Abstract: The invention relates to a fibrin sponge comprising a residual moisture content of at least 3%, preferably of 3 to 35%, in particular 10 to 20%, and preferably containing a blood clotting activator or proactivator, a method of preparing this fibrin sponge as well as a kit for wound gluing which comprises the fibrin sponge and a component containing a blood clotting factor. The sponge according to the present invention is suitable for hemostasis, tissue adhesion and aiding wound healing.

Abstract: A high-purity von Willebrand factor preparation, a process for making it, and use of the preparation and compositions containing it for the treatment of disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: A non-naturally occuring Factor IX protein having an amino acid substitution at amino acid position 338 is provided. Preferred substitutions include the substitution of analanine, leucine, or valine for the arginine at amino acid position 338. Factor IX of the present invention is non-naturally occuring (e.g., does not contain only an arginine to proline substitution at amino acid position 338). Factor IX proteins of the invention are useful for facilitating blood clotting in subjects in need thereof, such as subjects afflicted with hemophilia B. Pharmaceutical formulations comprising Factor IX of the invention are provided, along with nucleic acids encoding the factor and vectors containing such nucleic acids.

Abstract: Recombinant human Erythropoietin is used in a method as a hemostatic agent for the treatment or prevention of bleeding from any organ or body part involved with benign or malignant lesions, surgical traumatic, non-healing/difficult to treat lesions, or radiation injury. The method can control or prevent the bleeding in patients with congenital or acquired disorders of coagulation, platelets, or blood vessels, patients on therapeutic or overdose of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. The method consists of the subcutaneous, intravenous or oral administration of recombinant human Erythropoietin for the purpose of preventing or stopping bleeding.

Abstract: The invention provides a kit for preparing a fibrin sealant either (A) comprising: (a) a fibrin monomer preparation; (b) a stabilizing preparation containing a clot-preserving effective amount of a fibrinolysis-inhibiting protein; and (c) a non-enzymatic polymerizing agent preparation effective to convert the fibrin monomer preparation into a fibrin clot; or (B) comprising: (a′) a fibrin monomer preparation comprising a fibrin monomer and a clot-preserving effective amount of a of a fibrinolysis-inhibiting protein; and (c′) a polymerizing agent preparation effective to convert the fibrin monomer preparation into a fibrin clot.

Abstract: After a standard dose of a hirudin or an oral thrombin inhibitor is given to a recipient, the concentration of the hirudin or oral thrombin inhibitor in the blood of the recipient is determined using the ecarin clogging time test. From the ratio of the dose given to the recipient to the measured ecarin clotting time, a dosage plan-i.e., the dosage of the hirudin or oral thrombin inhibitor to be given thereafter-is established. For this purpose a pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics model is employed using a statistics program. A further dose of the hirudin or oral thrombin inhibitor is then administered to the recipient in accordance with the established dosage plan.

Abstract: In the vitreous, collagen fibrils and hyaluronan molecules form independent networks that interact to maintain the transparency of the vitreous gel. The discovery of the full length cDNA sequence of human vitrin makes it possible to produce the protein and its separate domains by known biotechnological means. It was found that vitrin is released from the collagen fibrils at high salt concentrations. The protein and expressed domains of the invention may be used to facilitate healing of weakened or injured connective tissue.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to anti-thrombin proteins from the salivary glands of the species, Simulium. Methods for recombinant production of the protein as well as biomedical uses are provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a novel fibrin polymer structure is disclosed. The novel fibrin polymer structure useful, for example, as a surgical sealant, is comprised of a plurality of discrete, droplets of polymerizing or polymerized fibrin each encapsulated by a “skin” of fibrin polymer. These fibrin-skin encapsulated droplets are applied so as to be built up one upon the other, layer by layer, to form an integral sealant structure. The cumulative effect of the encapsulating skins of those droplets which form the sealant surface is a surface skin which unexpectedly resists cell penetration but enhances cell migration across the surface. The sealant structure of the present invention can be prepared by spray delivery of fibrin polymer forming materials wherein the time required for the materials to commence polymerizing after mixing is less than or equal to the transit time of said materials from the applicator tip to the target surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing citrate, aluminum, and other multivalent ions and contaminants from proteins by adjusting the pH of a solution containing the protein to a pH from about 7 to about 10, and diafiltering the pH-adjusted solution against aqueous solutions which have a low level of ions.

