Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins. The invention specifically relates to compositions and methods of Tf-based fusion proteins that demonstrate a high-level expression of transferrin (Tf)-based fusion proteins by inserting a helical linker between two protein domains.

Abstract: Red blood cells are purified by defibrinating whole blood and then filtering the defibrinated whole blood, whereby at least a portion of a plasma component is separated from the red blood cells to form a suspension of red blood cells, thereby purifying the red blood cells. Whole blood is defibrinated by, for example, using a chemical coagulating agent or mechanical agitation. Separation of the plasma component from red blood cells can be completed by, for example, diafiltration. The suspension of red blood cells can then be employed to produce a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier.

Abstract: The invention describes albumin fusion proteins comprising growth hormone and serum albumin. The invention also describes nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention, as well as vectors containing these nucleic acid molecules, host cells transformed with these vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally, the invention describes compositions comprising the albumin fusion proteins, and methods of treating patients in need of growth hormone, comprising administering the albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

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: A procedure is described for conjugating the hydrazone derivatives of doxorubicin having a maleimide terminal group to lactosaminated human albumin (L-HSA). The procedure is based on the use of trialkyiphosphines to reduce the disulfide bonds of the protein and make its SH groups available for the formation of the thioether bond. In comparison with the conjugation obtained by using thiol reducing agents, such as dithiothreitol, this has the advantage that even when it is performed under very simple conditions, specifically without using an inert atmosphere, in the absence of oxygen, and without preliminary purification of the “reduced” L-HSA, it does not bring about the formation of a precipitate in the reaction means. In comparison with conjugation to L-HSA thiolated by using iminothiolane, the novel procedure has the advantage of greater simplicity and of not introducing exogenous molecules into the L-HSA in order to make the SH groups available.

Abstract: Cyclosporine derivatives are disclosed which possess enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity over naturally occurring and other presently known cyclosporins and cyclosporine derivatives. The cyclosporine derivatives of the present invention are produced by chemical and isotopic substitution of the cyclosporine A (CsA) molecule by: (1) Chemical substitution and optionally deuterium substitution of amino acid 1; and (2) deuterium substitution at key sites of metabolism of the cyclosporine A molecule such as amino acids 1, 4, 9. Also disclosed are methods of producing the cyclosporine derivatives and method of producing immunosuppression with reduced toxicity with the disclosed cyclosporine derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogenic Nogo receptor-1 polypeptides, Nogo receptor-1 antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, soluble Nogo receptors and fusion proteins thereof and nucleic acids encoding the same. Also disclosed are Nogo receptor antagonist polynucleotides. Also disclosed are compositions comprising, and methods for making and using, such Nogo receptor antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, soluble Nogo receptors and fusion proteins thereof, nucleic acids encoding the same and antagonist polynucleotides.

Abstract: Glycosylated albumin as a drug carrier for a DDS targeting the liver (particularly kupffer's cell) can be provided by mutating a DNA encoding albumin to encode a mutant albumin containing a partial amino acid sequence permitting glycosylation modification by eukaryotic cell, preferably a consensus sequence of N-linked sugar chain, introducing an expression vector containing the mutant DNA into a host eukaryotic cell, preferably a host cell permitting addition of a high-mannose type sugar chain, culturing the obtained transformant, and recovering a glycosylated albumin protein from the obtained culture.

Abstract: A method for protecting a peptide from peptidase activity in vivo, the peptide being composed of between 2 and 50 amino acids and having a C-terminus and an N-terminus and a C-terminus amino acid and an N-terminus amino acid is described. In the first step of the method, the peptide is modified by attaching a react group to the C-terminus amino acid, to the N-terminus amino acid, or to an amino acid located between the N-terminus and the C-terminus, such that the modified peptide is capable of forming a covalent bond in vivo with a reactive functionality on a blood component. In the next step, a covalent bond is formed between the reactive group and a reactive functionality on a blood component to form a peptide-blood component conjugate, thereby protecting said peptide from peptidase activity. The final step of the method involves the analyzing of the stability of the peptide-blood component conjugate to assess the protection of the peptide from peptidase activity.

Abstract: Modified insulinotropic peptides are disclosed. The modified insulinotropic peptides are capable of forming a peptidase stabilized insulinotropic peptide. The modified insulinotropic peptides are capable of forming covalent bonds with one or more blood components to form a conjugate. The conjugates may be formed in vivo or ex vivo. The modified peptides are administered to treat humans with diabetes and other related diseases.

