Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer modified nucleic acid vector in which the nucleic acid vector is covalently linked to a polymer, which polymer comprises one or more positively charged quaternary amino groups, wherein the nucleic acid vector is a micro-organism selected from the group consisting of a virus, a bacteria or a bacteriophage, a fungus, a spore, a eukaryotic cell nucleus or other micro-organism fragment or a component containing genetic information, and wherein (a) the polymer and/or the linkages between it and the nucleic acid vector are hydrolytically, reducibly or enzymatically degradable; and/or (b) wherein each of the positively charged quaternary amino groups is linked to the polymer backbone via one or more degradable or biodegradable linkages.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of treatment of diabetes and relates to peptides that exhibit activity for both glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor (GIP-R) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1-R) and are selective over glucagon receptor (Gluc-R). Specifically provided are GIP analogs with amino acid substitutions introduced to modulate activity for both GIP-R and GLP-1-R and maintain selectivity over Gluc-R.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method for treatment, diagnosis and prevention of diseases related to fetal growth and placental insufficiency and comprises methods including inhibiting or increasing relaxin synthesis, relaxin receptor synthesis, relaxin binding to the relaxin receptor, and relaxin receptor activity. The invention also relates to screening assays to identify compounds that modulate relaxin and/or relaxin receptor activity. The invention further relates to gene therapy methods utilizing relaxin and relaxin-related sequences for the treatment and prevention of diseases related to fetal growth and placental insufficiency.

Abstract: Y4 receptor agonist peptide selected from the group consisting of: [Ala30]PP2-36, [Thr30]PP2-36, [Asn30]PP2-36, [Gln30]PP2-36, [Glu10]PP2-36, [Glu10,Leu17,Thr30]PP2-36, [Nle17,Nle30]PP2-36, [Glu10,Nle17,Nle30]PP2-36, their PP1-36 equivalents, and analogues and derivatives thereof as described in the specification, are selective agonists of the Y4 receptor relative to the Y1 and Y2 receptors, and are useful in the treatment, for example, of obesity and overweight, and conditions in which these are considered contributory factors, and in the treatment of diarrhoea and intestinal hypersecretion.

Abstract: An HCG preparation for oral administration or for injection used either as a simple dilution or coupled to albumin or a cyclodextrin therapeutically effective in the treatment of mood disorders including (but not limited to) neurosis, irritability, depressive states and borderline states. HCG preparation as above described is also effective in the treatment of all types of alcoholism.

Abstract: The present application provides methods of prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. In the cancer treatment methods disclosed, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 can be by administration of a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB 1 is also provided. Similarly, provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by increasing expression of DEFB1 in the subject.

Abstract: Featured are a biocompatible, injectable, self-setting, cohesive, bone-bonding and remodeling calcium phosphate composite material and its use in methods of repairing defective bone, e.g., in vertebroplasty augmentation and kyphoplasty.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for inhibiting alveolar airspace enlargement containing adiponectin or an agent for inhibiting alveolar wall destruction containing adiponectin. The pulmonary disease therapeutic agents of the present invention are highly safe drugs that possess an excellent effect of decreasing the deterioration of the pulmonary function, such as airflow limitation, and exhibit an extremely high effect of treating pulmonary disease accompanied by irreversible deterioration in pulmonary function, with fewer adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting and gastric acid secretion.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral pharmaceutical compositions that enable the successful delivery of drugs in a pharmaceutically effective amount, particularly poly(amino acids) such as peptides, peptidomimetics and proteins, e.g. hormones to a subject via oral administration to accomplish the desired therapeutic effect. The oral pharmaceutical composition comprising a poly(amino acid) as the active ingredient, e.g. a peptide or protein, shows a rapid disintegration and/or dissolution such that the active ingredient is able to attain a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an early stage melanoma which includes detecting the expression level of dual specificity phosphatase 1 protein (DUSP1) and a method for determining a prognosis for a subject having melanoma which includes detecting the expression level of DUSP1 are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprised by these methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature- and pH-sensitive hydrogel composed of a poly(amidoamine) oligomer only. The hydrogel is prepared in a simple manner and is readily released from the body. Further disclosed are a method for preparing the hydrogel and a drug carrier using the hydrogel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stable metastin derivative having excellent biological activities (e.g., a cancer metastasis inhibiting activity, a cancer proliferation inhibiting activity, a gonadotropin secretion promoting activity, a sex hormone secretion promoting activity). A metastin derivative produced by substituting a constituent amino acid in metastin can be improved in stability in the blood and can have an excellent cancer metastasis inhibiting activity, an excellent cancer proliferation inhibiting activity, an excellent gonadotropin secretion inhibiting activity, an excellent sex hormone secretion inhibiting activity and the like by binding the metastin derivative to polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flexible, compressed intravaginal rings comprising a substantially homogeneous compressed mixture comprising a polymethacrylate, a plasticizer, and an active agent, and methods of making and using the same, and apparatus for making the same.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions of peptide analogs that are active in blood or cleavable in blood to release an active peptide. The peptide analogs have a general formula: A-(Cm)x-Peptide (SEQ ID NO: 76), wherein A is hydrophobic moiety or a metal binding moiety, e.g., a chemical group or moiety containing 1) an alkyl group having 6 to 36 carbon units, 2) a nitrilotriacetic acid group, 3) an imidodiacetic acid group, or 4) a moiety of formula (ZyHisw)p (SEQ ID NO: 50), wherein Z is any amino acid residue other than histidine, His is histidine, y is an integer from 0-6; w is an integer from 1-6; and p is an integer from 1-6; wherein if A has alkyl group with 6 to 36 carbon units x is greater than 0; and Cm is a cleavable moiety consisting of glycine or alanine or lysine or arginine or N-Arginine or N-lysine, wherein x is an integer between 0-6 and N may be any amino acid or none. The peptide analogs are complexed with polymeric carrier to provide enhanced half-life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use and methods of treatment using sympathicomimetic agonists with pro-hemostatic activity.

