Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using a pheromone, a luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from or suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating post-myocardial infarction damage are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, a carrier with a treatment agent may be fabricated. The carrier can be formulated from a bioerodable, sustained-release substance. The resultant loaded carrier may then be suspended in at least one component of a two-component matrix system for simultaneous delivery to a post-myocardial infarction treatment area.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising trophic factors, methods to decrease the degeneration of a retina, methods of treating ocular degenerative diseases and methods to select cells for transplantation.

Abstract: Provided is a fusion protein, which comprises human fibroblast growth factor 21 and glucagon-like-peptide-1 or its analogs. Also provided is the medicament composition comprising the fusion protein, which can be used for treating or preventing obesity, diabetes, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia etc.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to 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 provides compositions and methods for modulating one or more phenotypes of a macrophage-related cell, e.g., a macrophage. The invention further provides methods of treating disease by modulating macrophage phenotype. Representative phenotypes include pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, immunogenic, tolerogenic, tissue-destructive, tissue restorative, cytotoxic, migratory, bone-resorbing, pro-angiogenic, anti-angiogenic, suppressor, antigen presentation, or phagocytic. Representative diseases include atherosclerosis, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseased or injured tissue by implanting into the tissue at a site of the disease or injury a porous freeze-dried fibrin matrix formed from plasma proteins. The proteins include fibrinogen cleaved by the action of thrombin at varying concentrations sufficient to cleave the fibrinogen and Factor XIII. The matrix has less than 10% residual moisture and is devoid of exogenous anti-fibrinolytic agents, plasminogen and of organic chelating agents. Alternatively, the plasma proteins comprise partially purified plasma proteins that are devoid of plasminogen.

Abstract: There is provided an FGF2 substitute-containing medicinal composition which comprises, as an active ingredient, a chimeric protein comprising the amino acid sequence of an FGF1 protein in which a partial sequence including a sequence of at least positions 62-83 within a sequence of positions 41-83 is substituted with a partial sequence at the corresponding positions in the amino acid sequence of an FGF2 protein; and the remaining region is formed of the amino acid sequence of FGF1. In particular, this medicinal composition is used for wound healing and for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced damage, and it exhibits a pharmacological action superior to that of an FGF2 medicinal composition, and further, it can be easily formulated into a preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibroblast growth factor variants demonstrating enhanced receptor subtype specificity and/or affinity. Preferred embodiments include both variants having enhanced activity that act as improved agonists and variants having reduced activity that act as antagonists. Methods of utilizing preferred FGF variants in preparation of medicaments for the treatment of skeletal disorders including skeletal dysplasia, osteoporosis and enhancing bone fracture healing and cartilage healing processes are provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing a conditioned cell culture medium is provided. The process comprises a) culturing eukaryotic cells in a growth medium having a composition effective to support cell growth; b) separating the cultured cells from the growth medium; and c) maintaining the cultured cells in a basal medium having a composition suitable to maintain cell viability, but not to support substantial cell growth. The cells are preferably dermal sheath, dermal papilla or dermal fibroblast cells. The compositions are useful as pharmaceutical compositions, especially for wound healing.

Abstract: Described herein are the use of peripheral blood derived germline stem cells and their progenitors, methods of isolation thereof, and methods of use thereof.

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 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 provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a corneal endothelium cell proliferation accelerator and a therapeutic agent for a disease relating to corneal endothelium damage, which are administered into the anterior chamber. bFGF is released in a sustained manner by forming bFGF sustained-release gelatin hydrogel particles wherein bFGF is carried on gelatin hydrogel. Therefore, the proliferation of corneal endothelium cells can be accelerated persistently by administration of a preparation containing the bFGF sustained-release gelatin hydrogel particles into the anterior chamber, and diseases relating to corneal endothelium damage can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fibroblast growth factor heparin-binding analog of the formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, Y and Z are as defined, pharmaceutical compositions, coating compositions and medical devices including the fibroblast growth factor heparin-binding analog of the foregoing formula, and methods and uses thereof.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a gel based wound dressing comprising a lyophilized powder and a water-based solvent. The lyophilized powder comprises several nanoparticles and water miscible natural or synthetic polymers. The nanoparticles comprises pectin and a wound healing agent or an anti-microbial agent. The anti-microbial agent is nisin. The lyophilized powder and the water-based solvent are kept in two separate sealed packages and are mixed together before applying on a wound. The embodiments herein also provide a method of synthesizing the gel based wound dressing. The nano-particles control a release of the wound healing agent or the antimicrobial agent to a wound.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing cell-guiding fibroinductive and angiogenic tissue engineering scaffolds composed of biodegradable and biocompatible natural biopolymers, synthetic polymers and/or their combination, incorporating growth and differentiation factors, growth hormone and chemoattractants, with interconnected pores and channels-containing microarchitecture inducing the regenerative cell migration, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation from the healthy tissues surrounding the periodontal defects, thereby facilitating the functional periodontal tissue regeneration. The methods for the application of the cell-guiding fibroinductive and angiogenic scaffolds in the surgical treatment of periodontal tissue defects resulted from destructive periodontal diseases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutants of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), particularly FGF-20 and FGF-21, which contain newly introduced N-linked or O-linked glycosylation site(s). The polynucleotide coding sequences for the mutants, expression cassettes comprising the coding sequences, cells expressing the mutants, and methods for producing the mutants are also disclosed. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the mutants and method for using the mutants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit dose comprising 0.2 ?g/kg to 36 ?g/kg of a recombinant FGF or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an angiogenically effective dose of an FGF or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided is a method for treating a human patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering into at least one coronary vessel of said patient a safe and angiogenically effective dose of a recombinant FGF of any of SEQ ID NOS:1-3, 5, 8-10, or 12-14, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof.

