Abstract: The biological activity of exogenous ligand proteins is enhanced by intravenously co-administering to a mammal the ligand and a soluble receptor protein that binds thereto. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a ligand protein complexed with a soluble receptor protein are provided. In certain embodiments, the ligand is selected from the group consisting of interleukins, colony stimulating factors, and tumor necrosis factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the use of at least one serotype or a combination of serotypes of Botulinum neurotoxin either alone or in combination with other peptides or fusion proteins, that when administered in a safe and effective amount, antagonize and therefore decrease or block inflammation induced by the neurogenic mechanisms underlying or associated with inflammatory disorders, in particular, arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microemulsion preconcentrate composition comprising (1) cyclosporin as an active component; (2) alkyl ester of polycarboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid ester of polyols as a lipophilic solvent; (3) oil; and (4) surfactant. The composition according to the present invention is characterized in that it dissolves in an external phase such as water, artificial gastric fluid and artificial intestinal fluid by controlling the mixing ratio of the components thereby to get the microemulsion form of inner phase diameter of 100 nm or below. The composition according to the present invention can be formulated as the dosage form of a soft capsule, a hard capsule sealed with a gelatin banding at the conjugated portion, or an oral liquid preparation for oral administration.

Abstract: Metalloporphyrins are administered in conjunction with transplantation to enhance the survival of the organ.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product and process for suppressing an immune response using a T lymphocyte immunosuppression molecule capable of blocking cell surface molecules responsible for T cell activation. Disclosed is a CD4 or CD2 molecule, associated with an immunoglobulin molecule capable of binding to a major histocompatibility antigen. Also disclosed is a method to produce a T lymphocyte molecule, a therapeutic composition comprising a T lymphocyte immunosuppression molecule and methods to use T lymphocyte immunosuppression molecules in therapeutic processes requiring suppression of an immune response.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified bryostatins and their use as anticancer drugs.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the immune response to vaccination in animals, including humans, comprise administering interleukin-2 (IL-2) as part of the vaccination regimen, preferably for 5 to 14 days post-vaccination. In addition, compositions for enhancing the immune response of an animal to a vaccine employ IL-2 as an active ingredient, preferably human IL-2.

Abstract: There is provided an inhibitor of angiogenesis induced by growth of the vascular endothelial cells that comprises Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) as an active ingredient. The TFPI-containing preparation of the present invention can effectively inhibit angiogenesis induced by growth of the vascular endothelial cells, and thus, is quite efficacious for preventing and treating the conditions of diseases associated with angiogenesis such as malignant tumors.

Abstract: Described is a pyridine derivative represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 individually represent H, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkoxyalkyl group which may have a substituent, a carboxyalkyl group, an alkoxycarbonylalkyl group, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, a phenacyl group or an acyl group, R.sup.3 represents an alkyl group, a phenyl group which may have a substituent, a heteroaryl group or a cyclic amino group, X represents O or combination of OH and H, or a salt thereof; and a medicament, such as cytokine production suppressant, comprising the derivative or salt thereof as an effective ingredient. The invention compound has potential, highly specific and highly safe immunoregulating capacity so that it can suppress the excessive production of a specific cytokine in various diseases related to the immune system.

Abstract: A method of activating the immune system of a subject comprises the chronic administration of low doses of an agent such as IL-2, fusion proteins thereof and derivatives thereof that are pharmaceutically acceptable. The agent is provided as a dermal composition, transdermal delivery device and electrotransport device as well as in the form of a kit for self-administration.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method of preventing and treating sepsis using chemokines selected from mature or modified KC [SEQ ID NO: 1], gro.alpha. [SEQ ID NO:2], gro.beta. [SEQ ID NO: 3] or gro.gamma. [SEQ ID NO: 4] or multimers thereof, alone or in conjunction with an anti-infective agent. This invention also relates to a new gro.beta. dimer chemokine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparation and the composition of a water soluble extract of the plant species Uncaria. The present invention is also directed to the pharmaceutical use of the composition for the enhancement of the immune, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and DNA repair processes of warm blooded animals. The present preparation of the water soluble extract of the plant species Uncaria results in the depletion of many of the ingredients which lead to various toxic side effects associated with other extracts or compositions derived from Uncaria. Also, the present preparation leads to the depletion of many of the active ingredients commonly associated with other extracts and compositions of the plant species Uncaria.

