Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, MCP1-Ig fusion polypeptides exhibiting surprisingly beneficial properties as well as methods for treating various diseases (e.g., inflammatory diseases) by administering any of such fusions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking the activity of IL-TIF polypeptide molecules. IL-TIF is a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding partners, as well as methods for antagonizing IL-TIF using such antibodies and binding partners in IL-TIF-related human inflammatory diseases, amongst other uses disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutic or prophylactic treatment method of ischemia, such as due to myocardial infarction, by administering thrombopoietin, alone or in combination with other drugs, to a patient suffering from or at risk of cardiac injury, such as myocardial ischemia. The thrombopoietin is administered in a concentration such that the subject's platelet count or production of platelets is not significantly affected.

Abstract: Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) antibody antagonists, polynucleotides encoding IL-17A antibody antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular platform is provided for rapid preparation of various water-soluble prosthetic groups capable to efficiently introduce 18F into proteins with 18F labelling reagents.

Abstract: Liquid interferon compositions having a pH between 4.0 and 7.2 are described. The compositions comprise interferon-beta and a stabilizing agent at between about 0.3% and 5% by weight which is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of acidic amino acids, arginine and glycine. If needed, salt is added to provide sufficient ionic strength. The liquid composition has not been previously lyophilized or previously cavitated. The liquid is preferably contained within a vessel having at least one surface in contract with the liquid that is coated with a material inert to adsorption of interferon-beta. A kit for parenteral administration of a liquid interferon formulation and a method for stabilizing liquid interferon compositions are also described.

Abstract: A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises alkylated chitosan or a gelatin, and a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, in an aqueous medium. The premix can also include a dehydrating reagent, a carboxyl activating reagent, or both. A specific use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: Liquid interferon compositions having a pH between 4.0 and 7.2 are described. The compositions comprise interferon-beta and a stabilizing agent at between about 0.3% and 5% by weight which is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of acidic amino acids, arginine and glycine. If needed, salt is added to provide sufficient ionic strength. The liquid composition has not been previously lyophilized or previously cavitated. The liquid is preferably contained within a vessel having at least one surface in contact with the liquid that is coated with a material inert to adsorption of interferon-beta. A kit for parenteral administration of a liquid interferon formulation and a method for stabilizing liquid interferon compositions are also described.

Abstract: Featured herein are non-naturally occurring cytokine domains that can be used, inter alia, to modulate cellular signalling responsive to interleukin-1 receptor I (IL-1 RI), to treat disorders, and to detect and/or bind to cellular receptors, as well as other agents. Exemplary cytokine domains can contain amino acid residues from at least two parental cytokines domains, for example, receptor binding features, surface features, ? strands, and loops from at least two parental cytokines domains.

Abstract: Methods for inducing or accelerating a healing process of a damaged skin or skin wounds are described. The methods include administering to the skin cells colonizing the damaged skin or skin wound a therapeutically effective amount of an adipokine, an adipocyte or preadipocyte modulator, adipocytes, preadipocytes, or stem cells, or transforming the skin cells colonizing the damaged skin or skin wound such as to express and secrete an adipokine, thereby inducing or accelerating the healing process of the damaged skin or skin wound.

Abstract: The invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes having at least two soluble fusion proteins. The first fusion protein is a biologically active polypeptide covalently linked to an interleukin-15 (IL-15) polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof. The second fusion protein is a second biologically active polypeptide covalently linked to a soluble interleukin-15 receptor alpha (IL-15R?) polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof. In the complexes of the invention, one or both of the first and second fusion proteins further includes an immunoglobulin Fc domain or a functional fragment thereof; and the first fusion protein binds to the soluble IL-15R? domain of the second fusion protein to form a soluble fusion protein complex. The invention further provides methods for making and using the complexes of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology. The method involves the removal of immune system inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptor from the circulation of the mammal, thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner(s) such as TNF? muteins capable of binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor(s) from the biological fluids. Particularly useful in the invention is an absorbent matrix composed of an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner, such as a TNF? mutein, capable of specifically binding to a targeted immune system inhibitor such as soluble TNF receptor.

Abstract: Described are soluble gp130 polypeptide monomers and dimers, wherein, in a preferred embodiment, at least one of the three amino acid residues Thr102 Gln113 or Asn114 of the N-terminal Ig-like domain of gp130 is mutated to Tyr102, Phe113 or Leu114, respectively. These mutations, alone or in combination, specifically enhance binding of gp130 to its ligand complex of interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor, thus increasing the biological activity of the gp130 muteins. In a particularly preferred embodiment, all three mutations are combined in the triple mutein Thr102Tyr/Gln113Phe/Asn114Leu (T102Y/Q113F/N114L). Moreover, a pharmaceutical composition containing said monomers or dimers and various medical uses are described.

Abstract: The synergistic biomolecule-polymer conjugates are the long-acting, in vivo controlled continuous-release and hybrid synergy systems of biomolecules that provide increased biological activities and enhanced pharmacological properties for achieving greater therapeutic efficacies.