Abstract: A tissue adhesive is described, which contains three separate components, i.e., a stabilized, essentially fibrinogen-free protein preparation that is of storage-quality in liquid state and contains the blood coagulation factor XIII a stabilized protein preparation that is of storage-quality in liquid state and contains fibrinogen. A chaotropic substance of less than 0.28 mol/liter was added to said protein preparation to avoid or reduce the aggregation of fibrinogen, and a preparation containing thrombin, which are provided in one packaging unit prepared to be used together. Furthermore, stabilized, frozen or lyophilized protein preparations containing fibrinogen and Factor XIII are described. Said protein preparations contain fibrinogen- and Factor XIII which remains stable for more than four weeks after defrosting or reconstitution, as well as one or more added chaotropic substances in a quantity of less than 0.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating corneal diseases mediated by elevated protease activity include ocular administration of protease inhibitors. One or more protease inhibitors selected from an aspartic, serine, cysteine, or metallo-protease inhibitor are administered to an ocular fluid, surface, or tissue, preferably by topical administration, to inhibit proteolytic activity associated with a corneal disease or condition, for example keratoconus. Antiproteolytic formulations of the invention may include carriers that prolong the retention and/or enhance delivery of the protease inhibitor. These formulations can also include other therapeutic agents such as antiinflammatory or antibiotic drugs. In preferred aspects of the invention, antiproteolytic formulations are administered during periods of closed eye tear production. Also provided within the invention are implant devices for corneal delivery of a protease inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects. In particular, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a unit dose composition comprising 0.2 &mgr;g/kg to 48 &mgr;g/kg of an FGF-2 of SEQ ID NO: 2, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a human patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering into one or more coronary vessels or a peripheral vein of a human patient in need of treatment for coronary artery disease a safe and angiogenically effective dose of a recombinant FGF-2, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. The single unit dose composition of the present invention provides an angiogenic effect in a human CAD patient that lasts six months before re-treatment is required. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of administration which optimizes patient's safety.

Abstract: This invention relates to transgenically produced human Antithrombin III (tgATIII). The human ATIII produced by the transgenic process of the present invention has a monosaccharide composition which comprises N-acetylgalactosamine (GaINAc) along with fucose, N-acetylglucosamine, galactose, mannose, and N-acetylneuraminic acid/N-glycolyneuraminic acid. The monosaccharide composition differs with that of plasma derived ATIII (phATIII). It has been found that tgATIII has an increased clearance rate when compared to phATIII.

Abstract: Methods are provided for purification of Factor VIII polypeptides by immunoaffinity chromatography and ion exchange chromatography, in which the eluate from the immunoaffinity column is diluted with a solution comprising higher salt concentration, or lower non-polar agent concentration than that of the elution solution, prior to passing the diluted solution through the ion exchange column. The methods result in improved purification without significant yield loss.

Abstract: A cytotoxic agent comprising one or more taxanes linked to a cell binding agent. A therapeutic composition for killing selected cell populations comprising: (A) a cytotoxic amount of one or more taxanes covalently bonded to a cell binding agent through a linking group, and (B) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. A method for killing selected cell populations comprising contacting target cells or tissue containing target cells with an effective amount of a cytotoxic agent comprising one or more taxanes linked to a cell binding agent. Novel sulfur-containing taxanes.

Abstract: A DNA construct is disclosed which encodes a fusion protein comprising an amino acid sequence of a blood clotting factor like Factor IX and an amino acid sequence of the cytoplasmic domain of P-Selectin. Such construct may be used for the somatic gene therapy of patients suffering from a defiency of a blood coagulation factor.

