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: 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 invention relates to a viral-safe platelet extract, to its preparation and use. The extract comprises a mixture of biologically active platelet derived factors. Advantageously, the extract comprises a balanced proportion of the factors and is non-clottable.

Abstract: Described, in certain aspects of the invention, are multilaminate medical graft products, as well as methods for preparing and using the same. An illustrative multilaminate medical graft product of the invention comprises a first layer of remodelable extracellular matrix (ECM) material bonded to a second layer of remodelable ECM material, wherein the first material layer is enriched with a growth factor relative to the second material layer. Such a remodelable ECM material may be comprised of submucosa from a warm-blooded vertebrate, for example, porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS).

Abstract: A method of treating autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection, comprising the step of treating the autoimmune or transplant patient with an effective amount of SU-5416 is disclosed.

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 use of lipopeptides as inducers of NF-?B for the protection of mammals from the effects of apoptosis is described.

Abstract: The invention described herein includes a method of selecting a treatment regimen for a surface of a mammalian keratinized tissue that includes illuminating the surface with a light source emitting long 5 wave UV light, thereby identifying at least one impaired region on the surface; categorizing the impaired region on the basis of its approximate UV perceptible color when exposed to the light source into at least one of a first category, a second category and a third category, wherein the approximate color substantially corresponds to a deficiency of the surface; and applying to the keratinized surface at least one treatment composition, wherein the 10 at least one treatment composition is formulated to treat, ameliorate or improve the deficiency in the surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel wound healing device. In particular, the invention is directed to a novel wound healing device comprising a suture or knitted mesh that has adsorbed onto it novel cellular factor-containing compositions (referred to herein as CFC), including Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution (referred to herein as ACCS) or Physiologic Cytokine Solutions (herein referred to as PCS), as well as methods of making and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wound healing device. Such wound healing device utilizes novel wound healing compositions embedded onto or into a natural plant-derived cloth-based matrix.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions and methods of mitigating tissue damage and fibrosis in a patient by modulating latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein (LTBP4)-induced proteolysis of a TGF? superfamily protein.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions for improving, treating and/or preventing various medical conditions and methods of using same are provided. The medical conditions may include wounds, mucositis among others. The nutritional compositions include branched chain fatty acids and may include other functional ingredients such as, but not limited to probiotics, nucleotides and amino acids. Methods of administering such nutritional products to individuals in need of same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible composition that comprises a bioactive material and a method for using the same. In particular, the composition of the invention is useful for spatio and/or temporal release of the bioactive material. Specifically, the composition of the invention comprises at least one polymeric mixture layer comprising a plurality of biodegradable polymers. The polymeric mixture layer comprises a first biodegradable polymer and a second biodegradable polymer. The relative amount of the first biodegradable polymer or the second biodegradable polymer increases within the polymeric mixture layer in one direction, and the relative amount of the other biodegradable polymer decreases in the polymeric mixture layer in the same direction. The rate of degradation of the first biodegradable polymer is different from the rate of degradation of the second biodegradable polymer. In this manner, the composition allows spatio and/or temporal release of the bioactive material.

Abstract: Here, we present a photodegradable microparticle system that can be employed to entrap and deliver bioactive proteins to cells during culture. By using a photosensitive delivery system, experimenters can achieve a wide variety of spatiotemporally regulated release profiles with a single microparticle formulation, thereby enabling one to probe many questions as to how protein presentation can be manipulated to regulate cell function. Photodegradable microparticles were synthesized via inverse suspension polymerization with a mean diameter of 22 ?m, and degradation was demonstrated upon exposure to several irradiation conditions. The protein-loaded depots were incorporated into cell cultures and release of bioactive protein was quantified during the photodegradation process. This phototriggered release allowed for the delivery of TGF-?1 to stimulate PE25 cells and for the delivery of fluorescently labeled Annexin V to assay apoptotic 3T3 fibroblasts during culture.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods useful for modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Certain of the compositions and methods are useful for inducing epithelial cells to undergo an EMT. The invention further provides cells generated using the inventive methods and methods of use thereof. Certain of the compositions and methods are useful for inhibiting epithelial cells from undergoing an EMT. Certain of the compositions and methods are useful for inhibiting EMT in a subject in need thereof.

