Abstract: Method of treating autoimmune conditions are disclosed comprising administering to a mammalian subject IL-12 or an IL-12 antagonist. In certain preferred embodiments the autoimmune condition is one which is promoted by an increase in levels of IFN-? or TNF-?. Suitable conditions for treatment include multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune pulmonary inflammation, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, insulin dependent diabetes melitis and autoimmune inflammatory eye disease.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind with a B-cell antigen provide an effective means to treat autoimmune disorders. Antibodies and fragments, which may be conjugated or naked, are used alone or in multimodal therapies. The antibodies may be bispecific antibodies which may be produced recombinantly as fusion proteins, or as hybrid, polyspecific antibodies.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating ocular hypertension and glaucoma with reduced side effects such as keratoconjunctive disorders and macular edema, which comprises administering an ophthalmic composition comprising latanoprost as an active ingredient thereof to a subject in need of said treatment, wherein the ophthalmic composition contains substantially no benzalkonium chloride.

Abstract: Several classes of in vivo carbon monoxide-releasing compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, such as chronic inflammatory, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, and of diseases with a strong inflammatory component, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, coronary disease, and Alzheimers disease. The in vivo carbon monoxide-releasing compounds can be attached to known drug vectors and/or known anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits OX-2.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for inducing myelination of neural cells by glial cells, The methods involve contacting glial cells with polypeptides comprising epidermal growth factor-like domains encoded by the GGF/p185 erb B2 ligand gene provided as a feature of the invention.

Abstract: N-(Pyridinyl)-1H-indol-1-amines of formula I provide a unique combination of blocking properties for both the potassium and sodium channels. These compounds are useful for the treatment of Demyelinating Diseases and Conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke. The compounds are also useful for Stroke Rehabilitation, the treatment of Bladder Irritation and Dysfunction, and the treatment of Neuropathic Pain and Chemokine-Induced Pain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved composition of copolymer-1 comprising copolymer-1 substantially free of species having a molecular weight of over 40 kilodaltons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), a newly discovered member of the BDNF gene family. It is based, in part, on the identification of regions of nucleic acid sequence homology shared by BDNF and NGF (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/400,591, filed Aug. 30, 1989, incorporated by reference herein). According to the present invention, these regions of homology may be used to identify new members of the BDNF/NGF gene family; such methodology was used to identify NT-3. The present invention provides for the genes and gene products of new BDNF/NGF related neurotrophic factors identified by these methods. According to the invention, NT-3 may be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of neurologic disorders, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Because NT-3 has been observed to exhibit a spectrum of activity different from the spcificities of BDNF or NGF, NT-3 provides new and valuable options for enducing regrowth and repair in the central nervous system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for treating a subject affected by an autoimmune disease, in particular multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus systemicus and reumatoid arthritis, comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole. The present invention further discloses a method for inhibiting &ggr;&dgr; T cells in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of the same compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-toxic therapy and a novel use for Bowman Birk Inhibitor (BBI), as administered in Bowman Birk Inhibitor Concentrate (BBIC), for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in a patient, wherein the disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis; and more particularly for the treatment of those diseases that are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and/or demyelination, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). In addition, the present invention provides methods for using BBI/BBIC to reduce, inhibit, suppress or prevent the chronic inflammation in such patients; and more particularly, to reduce, inhibit, suppress or prevent the chronic neuroinflammation and demyelination that occurs when the patient's nerve tissue is affected by the disease.

Abstract: The invention features methods and reagents for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of multiple sclerosis. The invention is based in part on the discovery that Chlamydia is present in patients with multiple sclerosis, and that anti-chlamydial agents improve or sustain neurological function in these patients.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for using desmethylselegiline. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using desmethylselegiline for selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neuronal trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Desmethylselegiline is the R-(−) enantiomer of N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane. Claimed compositions include both the R-(−) isomer and mixtures of the R-(−) and S(+) isomers. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may also be used. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods comprising “lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor blocking agents”, which block lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor signalling. Lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor blocking agents are useful for treating lymphocyte-mediated immunological diseases, and more particularly, for inhibiting Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. This invention relates to soluble forms of the lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor extracellular domain that act as lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor blocking agents. This invention also relates to the use of antibodies directed against either the lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor or its ligand, surface lymphotoxin, that act as lymphotoxin-&bgr; receptor blocking agents. A novel screening method for selecting soluble receptors, antibodies and other agents that block LT-&bgr; receptor signalling is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a central cannabinoid receptor antagonist for the preparation of medicinal products that are useful in treating and preventing neuroinflammatory pathologies.