Abstract: Providing an evacuated blood collection tube for blood collection rapidly, whereby serum of high purity can be isolated in a rapid and simple manner with no occurrence of fibrin deposition. Beads each coated with a blood coagulation-promoting enzyme comprising thrombin and batroxobin are contained in the evacuated blood collection tube. Preferably, thrombin is used in an amount of 0.1 to 3 IU and batroxobin is used in an amount of 0.25 to 2 BU, per 1 ml of collected blood.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a hydrophilic porous polymeric material comprising the step of mixing a hydrophilic polymeric material with a hydrophobic material; solvent sintering the surface of the hydrophilic polymeric material with water or an aqueous solution; and removing the hydrophobic material contained within the hydrophilic polymeric material with a massive organic solvent. Thus, the hydrophilic porous polymeric material with high porosity and stable structure is rapidly mass produced.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for inhibiting thrombosis in a patient whose blood is subjected to extracorporeal blood circulation which comprises contacting the extracorporeal circulating blood with a Factor IXa compound in an amount effective to inhibit thrombosis in the blood of a patient and under conditions such that the Factor IXa compound circulates in the patient. The Factor IXa compound may include an active site-blocked Factor IXa compound or Glu-Gly-Arg chloromethyl ketone-inactivated human factor IXa compound. This invention also provides that the effective amount may be from about 0.1 &mgr;g/ml plasma to about 250 &mgr;g/ml plasma or from about 0.5 &mgr;g/ml plasma to about 25 &mgr;g/ml plasma. The patient may be subjected to extracorporeal blood circulation during transplant surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed are mammalian thromboplastin reagents and methods for preparing such reagents. The thromboplastin reagents are suitable for use in prothrombin-time (PT) assays, and offer improved sensitivities with acceptable PT-normal times. Contaminating proteins—particularly plasma clotting factors—are separated from a thromboplastin solution by a membrane permeation protocol, in which the thromboplastin solution is exposed to a semipermeable membrane and clotting factors are allowed to pass from the thromboplastin solution through the membrane, while Tissue Factor is retained in the thromboplastin solution. In a preferred method, one or more contaminating clotting factors are separated by diafiltration from a NaCl/Na3Citrate thromboplastin extract of mammalian tissue, and the purified thromboplastin extract is combined with Ca++ ions to form a thromboplastin reagent.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are novel compositions and methods for obtaining concentrated preparations of factor IX and formulations of factor IX suitable for storage and administration.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for determining the anticoagulatory potential of a sample by adding thrombomodulin and thromboplastin in a coagulation test.

Abstract: The healing of chronic wounds, such as leg ulcers, is accelerated via topical administration of a serine protease inhibitor, such as PAI-2. Wound healing also is promoted using combinations of protease inhibitors, such as PAI-2 with other serine protease inhibitors and/or with protease inhibitors such inhibitors of metalloproteinases, acid proteases, and thiol proteases, respectively.

Abstract: Recombinant proCVF exhibits substantially the same activity as CVF and is useful for lowering complement activity

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertebrate translation initiation factor (eIF-4AIII), that plays a role in the differentiation of an embryonic cell to an epidermal cell. This translation initiation factor interacts with BMP-4 in a positive regulatory loop. The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using the translation initiation factor, nucleic acids encoding the same, and corresponding antibodies and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical composition, their preparation, and their use, having a antithrombotic effect through reversible inhibition of activated blood coagulation factor VIIa “FVIIa”.

Abstract: A method for isolating tissue repair promoting substances from human or animal blood, which method comprises collecting the human or animal blood from a single human or animal individual in a first container of a container system comprising at least first and second interconnected containers; centrifuging the container system containing said blood so as to separate the blood in various fractions including a plasma fraction; transferring at least part of the plasma fraction to said second container of the container system; subjecting the plasma fraction in said second container to a low temperature so as to obtain a precipitate comprising tissue repair promoting substances; concentrating said precipitate in said second container so as to obtain a first fraction comprising a major part of the non-precipitated material, and a second fraction comprising at least the major part of the precipitate and a minor part of the non-precipitated material; and separating said second fraction comprising the tissue repair pro

Abstract: The present invention relates to thrombin-containing hemostatic compositions, their preparation and use. In particular, it relates to hemostatic compositions comprising stabilized thrombin and microfibrillar collagen in an aqueous medium. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compositions are used in a kit comprising two different components, one of which is autologous patient's plasma as the source of fibrinogen, and the other of which is the thrombin-containing composition which also contains microfibrillar collagen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-glycosylated protein with enzymatic and serin protease activity, the zymogenous form thereof comprising the following domains of a protease of the factor IX family: (a) a catalytic domain, N-terminal bonded with (b) a zymogenous activation domain, N terminal bonded with (c) a EGF1 and/or EGF2 domain. Said protein can be used in a same way as the natural serine proteases of the factor IX family.

