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 invention relates to a human or veterinary pharmaceutical composition (B) for the stimulation of stem cells, comprising at least two stem-cells-stimulating-agents and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating cancer, which contains one or more selected from the group consisting of human adult stem cells and their secretory products, and to a method of preventing or treating cancer using the same. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of adult stem cells that exhibit the effect of preventing or treating cancer by activating the immune system. The human adult stem cells of the invention are administered by a simple method such as intravenous injection and are highly valuable as a cell therapeutic agent for treating various cancer (tumor) diseases. Thus, the adult stem cells will be highly useful in anticancer studies.

Abstract: An HGF precursor protein variant, in which a peptide structure comprises a sequence including a peptide chain X inserted between an ? chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the C-terminus of the ? chain are deleted, and a ? chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the N-terminus of the ? chain are deleted; wherein (i) the peptide chain X has an amino-acid sequence of at least two residues, (ii) the peptide chain X can be cleaved by a protease reaction or a chemical reaction, and (iii) a protein obtained by cleaving at least one site of the peptide chain X has HGF action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Cardiac Targeting Peptides or CTPs that are able to transduce cardiomyocytes specifically in culture and in vivo, and to methods for using such peptides and their derivatives to deliver peptides, proteins or nucleic acids specifically to the heart. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the peptide APWHLSSQYSRT (SEQ ID NO:1) functioned as a cardiac-specific protein targeting peptide and was successful in delivering a number of different cargoes to cardiac muscle cells in vitro and in vivo.

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: 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: Methods, compositions, and kits for repairing damaged myocardium and/or myocardial cells including the administration of cytokines, variants of cytokines, cardiac stem cells, or combinations thereof are disclosed and claimed. In addition, methods, compositions, and kits for forming coronary vasculature including the administration of cytokines, variants of cytokines, cardiac stem cells, or combinations thereof are described. In particular, administration of variants of hepatocyte growth factor, such as NK1, 1K1, and HP11, are useful for the repair and/or regeneration of damaged myocardium or formation of coronary vasculature. Methods of activating cardiac stem cells in vitro are also disclosed.

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.

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: An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to identify targets, pathways and molecules regulating purinosomes and their uses for treating pathophysiological disorders associated with purinosomes. Disclosed are methods related to both label-free cellular assays and fluorescence imaging to confirm the regulatory roles of various targets and molecules in purinosome dynamics. Disclosed are methods to classify molecules and the uses of these molecules for different indications. Specifically, the purinosome-disrupting molecules can be used for improved prevention and treatment of cancer development.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the HGF/c-met signaling pathway, in particular by regulating c-met dimerization and/or binding of ligand to c-met using a c-met antagonist that disrupts c-met multimerization.

Abstract: The invention features compositions comprising agents having cardiac protective activity isolated from epicardial progenitor cells and derivatives thereof, and methods for the use of such compositions.

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

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing transport of agents across the blood brain barrier while allowing their activity once across the barrier to remain substantially intact. The agents are transported across the blood brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems. In some embodiments the agents are therapeutic, diagnostic, or research agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting pathologic angiogenesis and/or cell proliferative disorder. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises an effective amount of LECT2 protein or analogue thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis, particularly a therapeutic agent for ameliorating an inflammatory symptom or bone deformity in rheumatoid arthritis, which comprises an antibody that binds to a hepatocyte growth factor receptor as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention provides HGF/Met modulators comprising HGF having mutations in regions that affect HGF function, and antagonists that target said regions. The invention further provides methods of identifying, making and using these modulators.

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: Improvements on the basic method used for BEAMing increase sensitivity and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The improvements have permitted the determination of intrinsic error rates of various DNA polymerases and have permitted the detection of rare and subtle mutations in DNA isolated from plasma of cancer patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of functionalized nanoparticles for drug delivery, comprising a type of polymer nanoparticles, a polymer stabilizer coating, and a drug, wherein said polymer stabilizer coating is coated on the surface of said type of polymer nanoparticles, and said drug is conjugated to said polymer stabilizer coating. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the nanoparticles; and provides a method for treating an ischemic or degenerative disease, comprising administrating an effective amount of the type of functionalized nanoparticles to a subject.

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: 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: Chimeric therapeutics are disclosed that include a modified viral core protein and a nucleic acid bound to the modified viral core protein. The nucleic acid may be substantially homologous to a specific gene target. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid bound to the modified viral core protein is substantially non-immunogenic. Also disclosed are particles and compositions that include disclosed chimeric therapeutics.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating and preventing demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis, and traumatic injury to the central nervous system including brain trauma and spinal cord injury, by administering a compound or pharmaceutical composition of the invention. Useful compounds include hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor protein, fragments, fusion polypeptides and muteins thereof, and nucleic acid and expression vectors encoding such proteins. Other useful compounds include small molecule HGF/SF agonists and mimetics.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for repairing damaged myocardium and/or myocardial cells including the administration of cytokines are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An HGF precursor protein variant, in which a peptide structure comprises a sequence including a peptide chain X inserted between an ? chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the C-terminus of the ? chain are deleted, and a ? chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the N-terminus of the ? chain are deleted; wherein (i) the peptide chain X has an amino-acid sequence of at least two residues, (ii) the peptide chain X can be cleaved by a protease reaction or a chemical reaction, and (iii) a protein obtained by cleaving at least one site of the peptide chain X has HGF action.

