Abstract: The present invention relates to prevention and treatment of vascular sclerosis, vascular calcification (VC) and neointimal hyperplasia using a morphogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a freeze-dried preparation obtained by dissolving an active type human bone morphogenetic protein-2 homodimer added with an alanine residue to the N-terminus in a strong acid solution and freeze-drying the solution, a production method of the preparation, and a kit for regeneration and treatment of bone, which contains the preparation.

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: The present invention relates to the design and composition of a depot implant for optimal delivery of growth factors to treat osteoporotic bone, 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 it's 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 bone mineral density in the osteoporotic bone. In addition, the shape of the depot implant allows for delivery through a cannula or large bore needle.

Abstract: A method for promoting bone formation is provided. More specifically, a method for promoting bone formation by promoting osteoclast formation is provided. In one embodiment, an implant comprising an implantable material and an osteoclast stimulating substance is provided.

Abstract: A porous object includes a porous material having internal pore surfaces and external pore surfaces. Releasing material encapsulated biomolecules are immobilized on at least one of the internal pore surfaces, at least one of the external pore surfaces, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and compositions for the amelioration of arthritis and joint injuries by inducing mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes.

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: Harvesting articular chondrocyte cells from a non-critical location of a patient and growing additional cells for transplantation into a damaged or diseased disc of the patient.

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: A system for multiphasic delivery of at least one growth factor at a treatment site comprises a delivery vehicle for releasing at least one growth factor in an initial release profile and a carrier for releasing at least one growth factor in a sustained release profile. The initial release profile releases at least one growth factor over a period of hours to days, wherein the growth factor is released in a large amount initially, with the remainder being released in progressively lower amounts. The sustained release profile releases at least one growth factor over a period of days to weeks, wherein the growth factor is released at a generally constant amount over such period. The system of the invention is particularly suited for applications on bioimplants. The invention also comprises methods and kits for multiphasic delivery of at least one growth factor.

Abstract: A vacuum container supports a cancellous device fully immersed within a solution of a bone growth promoting substance in a sealed chamber. The solution may include one of a Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) solution, a morphegenic protein solution, or a stem cell solution. A vacuum creating device is in fluid communication with the sealed chamber, and is operable to remove air from within the sealed chamber to create a vacuum therein. Removing air from the sealed chamber also removes air from a plurality of voids in the cancellous device, which allows the solution to fill the voids and saturate the cancellous device in preparation for use as a bone graft.

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: Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and BMP binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells and fibroblasts. The tissue for repair includes bone, tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, bladder tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and/or BMP binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide and bone graft material comprising a ceramic.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods to form pores in situ within hydrogels following hydrogel injection. Pores formed in situ via degradation of sacrificial porogens within the surrounding hydrogel facilitate recruitment or release of cells. Disclosed herein is a material that is not initially porous, but which becomes macroporous over time.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for inducing the formation of functional replacement nonarticular cartilage tissues and ligament tissues. These methods and devices involve the use of osteogenic proteins, and are useful in repairing defects in the larynx, trachea, interarticular menisci intervertebral discs, ear, nose, ribs and other fibrocartilaginous tissues in a mammal.