Abstract: This invention concerns the treatment of cartilage disorder and osteoarthritis in particular. More specifically, it relates to the use of FGF-18 in treatment regimens of patients having a cartilage disorder such as osteoarthritis, such as for example knee osteoarthritis or secondary hip osteoarthritis. Specifically provided is a preferred treatment scheme comprising once weekly administration of an FGF-18 compound per treatment cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an in situ-forming, bioadhesive hydrogel and the medical uses thereof. Being formed by in situ crosslinking through an enzymatic reaction, the hydrogel has an advantage over conventional bioadhesive hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility. In addition, the in situ-forming bioadhesive hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength and has excellent tissue adhesiveness thanks to modification with/without dopa derivatives. The hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field, including bioadhesives or hemostats, implant substances for tissue regeneration and augmentation, carriers for delivering biologically active materials or drugs, etc.

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: Provided are novel biocompatible copolymers and compositions comprising the copolymers. The copolymers are non-toxic and typically have an LCST below 37° C. Compositions comprising the copolymers can be used for wound treatment, as a cellular growth matrix or niche and for injection into cardiac tissue to repair and mechanically support damaged tissue. The copolymers comprise numerous ester linkages so that the copolymers are erodeable in situ. Degradation products of the copolymers are soluble and non-toxic. The copolymers can be amine-reactive so that they can conjugate with proteins, such as collagen. Active ingredients, such as drugs, can be incorporated into compositions comprising the copolymers.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of inclusion bodies as vehicles for therapeutic protein delivery. This method is applicable to the delivery of therapeutic proteins to intracellular locations. In addition, the invention also relates to the administration of a cell or a pharmaceutical composition comprising inclusion bodies formed by therapeutic proteins. These inclusion bodies formed by therapeutic proteins could be used for the treatment of different diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a controlled release particle comprising a therapeutically effective amount of acid fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), entrapped by a particle composed by a biocompatible anionic biopolymer capable of binding to aFGF, and a cationic polymer. The method for manufacturing the controlled release particle and the method of using the particle for treating nervous injury are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to compositions and methods of dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Abstract: Alginate nanofibers, scaffolds that include alginate nanofibers, implantable devices that include alginate nanofibers, and methods for making the alginate nanofibers by electrospinning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane comprising at least one positively charged, synthetic, hydrophobic polymer, at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one plasticizer; wherein said membrane is flexible and is capable of supporting at least one of cell adherence, cell proliferation or cell differentiation. The invention further relates to use of a membrane of the invention in the preparation of an implantable devices including cell delivery systems, cell growing surfaces and scaffolds. The invention further provides methods for promoting tissue regeneration in a defected tissue region applying membranes of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of new polypeptide and protein variants of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) that have improved pharmaceutical properties. Also disclosed are methods for treating FGF21-associated disorders, including metabolic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a unit dose pharmaceutical composition comprising from about 5 ng/dose to less than 135,000 ng of an angiogenic agent, typically from 5 ng to 67,500 ng. Preferably, the angiogenic agent is FGF, more preferably it is basic FGF (FGF-2). In its second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for inducing angiogenesis, or increasing myocardial perfusion or vascular density in a patient's heart, comprising administering directly into the myocardium in an area in need, as a single injection or a series of injections, a unit dose of an angiogenic agent. It is also within the scope of the present invention that a plurality of unit dose compositions be administered directly into the myocardium at a plurality of sites in need of angiogenesis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating obesity and related disorders. The methods include the use of BMP-2, -4, -6 and -7.