Abstract: Synthesis natural tubulisine derivatives of formula (A) having a high cytotoxicity wherein: B is selected from CH2, CH2—CH2 or CH2—CH2—CH2, D is an aromatic linker, X1 is alkyl or alkenyl, X2 is selected from the X2a, substituted or non substituted, selected from: aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycloalkylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, X2b: alkylene-O-alkyl, wherein alkylene is C2-C10, X2c: CH2—O-alkyl, X3 is selected from H, or together with X4 forms the group ?O, X4 is selected from H, halogen, OH, SH, alkyl, alkenyl, (OR5)n—OR6, OC(O)R7, NR6R7, or together with X4 forms the group ?O, R5 is an alkylene, n is zero or an integer from 1 to 10, R6 and R7, equal to or different from each other, have the following meanings: z1: H, alkyl, z2 substituted or non substituted: aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycloalkylalkyl, X5 is z2, or has the meaning of z3=alkyl, alkenyl, X6 is selected from NR8R9, OR8, NH—NR8R9, SR8, R10, wh

Abstract: The present relates to a method to stimulate thymocytes to differentiate, proliferate and increase thymic output by administration of a hormone-based reagent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for making and using bioactive assemblies of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. In particular embodiments, the bioactive assembly is formed using dock-and-lock (DNL) methodology, which takes advantage of the specific binding interaction between dimerization and docking domains (DDD) and anchoring domains (AD) to form the assembly. In various embodiments, one or more effectors may be attached to a DDD or AD sequence. Complementary AD or DDD sequences may be attached to an adaptor module that forms the core of the bioactive assembly, allowing formation of the assembly through the specific DDD/AD binding interactions. Such assemblies may be attached to a wide variety of effector moieties for treatment, detection and/or diagnosis of a disease, pathogen infection or other medical or veterinary condition.

Abstract: Methods of treating, mitigating, slowing the progression of, or preventing Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) include administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in combination with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF?) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF?-mediated pathologies and conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for stimulating the proliferation of pluripotential stem cells in a mammal comprising administration of pregnancy related compounds more particularly human chorionic gonadotropin, leutenizing hormone or prolactin. The present invention further provides for a method of treatment of tissues or organs experiencing cellular damage, injury or disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are a patch, system, and method for delivery of a permeant composition into a subject via at least one formed pathway through a biological membrane of the subject. The patch comprises a matrix, at least one hydrophilic permeant disposed within the matrix, wherein at least a portion of the permeant can dissolve in biological moisture received from the subject, and at least one permeability enhancer disposed within the matrix. Also disclosed are systems and methods for delivery of a permeant composition into a subject via at least one formed pathway through a skin layer of the subject.