Abstract: A method of treating multiple sclerosis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of treating a multiple sclerosis patient with a tetracycline derivative, wherein the multiple sclerosis symptoms of the patient are diminished.

Abstract: Distinct cDNAs encoding six cysteine-rich domain-NRGs and four glial growth factor isoforms were identified and sequenced. Additional heterogeneity is found in the EGF-like (&agr;- and &bgr;-isoforms) and carboxy terminal (a and b variant) regions of CRD-NRGs. Furthermore, the predicted GGF proteins contain glycosylation domains previously found only in mesenchymal NRGs. GGF mRNAs accumulate in axotomized nerve, a subpopulation of DRG neurons and most spinal cord motoneurons. CRD-NRGs, however, are undetectable in injured nerve except by RT-PCR. In contrast, the majority of DRG and spinal cord motor neurons express CRD-NRGs, with a &bgr;1 isoform being most abundant and at least some of these proteins are secreted in a form capable of activating erbB receptors. Thus, GGF and CRD-NRG subfamilies are more structurally diverse than previously appreciated. NRG actions during Wallerian degeneration may be modulated by the action of distinct splice variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds that are useful for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds and methods of using them for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. They are particularly well-suited for treatment of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The use of at least one &ggr;-RAR receptor-specific agonist ligand to prepare a pharmaceutical composition for increasing the rate of apoptosis in at least one cell population in which apoptosis may be induced by activating &ggr;-RAR receptors is disclosed. The composition is particularly useful for treating a disease or disorder related to an insufficient rate of apoptosis in at least one cell population in which apoptosis may be induced by activating &ggr;-RAR receptors. The use of at least one &ggr;-RAR receptor-specific agonist ligand as the apoptosis inducer in a cosmetic composition is also disclosed. Said composition may be used to prevent and/or control photo-ageing or chronological ageing of the skin.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating, preventing or inhibiting anxiety, anxiety-related conditions and phobias in a mammal using compounds of the formula: wherein: R1 is H, alkyl, alkanoyl or the radical Ar; R2 is H or alkyl; R3 is alkoxy, NH2, alkylamino, dialkylamino, amino substituted by the radical Ar, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or the radicals Ar or ArO—; R4 is H, alkyl or the radical Ar; R5 is H or alkyl or the radical Ar; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester form thereof; Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl radical; and n is 0 or 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester form thereof, with the methods particularly including the use of N-[2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)-phenyl]carbamic acid ethyl ester, also known as retigabine.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting pathogenic binding of an pathogenic autoantibody to a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) autoantigen and screening for inhibitors of pathogenic binding of an autoantibody to a MOG autoantigen.

Abstract: Conformationally constrained compounds which mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins are disclosed. Such reverse-turn mimetics have utility in the treatment of cell adhesion-indicated diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel use of 3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxy-N-(3,5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)benzamide, a pharmacologically tolerable salt thereof or its N-oxide in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A chimeric protein comprising a Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin (PE) moiety linked to a myelin basic protein (MBP) moiety is disclosed. The MBP moiety is selected from the group comprising: (a) MBP; (b) amino acids 69-88 of guinea-pig myelin basic protein or an antigenic portion thereof; (c) amino acids 84-102 of human myelin basic protein or an antigenic portion thereof; (d) amino acids 143-168 of human myelin basic protein or an antigenic portion thereof; and (e) an amino acid sequence in which one or more amino acids have been deleted, added, substituted or mutated in the amino acid sequences of (a), (b), (c) or (d), the modified sequence of (e) retaining at least 75% homology with the amino acid sequences of (a), (b), (c) or (d), respectively. Each of the MBP moieties of (b), (c) and (d) are linked to the PE moiety by a pentapeptide linker repeated 1-3 times. The chimeric protein is useful in treating autoimmune diseases, and especially multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Compounds represented by general formula (I) wherein X represents OH or OSO3H; and R represents a substituent other than OH which allows, after leaving, the induction of unsaturated bonds into the 3- and 4-positions of 3,6-anhydrogalactose or its sulfated derivative, and/or a substituent showing a tissue-specific affinity.