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: 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.

Abstract: A collagen material is characterized in being constituted of collagen gel fragments. Furthermore, the collagen gel fragments may have an orientation. A method for producing a collagen material is characterized in comprising a step for preparing collagen gel fragments, a step for arranging the collagen gel fragments in a desired shape, and a step for drying the collagen gel fragments arranged in the desired shape. Moreover, in one embodiment of the method for producing a collagen material a step may include imparting an orientation to the collagen gel fragments.

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: Systems and methods of tissue remodeling or altering a surface of a skin of a patient are provided. A method includes increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue. Methods can include increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue in addition to various tissue remodeling techniques, including cryogenic cooling of target tissue for tissue remodeling.

Abstract: Chemokines may be administered to a patient for immunotolerization. Chemokines include CCL19 and CCL21. Materials and methods for accomplishing tolerization and described.

Abstract: A problem of the present invention is to provide a skin collagen production-promoting agent without safety problems. Another problem of the present invention is to provide a skin collagen production-promoting food or drink product and a skin collagen production-promoting cosmetic product containing such a substance. TGF-? and/or a TGF-? degradation product, which is acquired by degrading TGF-? with a protease such as pepsin, pancreatin, etc., are used as a skin collagen production-promoting agent or the active ingredient of a skin collagen production-promoting food or drink product and a skin collagen production-promoting cosmetic product. The aforementioned TGF-? and/or TGF-? degradation product have an effect of increasing the collagen content of the skin.

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

Abstract: The current invention relates to the use of a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence in the preparation of a medicament for the regeneration of tissue, preferably for the treatment of a wound. Further the invention relates to compositions comprising such peptides, and use of said peptides in both medical and nonmedical (cosmetic) applications.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the use of a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence in the preparation of a medicament for the regeneration of tissue, preferably for the treatment of a wound. Further the invention relates to compositions comprising such peptides, and use of said peptides in both medical and nonmedical (cosmetic) applications.

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: 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: Tissue scaffolds of polymer microfiber or nanofiber mesh which release an active agent supportive of alignment, proliferation and matrix deposition of selected musculoskeletal cell over time are provided. Methods for production and use of these tissue scaffolds in treatment of musculoskeletal tissue injuries are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders.

Abstract: Cosmetic and dermatologic compositions for skin care, containing a transgenic plant extract containing a growth factor, or a growth factor purified from transgenic plants, or a mixture of growth factors derived from transgenic plants as extracts or in purified form, for use in topical therapeutics, dermatology and cosmetics. Importantly this invention provides stabilized, safer growth factors available for use for cosmetic and topical treatment. Preferred composition comprises a plant-produced growth factor and hyaluronic acid. The skin-care/dermatological compositions with stabilized growth factor do not carry the risk of unwanted breakdown products and the resulting loss of activity of the composition. Furthermore, the composition is without contaminants and transmissible agents that can result from animals or animal or bacterial cell based expression systems.

Abstract: Provided herein is a topical wound dressing that comprises a collagen and a flexible paste. Also provided is a wound dressing with a first layer of a sterilized mixture of collagen and a second adhesive layer effective to adhere to surrounding skin and to keep the first layer in contact with the wound. In addition there is provided a wound dressing foil that comprises collagen and a plastic compound that can provide a foil shape. Furthermore, methods of dressing wounds utilizing the wound dressings and wound dressing foil are provided herein.