Abstract: A method, device, or kit is provided which maintain a substantially physiological cyclic pre-menopausal level of one or more steroid hormones in a mammalian subject in need thereof. The method, device, or kit includes providing to the subject at least one treatment regimen including replacement therapy for the one or more steroid hormones or metabolites or modulators thereof, wherein the at least one treatment regimen is determined based on pre-menopausal cyclic steroid hormone levels of the subject and on current cyclic steroid hormone levels of the subject, wherein the at least one treatment regimen is configured to maintain the subject's one or more steroid hormones or metabolites or modulators thereof at substantially physiological cyclic pre-menopausal levels. The method, device, or kit can be used for the treatment of a disease or condition in the mammalian subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic and/or prophylactic uses of hydrazide compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds as an active component for treating a disease or disorder requiring modulation of vacuolar (H+)-ATPases.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating cancer in a patient comprising administering to said patient a proteasome inhibitor at least three days a week.

Abstract: Specific oligonucleotide sequences, when given subcutaneously and in particular when administered on a mucous membrane, e.g. intranasally, intravaginally, or rectally, have a profound effect on various human cancer forms as confirmed in vivo, in animal studies, and in vitro, in human PBMCs collected from blood from healthy subjects and from patients suffering from CLL. The compounds are also preferably used in combination with a cancer therapy chosen among radiation treatment, hormone treatment, surgical intervention, chemotherapy, immunological therapies, photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, hyperthermia, cryotherapy, angiogenesis inhibition, or a combination of any of these, and most preferably an immunological treatment comprising the administration of an antibody to the patient.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions useful in anticancer treatment and prevention. The compositions are composed of (a) an O2-aryl substituted diazeniumdiolate and (b) an amphiphile, wherein the amount of amphiphile is sufficient to produce a liposome or micelle. The compositions described herein provide numerous advantages such as increased solubility and stability of the O2-aryl substituted diazeniumdiolate in vivo. The compositions also do not induce hypotension. Methods for using the compositions in anticancer treatment and prevention are also described herein.

Abstract: A novel ovulatory induction paradigm entails administration of hCG in combination with FSH during all stages of treatment, where the ratio of FSH to hCG is adjusted to optimize ovulatory stimulation and minimize complications. The use of compositions characterized by various FSH:hCG ratios enables the practitioner readily to tailor the treatment regimen and accommodate different therapeutic goals as well as individual patient responses to gonadotropin administration.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention, including compounds that bind to a receptor for a glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an exendin, or an agonist, an analog (preferably an agonist analog), a derivative, or a variant of any of aforementioned compounds, are used in the prevention and treatment of arrhythmias associated with cardiac ischemia, cardiac ischemia-perfusion and/or congestive heart failure. The invention relates to both the method and compositions for such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula: (I) wherein ring A, ring B, R1, R3, Z, L1, and L2 are selected independently of each other and are as defined herein, to compositions comprising the compounds, and to methods of using the compounds as glucagon receptor antagonists and for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes and conditions related thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating a subject who has suffered from a central nervous system disorder. More particularly, the invention provides sustained polymeric drug delivery systems for direct delivery of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to proislet peptides, preferably HIP, that exhibit increased stability and efficacy, and methods of using the same to treating a pathology associated with impaired pancreatic function, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes and symptoms thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides for compositions, methods and devices for rapidly converting silk fibroin solution into a silk fibroin gel using direct application of voltage, in a process called electrogelation. The silk fibroin gel may be reversibly converted back to liquid form by applying reverse voltage or may be converted further to ?-sheet structure by applying shear force or other treatments. The electrogelated silk may be used as an extracted bulk gel, spray or stream of gel for processing into materials or devices, or may be used as silk gel coating to devices. Active agents may be embedded in the silk gel for various medical applications. This invention also provides for methods and compositions for preparing adhesive silk pH-gels. For example, the method comprises reducing pH level of a silk fibroin solution to increase the bulk or local proton concentration of the silk fibroin solution, thereby forming adhesive silk gels.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for using the cysteine variants of the invention.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for treating nociceptive pain including at least one force-regulatable device in mechanical, electrical, or chemical communication with at least one brain area identified as processing nociceptive pain signals. The force-regulatable device acts to alter the nociceptive pain signals in a brain area to alleviate nociceptive pain.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with immunostimulant compositions, in particular compositions comprising microparticulate form of murmyl dipeptide, and their use in the treatment of neoplastic disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a transient impairment of the motility of the gastrointestinal system resulting from postoperative ileus in a patient wherein said method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a peptidyl analog of ghrelin to said patient.