Abstract: A fibrinogen solution which is suitable for use in a tissue adhesive and can be stored at temperatures between +4° C. and +25° C. for at least four weeks without loss of its ability to function, in particular without significant change in consistency and coagulation properties, and a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Novel fibrin monomer compositions which are solutions including additional coharvested components, such as prothrombin and Factor XIII, are useful in fibrin sealant applications. Preferably, the compositions are autologous to the patient receiving the sealant and these compositions may also include coharvested plasminogen, Factor X, antithrombin III and/or fibronectin.

Abstract: A method of treatment for human patients with an acquired hypercoagulable state or acquired protein C deficiency associated with sepsis, purpura fulminans, meningococcal sepsis, bone marrow and other transplantations, severe burns, pregnancy, major surgery, severe trauma, or ARDS, which comprises administering activated protein C providing a highly selective therapeutic agent with a low potential for causing bleeding complications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing functional recombinant tissue factor in a prokaryotic host organism.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to fibrin sealants. More specifically, the subject invention relates to the use of a fibrin sealant wherein a composition comprising fibrin monomer or a composition comprising noncrosslinked fibrin is utilized as a component of the fibrin sealant.

Abstract: A method of isolating a protein from a mixture containing the protein, the method including providing an antibody immobilized on a solid support, which antibody is reactive with the protein complexed with a ligand and substantially unreactive with the protein not complexed with the ligand; contacting the mixture, in the presence of the ligand, with the immobilized antibody to bind the protein, complexed with the ligand, to the immobilized antibody to form an immune complex; and contacting the immune complex with a compound having a binding affinity for the ligand higher than the binding affinity of the protein for the ligand, to release the protein from the immobilized antibody.

Abstract: An adhesive for tissue capable of uniformly forming a high concentration of fibrin so as to provide a high closing effect is disclosed. The adhesive for tissue comprises a fibrinogen solution and a thrombin solution which solutions are separated from each other. The adhesive is to be mixed and spray coated together with a sterile gas and has a volume ratio of the fibrinogen solution to the thrombin solution of about 2:1 to 10:1. This adhesive is to be sprayed together with a sterile gas for the adhesion or closing of living tissue of a human being or animal.

Abstract: Mammalian kringle 5 fragments are disclosed as a compounds for treating angiogenic diseases. Methods and compositions for inhibiting angiogenic diseases are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of making liposomes having membrane proteins incorporated therein, the method comprising: providing the membrane protein in solution; providing a solution of preformed liposomes; and incubating the mixture. Prior to the step of providing a solution of preformed liposomes, the liposomes are formed by combining a mixture of phospholipids with a solution of at least one type of unsaturated fatty acid. The methods of the present invention further relate to the method of making a reagent comprising tissue factor reconstituted into preformed liposomes. The method of the present invention for making a tissue factor reagent comprises: providing tissue factor in solution; providing a solution of preformed liposomes comprising a mixture of phospholipids and at least one type of unsaturated fatty acid; and incubating the mixture.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a concentrate of von Willebrand factor is described, entailing a solution of a complex of this factor with factor VIII:C being optionally pasteurized and treated with an anion exchanger, there being no binding of the von Willebrand factor.