Abstract: Described herein are immunosuppressive molecules including immunosuppressive variants of IL-2, and use of such molecules to treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of consensus interferon protein with improved properties, such as improved anti-viral activity, and use thereof The variants are also easier to renature after denaturant treatment. The invention also relates to the preparation method of the variants consensus interferon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-23. Antagonists include antibodies and antibody fragments that bind IL-23 and that bind IL-17A or IL-17F, such as antibodies that are cross-reactive for IL-17A and Il-17F. Antagonists that include an antibody or antibody fragment that binds IL-23 and an antibody or antibody fragment that binds IL-17A or IL-17F on one molecule are also disclosed. Antibodies and antibody fragments that bind IL-23 and IL-17F but that do not bind IL-17A are also disclosed. IL-17 and IL-23 are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to the attachment of water soluble polymers to proteins. Provided are novel methods for N-terminally modifying proteins or analogs thereof, and resultant compositions, including novel N-terminally chemically modified G-CSF compositions and related methods of preparation. Also provided is chemically modified consensus interferon.

Abstract: The current invention reports a method for the purification of a non-glycosylated, heterologous polypeptide, which has been recombinantly produced in a prokaryotic cell, wherein the method comprises three chromatography steps of which the first chromatography step selected from i) hydrophobic charge induction chromatography, or ii) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, or iii) affinity chromatography, or iv) ion exchange chromatography, the second chromatography step is selected from i) anion exchange chromatography, or ii) cation exchange chromatography, or iii) hydroxylapatite chromatography, or iv) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and the a third chromatography step is selected from i) hydrophobic charge induction chromatography, or ii) anion exchange chromatography, or iii) cation exchange chromatography, or iv) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, whereby the first chromatography step is an affinity chromatography in case of polypeptides capable of interacting with metal ligands, the second c

Abstract: This application relates to recombinant human interferon-like proteins. In one embodiment a recombinant protein created by gene shuffling technology is described having enhanced anti-viral and anti-proliferative activities in comparison to naturally occurring human inteferon like alpha 2b (HuIFN-?2b). The invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding the protein and recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide. Preferably the polynucleotide is selected from the group of polynucleotides each having a sequence at least 93% identical to SEQ ID: No. 1 and the protein is selected from the group of proteins each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID No: 2. The proteins and compositions comprising the proteins can be used for treatment of conditions responsive to interferon therapy, such as viral diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The instant invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making the such proteins. The instant invention additionally provides methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal using the fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and kits for preventing or reducing the likelihood of implantation failure or miscarriage in a recipient of artificial insemination are provided. The methods include administering into a recipient of artificial insemination in need of such treatment an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).

Abstract: The invention is based on the surprising finding that proteins regulated by excessive EGFR signalling in the liver may be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and/or monitoring of treatment of diseases, including liver cell dysplasia or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), wherein the protein is selected from a first group consisting of Arginase type II, 4931406C07Rik (Ester hydrolase C11orf54 homolog), Akr1c12 protein, Alanyl-tRNA synthetase, Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C14, Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C6, Aldolase 3, Alpha glucosidase 2, Beta 5-tubulin, Cai protein (Pdia4), cDNA sequence BC021917 (dihydroxyacetone kinase 2 homolog), Farnesyl diphosphate synthetase, Fatty acid binding protein 5 epidermal, Inosine triphosphatase, Interleukin 25, Kininogen 1, LIM and SH3 protein 1, Major vault protein, Nucb1 protein, Poly(rC) binding protein 2; heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein X, Psmd11 protein, RIKEN cDNA 2410004H02, Rps12 protein, Sars1 protein, Sorcin, T43799 proteasome protein p

Abstract: This invention provides a crystalline recombinant interferon (rSIFN-co) having (i) the same amino acid sequence as that of human consensus interferon, and (ii) altered three-dimensional structure as compared to IFN-?2b. The interferon of the present invention exhibits enhanced biological activities. The present invention also provides a structure model of said interferon useful for drug screening and/or drug design and the mimetic of said interferon. The invention further provides methods of designing and using new recombinant interferons with altered spatial configuration and three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions useful in increasing in mammals the absorption and retention of polypeptides. The invention provides lipid-conjugated interferon having increased liver uptake and increased plasma half-life.

Abstract: A method of treating a pulmonary disease such as, for instance idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), mixed connective tissue disease and asthma, comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon ? in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of IL-6, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for the prevention of spontaneous abortion or implantation failure during assisted reproduction. The compositions, kits and methods provide an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor to prevent spontaneous abortion or implantation failure of an embryo. The present invention also provides compositions, kits and methods for the treatment or prevention of preeclampsia and preterm labor.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to IL-1Rrp2 requiring proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A and IL-17F. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes antibodies that bind both IL-17A and IL-17F, hybridomas that produce the antibodies, and methods of using the same in inflammation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a use of IL-22 in the treatment of viral hepatitis. As illustrated in the examples of this invention, IL-22 can significantly reduce liver damage caused by hepatitis virus, and can significantly reduce the increase of transaminase ALT/AST induced by hepatitis virus. In addition, the IL-22 dimer of this invention can effectively treat viral hepatitis.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for purifying the desired species from a mixture of desired heterodimer and contaminating homodimer immunoglobulin variants by modifying the isoelectric point(s) of the individual chains.