Abstract: Indirectly labelled assay conjugates prepared by a method that includes the step of submitting the binding member comprised by the conjugate to denaturing conditions prior to labelling the binding member. The indirectly labelled assay conjugates demonstrate an increased sensitivity when employed in diagnostic assays compared to assay conjugates prepared by methods that do not include a step of submitting the binding member to denaturing conditions prior to labelling. Processes for the preparation of the indirectly labelled assay conjugates, methods of detecting an analyte comprising the use of the indirectly labelled assay conjugate and kits comprising the indirectly labelled conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: Conjugates comprising one or more steroids conjugated with one or more mammalian proteins are disclosed. The conjugates are useful for diagnosis or treatment of solid cancer and haematological malignancies. Further the conjugates exhibits a synergistic action together with a cytoskeleton acting drug such as Taxol®, which enable the treatment of cancers that otherwise would be non responsive to Taxol®.

Abstract: The invention concerns X-ray contrast medium-protein conjugates and in particular X-ray contrast medium-albumin conjugates, medicaments comprising X-ray contrast medium-protein conjugates, processes for the production of such conjugates as well as the use thereof.

Abstract: Three conjugation methods for use with the capsular saccharide of Streptococcus agalactiae. In the first method, reductive animation of oxidised sialic acid residue side chains is used, but the aldehyde groups are first aminated, and then the amine is coupled to a carrier via a linker. In the second method, sialic acid residues and/or N-acetyl-glucosamine residues are de-N-acetylated to give amine groups, and the amine groups are coupled to a carrier protein via a linker. In the third method, linkage is via galactose residues in the capsular saccharide rather than sialic acid residues, which can conveniently be achieved using galactose oxidase.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection and quantification of A. phagocytophilum (formerly known as Ehrlichia equi) antibodies and antibody fragments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel arginine analogs, and methods for their synthesis and use. Such analogs are designed to provide a protected or free thiol (—SH) group, thereby providing a convenient linkage chemistry for coupling to a suitable group on a target such as a protein, polypeptide, detectable label or solid phase, and at a site distal to the guanidino group. Arginine analog conjugates are useful for generating antibodies that can bind specifically with dimethylarginine, which can be detected using such antibodies in immunoassays.

Abstract: The present invention provides leader sequences that are useful for the production of heterologous secretable polypeptides; heterologous secreted polypeptides; nucleic acid constructs that encode such leader sequences and heterologous secreted polynucleotides; vectors that contain such nucleic acid constructs; recombinant host cells that contain such nucleic acid constructs; vectors, polypeptides, and methods of making and using such secreted polypeptides with such heterologous leader sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier-drug conjugate comprising a carrier containing a polypeptide sequence having one or several cysteine radicals and a pharmacon containing a pharmaceutical and/or diagnostic active substance, a spacer molecule and a thiol binding group, whereby over 0.7 mol pharmacon per mol of cysteine radical is bound to the carrier by the thiol binding group. The invention also relates to a method for the production of said conjugate and to medicaments and diagnostic kits containing said conjugate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for in vivo incorporation of non-naturally encoded amino acids into polypeptides by Pseudomonas species and strains derived therefrom. Also provided are compositions including proteins with non-naturally encoded amino acids made by Pseudomonas species and strains derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing conjugates of an active substance and hydroxyalkyl starch and to conjugates of an active substance and hydroxyalkyl starch, preferably hydroxyethyl starch, wherein the conjugates are prepared by covalently linking the hydroxyalkyl starch and the active substance by a chemical residue having a structure according to formula (I) or formula (I?) or formula (I?) wherein R1, R2, R2?, R3, R3? and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an optionally suitably substituted, linear, cyclic and/or branched alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, and heteroaralkyl group, preferably hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are new acridone dye derivatives having characteristic fluorescence lifetimes. Also disclosed are methods for labelling target biological materials employing the acridone dyes and use of the labelled materials in biological assays.

Abstract: The present invention concerns gyrase inhibitor-protein conjugates and in particular gyrase inhibitor-albumin conjugates, pharmaceutical preparations comprising gyrase inhibitor-protein conjugates in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of inflammatory processes and/or tumours as well as methods for their production.