Abstract: A nontoxic, therapeutic agent having pharmacological activity comprising concentrated extract of Larrea tridentata plant material and ascorbic acid, an ascorbic acid ester, an ascorbic acid salt, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, hydrogen sulfide, hypophosphorous acid, monothioglycerol, potassium bisulfite, propyl gallate, sodium bisulfite, sodium hydrosulfite, sodium thiosulfate, sulfur dioxide, sulfurous acid, a tocopherol or vitamin E is made by a process in which the plant material is extracted using an organic solvent, preferably acetone, and is then saturated with one of the listed reducing agents acid to reduce the toxic NDGA quinone, which naturally occurs in the plant material, to NDGA itself.

Abstract: Fluorinated butyric acid compounds and derivatives are described as well as acid methods for the preparation and pharmaceutical compositions of same, which are useful as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases, particularly gelatinase A (72 kD gelatinase) and stromelysin-1, and also collagenase, matrilysin, and MMP-13, and for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, atherosclerotic plaque rupture, aortic aneurism, heart failure, restenosis, periodontal disease, corneal ulceration, treatment of burns, decubital ulcers, wound healing, cancer, inflammation, pain, arthritis, or other autoimmune or inflammatory disorders dependent upon tissue invasion by leukocytes or other activated migrating cells, acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders including stroke, head trauma, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, prion diseases, myasthenia gravis, and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: A method and compositions for reducing post-surgical adhesion formation/reformation in mammals following surgical injury to a body cavity or organs situated therein. The aqueous compositions comprising pentoxifylline and a polyoxyalkylene block copolymer are applied to the injured areas subsequent to surgical injury.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a novel composition which is a genetically distinct mutant of E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT). Specifically, the mutant LT designated LT(R192G/L211A) is modified by two amino acid substitutions, i.e., the arginine at amino acid position 192 is replaced by glycine and the leucine at amino acid position 211 is replaced by alanine. The invention relates to compositions and methods for use of the novel double mutant of LT as an adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (2-aminoacylamino-2-deoxy-glycosyl)-amides, which are substituted on the nitrogen atom of the amino acid, of the general formula (I) ##STR1## in which the substituents have the meaning given in the description, to processes for their preparation and to their use in medicaments.

Abstract: Aryl phosphate derivatives of d4T with para-bromo substitution on the aryl group show markedly increased potency as anti-HIV agents without undesirable levels of cytotoxic activity. In particular, these derivatives are potent inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the phosphorus of the aryl phosphate group is further substituted with an amino acid residue that may be esterified or substituted, such as a methoxy alaninyl group.

Abstract: An herbal extract composition comprising extract of ARUM, extract of POMEGRANATE, extract of TEA and extract of HIBISCUS. The herbal extract composition of the invention demonstrates in vitro stimulation of lymphocyte transformation and cytokine production, and in vitro inhibition of gp120 binding, and provides a potential candidate for therapies and treatments for immune disorders and HIV infection.

Abstract: A compound of the general formula (I): Q--R--X wherein Q is a substituted or unsubstituted furanyl, imidazolyl, pyrrolyl or thiopheneyl group, R is CR.sup.1.sub.2 --Cr.sup.2.sub.2, (cis)CR.sup.1 .dbd.CR.sup.2, or (trans)-CR.sup.1 .dbd.CR.sup.2, X is COOR.sup.3 or NR.sup.1 R.sup.4, and R.sup.1 -R.sup.4 are each, independently, H, an alkyl or an aryl group and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are described for use in topical treatments of skin conditions which involve an overactive immune response, or which are responsive to UV irradiation. Pharmaceutical compositions of the compound of general formula (I) are also described.

