Abstract: The present invention provides geodate delivery vehicles and methods of manufacture and administration. A vehicle including a lipid monolayer disposed about a hydrophobic domain is disclosed, that can be part of an emulsion or other mixture, or further disposed in a lipid strata. A vehicle including a lipid strata disposed about a hydrophobic domain is also disclosed. The vehicle can be incorporated into a variety of medicinal, food preparations, and personal care products to deliver or stabilize a cargo moiety. Packaged delivery vehicles for to later addition of cargo moieties are also contemplated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fumaryl diketopiperazine (FDKP) compositions and microparticles having a specific trans isomer content of about 45% to about 65%. The FDKP microparticles can comprise a drug such as an endocrine hormone, including, peptide, including, insulin, glucagon, parathyroid hormones and the like and can be used to make a powder formulation for pulmonary delivery of the drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using prolactin. 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 neurodegenerative diseases or conditions. In addition, since neural stem cells are a source for olfactory neurons, the present invention also provides methods of increasing olfactory neurons and enhancing olfactory functions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for producing emulsions, and, in particular, for maintaining laminar flow during production of emulsions containing microsuspensions.

Abstract: Described herein is a transmucosal delivery device and their use for delivering bioactive agents across a mucosal membrane. The delivery devices contain a pharmaceutically acceptable oxidizing and agents that facilitates the delivery of the blood stream across the mucosal membrane.

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: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of angiotensin-(1-9) or derivatives thereof, and at least one pharmaceutical acceptable carrier, excipient, stabilizer, diluent, and/or adjuvant. Additionally, the present invention describes the use of the pharmaceutical composition and the angiotensin-(1-9) peptide or peptides derived thereof which are biological or chemical analogous for the manufacture of medicaments useful for preventing, reverting, inhibiting, and/or reducing cardiovascular, pulmonary, cerebral, or renal remodeling. Additionally, this invention also comprises a method for preventing, reverting, inhibiting, and/or reducing cardiovascular, pulmonary, cerebral, or renal remodeling comprising elevating blood and/or tissue concentration of angiotensin-(1-9) or derivatives thereof peptide via a pharmaceutical composition that contains a vector expressing ACE2, enzyme responsible for the endogenous production of angiotensin-(1-9).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the processes of preparing silkfibroin/polyethylene oxide blended materials, and the resulting materials thereof, which are suitable for biomedical applications such as wound healing. In particular, the electrospun silk fibroin/PEO mats with a silk:PEO blend ratio of 2:1 to 4:1, treated with controlled evaporation, constraint-drying techniques, and/or alcohol treatment, and/or PEO extraction, demonstrate suitable physical and biofunctional properties, such as fiber structure, topography, absorption, water vapor transmission rates, oxygen permeation, and biodegradability, relevant to biomaterial systems with utility for wound dressings.

Abstract: This invention relates to oral and intra-articular formulations based on sulphated hyaluronic acid which are effective in the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Nano-sized particles are provided comprising at least one multi-headed amphiphilic compound, in which at least one headgroup of said multi-headed amphiphilic compound is selectively cleavable or contains a selectively cleavable group, and at least one biologically active agent, which is both encapsulated within the nano-particle and non-covalently associated thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having a specific surface area of less than about 67 m2/g. The diketopiperazine microparticle can be fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug such as insulin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drug delivery device including a biodegradable housing and a hydrogel within the biodegradable housing. The housing, the hydrogel, or both, may include a bioactive agent. Also disclosed is a method of drug delivery including the steps of forming the biodegradable housing, in embodiments a hydrogel, suspending a bioactive agent in the hydrogel, and introducing a second hydrogel and/or precursors of a second hydrogel into the biodegradable housing.