Abstract: Methods of cosmetically or therapeutically treating diseases or disorders in cell populations whose pathology is linked to an inadequate rate of apoptosis by administering a therapeutically effective amount of 6-3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-naphthanoic acid.

Abstract: Modafinil is effective in improving symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and symptoms of multiple sclerosis fatigue. The administration of modafinil is also shown to activate the tuberomamillary neurons of the posterior hypothalamus, and thus exhibits activity in an area of the brain associated with normal wakefulness functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a demyelinating condition in a subject in need of treatment, by administering to the subject an amount of a Ca2+-channel blocker effective to treat the demyelinating condition. The present invention is also directed to a method for treating a demyelinating condition in a subject in need of treatment, by administering to the subject a Ca2+-channel blocker in combination with a glutamate inhibitor, in amounts effective to treat the demyelinating condition. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Ca2+-channel blocker, a glutamate inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for treating a demyelinating condition in a subject in need of treatment, by administering to the subject a Ca2+-channel blocker in combination with a hypertensive agent, in amounts effective to treat the demyelinating condition.

Abstract: A method of treating myasthenia gravis confined to the eyes iby administering, orally, a therapeutically effective dose the nucleotide (cGMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitor Sildenafil either 100 mg. once a day, or 25 mg. four times a day. The object of this oral therapy being the alleviation of myasthenic complications such as diplopia and ptosis.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the immune system of an animal, as well as tolerizing such an immune system through the administration of one or more polypeptides derived from human myelin basic protein (hMBP), are provided. Such polypeptides include residues 87-99 of hMBP, as well as residues His-Phe-Phe-Lys and/or Lys-Ile-Phe-Lys of hMBP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved composition of copolymer-1 comprising copolymer-1 substantially free of species having a molecular weight of over 40 kilodaltons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved composition of copolymer-1 comprising copolymer-1 substantially free of species having a molecular weight of over 40 kilodaltons.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting pathogenic binding of an pathogenic autoantibody to a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) autoantigen and screening for inhibitors of pathogenic binding of an autoantibody to a MOG autoantigen.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for conferring a cytoprotective effect on a population of cells, such as providing a polycyclic phenolic compound in a physiologically acceptable formulation, and administering the formulation in an effective dose to the population of cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dithiocarbamamte disulfide dimer useful in various therapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with other active agents. In one method, the disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate is coadministered with an agent that inactivates (or inhibits the production of) species that induce the expression of nitric oxide synthase to reduce the production of such species, while, at the same time reducing nitric oxide levels in the subject. In another embodiment, free iron ion levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate(s) to scavenge free iron ions, for example, in subjects undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. In another embodiment, cyanide levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate so as to bind cyanide in the subject. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions and formulations useful in such therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a demyelinating disease in a subject which includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a high affinity neuromodulatory Na,K-ATPase so as to treat the demyelinating disease.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided therapeutically effective compounds comprising an amphipathic carboxylate of the formula R—COOH, or a salt or an ester or amide of such compound, where R designates a saturated or unsaturated alkyl chain of 10-24 carbon atoms, one or more of which may be replaced by heteroatoms, where one or more of said carbon or heteroatom chain members optionally forms part of a ring, and where said chain is optionally substituted by a hydrocarbyl radical, heterocyclyl radical, lower alkoxy, hydroxyl-substituted lower alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, halogen, phenyl or (hydroxy-, lower alkyl-, lower alkoxy-, lower alkenyl- or lower alkinyl)-substituted phenyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl or (hydroxy-, lower alkyl-, lower alkoxy-, lower alkenyl- or lower alkinyl)-substituted C3-C7 cycloalkyl wherein said amphipathic carboxylate is capable of being endogenously converted to its respective coenzyme A thioester.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of acidic gut syndrome resulting from the accumulation of acid and production of endotoxin in the gastrointestinal tract of a human or an animal, said accumulation resulting from the fermentation of carbohydrate in the gastrointestinal tract of said human or animal, wherein said method comprises administering to said human or animal an effective amount of an active agent capable of preventing or controlling acid and endotoxin accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of a neurological disorder of neurotrauma or for improving memory in a patient comprising a therapeutically effective amount of S-(−)-N-proparygl-1-aminoindan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as active ingredient, and a pharmaceutically active carrier. The pharmaceutical compositions are adapted, in particular for treating a neurological hypoxia or anoxia, neurodegenerative diseases. Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, neurotoxic injury, head trauma injury, spinal trauma injury or any other form of nerve damage.