Abstract: A composition comprising an albumin-based colloid and its use in treating hypovolemic conditions such as capillary leak syndrome and shock are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound for treating cancer including an isolated form of dibenzyl trisulfide (DTS) provided in an effective amount to act as an agent against human diseases, including various forms of cancer. The present invention also provides a compound for treating cancer including DTS isolated from Petiveria alliacea L. (guinea hen weed) for providing an effective, potent anti-proliferation and/or cytotoxic activity on a wide range of cancer cell lines. The present invention further provides DTS derivatives (e.g. DTS-albumin complexes) in effective dosage for providing a potent anti-proliferation and/or cytotoxic activity on a wide range of cancer cell lines. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of isolating and/or providing the DTS and/or its derivatives in an effective amount for providing a potent anti-proliferation and/or cytotoxic activity on cancer cell lines.

Abstract: The invention discloses a purified albumin solution of human origin with low prekallicrein activator (PKA) activity and stability over time characterised in that it has an antithrombin content equal to or greater than 0.03 mg/g of albumin, and a process for production thereof by the partial extraction of the antithrombin during fractionation of the human plasma.

Abstract: A highly sensitive assay is disclosed which combines immunomagnetic enrichment with multiparameter flow cytometric and immunocytochemical analysis to detect, enumerate and characterize carcinoma cells in the blood. The assay can detect one epithelial cell or less in 1 ml of blood and has a greater sensitivity than conventional PCR or immunohistochemistry by 1-2 orders of magnitude. In addition, the assay facilitates the biological characterization and staging of carcinoma cells.

Abstract: A modified serum albumin is provided which has been modified in the n-terminal region or binding region VI, such as through a truncation of at least three amino acids at the n-terminal end, so that it exhibits reduced or eliminated binding of trace metals such as nickel and/or copper. Other suitable modifications to this binding region include mutations such as an elongation or insertion which will be sufficient to disrupt the trace metal binding which is highest at this site. The modified albumin of the present invention is advantageous in that its binding to trace metals is reduced or eliminated, and it can thus be used more safely and effectively than unmodified albumin with a reduced or eliminated likelihood of causing an allergic reaction to the trace metal in the human being treated with the albumin composition.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disordrs or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The compositions described herein comprise oxygenated albumin in an aqueous sterile physiological or serum solution. The albumin is oxygenated to increase the oxygen content up to O2 saturation with clinically useful oxygen gas. The preferred oxygen-saturated preparations, containing albumin in concentrations from about 5% w/v to about 25% w/v, are useful as clinical resuscitation preparations that release oxygen in a pattern similar to the release of oxygen by whole blood.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of albumin which has extremely low levels of or is essentially free of colorants, metal ions, human proteins, host proteins, fragments of albumin, polymers or aggregates of albumin and viruses, and which is essentially non-glycated, relatively high in free thiol and with an intact C-terminus. The process comprises passing albumin (preferably expressed and secreted by transformed yeast) through positive mode cation exchange and then positive mode anion exchange chromatography. Other steps may also be employed, ultrafiltration, gel permeation chromatography, affinity chromatography binding the albumin by using blue dyes) and affinity chromatography binding contaminants by using an aminophenylboronic acid resin. Elution of albumin, with a compound having affinity for albumin, from a material having no specific affinity for albumin is also disclosed, as is removal of ammonium ions with a counter-ion.

Abstract: Compositions comprising non-naturally occurring serum albumin binding moieties are described, together with methods of use thereof, e.g., for detecting or isolating serum albumin molecules in a solution, for blood circulation imaging, and for linking therapeutics or other molecules to albumin. Preferred serum albumin binding peptides having a high affinity for human serum albumin are particularly disclosed.