Abstract: A method of making solid beads is disclosed, said method comprising: (i) providing a microfluidic device comprising a carrier fluid conduit and a functional fluid conduit which meet at a junction region; (ii) providing a laminar flow of a functional fluid comprising a solvent and a solute along the functional fluid conduit and providing a laminar flow of a carrier fluid along the carrier fluid conduit so as to form droplets of functional fluid in a flow of carrier fluid; (iii) cooling the segments of functional fluid in a conduit of the microfluidic device to form cooled (preferably frozen) droplets; and (iv) providing a liquid into intimate admixture with the cooled droplets so as to cause said solvent to exit said cooled droplets, thus forming solid beads. A microfluidic device for use in such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions containing a berberine compound or berberine related or derivative compound are provided for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia, elevated cholesterol, and/or cardiovascular disease in mammalian subjects. The methods and compositions of the invention are effective for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, carotid artery disease, stroke, cerebral arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, restenosis following balloon angioplasty, intermittent claudication, dyslipidemia post-prandial lipidemia or xanthoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a cardiovascular disease, for increasing the number of circulating angiogenic cells (CAC) and/or improving the function of CAC and a method for improving vascular remodeling and/or neovascularisation. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of unacylated ghrelin or a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment or analog thereof having the biological activity of SEQ ID NO: 1; and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising unacylated ghrelin or a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment or analog thereof having the biological activity of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of ameliorating inflammation, inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine and/or chemokine expression and treating various diseases and/or conditions incidental to the onset of inflammation, in a subject in need of treatment for such conditions, by administering select analogues of native hGhrelin.

Abstract: Crosslinkable compositions are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide biocompatible, nonimmunogenic crosslinked materials that may be used as adhesive compositions. The compositions comprise collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also provided. Exemplary uses include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury, and coating of surgically acceptable patches and solid implants, the latter including sutures.

Abstract: The present invention concerns size- and shape-controlled, colloidal superparticles (SPs) and methods for synthesizing the same. Ligand-functionalized nanoparticles such as nonpolar-solvent-dispersible nanoparticles, are used, and the solvophobic interactions can be controlled. Advantageously, supercrystalline SPs having a superlattice structure, such as a face-centered cubic structure, can be produced. Further, the methods of the invention can provide SPs that self-assemble and are monodisperse. The SPs can be doped with organic dyes and further assembled into more complex structures.

Abstract: Modulators of CRTH2, particularly antagonists of CRTH2, that are useful for treating various disorders, including asthma and respiratory disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides Oxyntomodulin peptide analogues useful in the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a gas-filled microvesicle and a structural entity which is capable to associate through an electrostatic interaction to the outer surface of said microvesicle (microvesicle associated component—MAC), thereby modifying the physico-chemical properties thereof. Said MAC comprises a targeting ligand a diagnostic agent or any combination thereof. Optionally a bioactive agent can further be associated to the MAC. The assembly of the invention can be formed from gas-filled microbubbles or microballoons and a MAC having preferably nanometric dimensions, e.g. a micelle, and is used as an active component in diagnostically and/or therapeutically active formulations, in particular for enhancing the imaging in the field of ultrasound contrast imaging, including targeted ultrasound imaging, ultrasound-mediated drug delivery and other imaging techniques such as molecular resonance imaging (MRI) or nuclear imaging.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 and 49933 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A novel ovulatory induction paradigm entails administration of hCG in combination with FSH during all stages of treatment, where the ratio of FSH to hCG is adjusted to optimize ovulatory stimulation and minimize complications. The use of compositions characterized by various FSH:hCG ratios enables the practitioner readily to tailor the treatment regimen and accommodate different therapeutic goals as well as individual patient responses to gonadotropin administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel conformationally-defined macrocyclic compounds that have been demonstrated to be selective modulators of the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a and subtypes, isoforms and variants thereof). Methods of synthesizing the novel compounds are also described herein. These compounds are useful as agonists of the ghrelin receptor and as medicaments for treatment and prevention of a range of medical conditions including, but not limited to, metabolic and/or endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, obesity and obesity-associated disorders, central nervous system disorders, genetic disorders, hyperproliferative disorders and inflammatory disorders.