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: Methods of using SNS-595 for treatment of a subject having cancer with BRCA2 mutation are described. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of SNS-595 to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid dressings for treated wounded tissue in mammalian patients, such as a human, comprising a haemostatic layer consisting essentially of fibrinogen and a fibrinogen activator, wherein the fibrinogen is present in an amount between 3.0 mg/cm2 of the wound facing surface of the dressing and 13.0 mg/cm2 of the wound facing surface of the dressing. Also disclosed are methods for treating wounded tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid dressings for treated wounded tissue in mammalian patients, such as a human, comprising a haemostatic layer consisting essentially of a fibrinogen component and a fibrinogen activator, wherein the haemostatic layer(s) is cast or formed from a single aqueous solution containing the fibrinogen component and the fibrinogen activator. Also disclosed are methods for treating wounded tissue using these dressings and frozen compositions useful for preparing the haemostatic layer(s) of these dressings.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system and/or method for a photoresist-based immunoisolative microcontainer with nanoslots defined by nanoimprint technology. The present technology further provides a method of immunoisolating one or more biomolecules, the method comprising providing a biocompatible microcontainer, wherein the microcontainer comprises a base and semi-permeable nanoporous surface. Methods of using the microcontainers for transplantation and cell therapy are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles consisting of a polymer which is a metal chelating agent coated with a magnetic metal oxide, wherein at least one active agent is covalently bound to the polymer, said nanoparticles may optionally further comprise at least one active agent physically or covalently bound to the outer surface of the magnetic metal oxide. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these nanoparticles may be used, inter alia, for detection and treatment of tumors and inflammations.

Abstract: Provided herein are pyrazoloanthrones or functional derivatives or analogues thereof to activate MIS receptor-mediated downstream effects in a cell. In particular, methods are provided to prevent and treat cancer that expresses MIS receptor type II (MISRII) by administering to a subject at least one pyrazoloanthrone or a functional derivative or analogue thereof. Also provided herein are methods to lower plasma androgen levels in a subject, and/or for the treatment of a subject with a disease characterized by excess androgen, whereby the subject is administered at least one pyrazoloanthrone or a functional derivative or analogue thereof. Also provided are methods to decrease the dose of a chemotherapeutic agent by administering the chemotherapeutic agent with a pyrazoloanthrone or a functional derivative or analogue thereof that lowers the effective dose of the chemotherapeutic agent.

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: A conjugate that includes a drug covalently linked to a polymer. Upon administration, the conjugate is digested by an enzyme that is present at the site of administration thereby releasing a therapeutic agent. The conjugate may demonstrate substantially the same pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior as the drug itself. A material for controllably releasing a conjugate in response to the local concentration of a molecular indicator. The material includes a plurality of conjugates and a plurality of multivalent cross-linking agents. The polymers of the conjugates include an analog of the indicator within their covalent structure. The multivalent cross-linking agents include cross-link receptors that interact with the indicator analog and thereby cross-link the conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the uses of the protein PRG4 and therapeutic modulation thereof. In particular, the present invention relates compositions and methods utilizing PRG4 and therapeutic modulation thereof, including, use as a surgical lubricant, use in a treatment for prevention or reduction of post-surgical adhesions, use in a treatment for oral ulcerations, use as an athletic lubricating patch, use as a dermal filler, use in a treatment for dry mouth, use in a drug delivery method or composition, and use in nursing lubrication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a subject diagnosed with autism or an autism spectrum disorder, lowering the level of mercury in a subject determined to contain a high level of mercury, methods of lowering the level of mercury in a child diagnosed with autism, lowering the level of at least one androgen in a subject diagnosed with autism, lowering the level of mercury and the level of at least one androgen in a subject diagnosed with autism and methods of assessing the risk of whether a child is susceptible of developing autism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing protein microparticles in dilute organic acid solutions and in the absence of an alcohol such as ethanol. The microparticles are formed by dissolving a cereal prolamin protein in a concentrated organic acid solution with agitation and then diluting the solution with an aqueous solution. Protein microparticles having vacuoles are thus formed. The protein microparticles may be used to form powders, films, coatings, matrices, scaffolds and the like. Complete films can be formed from the protein microparticles of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material in the form of solid particles consisting of a continuous shell including at least one silicon oxide, said shell confining at least one oil phase, said material being characterized in that said oil phase is solid at the storage temperature of said material and predominately contains a crystallizable oil that has a melting temperature (TM) of less than 100° C. and at least one substance of interest, and in that the diameter of the particles varies from 1 ?m to 1 cm. The invention also relates to a method for preparing said material, to the use thereof for the thermostimulated generation of active substances, as well as to compositions containing same.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel calcium phosphate nanoparticles suitable for efficient encapsulation of biologically active molecules. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these nanoparticles, as well as methods of making such nanoparticles and using them as carriers for therapeutic delivery of biologically active macromolecules.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the effect of glucocorticoids, particularly dexamethasone, which suppress growth hormone secretion, by administering ghrelin or a ghrelin analogue, for example, [Aib2, Glu3(NH-hexyl)]hGhrelin(1-28)-NH2 (SEQ ID NO:2) or other suitable ghrelin agonist, to counteract the catabolic effects of said dexamethasone and other natural glucocorticoids.