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: It has been discovered that that certain growth factors can delay the ossification of a tissue site, such as a cranial suture, via the promotion of fibroblast differentiation and/or inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. Provided herein are methods for treating bone formation conditions or disorders, such as synostotic conditions, or ectopic mineralization conditions, via administration of compositions comprising connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and optionally other growth factors or fibroblast or progenitor cells, to a tissue site of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to tendon stem cells useful for treating a variety of diseases and condition, including tendon repair and attachment of tendon to bone. The invention is also directed to treatment and/or inhibition of bone formation by use of biglycan and/or fibromodulin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biocompatible composite and method for its use in repairing tissue defects, including defects in cartilage. The biocompatible composite includes a fibrous polymeric component and a polymerizable agent, which is capable of forming the biocompatible composite in situ at the site of a tissue defect. In embodiments, the repair site at which the biocompatible composite is to be applied may be treated with a priming agent, permitting polymerization of the polymerizable agent to the tissue located at the repair site.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sustained release formulations of biologic agents which permit persistent bioavailability. Preferred biologic agents include bone morphogenetic proteins. Diseases susceptible to amelioration and/or treatment with the formulations of the present invention include skeletal tissue diseases such as, but not limited to, osteoarthritis and other osteochondral diseases. The sustained release formulations of the present invention are especially suitable for treatment of minimally-vascularized or non-vascularized tissue sites such as, but not limited to, intra joint, interarticular, or intraminiscal sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition that may be used as an implant or a bone graft substitute or extender for filling voids and/or promoting fusion of osseous tissues. The implant may comprise ceramic granules such as calcium phosphate granules and one or more polysaccharide excipients, and may be in the form of a putty or flowable paste. Optionally, the implant may also comprise a growth factor such as a bone morphogenetic protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for diagnosing and treating iron overload and iron deficiency.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for treating a cognitive disorder or memory disorder in animals that result from aging or other neurodegenerative condition. In particular, compounds of this invention can stimulate neural cell growth, increased amounts of cells containing a key enzyme needed for production of the cholinergic neurotransmitter, and can improve memory and cognitive function in animals who have experienced a loss of memory or cognitive function.

Abstract: We have disclosed affinity peptides toward BMP-2. More specifically we have disclosed an affinity biomatrix where the affinity peptide is covalently attached to a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer. The affinity biomatrix is useful in preparing controlled release devices for BMP-2.

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: A method for enhancing chondrogenesis in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a growth factor bound to hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel particles (HGPs). The hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel particles (HGPs) are conjugated with a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). Related medicaments and methods for preparing the medicaments are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for forming bone and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone comprising implanting a bone graft composition comprising a growth factor such as BMP in a subject at a site of desired bone growth or enhancement in combination with a JAB1 blocker.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel activin IIB5 receptor polypeptides capable of binding and inhibiting the activities of activin A, myostatin, or GDF-11. The present invention also provides polynucleotides, vectors and host cells capable of producing the receptor polypeptides. Compositions and methods for treating muscle-wasting, metabolic and other disorders are also provided.

Abstract: Thermal responsive compositions for treating bone diseases are provided. The thermal responsive composition for treating bone diseases includes a bone growth factor and a biodegradable copolymer. The biodegradable copolymer has a structure of Formula (I) or Formula (II): A-B-BOX-B-A??Formula (I) B-A-B-(BOX-B-A-B)n-BOX-B-A-B??Formula (II) wherein, A includes a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol polymer, B includes a hydrophobic polyester polymer, BOX is a bifunctional group monomer of 2, 2?-Bis(2-oxazoline) and used for coupling the blocks A-B or B-A-B, and n is an integer and the same or more than 0.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for forming bone and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone comprising implanting a bone graft composition comprising a growth factor such as BMP in a subject at a site of desired bone growth or enhancement in combination with a Noggin blocker.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-? superfamily. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7 The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the site of intravascular delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein complexes or scaffold comprising cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) polypeptides bound to one or more growth factors, and methods of their use in promoting chondrogenesis and/or osteogenesis, and repair of cartilage and bone lesions.

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 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. Said compositions of one or more precursor proteins of growth factors of the GDF family provoke morphogenic effects such as for example growth, differentiation, protection and regeneration of a variety of tissues and organs, e.g. bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, nerves and skin. The invention can be advantageously used for the healing of tissue-destructive injuries and for the prevention or therapy of degenerative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions devices and methods for treating bone and/or cartilage defects, and a method for manufacturing such a composition or device. In a certain embodiment, the invention provides a device and/or composition for treating bone and/or cartilage defects, having at least one collagen, for example of animal origin, and further containing at least one substance having an osteo-inductive or chondro-inductive activity, at least one differentiation and/or growth factor having osteo-stimulative and/or chondro-stimulative effect, and at least one filling material, in which the composition is in the form of a lyophil.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for local manipulation of regenerative processes via exogenous factor delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the clinical application of BBP, alone or in combination with other growth factors, for use in bone healing applications, such as spinal surgery. Additional applications include use in orthopedic implantable prostheses and implantation into other surgical sites (e.g., surgical reconstruction, regional osteopenia, etc.) where bone is desired.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating joint immobilization or fusion using selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) such as raloxifene are disclosed. The SERM may be administered systemically or locally. In conjunction with SERM, other therapeutic agents such as calcium, vitamin D, bone morphogenetic protein may be administered simultaneously. The method can similarly be applied to facilitate bone repair, bone healing, and connective tissue healing processes in a patient.