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: 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: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for an intra-articular injection for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The methods and compositions comprising combinations of hyaluronic acid and a bone morphogenetic protein, like rhGDF-5, can be useful for any synovial joint, including the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, hands, spinal facet, or temporomandibular joint, both for the relief of pain and for slowing disease progression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to skin care compositions, including cosmeceuticals, for topical application, and more particularly, a skin cream, comprising cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in two-dimensional culture. Also included are methods of using such compositions and kits comprising the skin cream therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to biomaterials, said biomaterials for use in methods to control and/or induce bone growth. Particularly, the invention relates to macroporous calcium phosphate biomaterials pre-loaded with certain amounts of osteoclastic activity inhibitors for use in methods to control and/or induce bone growth in primates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a damaged part treatment composition for repairing a damaged part of a target tissue that includes a stem cell-conditioned medium obtained by culturing stem cells; a damaged part treatment method for repairing or restoring a damaged part of a target tissue that includes administering the damaged part treatment composition to a patient having the target tissue for the damaged part treatment composition in an amount therapeutically effective for repairing the damaged part of the target tissue; a method of treating cerebral infarction that includes administering the damaged part treatment composition to a cerebral infarct patient in an amount effective for repairing a damaged part of the brain; and a method of treating a CNS disease that includes administering, as a CNS disease treatment composition, the damaged part treatment composition to a CNS disease patient in a therapeutically effective amount.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject comprising modulating nitric oxide production in the tumor to normalize tumor vasculature and administering an anti-tumor therapy to the subject. The invention further provides methods of treating a solid tumor in a subject comprising selectively increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) or cGMP dependent protein kinase G production in the tumor vasculature to an amount effective to normalize tumor vasculature and administering an anti-tumor therapy to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified variant Bowman Birk Protease Inhibitor proteins (BBPIs) that comprise peptides that bind target proteins, and that are further modified to have greater protease inhibitory activity and/or be produced at greater yields than the unmodified BBPIs. The invention encompasses polynucleotide constructs and expression vectors containing polynucleotide sequences that encode the modified variant BBPIs, the transformed host cells that express and produce the modified variant BBPIs, the modified variant BBPI proteins, the compositions comprising the modified variant BBPIs, and the methods for making and using the modified variant BBPIs in personal care.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel wound healing device. In particular, the invention is directed to a novel wound healing device comprising a suture or knitted mesh that has adsorbed onto it novel cellular factor-containing compositions (referred to herein as CFC), including Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution (referred to herein as ACCS) or Physiologic Cytokine Solutions (herein referred to as PCS), as well as methods of making and uses thereof.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating (promoting or inhibiting) growth of a tissue, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and/or neuronal tissue. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of an ActRIIB protein and/or an ActRIIB ligand. The compositions and methods provided herein are useful in treating diseases associated with abnormal activity of an ActRIIB protein and/or an ActRIIB ligand.

Abstract: Cosmetic and dermatologic compositions for skin care, containing a non-plant derived growth factor, purified from a host organisms or host cells such as bacterial, yeast, or animal cells, including insect cells, or a mixture of growth factors in purified form, for use in topical therapeutics, dermatology and cosmetics. Importantly this invention provides stabilized, safer growth factors available for use for cosmetic and topical treatment. Preferred composition comprises a non-plant derived growth factor and hyaluronic acid. The skin-care/dermatological compositions with stabilized growth factor do not carry the risk of unwanted breakdown products and the resulting loss of activity of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel drug depot implant designs for optimal delivery of therapeutic agents to subjects. The invention provides a method for alleviating pain associated with neuromuscular or skeletal injury or inflammation by targeted delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to inhibit the inflammatory response which ultimately causes acute or chronic pain. Controlled and directed delivery can be provided by drug depot implants, comprising therapeutic agents, specifically designed to deliver the therapeutic agent to the desired location by facilitating their implantation, minimizing their migration from the desired tissue location, and without disrupting normal joint and soft tissue movement.

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: This invention provides methods for extracting platelets, compositions obtained therefore, and methods for using the same.

Abstract: A nutritional composition comprising a partially hydrolysed milk protein having a degree of hydrolysis between 15 and 25% and 50 to 1000 nanograms of TGF-? per 100 ml of ready to consume composition and methods for the primary prevention of allergic reactions to newly introduced dietary protein at weaning and the prevention of development of atopic diseases in a young mammal at weaning comprising feeding to the young mammal a therapeutic amount of the composition are disclosed.