Abstract: An injectable or implantable medical device having orifice(s) on the surface that release an active agent with zero-order release kinetics is described herein. The device is a hollow matrix of any size or shape, which can be made from both metal and non-metal surfaces. The device comprises of a reservoir capable of releasing at least one therapeutic, diagnostic, or prophylactic agent via the orifices to the desired anatomical site. The developed device, due to its composite structure, has the ability to combine several release mechanisms, leading to zero-order release kinetics for most of the time. The composition provides zero-order kinetics, in part, because the diffusion rate of the drug from the device is slow which enables sink conditions. Hence, no back transfer or build up of drug occurs at anytime. Polymers are not required for controlled release.

Abstract: Compositions for treating cancers of mucosal tissues including breast, prostate, ovary, colon are disclosed which include various combinations of new or conventional anti-estrogen compounds, aromatase inhibitors, immune modulators, immune inhibitors, immune inhibitor mimicking compounds and steroid or thyroid hormones. Methods of predicting susceptibility of a cancer of mucosal origin to treatment with a composition containing an immune inhibitor or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound are also disclosed. Preferred methods include identifying in a specimen of cancer cells the presence of a Poly-Ig (Fe) receptor or Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor capable of binding to an immune inhibitor or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound and of mediating immune inhibition of cancer cell growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of co-administering a peptide or protein drug with an enzyme-resistant PGA-complexone compound orally so to mitigate enzyme attack in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal subject.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation.

Abstract: Provided herein are four polypeptides, named PRT5, PRT6, PRT7 and PRT8, the nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the proteins, as well as their uses in therapeutic and diagnostic methods. Antibodies which specifically recognize the polypeptides are also provided, as well as their uses. Characterization of each protein showed that PRT5 and PRT8 are involved in glucose metabolism, PRT6 is involved in androgen regulation, while PRT7 correlates with cancer.

Abstract: An agent for suppressing elevation of blood GIP concentration and an agent for preventing or improving obesity, each of which contains a polyglutamic acid as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel complex peptidomimetic products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups that are site-specifically positioned along a linear oligomer or polymer scaffold and methods of making thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to N-substituted glycine peptoid oligomers or peptoids and their use as substrates for azide-alkyne [3+2]-cycloaddition conjugation reactions and subsequent additional rounds of oligomerization and cycloaddition. The methods of the invention may also be used to generate peptoid-peptide hybrid or peptide products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups, which are positioned precisely along the linear oligomer or polymer scaffold.

Abstract: Methods of using phenformin to treat certain types of cancers are described.

Abstract: Provided is a method for evaluating test agents as candidates for treating prostatic diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgen dependent and androgen independent prostate cancer. The method comprises providing a mouse comprising a human prostate primary xenograft, where the xenograft contains blood vessels that include human endothelial cells, initiating androgen deprivation in the mouse, administering to the mouse a test agent within a period of 1-7 days after initiating the androgen deprivation, and determining a reduction in human epithelial cells in the xenografts and/or a reduction in number of the endothelial cells or blood vessels in the xenograft. Also provided is a method for treating an individual for human prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or aspirin), salicylic acid (SA) and related salicylate esters and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, when coadministered in effective amounts with a drug or other bioactive agent which typically (in the absence of the salicylate compound) produces significant hepatotoxicity as a secondary indication, will substantially reduce or even eliminate such hepatotoxicity. Favorable therapeutic intervention results from the use of the present invention having the effect of reducing hepatotoxicity associated with the administration of certain drugs and other bioactive agents and in certain instances of allowing the administration of higher doses of a compound which, without the coadministration, would produce hepatotoxicity which limits or even negates the therapeutic value of the compound.

Abstract: Peptides are provided having leptin receptor agonist activity. The peptides are useful for treating obesity, type II diabetes, appetite control after bariatric surgery, insulin resistance, lipodystrophy and hypothalamic amenorrhea, obesity-related infertility, among other diseases and conditions related to leptin deficiency and/or leptin resistance.

Abstract: Microparticles consisting of (a) a matrix with a mixture of (a1) at least one hydrophobic, biologically degradable polymer and (a2) optionally at least one water-soluble polymer, (b) a pharmaceutical active ingredient distributed in the matrix, and (c) in addition at least one water-insoluble, surface-active substance from the group of lecithins and phospholipids, distributed in the matrix, and a three-phase emulsion process for their preparation.