Abstract: A method for treatment of multiple sclerosis and related disease states. A histamine H2 mimicking agent is administered in an amount which is effective to stimulate production of a cyclic AMP in the body. A phosphodiesterase inhibitor is administered in conjunction with the histamine H2 mimicking agent to conserve the cyclic AMP which is thus produced. It is believed that the increased cyclic AMP levels serve to maintain the patient's myelin against self degeneration. The histamine H2 mimicking agent may be histamine phosphate and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor may be caffeine. The histamine H2 mimicking agent and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor may be mixed in a gel and administered using a transdermal patch.

Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric matrices, especially those comprising IL-6 as an active ingredient. Specific novel poly(ethylene carbomate) polymers are also provided for more general use as matrix materials in sustained release compositions containing pharmacologically active compounds, as are methods of using of IL-6 for treatment of conditions mediated by IL-1 and/or TNF&agr;, e.g., certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as well as septic shock.

Abstract: Method of treating or ameliorating symptoms of T-cell mediated disease wherein a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is administered to the patient. The polyunsaturated fatty acid contains 18-25 carbon atoms, 1-6 double bonds and has 1 or 2 substitutions selected from &bgr; oxa, &ggr; oxa, &bgr; thia and &ggr; thia, based on the fatty acid acyl carbon atom, or the polyunsaturated fatty acid contains 16-26 carbon atoms, 3-double bonds and is covalently coupled at the carboxylic acid group to an amino acid.

Abstract: This invention provides esters of propofol (2,6,-diisoprophenol). The propofol esters are soluble in water and metabolize rapidly to propofol in the body. The propofol esters are useful as pro-drugs for the same indications as propofol. This invention also provides methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases by administering as effective amount of propofol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds that are useful for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds and methods of using them for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. They are particularly well-suited for treatment of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Hydrazine derivatives of the formula wherein Y is CO or SO2; R1 is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower cycloalkyl, lower cycloalkyl-lower alkyl, aryl or aryl-lower alkyl; R2 is lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkenyl or aryl when Y is SO2 and is lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, lower cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkoxy or NR5R6 when Y is CO; and R3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl optionally substituted by cyano, amino, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylcarbonyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower cycloalkyl, lower cycloalkyl-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkenyl, aryl or heterocyclyl; or R2 and R3 together form the residue of a 5-, 6- or 7-membered cyclic amide, cyclic imide, cyclic sulphonamide or cyclic urethane group; R4 is lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower cycloalkyl, lower cycloalkyl-lower alkyl or a group of the formula X-aryl, X-heteroar

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula as described in the claims, or an optical isomer, diastereomer or enantiomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or biohydrolyzable amide, ester, or imide thereof are useful as inhibitors of metalloproteases. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating diseases, disorders and conditions characterized by metalloprotease activity using these compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating pathophysiological conditions of the mammalian nervous system. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising amino acids 51 to 422 of human GGF2.

Abstract: A method is provided for conferring neuroprotection on a population of cells in a subject, the method including providing a polycyclic compound having a terminal phenolic group in a structure containing at least a second ring, the compound having a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons, the compound not including estrogen compounds including estrogen agonists. The compound may be administered in an effective dose to the population of cells so as to confer neuroprotection. Methods are further provided for treating a neurodegenerative disease in a subject that include providing an effective dose of a formulation containing the compound and administering the dose to the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating pathophysiological conditions of the mammalian nervous system. The methods involve administering pharmaceutically effective amounts of recombinant polypeptides comprising epidermal growth factor-like domains encoded by the GGF/p185erbB2 ligand gene.

Abstract: A method for treating patients having symptoms consistent with multiple sclerosis comprising administering a regimen of doses of human growth hormone of less than 0.5 mg/day. In one aspect, the method includes replenishing one or more of melatonin, thymus, thyroid, adrenal and sex hormones to predetermined levels in conjunction with the human growth hormone.