Abstract: A method for identifying a kidney transplant recipient at an increased risk of developing interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy which comprises obtaining a post-transplant urine sample from the kidney transplant recipient; measuring the level of clusterin in the urine sample; comparing the level of clusterin in the patient sample to the level of clusterin in a control sample from the urine of a non-fibrotic kidney transplant recipient; diagnosing a kidney transplant recipient with a clusterin level that is significantly higher than the clusterin level in the control as being at an increased risk of developing interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the HGF/c-met signaling pathway, in particular by regulating binding of HGF ? chain to c-met.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bioactive composition containing conditioned cell culture medium is disclosed. The method comprises culturing cells of two or more eukaryotic cell line to form conditioned culture media, separating the cultured cells from the conditioned culture media, and combining conditioned culture media to form a bioactive composition. Novel bioactive compositions, formulations and their use in treating of a variety of diseases and health conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention describes materials and methods for the local reprogramming of cells in a location where the treatment is applied. The invention can be used to replace lost cells or to restore function to tissue damaged due to disease, injury or genetic defect. In various embodiments, the treatment includes a semisolid hydrogel embedded with liposomes. The liposomes can contain an effector molecule or molecules. When phagocytic cells such as monocytes infiltrate the hydrogel, they encounter the liposomes and incorporate the liposomes carrying the effector molecules into the cells. In some embodiments, the effector molecules can be genetic material encoding the expression of specific proteins such as transcription factors, the expression of which can initiate the reprogramming of the cells. In other embodiments, the effector molecules can induce angiogenesis. In other embodiments, the effector molecules are tumor antigens.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and medical device systems relating to treating exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) and nasopharyngeal cicatrix (NC) in a mammal. For example, one method comprises administering through inhalation a composition comprising a physiologically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of each of one or more stem cell derived factors. Exemplary stem cell derived factors include, but are not limited to, growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines. The mammal may be a horse, dog, camel, or Homo sapiens.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the modulation of hepatocyte growth factor activity to regulate lymphatic vessel development and function. Methods and composition for the monitoring and treatment of skin disorders, lymphedema, and metastatic cancers are disclosed. Also described are methods of identifying inhibitors of hepatocyte growth factor dependent lymphangiogenesis.

Abstract: As the percentage of senior citizens increases at the present time, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic which can maintain the skin in a healthy state by preventing damage to the skin that accompanies aging, more specifically, discoloration and wrinkling, is very safe, does not pose ethical problems, and can be supplied in a sufficient amount. The present invention provides a cosmetic that comprises as the main component a powder of the supernatant produced by culturing the bone marrow or dental pulp stem cells of a nonhuman mammal. Moreover, provided is a method for ion introduction for protein by which the cosmetic is introduced by ion introduction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a drug for promoting the regeneration of tendon-bone junction tissue or ligament-bone junction tissue.

Abstract: The present invention develops a straightforward and rapid method for generating immunomodulatory cells from peripheral mononuclear cells, comprising treating peripheral mononuclear cells with a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to induce differentiation of the peripheral mononuclear cells into immunomodulatory leukocytes. The present invention also provides an immunomodulatory cell prepared according to this method. The present invention further provides a method for treating a disease caused by abnormal immune response comprising administering a HGF to a patient exhibiting the disease, inducing the patient's peripheral mononuclear cells to differentiate into immunomodulatory leukocytes, and modulating the abnormal immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of peptide compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of ophthalmic diseases. In particular, the present invention relates to a peptide compound comprising an amino acid sequence displayed by amino acids 7 to 11 of SEQ ID NO: 2 (KEQWFGNRWHEGYR) or of SEQ ID NO: 1 (KEKWFENEWQGKNP), or a functionally active derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the prevention and/or treatmend of an ophthalmic disease in an individual. While SEQ ID NO: 2 is a part of the human CD44v6, SEQ ID NO: 1 is a part of the rat CD44v6.

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: Methods of stimulating collagen production, including stimulation of chondrocyte production, at the site of a defect. Methods include administering to the site of a defect at least two proteins from the group IL-1ra, sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII.

Abstract: Preparations containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) and methods of making and using same. The HGF and HA preparations can be prepared together in solution as an injectable fluid without gelatinization, or impregnated within a porous hydrophilic matrix material with, or without, cross-linking of the HA with the matrix material. The preparations can be used as a dermal filler or to generate and promote healing of cartilage, vertebral discs, connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments and bone in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for a combination therapy with a cytokine antagonist and a corticosteroid. By means of the combination therapy diseases such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries and/or degenerative spinal diseases can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for acute liver failure containing a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), particularly an agent for treating fulminant hepatitis or late onset hepatic failure or suppression of progression of acute liver failure without hepatic coma to fulminant hepatitis or late onset hepatic failure. The present invention also provides a method for evaluating the efficacy of HGF including measuring the amount of ?-fetoprotein (liver regeneration biomarker) and/or soluble Fas (anti-apoptotic biomarker) in a sample obtained from a liver injury patient administered with HGF.

Abstract: Described herein is a cell tissue gel cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, and a quenching agent bound to a reactive group of the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for neuroprotection. In particular, provided herein are compositions (e.g., hepatocyte secretory factors) for alleviating and/or protecting against neuronal damage (e.g., resulting from stroke), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Monospecific and bispecific EGFR and/or c-Met FN3 domain containing molecules, isolated nucleotides encoding the molecules, vectors, host cells, and methods of making thereof are useful in the generation of therapeutic molecules and treatment and diagnosis of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Monospecific and bispecific EGFR and/or c-Met FN3 domain containing molecules, isolated nucleotides encoding the molecules, vectors, host cells, and methods of making thereof are useful in the generation of therapeutic molecules and treatment and diagnosis of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing transport of GDNF across the blood brain barrier while allowing its activity to remain substantially intact. The GDNF is transported across the blood brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel therapeutic agent and a novel treatment method for cancer. Specifically disclosed are: a targeting agent for a cell selected from the group consisting of a cancer cell and a cancer-associated fibroblast, which comprises a retinoid; a substance delivery carrier for the cell, which comprises the targeting agent; an anti-cancer composition utilizing the targeting agent or the carrier; an anti cancer-associated fibroblast composition; and a method for treatment of cancer.

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

Abstract: An injector system for delivery of a pharmacological agent to biological tissue having a plurality of needles arranged in an array, a plurality of reservoirs configured to receive a pharmacological composition therein, the reservoirs being in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of needles, a pneumatic pressure source, a pneumatic drive system that is configured to induce a first discharge of the pharmacological composition out of the reservoirs and needles in a plurality of delivery modes, agent delivery volume control means for controlling volume of the pharmacological composition discharged from the needles, and a control system having actuation control means for controlling said pneumatic drive system. The control system is programmed to control the delivery modes.

Abstract: The present invention develops a straightforward and rapid method for generating immunomodulatory cells from peripheral mononuclear cells, comprising treating peripheral mononuclear cells with a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to induce differentiation of the peripheral mononuclear cells into immunomodulatory leukocytes. The present invention also provides an immunomodulatory cell prepared according to this method. The present invention further provides a method for treating a disease caused by abnormal immune response comprising administering a HGF to a patient exhibiting the disease, inducing the patient's peripheral mononuclear cells to differentiate into immunomodulatory leukocytes, and modulating the abnormal immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel endocytic motif, and in particular, to a fusion polypeptide including the motif represented by an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 and a protein transduction domain, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating cancer including the same, and a method for treating cancer including the step of administering the composition. The present invention shows the effects of suppressing metastasis, infiltration, angiogenesis, and growth of cancer by specifically inhibiting c-Met endocytosis and effectively inhibiting HGF/c-Met signaling pathway associated with metastasis and growth of various types of cancer cells. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to an anticancer agent for various types of cancer.

Abstract: Small molecule, peptidic hepatocyte growth factors mimics, which act as both mimetics and antagonists, have been generated. These molecules have been shown or predicted to have therapeutic potential for numerous pathologies including dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's) and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of autologous stem/progenitor cells to restore or rejuvenate adult stem cell function in a mammal, wherein the restoration or rejuvenating extends lifespan and/or improves health of the mammal. In addition, the invention also relates to compositions containing one or more regulatory factors secreted or released from isolated mammalian stem/progenitor cells and use of such compositions to extend lifespan and/or improve health of a mammal. Also provided are methods of treating, delaying, preventing or reversing progeria or related syndromes in a mammal using isolated autologous or allogeneic stem/progenitor cells and/or regulatory factors secreted or released therefrom.