Abstract: Isolated monoclonal antibodies which bind to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyhydric compounds containing primary and secondary hydroxyl groups selectively conjugated with linkers, polymers, and/or bioactive agents.

Abstract: IL-21 variants are provided wherein amino acids have been deleted in the region consisting of amino acid residues no. 65 to 98.

Abstract: A compound comprising, in combination: a cell surface binding ligand or internalizing factor, such as an IL-13R?2 binding ligand; at least one effector molecule (e.g., one, two, three or more effector molecules); optionally but preferably, a cytosol localization element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule; and a subcellular compartment localization signal element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule (and preferably with said cytosol localization element between said binding ligand and said subcellular compartment localization signal element). Methods of using such compounds and formulations containing the same are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant G-CSF fusion protein. The mutant G-CSF fusion protein is a fusion protein having the activity of stimulating the proliferation of neutrophilic granulocytes, and having a basic structure of G-CSF/carrier protein or carrier protein/G-CSF; wherein the G-CSF moiety comprises multipoint substitutions thus resulting in changes in biological activity and binding affinity. Compared with existing products, the mutant G-CSF fusion protein in the present invention has longer half-life and higher biological activity. Administration of the pharmaceutical preparation containing this mutant G-CSF fusion protein could be used in the treating neutropenia.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and materials for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. For example, a construct is provided having a drug covalently joined to first and second ligands, or a drug covalently joined to a first ligand and a molecular weight increasing moiety. The ligands have affinity for binding partners, and in a physiological fluid, an equilibrium forms between bound and free forms of the construct. The constructs retain most of the drug's activity while simultaneously increasing half life.

Abstract: Methods and kits for preventing or reducing the likelihood of implantation failure or miscarriage in a recipient of artificial insemination are provided. The methods include administering into a recipient of artificial insemination in need of such treatment an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition containing an inducer of SIRT1 (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog) expression for preventing or treating sepsis or septic shock. The inducer of SIRT1 expression can remarkably reduce the mortality caused by sepsis or septic shock by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the inducer of SIRT1 expression is useful for preventing or treating sepsis or septic shock.

Abstract: Homogeneous preparations of human and murine IL-31 have been produced by mutating one or more of the cysteine residues in the polynucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteins. The cysteine mutant proteins can be shown to either bind to their cognate receptor or exhibit biological activity.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions containing fusion proteins (FPs) including elastin-like peptides (ELPs) and peptide active therapeutic agents, and methods of making and using such compositions and fusion proteins. Therapeutic compositions of such type enable improved efficacy of the peptide active therapeutic agent to be achieved, in relation to the peptide active therapeutic agent alone. Enhanced efficacy of the peptide active therapeutic agent in the therapeutic composition may include improved solubility, bioavailability, bio-unavailability, half-life. etc., as compared to corresponding compositions containing the same peptide active therapeutic agent without associated ELPs.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods comprising “lymphotoxin-?-receptor blocking agents”, which block lymphotoxin-? receptor signalling. Lymphotoxin-? 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-? receptor extracellular domain that act as lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents. This invention also relates to the use of antibodies directed against either the lymphotoxin-? receptor or its ligand, surface lymphotoxin, that act as lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents. A novel screening method for selecting soluble receptors, antibodies and other agents that block LT-? receptor signalling is provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses new PEG-interferon lambda 1 conjugates (PEG-IFN?1), processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and processes for making the same. These conjugates have increased blood half-lives and persistence time compared to IFN?1 and are effective in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of screening a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation and/or airway hypersensitivity, comprising using an IL-17RB positive NKT cell, as well as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation and/or airway hypersensitivity, containing a substance capable of inhibiting or eliminating the Th2 cell-like function of an IL-17RB positive NKT cell as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming complexes of interferon-? with an antibody or antigen-binding antibody fragment. In preferred embodiments, the interferon-? and the antibody or fragment are fusion proteins, each comprising a dimerization and docking domain (DDD) moiety from human protein kinase A or an anchor domain (AD) moiety from an A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP). In more preferred embodiments, the interferon-antibody complex is more efficacious for treatment of cancer, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis or viral infection than interferon-? alone, antibody alone, or the combination of unconjugated interferon-? and antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of molecular biology, medicine, virology and vaccine development. Because the different forms of the presently available vaccines all have their specific drawbacks, there is a need for alternative vaccine strategies. The current invention provides means and methods for such alternative vaccine strategies.

Abstract: The invention provides derivatives of IL-21 or variants thereof, methods of producing such variants, new variants of IL-21, and various methods of using such molecules.

Abstract: The present invention refers to single-chain fusion proteins comprising three soluble TNF superfamily (TNFSF) cytokine domains and nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins. The fusion proteins are substantially non-aggregating and suitable for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications.