Abstract: Method for preparing a factor VIII solution that is essentially free of viruses and essentially devoid of vWF (von Willebrand factor) and factor VIII-vWF complexes by (a) obtaining a starting factor VIII solution devoid of factor VIII-vWF complexes; and (b) filtering the solution through a hydrophilic virus filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides pro-micelle compositions comprising a pharmaceutically active agent encapsulated with a membrane of esterified C12-C18 fatty acids. In the mammalian intestine, exposure to C12-C18 fatty acids results in conversion of the pro-micelle to a stable micelle that effectively delivers the pharmaceutically active agent to the systemic circulation. The present invention further provides methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: A thrombin derivative having a lowered fibrinogen activity, a process for producing thereof, an anhydrothrombin derivative having a lowered fibrinogen activity, and a process for producing thereof are provided. This invention is to provide a thrombin derivative formed by modifying carboxyl group(s) of the thrombin and an anhydrothrombin derivative formed by modifying carboxyl group(s) of the anhydrothrombin. The thrombin derivative can be utilized as a composition for inducing platelet aggregation and further as a reagent of specific aggregation for clinical testing and the like. By affinity chromatography using carboxyl group(s) bound with anhydrothrombin as a ligand, it is made possible to carry out necessary purification with high selectivity relative to the blood coagulation factor VIII.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a protein or polypeptide and substantially neutral colloidal particles. The particles comprise approximately 1-20 mole percent of an amphipathic lipid derivatized with a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer which carriers substantially no net charge. The protein or polypeptide is capable of externally binding the colloidal particles, or is capable of binding polyethylene glycol, and is not encapsulated in the colloidal particles. A preferred protein is factor VIII, whose half-life is extended and which is protected from serum inhibitor antibodies by injecting it as a component of the composition.

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: Disclosed is a lyophilized preparation of recombinant factor VIII used as a therapeutic preparation of hemophilia A. The lyophilized preparation of recombinant factor VIII is prepared by performing lyophilization using a mixture comprising 6 to 100 mM of L-arginine, 3.5 to 50 mM of L-isoleucine, and 10 to 100 mM of L-glutamic acid as a stabilizer for stabilizing the recombinant factor VIII which exhibits an unstable activity during lyophilization, rather than using human blood derived albumin.

Abstract: A method for conveniently detecting binding between the von Willebrand factor and glycoprotein Ib and a means to be used therein. The von Willebrand factor fixed in a reactor immobilized in a reaction vessel in the presence of bottrocetin is bound to a chimeric protein constructed by fusing the carboxyl terminal of a partial protein containing the von Willebrand factor-binding site of glycoprotein Ib with the amino terminal of the Fc region of an immunoglobulin molecule. Then the Fc region of the above immunoglobulin molecule is detected to thereby detect the binding between the von Willebrand factor and the glycoprotein Ib or inhibition of this binding.

Abstract: The cDNA which codes for factor XIIIa has been isolated using a cDNA bank from human placenta and probes constructed on the basis of the amino acid sequence of factor XIIIa peptide fragments. It is possible with this cDNA not only to obtain factor XIIIa by gene manipulation in high purity but also to prepare diagnostic aids which permit the analysis of genetic factor XIIIa defects. Furthermore, it is possible on the basis of the amino acid sequence to prepare antibodies which are suitable for diagnostic aids and antibody columns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to early secretory pathway molecules, in particular to the MCFD2 (multiple coagulation factor deficiency 2) protein, and nucleic acids encoding the MCFD2 protein. The present invention provides assays for the detection of MCFD2 and for MCFD2 polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states and provides screening assays for the identification and use of compounds that alter MCFD2 activity and/or biological pathways involving MCFD2.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of increasing the half-life factor VIII. More specifically, the invention methods of increasing the half-life of factor VIII by substituting amino acids in the A2 domain or in the C2 domain of factor VIII or in both domains. It further provides factor VIII mutants produced by these methods. The invention also provides a method of using receptor-associated protein (RAP) to increase the half-life of factor VIII. The invention also provides polynucleotides encoding the mutant factor VIII, polynucleotides encoding RAP, and methods of treating hemophilia using the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention.

Abstract: Specific amino acid loci of human factor VIII interact with inhibitory antibodies of hemophilia patients after being treated with factor VIII. Modified factor VIII is disclosed in which the amino acid sequence is changed by a substitution at one or more of the specific loci. The modified factor VIII si useful for hemophiliacs, either to avoid or prevent the action of inhibitory antibodies.

Abstract: A method of preparation of molecularly uniform hyperpolymeric hemoglobins includes subjecting a solution of hyperpolymeric hemoglobins with different molecular weights to an ultrafiltration process using a filter with a normal cut-off threshold of 106 g/mol.

Abstract: Conjugates of a Factor VIII moiety and one or more water-soluble polymers are provided. Typically, the water-soluble polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) or a derivative thereof. Also provided are compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of making the conjugates, and methods of administering compositions comprising the conjugates to a patient.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to clarify the mechanism of the intrinsic clotting system which is induced by activation of blood coagulation factor IX by erythrocyte membrane, and to clarify the structure of a factor which activates blood coagulation factor IX by isolating and identifying the factor.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin k-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a molecular marker of the integrity of the extracellular matrix in an animal including a human subject. More particularly, the present invention provides a molecular marker of cartilage integrity. The identification of the molecular marker in circulatory or tissue fluid is indicative of disrepair of the extracellular matrix and in particular cartilage such as caused or facilitated by trauma or a degenerative disease or other condition, for example, arthritis or autoimmunity. The molecular marker is preferably in the form of a glycoprotein but the instant invention extends to genetic sequences encoding the polypeptide portion of the glycoprotein. Expression analysis of such genetic sequences provides predictive utility in detecting normal or abnormal extracellular matrix development.

Abstract: The invention provides a conjugate of hemoglobin and a nucleic acid cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human coagulation Factor VIIa variants having coagulant activity as well as polynucleotide constructs encoding such variants, vectors and host cells comprising and expressing the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical compositions, uses and methods of treatment.

Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs comprising procoagulant gene sequences under the control of a megakaryocyte-specific promoter are provided. The sequences preferably also comprise a secretory granule sorting domain Also provided are vectors comprising the sequences and methods of gene therapy comprising the use of the various constructs.

Abstract: A process for the preparation in pure form of the protease activating blood clotting factor VII and/or its proenzyme is described in which these are obtained from biological fluids or those obtained in the case of preparation by genetic engineering

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for cultivating mammalian cells and for producing recombinant proteins in large-scale cultures of such cells. The proteins are, e.g., Factor VII or Factor VII-related polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for industrial-scale production of FVII polypeptides in mammalian cell culture free of animal-derived components.

Abstract: Tissue sealant compositions containing human recombinant fibrinogen, human recombinant factor XIII and human recombinant thrombin. Also disclosed are preferred formulations and uses therefore.

Abstract: Specific amino acid loci of human factor VIII interact with inhibitory antibodies of hemophilia patients after being treated with factor VIII. Modified factor VIII is disclosed in which the amino acid sequence is changed by a substitution at one or more of the specific loci. The modified factor VIII is useful for hemophiliacs, either to avoid or prevent the action of inhibitory antibodies.

Abstract: The application discloses Factor VIII polypeptides comprising internal deletions of amino acids within the area of residues 741 to 1689, wherein the thrombin cleavage sites at about 741 and about 1689 are present, and a site at about 1648 is not present, as compared to human Factor VIII.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a tissue factor antagonist and a blood glucose regulator, methods of promoting, inducing, and/or enhancing a physiological response in a subject comprising administering such a composition or combination of tissue factor antagonist and blood glucose regulator, such as in the treatment or prevention of a thrombotic or coagulopathic disease, respiratory disease, or inflammatory disease.

Abstract: Recombinant protein complexes having human Factor VIII:C activity are expressed in a eukaryotic host cell by transforming the host cell with first and second expression cassettes encoding a first polypeptide substantially homologous to human Factor VIII:C A domain and a second polypeptide substantially homologous to human Factor VIII:C C domain, respectively. In the present invention, the first polypeptide may be extended having at its C-terminal a human Factor VIII:C B domain N-terminal peptide, a polypeptide spacer of 3-40 amino acids, and a human Factor VIII:C B domain C-terminal peptide. Expression of the second polypeptide is improved by employing an &agr;1-antitrypsin signal sequence.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel compounds capable of modulating the activity and stimulating the production of catalytic antibodies. More particularly, the invention concerns a compound capable of increasing the activity of an antibody having specific affinity for the catalytic site of the antibody, and it is not immunogenic. Such compounds are useful in particular for therapeutic treatment or prevention of a pathology related to an enzymatic deficiency, to stimulate in vivo hydrolysis of xenobiotics, drugs, medicines or any other molecule potentially toxic for the organism or for preventing or inhibiting allergic reactions.

Abstract: The development of inhibitory antibodies to blood coagulation factor VIII (fVIII) results in a severe bleeding tendency. These antibodies arise in patients with hemophilia A (hereditary fVIII deficiency) who have been transfused with fVIII. They also occur in non-hemophiliacs, which produces the condition acquired hemophilia. We describe a method to construct and express novel recombinant fVIII molecules which escape detection by existing inhibitory antibodies (low antigenicity fVIII) and which decrease the likelihood of developing inhibitory antibodies (low immunogenicity fVIII). In this method, fVIII is glycosylated at sites that are known to be antibody recognition sequences (epitopes). This produces the desired properties of low antigenicity fVIII and low (immunogenicity fVIII. The mechanism is similar to one used by viruses such as the AIDS virus, which glycosylates its surface proteins to escape detection by the immune system.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules and vector constructs comprising scaffold/matrix attachment regions and methods of using such scaffold/matrix attachment regions for the industrial production of recombinant proteins and polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a novel composition of matter and methods of using the same. More particularly, the invention describes mutant human factor IX which has an increased resistance to inhibition by heparin. Methods of making and using this composition for the therapeutic intervention of hemophilia are disclosed.

Abstract: A stabilized protein preparation is described which contains no antithrombin III and is protected against loss of activity during pasteurization by the addition of stabilizers which comprise one or more saccharides as a mixture with more than 0.5 mol/l of one or more amino acids chosen from the group arginine, lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, aspartic acid and its salts or glutamic acid and its salts. Glycine and/or glutamine can also be additionally added to each of these amino acids. A process for the viral inactivation or viral depletion of a protein preparation of this type which contains the abovementioned stabilizers and is subjected to pasteurization or viral depletion by filtration, centrifugation or treatment with detergents or bactericidal or virucidal agents is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibrin microbeads that are biologically active and comprise extensively cross-linked fibrin(ogen), and a method for preparing the fibrin microbeads. The present invention also provides a composition comprising cells bound to the fibrin microbeads, and methods for culturing and separating cells using the fibrin microbeads of the present invention. Finally, the present invention provides methods for transplanting cells and engineering tissue using the fibrin microbeads of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel purified and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding procoagulant-active FVIII proteins. The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention encode amino acid sequences corresponding to known human FVIII sequences, wherein residue Phe3O9 is mutated. The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention also encode amino acid sequences corresponding to known human FVIII sequences, wherein the APC cleavage sites, Arg336 and Ile562, are mutated. The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention further encode amino acid sequences corresponding to known human FVIII sequences, wherein the B-domain is deleted, the von Willebrand factor binding site is deleted, a thrombin cleavage site is mutated, an amino acid sequence spacer is inserted between the A2- and A3-domains.

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. Pharmaceutical compositions of the modified Factor VII are used to treat a variety of coagulation-related disorders.

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: Anti-angiogenic polypeptides A61 or p22 are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the polypeptides and methods of treating subjects having angiogenic diseases or conditions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation in pure form of the protease activating blood clotting factor VII and/or its proenzyme by use of one or more affinity chromatography separation processes and/or fractional precipitation is described, in which the affinity chromatography separation process used is adsorption on

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing vitamin K-dependent proteins. Furthermore the present invention relates to novel co-transfected eucaryotic host cells and recombinant vectors to be used in this improved method for preparing vitamin K-dependent proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides means and methods of inactivating viruses and other organisms in cell-containing or biopolymer-containing compositions without significant alteration of proteins or other biopolymers by contacting such compositions with selective ethyleneimine oligomer inactivating agents, such as the trimer or tetramer.

Abstract: A modified factor VIIa is provided. The modified factor has increased amidolytic activity in the absence of T.F. and a higher affinity for T.F. when compared to the native factor VIIa but does not have substantially altered proteolytic activity when bound to T.F. Nucleic acid molecules that encode the factor, expression vectors that contain the nucleic acid molecules, cells that contain the nucleic acid molecules, and cells transformed with the expression vector are also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the modified factor is a human factor VIIa.

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: 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: Improved materials and methods for the treatment of Hemophilia A are provided.

Abstract: A method for separating off viruses from a protein solution by nanofiltration, comprising adding to the protein solution at least one ingredient chosen from chaotropic substances chosen from arginine, guanidine, citrulline, urea and derivatives thereof and salts thereof, and compounds chosen from polyethoxysorbitan esters and derivatives thereof, prior to the nanofiltration, in order to decrease or prevent aggregation of the protein molecules, and then filtering the solution through a filter having a pore size ranging from 15 nm to less than 35 nm.

Abstract: The invention features constructs and related methods for expression of products in mammalian cells, e.g., human cells. Constructs include a human &ggr;-actin, &bgr;-actin, fibronectin, YY1, or &bgr;-tubulin promoter region operably linked to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A stable blood factor composition contains a stabilising amount of trehalose in the absence of human serum albumin to provide a product stable at up to 60° C.

Abstract: Recombinant protein complexes having human Factor VIII:C activity are expressed in a eukaryotic host cell by transforming the host cell with first and second expression cassettes encoding a first polypeptide substantially homologous to human Factor VIII:C A domain and a second polypeptide substantially homologous to human Factor VIII:C C domain, respectively. In the present invention, the first polypeptide may be extended having at its C-terminal a human Factor VIII:C B domain N-terminal peptide, a polypeptide spacer of 3-40 amino acids, and a human Factor VIII:C B domain C-terminal peptide. Expression of the second polypeptide is improved by employing an &agr;1-antitrypsin signal sequence.

Abstract: Specific amino acid loci of human factor VIII interact with inhibitory antibodies of hemophilia patients who have developed such antibodies after being treated with factor VIII. Modified factor VIII is disclosed in which the amino acid sequence is changed by a substitution at one or more amino acids of positions 484-508 of the A2 domain. The modified factor VIII is useful as a clotting factor supplement for hemophiliacs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of liquid formulations of plasma proteins, particularly blood coagulation factors. More specifically, the present invention relates to stable liquid formulations of Factor VIII and Factor IX that can be administered by injection or infusion to provide a constant level of the coagulation factor in the blood.