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: Small molecule, peptidic hepatocyte growth factors mimics, which act as both mimetics and antagonists, have been generated. These molecules have been shown or predicted to have therapeutic potential for numerous pathologies including dementia, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cancer, and defective wound healing.

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 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 discloses an agent for treating a polyglutamine aggregation-caused disease or suppressing its onset, which comprises, as an active ingredient, (1) (i) HGF protein, (ii) a partial peptide of HGF protein that is substantially equivalent in activity to HGF protein, or a salt of either of them, or (2) DNA containing (i) DNA encoding HGF protein, (ii) DNA encoding a partial peptide of HGF protein that is substantially equivalent in activity to HGF protein or (iii) DNA which encodes a protein or a peptide that is substantially equivalent in activity to HGF protein and hybridizes with DNA comprising a complementary base sequence of either of the above-mentioned DNAs under a stringent condition.

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: 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: Compositions for forming a self-reinforcing composite biomatrix, methods of manufacture and use therefore are herein disclosed. Kits including delivery devices suitable for delivering the compositions are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least three components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer, a second component can include a second functionalized polymer and a third component can include silk protein or constituents thereof. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition can include a biologic encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual lumen injection device to a treatment area in situ, in vivo, as well as ex vivo applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic agent effective for the fundamental treatment of a spinal cord injury and a demyelinating disease. Specifically disclosed are a therapeutic agent for a spinal cord injury and a therapeutic agent for a demyelinating disease, each of which comprises an HGF protein as an active ingredient.

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 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: The NK1 fragment of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) binds to and activates the Met receptor, a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a critical role in embryonic development and organ formation. The instant application discloses NK1 variant polypeptides which act as agonists or antagonists of HGF. Further disclosed are covalently linked NK1 variant polypeptides. Many of the disclosed variant polypeptides possess improved stability characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for a combination therapy with a cytokine antagonist and a corticosteroid. By means of the combination therapy diseases such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries and/or degenerative spinal diseases can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an HGF preparation comprising HGF and purified sucrose. The HGF preparation is characterized by being stable even after a long-term storage.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the HGF/c-met signaling pathway, in particular by regulating binding of HGF ? chain to c-met.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for promoting arteriogenesis, and preparation method and applications of the same, wherein said pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of a drug, and a peptide hydrogel, and it forms a microenvironment for autologous cell recruitment and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified glycosylation-deficient HGF and a production method thereof. The glycosylation-deficient HGF is produced by introducing amino acid mutation(s) so that no glycosylation take place at at least one glycosylation site of hepatocyte growth factor.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the modulation of hepatocyte growth factor activity to regulate lymphatic vessel development and function. Methods and composition for the monitoring and treatment of skin disorders, lymphedema, and metastatic cancers are disclosed. Also described are methods of identifying inhibitors of hepatocyte growth factor dependent lymphangiogenesis.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation comprising a hepatocyte growth factor or a DNA molecule encoding the same and the like according to the present invention can suppress the fibrosis of a transplanted organ after organ transplantation. The present invention is useful in the fields of organ transplantation and regeneration therapy.

Abstract: The cell surface c-Met receptor, through which hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signals are mediated, has now been identified as the Angiotensin-IV receptor (AT(4)R) in processes that include HGF-regulated cell motility, angiogenesis, cancer metastasis, adipogenesis and others. Disclosed are angiotensin-like factor compositions and methods for using them to diagnose, prevent and/or treat conditions associated with c-Met dysregulation, including cancer, obesity and conditions associated with obesity, and other disorders, for example, by altering hepatocyte growth factor activity or c-Met receptor activity by administering an angiotensin-like factor that specifically binds to a cell surface c-Met receptor. In addition, members of this group of molecules may useful for treating or preventing the development of neurodegenerative diseases like general dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and initiating recovery from traumatic brain injury and spinal cord trauma.

Abstract: Resorbable lactide polymer thin membranes are disclosed. The thin membranes are constructed of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The membranes are formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.30 mm. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be preshaped with relatively thick portions, and can be stored in sterile packages.