Abstract: Porogen containing calcium phosphate cement compositions are provided. Aspects of the cement compositions include a dry calcium phosphate reactant component, a setting fluid component and a porogen component. The porogen component includes at least first and second porogens having different pore forming profiles. Aspects of the invention include combining the cement components to produce a settable composition. Aspects of the invention further include the settable compositions themselves as well as kits for preparing the same. Methods and compositions as described herein find use in a variety of applications, including hard tissue repair applications.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of conjugates of a variety of bioactive components, especially proteins, with water-soluble polymers (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) and derivatives thereof), which conjugates have reduced antigenicity and immunogenicity compared to similar conjugates prepared using poly(ethylene glycol) containing a methoxyl or another alkoxyl group. The invention also provides conjugates prepared by such methods, compositions comprising such conjugates, kits containing such conjugates or compositions and methods of use of the conjugates and compositions in diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating cardiovascular tissue. For example, stem cells, compositions containing stem cells, methods for obtaining stem cells, compositions for generating stem cells expressing particular markers (e.g., compositions comprising TGF-?1, BMP-2, FGF-4, and leukemia inhibitory factor), and methods for repairing cardiovascular tissue are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated amino acid that can act as an antagonist to FGF signaling, comprising at least a portion of the FGF protein amino acid sequence, and including a mutation in either a) the integrin ?v?3 binding region of FGF-1; or b) the FGFR binding region of FGF-1.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical polypeptide compositions promote the survival of cardiac cells, recruit cardiac cells to the cardiac area, stimulate the differentiation of cardiac cells, stimulate the proliferation of cardiac cells, and promote the activity of cardiac cells, thereby treating cardiac conditions. Methods of providing these compositions to the cardiac area include catheterization and direct injection. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise one of more of the following growth factors: EGF, bFGF, cardiotrophin-1, thrombin, PDGF-BB, amphiregulin, epiregulin, HB-EGF, TGFalpha, betacellulin, heregulin alpha, NRG-1-beta1-HRG-beta1, FGF 9.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for tissue regeneration without cell transplantation.

Abstract: Disclosed are in situ-forming injectable hydrogel and medical uses thereof. In the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel two or more homogeneous or heterogeneous polymers are bonded to each other by a dehydrogenation reaction between phenol or aniline moieties on adjacent polymers, wherein a polymer backbone is grafted with a phenol or aniline moiety using a linker. In contrast to conventional hydrogel, the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel is superior in terms of in vivo stability and mechanical strength thanks to the introduction of a water-soluble polymer as a linker which leads to an improvement in the reactivity of phenol or aniline moieties. Having the advantage of superior bio stability and mechanical strength, the hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating the activities of connexins are provided, including, for example, for use in post-surgical, trauma, or tissue engineering applications. These compounds and methods can be used therapeutically, for example, to reduce the severity of adverse effects associated diseases and disorders where localized disruption in direct cell-cell communication is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using zFGF5 compositions to proliferate chondrocytes and their progenitors, and to induce deposition of cartilage. zFGF5 compositions are disclosed for treating disorders associated with chondrocytes, such as cartilage injuries and defects. In addition, methods for treating neurological disorders, such as stroke, are disclosed, and methods for using zFGF5 compositions to stimulate growth of cells associated with neurological injury and disease are disclosed.

Abstract: Mutants of human FGF-1 are disclosed having increased stability and mitogenic potency. In the FGF-1 polypeptide, primarily residue 12 is substituted with threonine and/or residue 134 is substituted cysteine, valine or threonine to render the polypeptide more stable and/or to increase its mitogenecity.

Abstract: Mutants of human FGF-1 are disclosed having increased stability and mitogenic potency. In the FGF-1 polypeptide, primarily residue 12 is substituted with cysteine and/or residue 134 is substituted cysteine, valine or threonine to render the polypeptide more stable and/or to increase its mitogenecity.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for treating and/or preventing cancer or a cancer symptom, e.g., AMPK-related cancers, in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an FGF, e.g., FGF21, or an FGF agonist, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to providing enhanced application tissue graft materials in regenerative medicine through improved cellular interactions. Biocompatible implant materials, methods for preparing biocompatible implant materials, methods for using same, and methods for treating tissue injury are disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Recombinant NELL peptides and methods of preparing the same are disclosed.