished from IGF-II by substitution of at least one amino acid residue, wherein the polypeptide disrupts the isolated protein complex.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides a fusion polypeptide comprising a fibrous protein domain and a mineralization domain. The fusion is used to form an organic-inorganic composite. These organic-inorganic composites can be constructed from the nano- to the macro-scale depending on the size of the fibrous protein fusion domain used. In one embodiment, the composites can also be loaded with other compounds (e.g., dyes, drugs, enzymes) depending on the goal for the materials, to further enhance function. This can be achieved during assembly of the material or during the mineralization step in materials formation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for treatment of diseases and disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising isolated human collagen, isolated human elastin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier wherein the human elastin is substantially insoluble in water with a molecular weight greater than 100 kDa. The present invention further provides methods and kits for soft tissue augmentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multivalent polypeptides comprising at least two fibronectin scaffold domains connected via a polypeptide linker. The invention also relates to multivalent polypeptides for use in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.

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: 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 present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating or preventing diseases, disorders or conditions related to diabetes mellitus using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Methods of promoting bone healing or regeneration by locally administering insulin mimetic agents to patients in need thereof and new uses of insulin-mimetic compounds for accelerating bone-healing processes are disclosed. Bone injury treatment and void filler devices, products and kit suitable for local administration of insulin-mimetic agents or compositions thereof to patients in need of such treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: Targeted therapeutics that localize to a specific subcellular compartment such as the lysosome are provided. The targeted therapeutics include a therapeutic agent and a targeting moiety that binds a receptor on an exterior surface of the cell, permitting proper subcellular localization of the targeted therapeutic upon internalization of the receptor. Nucleic acids, cells, and methods relating to the practice of the invention are also provided.

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: Synthetic, bioactive ultra-porous bone graft materials having an engineered porosity, and implants formed from such materials are provided. In particular, these implants comprise bioactive glass and incorporate allograft material for osteoinduction. The implants are suitable for bone tissue regeneration and/or repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for a combination therapy with a cytokine antagonist and a corticosteroid. By means of the combination therapy diseases such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries and/or degenerative spinal diseases can be treated.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods to treat cancer with an agent that increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cancer cell mitochondria (“an XTPP agent”) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an inhibitor of hydroperoxide metabolism and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and related methods for treating fistulas such as anal or recto-vaginal fistulas, in particular by the use of a seton to secure a tissue growth promoter such as a growth factor and/or fibrin. The various devices are particularly suitable for positioning tissue growth promoters securely within a fistula. Thus, one device comprises a seton and a tissue growth promoter. Further related aspects of the invention included devices comprising an enclosure provided in between portions of a seton, devices comprising a seton and a plurality of holes for enabling the device to be sutured to tissue, devices comprising a probe and a seton that are releasably connectable end-to-end, devices comprising an attachment device to secure the ends of a seton, and devices comprising a fistula plug adapted to be secured to a section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of implanting a sterile, active agent-coated material comprising contacting a sterile implant with a sterile active agent or active agent solution to form a sterile, active agent-coated implant and, at most a relatively short time after forming the active agent-loaded sterile implant, implanting the active agent-loaded sterile implant into a subject such as a mammal or a human.

Abstract: Described herein is a cell tissue gel cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, and a quenching agent bound to a reactive group of the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described to regenerate cartilage in a partial thickness defect or area of reduced volume of articular cartilage comprising an infiltration suppressor agent and a columnar growth promoting agent.

Abstract: A system for growing tissue based upon layers of an inorganic extracellular matrix, wherein each layer of the inorganic matrix is designed to dissolve at a separate rate and result in sequential growth factor delivery upon its dissolution.

Abstract: Methods of using an ETB receptor agonist, such as IRL-1620, for the treatment of stroke or cerebrovascular accidents are disclosed. The ETB receptor agonist is used alone or in combination with a second agent useful in the treatment of stroke or other cerebrovascular accident.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for controlling formation and/or stabilization of a blood vessel comprising a first isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a FGF-9 polypeptide and optionally one or more isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes another angiogenic polypeptide. There is provided a composition for controlling formation and/or stabilization of a blood vessel comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising an isolated FGF-9 polypeptide and one or more other angiogenic polypeptides. The compositions provided herein may be useful for controlling angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis.