Abstract: A platelet-increasing preparation which comprises an effective amount of an interleukin-6 receptor and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Preferably the preparation further comprises interleukin-6 and an ingredient selected from a stem cell factor, interleukin-3 and thrombopoietin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new nucleoside monophosphate derivatives of lipid ester residues of general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl chain having 1-20 carbon atoms;R.sup.2 represents hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkyl chain having 1-20 carbon atoms;R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 represent hydrogen, hydroxy, azido, amino, cyano, or halogen;X represents a valence dash, oxygen, sulfur, a sulfinyl or sulfonyl group;Y represents a valence dash, an oxygen or sulfur atom;B represents a purine and/or pyrimidine base;with the proviso that at least one of the residues R.sup.3 or R.sup.5 is hydrogen;to their tautomers and their physiologically acceptable salts of inorganic and organic acids and/or bases, as well as to processes for their preparation, and to drugs containing said compounds.

Abstract: A method, and compositions for use therein capable, of delivering a bioactive agent to an animal entailing the steps of encapsulating effective amounts of the agent in a biocompatible excipient to form microcapsules having a size less than approximately ten micrometers and administering effective amounts of the microcapsules to the animal. A pulsatile response is obtained, as well as mucosal and systemic immunity.

Abstract: A combination of interleukin 10 and cyclosporin is used to suppress graft-versus-host disease, autoimmune diseases and tissue/graft rejection. It has been discovered that administration of a combination of interleukin 10 and cyclosporin causes synergistic suppression of T cell proliferation. Concurrent use of both agents avoids the toxicity associated with higher doses of cyclosporin.

Abstract: Methods of treatment of pulmonary disease, e.g., alveolar proteinosis, by treating a subject with an effective amount of GM-CSF.

Abstract: Substances comprising disaccharides and substances comprising carboxylated and/or sulfated oligosaccharides in substantially purified form, and methods of using same, are disclosed for the regulation of cytokine activity in a host. For instance, the secretion of active Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-.alpha.) can be either inhibited or augmented selectively by administration to the host of an effective amount of a substance of the invention. Thus, the present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and their use for the prevention and/or treatment of pathological processes involving the induction of active cytokine secretion, such as TNF-.alpha.. The invention also relates to the initiation of a desirable immune system-related response by the host to the presence of activators, including pathogens. The substances and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered daily, at very low effective doses, typically below 0.

Abstract: This invention provides an agent against HIV-1 and related viruses, the agent being or including dextrin sulphate containing at most two sulphate groups per glucose unit. The invention also provides a composition containing such an agent, and the use of the agent or composition against HIV-1 and related viruses. By restricting the degree of substitution of the dextrin sulphate to a maximum of 2, the invention makes it possible to produce a dextrin sulphate having adequate anti-HIV activity whilst maintaining toxicity within acceptable limits.

Abstract: The narrow poly- or mono-dispersed oligomers of the present invention are polyureas, polycarbonates, polyesters or polyamides having a recurring unit of from 3 to 50. These oligomers are water-soluble, preferably have a rigid backbone, have recurring units coupled by carbonyl linking moieties which have anionic groups, display predominantly linear geometry such that regular spacing between anionic groups exists in an aqueous medium, and are pharmaceutically-acceptable. The narrow poly- or mono-dispersed oligomers are useful for the treatment and/or diagnosis of AIDS and/or ARC or HSV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide-like compounds, eg aminocarboxylic acid amide derivatives, and to methods of using same to stimulate cells of the immune system, bone marrow and other organs. The present compounds can be used to enhance vaccination, increase synthesis of and enhance function of blood cell components and enhance anti-neoplastic effects of various agents. The compounds of the invention can be used to produce a variety of further pharmacologic effects.

Abstract: Binary pharmaceutical compositions comprising (i) a cyclosporine compound, (ii) a hydrophilic phase and (iii) a surfactant provide bioavailability of the active ingredient which is equivalent to that provided by ternary compositions, but without the need for a lipophilic phase.

Abstract: The new method uses synthetic glycopeptides such as MDP and GMDP as immunological adjuvants which according to this invention are added to the antigen in purely aqueous solution in the low doses discovered to evoke the maximum production of antibody output and whereby the adjuvant is present in dry form with L-proline added for better reproducibility of experiments by minimizing adsorptive losses at the walls of the glass vials.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing solid dispersions in the form of co-precipitates, which solid dispersions contain rapamycin and a carrier medium, and methods of treatment utilizing such pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of using photoactivated hypericin compounds which, when photoactivated using visible or UV-A light, are useful for treating numerous diseases and disorders in mammals. The compounds of the invention are useful for inhibiting the proliferation and accumulation of mammalian leukocytes and for inducing apoptosis in mammalian leukocytes.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition, comprising cisplatin, a special carrier and, optionally, customary pharmaceutical excipients, is disclosed. The preparation of this pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed. The composition may be used to treat cancer and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition in the form of a microemulsion preconcentrate comprising a cyclosporin dissolved in a solvent system further comprising a hydrophobic component, a hydrophilic component, and a surfactant, wherein either the hydrophobic component is selected from tocol, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and derivatives thereof, or the hydrophilic component is selected from propylene carbonate or polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of less than 1000.

Abstract: A chemoattractant protein called "eotaxin" is capable of attracting eosinophils and of inducing eosinophil accumulation and/or activation in vitro and in vivo. Various types of agents that inhibit or otherwise hinder the production, release or activity of eotaxin may be used therapeutically in the treatment of asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting the complement pathway in a mammal comprising administering an effective dose of a composition comprising an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of isolated sea cucumber (Phylum Echinodermata, Class Holothuroidea) body wall, isolated sea cucumber epithelial layer, isolated sea cucumber flower, sea cucumber fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, combinations thereof, active derivatives thereof or combinations of active derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Compositions derived from Chinese herbal medicines, medicinal plants and extracts thereof, are provided for the treatment of animals infected with viruses, especially with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). More specifically, the compositions of the present invention are derived from various Chinese herbal medicines or medicinal plants which have a long history of human consumption. The compositions of the invention are obtained through specific techniques and have demonstrated outstanding efficacy for treating human HBV carriers and hepatitis C patients. Compositions according to the invention have also exhibited in vitro antiviral activities against murine leukemia virus (MuLV) and HIV. HIV is the virus known to cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in humans and AIDS presents special problems to the medical community which the present invention addresses.

Abstract: A combination preparation comprising a compound which has a phosphodiesterase-inhibiting action, and a compound which reduces the biologically effective intracellular Ca.sup.2+ content, is suitable for the treatment of immunological diseases.

Abstract: A method for the treatment or prevention of allergic disorders is provided, comprising inducing the death by apoptosis of a subpopulation of T lymphocytes that is capable of causing such diseases, while leaving substantially unaffected the majority of other T lymphocytes. Cell death is achieved by cycle(s) comprising challenging via immunization these T cells with antigenic substance at short time intervals, or by immunization followed by administering interleukin-2 (IL-2) when these T cells are expressing high levels of IL-2 receptor so as to cause these T cells to undergo apoptosis upon re-immunization with the antigenic peptide or protein. These methods are applicable to the treatment of allergic disorders such as hay fever, extrinsic asthma, or insect bite and sting allergies, and food and drug allergies.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences which encode biologically active EMF, expression vectors which direct the expression of ETF, ETE polypeptides, antibodies which specffically bind ETF and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating or preventing gastrointestinal diseases and HIV or HIV-associated diseases.

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I) or salts thereof: ##STR1## wherein X, R.sup.1, Q.sup.1 and Q.sup.2 are as defined in the specification. The compounds have been found to be P2 7-TM G-protein receptor antagonists, especially to the P2 Y2 receptor, and are useful in therapy, for example as anti-inflammatory agents useful in the treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, ARDS, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, myocardial ischaemia, COPD, cystic fibrosis, arthrosclerosis, restenosis, peridontal disease, septic shock, osteoarthritis and stroke.

Abstract: Herein is provided a method for identifying extreme stressors which may become causative agents responsible for syndromes characterized by premature progressive cell loss or cell over growth in an individual. A sample of cells obtained from an individual is subjected to stressor in vitro to form a stressed cell sample. At least one stress criteria is measured for the stressed cell sample and the steps are repeated for a plurality of stressors. The measured stress criteria are then compared to norms derived from such measurements on cell samples obtained from third parties and a plurality of extreme stressors to which the sample of cells taken from the individual are unusually sensitive are identified. The procedure can be used to identify an effective bypass agent or needed alteration in lifestyle to prevent or delay clinical signs of disease, and/or to identify an effective bypass agent or needed alteration in lifestyle to better manage or reverse the course of the disease process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new use of a sophorolipidic compound, of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the acidic form of the sophorolipid, and of the ester of the deacetylated sophorolipidic acid form as therapeutically active substances in a method for therapeutic treatment of the human or animal body, and more particularly as an activator of macrophages, as a fibrinolytic agent, as a healing agent, as a desquamating agent, and as a depigmenting agent.

Abstract: Compositions consisting of at least one TGFb receptor II homo 1b (TRH1b) subdomain or at least one TGFb receptor II homology 1 (TRH1) domain and a carrier, auxiliary or excipient. The TRH1b subdomain has a sequence with the following amino acid pattern:Cys--X.sub.j --Lys/Arg--X.sub.k --Ser/Thr--X.sub.l --Cys--X.sub.m --Asp--X.sub.n --Asp/Glu, wherein X.sub.j, X.sub.k, X.sub.l, X.sub.m, X.sub.n, represent any amino acid and j is 4 to 5, k is 2 to 6, 1 is 4 to 9, m is 0 to 2, and n is 5 to 6. The TRH1 domain has a sequence with the following amino acid pattern:Cys--X.sub.h --Asn/Gln--X.sub.i --Cys--X.sub.i --Lys/Arg--X.sub.k --Ser/Thr--X.sub.l --Cys--X.sub.m --Asp--X.sub.n --Asp/Glu, wherein X.sub.h, X.sub.i, X.sub.j, X.sub.k, X.sub.l, X.sub.m, X.sub.n, represent any amino acid and h is 8 to 14, i is 12 to 16, j is 4 to 5, k is 2 to 6, l is 4 to 9, m is 0 to 2, and n is 5 to 6.

Abstract: A method and a composition for the preventative treatment of osteoarthritis comprising the periodic administration to a mammal suffering of this disease of a composition comprising an amount of Human recombinant Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist effective for reducing the progression of lesions and cartilage degradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating or preventing diseases or disorders associated with hematopoietic deficiency by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin or a peptide containing a sequence of a portion of .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin. The invention also relates to methods of treating or preventing diseases or disorders associated with hematopoietic deficiency by administration of hematopoietic cells, the numbers of which have been increased by contacting the cells with human chorionic gonadotropin, .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin or a peptide containing a sequence of a portion of .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin. The invention also provides assays for the utility of particular human chorionic gonadotropin preparations in the treatment or prevention of hematopoietic deficiencies or in the increasing of hematopoietic cell numbers in vitro. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of administration of are also provided.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to glucopyranose compounds of formula (I) and (IA) ##STR1## and the non-toxic salts thereof wherein the substituents are as defined herein. Such materials possess enhancing activity of cellular immunity (e.g. mitogenic activity) to living tissue and therefore are useful as anti-tumor agents.