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 is directed to methods and compositions for accomplishing systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-? superfamily via a peripheral mode of administration. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7. The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the peripheral site of intravenous administration of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.

Abstract: A method for promoting hair growth in a human in need of promoting hair growth. The method includes preparing a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least three of: a Bone Morphogenetic Protein, Transforming Growth Factor Beta, Platelet Derived Growth Factor, Insulin-like Growth Factor, Basic Fibroblastic Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; and administering the composition to the human.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device having osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties in vivo comprising a carrier containing calcium phosphate and an osteoinductive protein, wherein the carrier is homogenously coated with the protein. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a device having osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties in vivo. The invention encompasses a pharmaceutical composition comprising the device of the invention or a device which is obtainable by the method of the invention and relates to the use of the device for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition to be used for bone augmentation, for treating bone defects, for treating degenerative and traumatic disc disease, for treating bone dehiscence or to be used for sinus floor elevation. Finally, the invention relates to a kit comprising the device of the invention or a device which is obtainable by the method of the invention.

Abstract: A bone graft composition is described, with one or more of: (a) keratose; (b) kerateine; (c) optionally, particulate filler; (d) optionally, an antibiotic; and (e) water or saline. The composition may be provided in sterile form in a container, and optionally lyophilized. Methods of treating a bone deficiency or fracture making use of such compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heparin-derivatized collagen matrix comprising a fragment of heparin covalently linked to a collagen scaffold, wherein the fragment of heparin has molecular weight of less than about 15 kDa, and at least one heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) or heparin-binding adeno-associated virus (HB-AAV) or a combination thereof and methods for promoting bone growth, bone repair, cartilage repair, bone development, neo-angiogensis, wound healing, tissue engraftment and muscle tissue regeneration and/or tissue augmentation comprising administering a heparin-derivatized collagen matrix that includes at least one heparin-binding growth factor or heparin-binding adeno-associated virus or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method was developed to prepare silk fibroin microspheres using lipid vesicles as templates to efficiently load therapeutic agents in active form for controlled release. The lipids are subsequently removed through the use of a dehydration agent, such as methanol or sodium chloride, resulting in ?-sheet structure dominant silk microsphere structures having about 2 ?m in diameter. The therapeutic agent can be entrapped in the silk microspheres and used in pharmaceutical formulations for controlled-release treatments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of promoting osteogenesis in a subject, comprising administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one cationic steroid antimicrobial (CSA). Also disclosed herein are methods of promoting osteogenesis in a subject in need of such promotion, comprising administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one CSA. Additionally, disclosed herein are compounds and compositions comprising at least one CSA, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of bone disease or the treatment of broken bones. Kits comprising such compositions and instructions on such methods are also contemplated herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the expression and regulating growth factors in chrondrocytes and developing cartilage, particularly granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP). The invention relates to the modulation and manipulation of these growth factors, GEP, and/or the molecules they interact with, for instance COMP, in cartilage disorders, including arthritis. Assays and screening methods for the determination of the expression and activity of GEP, or of GEP-COMP, are provided, including for screening for the presence or extent of cartilage or arthritic disease and for identifying modulators or compounds/agents for treatment or prevention of cartilage or arthritic diseases.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions comprise composites of polyurethane(s), osteoconductive matrix, and, optionally, a growth factor. Embodiments further comprise methods of making such composite and uses thereof. The osteoconductive matrix can be a tricalcium phosphate, bioglass, or the like, and can include particles that are surface modified. Growth factors can be provided in powder form, including bone morphogenic proteins such as rhBMP-2. A composition may be moldable and/or injectable. After implantation or injection, a composition may be set to form a porous composite that provides mechanical strength and supports the in-growth of cells.