Abstract: A synthetic, flexible tissue matrix and methods for repairing hyaline cartilage defects in a joint using the flexible tissue matrix are described. The flexible tissue matrix includes a high molecular weight polycaprolactone polymer entangled with a polysaccharide such as hyaluronic acid. In the methods, autologous bone mesenchymal stem cells are introduced to a joint by a microfracturing technique, and a membrane made of the flexible matrix is applied to the joint. Cartilage which forms in the joint is hyaline cartilage rather than fibrocartilage.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel therapeutic agent and a novel treatment method for cancer. Specifically disclosed are: a targeting agent for a cell selected from the group consisting of a cancer cell and a cancer-associated fibroblast, which comprises a retinoid; a substance delivery carrier for the cell, which comprises the targeting agent; an anti-cancer composition utilizing the targeting agent or the carrier; an anti cancer-associated fibroblast composition; and a method for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrogels and methods for their use in treating disorders of the retina such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: System and methods for isolation of collagen and other fibrous tissue from adipose tissue are described herein. The method of the present invention isolates the collagen from adipose tissue by sonication. The tissue to be sonicated is placed in a container or a flow cell transparent to ultrasound waves. After sonication the sonicated material is filtered out through the bottom of the flow cell and the sonicated collagen is trapped in the filter, which may be taken for further processing. The isolated collagen can then be combined with a suitable carrier for re-injection to correct various tissue defects such as wrinkles, to form a carrier for the stem cells, a filler, and matrix for new collagen production by injecting into the desired area of the host.

Abstract: A flowable biomedical implant for application to a bone defect to promote bone growth is provided. The flowable biomedical implant comprises a carrier matrix including a biodegradable polysaccharide and ceramic material. An impermeable membrane can be integrally formed at the surface of the carrier matrix by applying a crosslinking agent to the biodegradable polysaccharide mixed with ceramic materials.

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: The present invention provides processes for producing porous silk fibroin scaffold material. The porous silk fibroin scaffold can be used for tissue engineering. The porosity of the silk fibroin scaffolds described herein can be adjusted as to mimic the gradient of densities found in natural tissue. Accordingly, methods for engineering of 3-dimensional tissue, e.g. bone and cartilage, using the silk fibroin scaffold material are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a particulate composition adapted for forming a bone graft substitute cement upon mixing with an aqueous solution, including i) a calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder having a bimodal particle distribution and a median particle size of about 5 to about 20 microns, wherein the calcium sulfate hemihydrate is present at a concentration of at least about 70 weight percent based on the total weight of the particulate composition; ii) a monocalcium phosphate monohydrate powder; and iii) a ?-tricalcium phosphate powder having a median particle size of less than about 20 microns. Bone graft substitute cements made therefrom, a bone graft substitute kit comprising the particulate composition, methods of making and using the particulate composition, and articles made from the bone graft substitute cement are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for guiding preservation of neurons or nerves during surgery by administering a fluorescently-labeled peptide or aptamer that specifically binds to the neurons or nerves. The invention further provides targeting molecules of fluorescently-labeled peptides or aptamers that specifically bind to neurons or nerves and for compositions thereof.

Abstract: An injector system for delivery of a pharmacological agent to biological tissue having a plurality of needles arranged in an array, a plurality of reservoirs configured to receive a pharmacological composition therein, the reservoirs being in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of needles, a pneumatic pressure source, a pneumatic drive system that is configured to induce a first discharge of the pharmacological composition out of the reservoirs and needles in a plurality of delivery modes, agent delivery volume control means for controlling volume of the pharmacological composition discharged from the needles, and a control system having actuation control means for controlling said pneumatic drive system. The control system is programmed to control the delivery modes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active substances in particulate form, to methods for preparing them and to their uses. The present invention provides particulate powders, such as might be of use for delivery using a dry powder inhaler (DPI) or similar delivery device, having properties which may be beneficial to the DPI delivery process.

Abstract: A method for preparing polymer microparticles with a reduced initial burst, and the polymer microparticles prepared thereby, the method including: contacting polymer microparticles with an alcohol aqueous solution, the polymer microparticles prepared thereby, and use for drug delivery of the polymer microparticles.

Abstract: The method of diagnosing and treating oxidative stress-impaired wound healing allows a practitioner to identify a subject at risk of having impaired wound healing by identifying the sensitivity of that patient to IGF-1. A finding of IGF-1 resistance, either systemically or at the site of an already existing wound, indicates an increased likelihood that the wound will have difficulty healing. In addition, identifying IGF-1 resistance by this method indicates that treatment of a wound with a combination of an antioxidant, IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 will provide optimal healing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are described, including materials and methods for making molecules and materials that have a specific binding domain of a PlGF2. Embodiments include, for instance, medicaments, biomaterials, biomolecules, molecular fusions, and vaccines.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of autologous stem/progenitor cells to restore or rejuvenate adult stem cell function in a mammal, wherein the restoration or rejuvenating extends lifespan and/or improves health of the mammal. In addition, the invention also relates to compositions containing one or more regulatory factors secreted or released from isolated mammalian stem/progenitor cells and use of such compositions to extend lifespan and/or improve health of a mammal. Also provided are methods of treating, delaying, preventing or reversing progeria or related syndromes in a mammal using isolated autologous or allogeneic stem/progenitor cells and/or regulatory factors secreted or released therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention concerns particles containing at least one covalently cross-linked polysaccharide and at least one growth factor, a method of preparation, and uses thereof.