Abstract: There are disclosed a stable factor VIII/vWF-complex, particularly comprising high-molecular vWF multimers, being free from low-molecular vWF molecules and from proteolytic vWF degradation products, as well as a method of producing this complex.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition in a preferred embodiment comprises an isolated bacterial protein that induces fibrin-dependent plasminogen activation, and methods for dissolving blood clots in a subject use such a composition. Embodiments also include a nucleic acid encoding such a bacterial protein, a nucleic acid encoding such a bacterial protein as a fusion to another protein, an expression vector with the nucleic acid, and a host cell transformed with the expression vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody which specifically reacts with an epitope of a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence X-Y-CYS GLN GLU GLU GLU CYS PRO ASP PRO TYR LEU CYS SER PRO VAL THR ASN ARG CYS GLU CYS THR PRO VAL LEU CYS ARG MET TYR CYS LYS PHE TRP ALA LYS ASP GLU LYS GLY CYS GLU ILE CYS LYS CYS GLU GLU LEU CYS GLN ASN GLN ASN CYS THR LYS ASP MET LEU CYS SER SER VAL THR ASN ARG CYS ASP CYS GLN ASP PHE LYS CYS PRO GLN SER TYR CYS-Z (SEQ. ID NO. 1) wherein X is MET or absent; Y is 0-28 amino acids of the sequence LYS MET CYS TRP ASN LYS GLY CYS PRO CYS GLY GLN ARG CYS ASN LEU HIS ARG ASN GLU CYS GLU VAL ILE ALA GLU ASN ILE GLU, (SEQ. ID NO. 2) with the proviso that if part of the sequence is present, it is a carboxy-terminal part of the sequence including the carboxy-terminal GLU and wherein Val may be preceded by Gly; and Z is absent or all or a part of the sequence Pro110-Lys156 shown in FIG. 7 (SEQ. ID NO.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing factor V-deficient plasma, in particular a factor V-deficient plasma from a starting plasma using antibodies, and a deficient plasma which is obtained in this way.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for the localized delivery of supplemented tissue sealants, wherein the supplemented tissue sealants comprise at least one composition which is selected from one or more antibodies, analgesics, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory compounds, antimicrobial compositions, antiproliferatives, cytokines, cytotoxins, drugs, growth factors, interferons, hormones, lipids, demineralized bone or bone morphogenetic proteins, cartilage inducing factors, oligonucleotides polymers, polysaccharides, polypeptides, protease inhibitors, vasoconstrictors or vasodilators, vitamins, minerals, stabilizers and the like. Further provided are methods of using the site-specific supplemented tissue sealants, including preparation of a biomaterial.

Abstract: The invention provides an extracellular matrix for wound healing comprising peptides from two or more fibronectin domains in a backbone matrix. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides a hyaluronic acid backbone derivatized with the minimal FN sequences that are optimal for tissue cell recruitment. These constructs can be used to accelerate the healing of acute gaping cutaneous wounds and chronic cutaneous ulcers. The invention thus further provides a method of enhancing wound healing which comprises applying the extracellular matrix to a wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identification of defects in the clotting, fibrinolysis and complement system.

Abstract: The catalytic active site of Factor VII is modified to produce a compound which effectively interrupts the blood coagulation cascade. The modifications render Factor VIIa substantially unable to activate plasma Factors X or IX. The invention relates to novel methods of treatment and uses of modified Factor VII for preventing or treating myocardial injury associated with post-ischemic reperfusion, for improving regional myocardial blood flow during reperfusion, and maintaining or improving vascular patency in a patient, as well as topical application of modified Factor VII at vascular sites susceptible to thrombus formation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process of chromatographically separating glycosylated proteins from non-glycosylated proteins by subjecting a solution comprising glycosylated and non-glycosylated proteins to chromatography using a Ca++ containing eluant. By using this process a fraction comprising non-glycosylated proteins substantially free from glycosylated proteins is obtained. The process may be applied to the separation of proteins used in the medical industry, such as insulin.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of using the BK enhances in tandem with a eukaryotic promoter to promote transcription of DNA that encodes a useful substance. The method of the present invention requires the presence of the E1A gene produce for maximum expression of the useful substance. The present invention also comprises a number of useful expression vectors that comprise the BK enhancer in tandem with the adenovirus 2 late promoter positioned to drive expression of a variety of proteins, such as protein C, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, and tissue plasminogen activator. The present invention further comprises a method for increasing the activity of the BK enhancer involving placement of the BK enhancer immediately upstream of the eukaryotic promoter used in tandem with the BK enhancer to drive expression of a useful substance. Furthermore, the present invention also comprises a method for coamplification of genes in primate cells.