Abstract: Cannabinoid compositions and methods of administering said cannabinoid compositions are disclosed. The cannabinoid compositions disclosed herein include compounds which have been strategically selected to eliminate, or least mitigate, one of the negative side effects associated with consuming cannabinoids. A daytime formula includes compounds aimed at nullifying the negative side effects that cannabinoid consumption has on a patient's daily operations and activities. A nighttime formula includes compounds aimed at nullifying the negative side effects that cannabinoid consumption has a patient's sleep.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds which are analogs of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds. These compounds have activity as agonists of GIP receptor.

Abstract: A bioactive composition includes a porous hydrogel matrix. At least one protein is immobilized in the porous hydrogel matrix forming a hydrogel protein composite that is stable in an organic solvent. A process for stabilizing a bioactive composition includes the steps of: forming hydrogel matrix pores around protein molecules and reducing a water content within the hydrogel matrix pores forming a hydrogel protein composite that is stable in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention, inter alia, relates to a closed sterilized container comprising at least one carrier which is a stabilizer; and at least one biomolecule reversibly attached to the carrier, wherein said carrier partially or completely covers the attached biomolecules and wherein said at least one carrier is selected from the group consisting of (poly)peptides such as dipeptides or tripeptides, amino acids, polyalcohols, polyethyleneglycols, ionic liquids, compatible solutes, saponins and a mixture thereof. The invention also relates to methods for producing sterilized containers according to the invention and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopolymer-modified nanocarrier in which chitosan is bound to a water-soluble biocompatible polymer that has been crosslinked via a photo-crosslinkable functional group; wherein the chitosan-modified nanocarrier has a diameter which changes in accordance with changes in temperature, has enhanced skin permeability or cellular uptake and selective delivery to cancer tissue as compared with a bare nanocarrier to which chitosan has not been bound, and exhibits characteristics that are advantageous in photothermal therapy. The chitosan-modified nanocarrier of the present invention exhibits highly superior efficacy as a transdermal carrier, since the skin permeability is enhanced to a significant level as compared with a bare nanocarrier that has no chitosan.

Abstract: The present invention relates biomedically useful compositions containing bioactive agents and biodegradable carbohydrate polyethers that exhibit reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. The microstructure structure and properties of the carbohydrate polyethers can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell delivery, surgical procedures and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a TLR8 agonist VTX-378, for use in the treatment or prevention of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis.

Abstract: A composition comprising a glassified, stabilized particle preparation having a low water activity (between about 0.1 and 0.9) is provided. The preparations provide improved products with enhanced storage stability, less expensive cost of processing, and extended shelf life. The glassified, stabilized particle preparations are particularly efficacious in the preparation of perishable products, especially pharmaceutical agents, such as human blood and blood products (e.g., red blood cells). A single emulsion process comprising a 2-phase system for preserving food and pharmaceutical products is also provided. Stabilized biological products as glassified beads are also provided, as well as a method for rehydrating and/or reconstituting the glassified beads to provide useful and fully active reconstituted and/or rehydrated materials is also presented.

Abstract: 3-Hydroxy-7-hydroxy steroids and 3-oxo-7-hydroxy steroids, especially the 7?-isomers thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable esters thereof are useful for protection against ischaemia-induced damage to peripheral organs, such as the heart or kidneys, as well as treatment of spiral cord injury.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inducing the deposition of elastin in skin by administering compositions including a mineralocorticoid, such as, for example, aldosterone and, optionally, a secondary active agent for enhancing or modulating the effect of the mineralocorticoid are described herein.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an oral solid transmucosal dosage form that enhances transmucosal permeation of biologically active polypeptides across oral mucosal tissue and provides relatively rapid efficacious therapeutic onset thereof. Dosage forms prepared according to the invention can enhance transmucosal absorption of polypeptides in therapeutic serum concentrations to the recipient. The invention provides a solid dosage form for oral transmucosal absorption of a biologically active polypeptide, wherein the dosage form comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a therapeutically active polypeptide; a bile salt; and an effervescent excipient component, which can comprise an effervescent couple and optionally a pH adjusting substance. The invention includes a method of administering a biologically active polypeptide, as well as a method of enhancing transmucosal absorption of a biologically active polypeptide.