Abstract: A high resolution structure of the hemalbumin binding complex is provided which includes the detailed atomic coordinates which reflect the binding site and the binding characteristics of the structure. This high resolution structure can be used in methods of determining the primary residues involved in gas binding, redox potential of iron, etc., and thus will be used to identify and optimize the gas binding characteristics of heme and albumin, so as to allow for the development of modified recombinant albumins containing heme and/or heme derivatives which have improved gas binding properties and which can be used for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The goal of the present invention is to provide substances to prevent diseases by activating inherently possessed functions, for cultured fishes and shellfishes and livestock with tendency of decreased immune function due to densely populated breeding environment, and for humans with tendency of easily lowered immune functions due to complicated social structures and aging. The present invention expresses marked effect in preventing infection and cancer by administrating appropriate dose of swine plasma, swine plasma albumin, peptides isolated from swine plasma and swine plasma albumin, and swine plasma mixture, among others including fine powder of Crustacea (including crust of Crustacea), to activate immune function of Crustacea, Pisces, Aves, Mammals, and humans.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nitrosylated albumin variant wherein one or more amino acid residues of constituent amino acid sequences are substituted, or a different amino acid residue is inserted into a part of the constituent amino acid sequences. The albumin variant has sufficient antimicrobial property and permits application as various useful pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human serum albumin-TIMP2 fusion protein having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO. 10, a polynucleotide encoding the same and a vector comprising the polynucleotide, a host cell transformed with the vector, a method for producing the human serum albumin-TIMP2 fusion protein and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the human serum albumin-TIMP2 fusion protein. The human serum albumin-TIMP2 fusion protein is stable and retains the activity of TIMP2, thus it can be used as a pharmaceutical composition to treat diseases related to angiogenesis and/or metastasis of cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods that are useful for preventing and treating a coronavirus infection in a subject. More specifically, the invention provides peptides and conjugates and pharmaceutical compositions containing those peptides and conjugates that block fusion of a coronavirus, such as the SARS virus, to a target cell. This blocking mechanism prevents or treats a coronavirus infection, such as a SARS infection, in a subject, such as a human subject.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disordrs or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: A tissue adhesive sealant includes a cross-linkable protein in a solution that when combined with a cross-linking agent solution including an aldehyde and amino acid containing species reactive with the aldehyde cross-links to form a seal. The sealant is well suited for bonding tissue alone or in combination with a patch. The ratio between the aldehyde and the amino acid containing species is between 20:1 and 1:1 on an aldehyde moiety:amino acid or peptide subunit molar basis. Particularly strong seals are formed when the protein and cross-linking agent are present in a molar ratio of between 15:1 and 1:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new and improved pharmaceutical composition and method for delivery of therapeutic agents. The methods and composition of the invention can be used with several therapeutic agents and can achieve site specific delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic substance. This can allow for lower doses and for improved efficacy with drugs which traditionally reach targeted sites and can result in improved utility for agents such as oligonucleotides and polynucleotides which are plagued with problems with biodistribution.

Abstract: Herein it is shown that hemoproteins (e.g., Ascaris hemoglobin, myoglobin, flavohemoglobins) have NO-consuming and deoxygenase activities. The invention provides a method of reducing the concentration of oxygen and/or nitric oxide in a mammal. The method of the invention comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a hemoprotein having NO-activated deoxygenase activity or an enzymatically active fragment thereof to a mammal. The method can be used to treat a mammal having pathologically proliferating cells, such as a tumor. In one embodiment, the hemoprotein is administered to reduce the oxygen concentration of a tumor. In another embodiment, the hemoprotein is administered together with a cytotoxic agent to treat a mammal having a tumor. The invention also provides a method of enzymatically generating toxic reactive oxygen species in a mammal for therapeutic purposes. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a hemoprotein to a mammal.

Abstract: Hybrid proteins are described which comprise one or more antigen-binding antibody fragments covalently linked to one or more serum carrier proteins. The hybrid proteins can bind antigens, have a long half-life in vivo and can be used in medicine for therapy and diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the purification and production of human albumin from various sources through crystallization and repeated crystallization. Basic features of the invented process include providing specific reaction conditions and precipitating reagents to maximize albumin crystallization. Solubility diagrams are utilized as the basis for process control of the invented method. The current invention specifically controls phosphate concentration, pH and temperature to precisely guide crystallization kinetics and crystal yield.

Abstract: The invention describes methods of producing fusion proteins of albumin and growth hormone and products obtained by the methods.

Abstract: Purification methods are provided for proteins and peptides, employing silicon carbide to bind the proteins or peptides. The methods may also be used to recover and purify recombinantly expressed proteins sequestered in inclusion bodies. The method for purifying a protein or peptide comprises contacting a solution containing the protein or peptide with silicon carbide at a binding pH for the protein or peptide to allow the protein or peptide to bind to the silicon carbide; and eluting the protein or peptide from the silicon carbide.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a pharmaceutical conjugate comprising an insoluble carrier to which first and second active agents are bound, respectively via a first linker to a first functional group on the carrier and via a second linker to a second functional group on the carrier. For example, fibrinogen and Factor VIII can be independently linked to albumin microcapsules.

Abstract: Red blood cells are purified by defibrinating whole blood and then filtering the defibrinated whole blood, whereby at least a portion of a plasma component is separated from the red blood cells to form a suspension of red blood cells, thereby purifying the red blood cells. Whole blood is defibrinated by, for example, using a chemical coagulating agent or mechanical agitation. Separation of the plasma component from red blood cells can be completed by, for example, diafiltration. The suspension of red blood cells can then be employed to produce a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier.