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: Described is method, comprising the following step: administering to an individual having an ischemic condition or disease a composition comprising a mutant fibroblast growth factor (FGF) protein having a polypeptide sequence that is at least 90% identical to the polypeptide sequence of wild-type human FGF-1 protein, wherein the numbering of the amino acid positions is based on the numbering scheme for the 140 amino acid form of human FGF-1.

Abstract: Conjugates of hydrophilic carboxy polysaccharides with protein members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and variants thereof. The conjugates provide a modified bioactivity and stability of FGFs for various therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant fusion polypeptides comprising mutations at positions 98, 171, 179, 180 or 181, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

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: 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: The invention provides a multimer comprising at least a first and a second chain, the first chain comprising the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4, wherein the leucine at position 98 is substituted with an arginine; the proline at position 171 is substituted with glycine; and the alanine at position 180 is substituted with glutamic acid; a linker sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:31; and an Fe domain comprising SEQ NO:11; and a second chain comprising the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4, wherein the leucine at position 98 is substituted with an arginine; the proline at position 171 is substituted with glycine; and the alanine at position 180 is substituted with glutamic acid; a linker sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:31; and an Fe domain comprising SEQ ID NO:11, nucleic acids encoding the multimer, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the multimer and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, multimers or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a human patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering into at least one coronary vessel of a human patient in need of treatment for coronary artery disease a safe and angiogenically effective dose of a recombinant FGF-5 of SEQ ID NO:9, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. The invention is also directed to a method for inducing angiogenesis in the heart of a patient, comprising administering into at least one coronary vessel of a human patient in need of coronary angiogenesis a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant FGF-5 of SEQ ID NO:9, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor I (FGFR1) extracellular domain (ECD) polypeptides for treatment of cancers characterized by ligand dependent activating mutations in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2). For example, the present invention relates to the treatment of endometrial cancers and other cancers wherein tumor cells express FGFR2 mutants in the IgII-IgIII hinge region or IgIII domain of the protein, such as at amino acid positions 252 and/or 253.

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 method of treating an individual (i) having abnormal bone; or (ii) afflicted with a disease or disorder related to normal or abnormal FGF receptors or a skeletal disorder; or (iii) having dysplasic bone. The method includes administering to the individual a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF-9) variant comprising at least one amino acid substitution in the beta 8-beta 9 loop, wherein said FGF-9 variant incorporates one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric protein that includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes a portion of a paracrine fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion of an FGF19 molecule. The portion of the paracrine FGF is modified to decrease binding affinity for heparin and/or heparan sulfate compared to the portion without the modification. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including chimeric proteins according to the present invention, methods for treating a subject suffering from diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, and methods of screening for compounds with enhanced binding affinity for the ?Klotho-FGF receptor complex involving the use of chimeric proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for delivering a tissue scaffold comprising ultrasound-triggerable agents to an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric protein that includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes a portion of a paracrine fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion of an FGF21 molecule. The portion of the paracrine FGF is modified to decrease binding affinity for heparin and/or heparan sulfate compared to the portion without the modification. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including chimeric proteins according to the present invention, methods for treating a subject suffering from diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, and methods of screening for compounds with enhanced binding affinity for the ?Klotho-FGF receptor complex involving the use of chimeric proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stem cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric protein that includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes a portion of a paracrine fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion of an FGF23 molecule. The portion of the paracrine FGF is modified to decrease binding affinity for heparin and/or heparan sulfate compared to the portion without the modification. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including chimeric proteins according to the present invention, methods for treating a subject suffering from a disorder, and methods of screening for compounds with enhanced binding affinity for the ?Klotho-FGF receptor complex involving the use of chimeric proteins of the present invention.

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: This present invention relates to pharmacologically potent and/or stable variants of human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 variants, and methods for treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, or metabolic syndrome, or any combination thereof, using such variants.

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

Abstract: 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: 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 methods of lowering body weight by administering an FGF-21 compound in combination with a GLP-1 compound. In addition, the present invention also provides methods to treat obesity by administering an FGF-21 compound in combination with a GLP-1 compound. The present invention also discloses combinations useful in the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of synthetic analogs of hGH-RH(1-29)NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 96) and hGH-RH(1-30)NH2. Of particular interest are those carrying PhAc, N-Me-Aib, Dca, Ac-Ada, Fer, Ac-Amc, Me-NH-Sub, PhAc-Ada, Ac-Ada-D-Phe, Ac-Ada-Phe, Dca-Ada, Dca-Amc, Nac-Ada, Ada-Ada, or CH3—(CH2)10—CO-Ada, at the N-Terminus and ?-Ala, Amc, Apa, Ada, AE2A, AE4P, ?-Lys(?-NH2), Agm, Lys(Oct) or Ahx, at the C-terminus. These analogs inhibit the release of growth hormone from the pituitary in mammals as well as inhibit the proliferation of human cancers, and inhibit the hyperplastic and benign proliferative disorders of various organs, through a direct effect on the cancerous and non-malignant cells. The stronger inhibitory potencies of the new analogs, as compared to previously described ones, result from replacement of various amino acids.

Abstract: Novel analogues of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21), derivatives thereof having a modifying moiety covalently attached thereto, and pharmaceutical use of these analogues and derivatives, in particular, for the treatment of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and/or Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are described.

Abstract: This present invention relates to pharmacologically potent and/or stable variants of human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 variants, and methods for treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, or metabolic syndrome, or any combination thereof, using such variants.

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 is directed to novel chimeric fibroblast growth factor (FGF) polypeptides, novel DNA encoding chimeric FGF polypeptides, and to the recombinant production of chimeric FGF polypeptides, and to methods, compositions and assays utilizing chimeric FGF polypeptides for the therapeutic treatment of metabolic-related disorders and other conditions, and for producing pharmaceutically active compositions including chimeric FGF polypeptides, the compositions having therapeutic and pharmacologic properties including those associated with the treatment of metabolic-related disorders and other conditions.

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 present invention relates to chimeric proteins that include an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes an N-terminal portion of fibroblast growth factor 21 (“FGF21”) and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion of fibroblast growth factor 19 (“FGF19”). The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including chimeric proteins according to the present invention, as well as methods for treating a subject suffering from diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, methods of treating a subject in need of increased FGF21-?Klotho-FGF receptor complex formation, methods of causing increased FGF21 receptor agonist-?Klotho-FGF receptor complex formation, and methods of screening for compounds with enhanced binding affinity for the ?Klotho-FGF receptor complex involving the use of chimeric proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic spinal conditions, degenerative disc disease, back pain and/or other tissue pathologies. Patients with ischemic spine disease can be categorized into subsets that are deemed to have potential to respond to therapy. In particular, therapies are disclosed which involve stimulation of neovascularization so as to increase perfusion of spinal and other anatomies.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for treating skin aging, or a method for treating skin scar that can exert a sufficient effect. A composition for treating skin aging comprising bFGF for treating aging of the skin that is administered intradermally or subcutaneously, or a composition for treating skin scar comprising bFGF for treating scar of skin that is administered intradermally or subcutaneously is utilized. Preferred examples of aging of skin include skin wrinkle, pigmented spot, sagging skin, rough skin, skin thinning, decrease of skin viscoelasticity, etc., and preferred examples of scar include keloid, hypertrophic scar, scar contracture, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF-18) variants having various truncations beyond the signal peptide domain of the N-terminus, which activate FGFR3 with increased specificity. The invention further relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same and methods for use thereof in treating cartilage and skeletal disorders.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition, including a drug and a collagen, in which the composition is satisfactory in handleability and has sustained-release property. The sustained-release pharmaceutical composition includes: a drug; a collagen; and at least one kind of sugar selected from monosaccharides, disaccharides, trisaccharides, and tetrasaccharides. The inventors of the present invention have found that the in vivo administration of a collagen solution containing a sugar results in the gelation of a collagen. Based on this finding, the inventors have found that a composition containing a drug, a collagen, and a sugar can control the release rate of the drug, and such composition can be used as a sustained-release pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for treating skin aging, or a method for treating skin scar that can exert a sufficient effect. A composition for treating skin aging comprising bFGF for treating aging of the skin that is administered intradermally or subcutaneously, or a composition for treating skin scar comprising bFGF for treating scar of skin that is administered intradermally or subcutaneously is utilized. Preferred examples of aging of skin include skin wrinkle, pigmented spot, sagging skin, rough skin, skin thinning, decrease of skin viscoelasticity, etc., and preferred examples of scar include keloid, hypertrophic scar, scar contracture, etc.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting postoperative adhesion severity of mammalian tissues. The method includes the application on an operated tissue surface of an effective therapeutic amount of a pharmaceutical composition containing a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of growth factors and sterilized carboxymethylchitosan. A method of inhibiting postoperative adhesion severity that includes the step of applying a composition comprising a growth factor, where the growth factor is used as a modulating factor on mesothelial cell proliferation is also provided.

Abstract: FGF18 is known to stimulate the proliferation of chondrocytes, resulting in increased cartilage formation. When hyaluronic acid is administered in addition to FGF18, the effects on chondrocyte proliferation and production of matrix were found to be greater than administration of FGF18 or hyaluronic acid alone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition containing at least one FGF-21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) compound, at least one GLP-1R (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) agonist and optionally at least one anti-diabetic drug and/or at least one DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor for the treatment of at least one metabolic syndrome and/or atherosclerosis, in particular diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity and/or adipositas.

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: Analogues of FGF21 carrying a modifying, substituted ethylene or benzyl group can be used for treatment or prevention of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and/or Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating hypophosphatemia in a subject. This method involves selecting a subject with hypophosphatemia associated with elevated or normal FGF23 and administering to the selected subject an inhibitor of FGF23-Klotho-FGF receptor complex formation under conditions effective to treat the hypophosphatemia. The present invention is also directed to a method of screening for compounds suitable for treatment of hypophosphatemia associated with elevated or normal FGF23. This method involves providing FGF23, FGFR-Klotho complex, and one or more candidate compounds. The FGF23, the FGFR-Klotho complex, and the candidate compounds are combined under conditions effective for the FGF23 and the binary FGFR-Klotho complex to form a ternary complex if present by themselves.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified soluble FGF receptor Fc fusions comprising a fusion of a soluble fragment or domain of the FGF receptor part (targeting or binding moiety) with an Fc region of an immunoglobulin part (effector function moiety), having improved biological activity including ADCC/CDC activities, compositions containing them, and method of producing such modified soluble FGF receptor Fc fusion molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fusion polypeptides comprising Klotho protein or an active fragment thereof and FGF23 or an active fragment thereof.

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: The invention provides for the use of carbonic anhydrase activators; protein kinase C activators and FGF-18 to treat depressive disorders. The invention also relates to improved animal models and methods for screening and identifying compounds to treat depressive disorders.

Abstract: Therapeutic and cosmetic uses and applications of calreticulin are provided. In particular, the invention relates to therapeutic and cosmetic uses and applications of calreticulin to a patient in need of such treatment including in tissue repair, wound healing, ulcers, reducing scar formation, and reducing or eliminating wrinkles.

Abstract: Provided are novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of leiomyomas, in particular uterine leiomyoma (UL). In addition, methods of identifying anti-tumor agents are described. Furthermore, novel methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of diseases characterized by an aberrant growth of mesenchymal stem cells and their descendants and for the treatment of obesity are disclosed.