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: This invention relates to the use of 4-amidino benzylamine derivatives as cosmetic ingredients and to cosmetic compositions, as well as to non-therapeutic methods for the cosmetic treatment of the skin and the scalp. Said derivatives and compositions can be used as urokinase inhibitors to prevent and restore damage of the epidermal barrier. Barrier abnormalities and disruptions respectively are often the starting point of a dry skin state, of itching, of dandruff and of the perception of sensitive skin. These 4-amidino benzylamine derivatives can be used for topical skin and scalp care applications in form of creams, lotions, gels, shampoos and the like.

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

Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of growth factors, which are effective on mesothelial cell proliferation, used in a sterilized carboxymethylchitosan pharmaceutical composition employed to reduce postoperative adhesions severity. The present invention also provides a method to inhibit postoperative adhesions severity.

Abstract: Described herein is the discovery that HGFs activate the growth and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells and thereby promote lymphangiogenesis. The present invention is based on this finding, and provides lymphangiogenesis-promoting agents comprising as active ingredients HGFs, or proteins or compounds functionally equivalent thereto. Based on the finding described above, the present invention also provides methods for promoting lymphangiogenesis which comprise the step of locally administering HGFs or proteins functionally equivalent thereto to affected areas in patients with lymphedema.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixture of: a bone/cartilage formation promoting agent containing sulfated galactosaminoglycan having greater than or equal to 0.6 numbers of ester sulfate groups on average per constituent monosaccharide or a salt thereof as an active ingredient; a factor having a bone/cartilage formation promoting action; or a bone filler (BMP, TGF-?, FGF, IGF, insulin, PDGF, HGF, midkine, pleiotrophin, collagen, gelatin, proteoglycan, fibronectin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein, hydroxyapatite, dicalcium phosphate anhydride, dicalcium phosphate dehydrate, ?-tricalcium phosphate, amorphous calcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate, ?-tricalcium phosphate, PLLA, PLGA, titanium, decalcified bone, autogeneous bone, or the like).

Abstract: The invention provides activated fibroblasts for the treatment of tissue and/or organ damage in a patient. Fibroblasts are activated by culturing the cells under conditions that induce the cells to adhere to each other and simultaneously to secrete growth factors, especially hepatocyte growth factor, HGF. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition based on the medium in which the activated fibroblasts are cultured. The invention further provides methods for transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions, methods, and devices for delivering angiogenic factors and signaling molecules to a target tissue, and controlling the release of these factors and signaling molecules to spatially and temporally restrict their release and dissemination, for the purposed promoting angiogenesis in target tissues.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to controlling the release of growth factors for the promotion of angiogenesis. The growth factors or a polymer matrix are modified by photoactive compounds, such that the growth factors are not released into an active form until they are irradiated with light. The disclosure also relates to tissue engineering scaffolds comprising one or more polymers and at least two growth factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for sequentially and separately reducing infection and/or inflammation and regenerating tissue at a lesion site, by contacting the lesion site with a biodegradable scaffold that first delivers one or more agents at the lesion site to reduce infection and/or inflammation and then delivers one or more agents to regenerate tissue at the lesion site after inflammation is reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides injection vehicles suitable for administering particulate suspensions, such as polymer-based formulations, as well as associated pharmaceutical formulations, articles of manufacture, and kits. Other aspects of the invention included methods for producing and administering pharmaceutical formulations. The injection vehicles of the invention are superior to conventional injection vehicles in that they include a pseudoplastic composition that improves injectability, which facilitates delivery of the desired dose. The injection vehicles of the invention also allow the use of smaller-bore needles than are usually necessary to inject polymer-based formulations, reducing the pain associated with injection of such formulations.

Abstract: A neovascularization promoting composition, a granulation formation-promoting composition and a preventive or curative composition for skin ulcer, comprising a human recombinant HGF wherein five amino acid residues are deleted in the first Kringle domain thereof. The provided compositions of the present invention are useful as a drug capable of promoting granulation formation and neovascularization and being effective in tissue restoration, especially as a preventive and curative agent for skin ulcer.

Abstract: Maternal diabetes can lead to a developmental malformation of an embryo. A developmental malformation caused by maternal diabetes is commonly referred to as a diabetic embryopathy. There is currently no effective treatment for reducing or inhibiting a diabetic embryopathy. To this end, the present invention is drawn to novel methods of treating a diabetic embryopathy.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to compositions and methods for the stabilization, storage, and delivery of biologically active agents, in particular peptides and nucleic acids. Particularly preferred embodiments include compositions that comprise a recombinant naturally occurring human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), such as dHGF, a five amino acid truncated HGF variant, and at least one monoglyceride that remains in crystalline form at body temperature. Optionally, a gelling agent such as, hydroxyethylcellulose, and/or an antipathogenic compound (e.g., bupivacaine) can be included in the composition. Methods of use of these compositions to improve, ameliorate, or treat skin conditions are also embodiments.