Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide novel binding molecules for factor VIII and factor VIII-like proteins. Preferred binding molecules of the present invention exhibit not only distinct characteristics for binding of the target factor VIII polypeptides but also specific and desirable characteristics for release (elution) of the target polypeptides. Especially preferred binding molecules according to the invention are short polypeptide sequences, characterized by a stable loop structure.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof that correspond to a novel human von Willebrand/Thrombospondin-like polypeptide. These polynucleotides comprise nucleic acid sequences isolated from cDNA library from human fetal brain (Hyseq clone identification number 15258924). Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing processes for producing novel human von Willebrand/Thrombospondin-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of factor VIII:C/von Willebrand factor complex from plasma or a plasma fraction by chromatography in a cation exchanger, wherein the factor VIII:C/von Willebrand factor complex is obtained with at least 300 times the purity of the plasma and the yield of factor VIII:C and the von Willebrand factor is at least 50% in relation to cryoprecipitates or analogous plasma fractions.

Abstract: The molecules and methods of the present invention provide a means for in vivo production of a trans-spliced molecule in a selected subset of cells. The pre-trans-splicing molecules of the invention are substrates for a trans-splicing reaction between the pre-trans-splicing molecules and a pre-mRNA which is uniquely expressed in the specific target cells. The in vivo trans-splicing reaction provides a novel mRNA which is functional as mRNA or encodes a protein to be expressed in the target cells. The expression product of the mRNA is a protein of therapeutic value to the cell or host organism a toxin which causes killing of the specific cells or a novel protein not normally present in such cells. The invention further provides PTMs that have been genetically engineered for the identification of exon/intron boundaries of pre-mRNA molecules using an exon tagging method.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hemostatically active preparation containing von Willebrand factor (vWF) from a fraction of human plasma by chromatographic purification of a vWF-containing plasma fraction on an anion-exchange material which has the anion-exchanging groups on grafted polymeric structures (tentacle materials), collecting a vWF-containing fraction, followed by purification of said fraction using gel permeation to prepare a purified thermally stable vWF-containing preparation; and heating the preparation for inactivating viruses.

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: A Factor VIII composition formulated without albumin, comprising the following formulation excipients in addition to Factor VIII: 4% to 10% of a bulking agent selected from the group consisting of mannitol, glycine and alanine; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; 100 mM to 300 mM NaCl; and a buffering agent for maintaining a pH of approximately between 6 and 8. Alternatively, the formulation can comprise 2% to 6% hydroxyethyl starch; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; 100 mM to 300 mM NaCl; and a buffering agent for maintaining a pH of approximately between 6 and 8.

Abstract: A method for the refinement of a thrombin substrate, characterized by comprising therein a step of affinity chromatography formed by using an affinity adsorbent having as a ligand a thrombin or thrombin analogue deprived of nucleophilicity (activity) without causing stereostructure to the linkage with a substrate is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for purifying factor VIII/vWF complex or free vWF by immunoaffinity chromatography in a form suitable for use as a medicament. Factor VIII/vWF complex or free vWF is recovered from an immunoaffinity adsorbent by using an eluting agent containing a zwitterionic species. The presence of the zwitterionic species allows for the use of mild conditions throughout the preparation, facilitating retention of molecular integrity, activity, and incorporation of the recovered proteins into pharmaceutical preparations without the need for additional stabilizers or preservatives.

Abstract: A process for inactivating viral contaminants of lyophilized Factor VIII by heat is provided. The process comprises forming a stable complex between the Factor VIII and a cyclodextrin in an aqueous solution. The solution is then lyophilized, and the Factor VIII/cyclodextrin complex is recovered. The lyophilized Factor VIII/cyclodextrin is then heated to 60° C. to inactivate any virus present. The material may then be reconstituted prior to administration to a patient.

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: A modified factor VIII CDNA is disclosed, wherein one or more spliceable nucleotide sequences have been inserted into introns 1 and/or 13 of the wild-type factor VIII cDNA. Further, a process for the production of a biologically active recombinant human factor VIII or its derivative is disclosed, which is performed by cultivating an animal cell line comprising a recombinant expression vector containing said modified factor VIII cDNA. Moreover, a transfer vector for use in the human gene therapy is described which comprises said modified factor VIII cDNA. Finally, the use of recombinant human factor VII and its derivatives for the treatment of hemophilia is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns glycosylated proteins having human factor VIII activity. In a preferred embodiment, the protein is glycosylated with oligosaccharides that include an alpha-(2,6)-linked sialic acid and a bisecting GlcNAc linked to a core beta-mannose.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibrin nanoparticles having a mean diameter of 200-2000 nm. The present invention provides also methods for preparing fibrin particles of various sizes, including fibrin nanoparticles and fibrin microbeads. The present invention further provides compositions comprising fibrin particles and an agent, wherein the agent is coupled to the amine or carboxy moieties on the surface of the fibrin particles. In addition the present invention provides a composition comprising fibrin nanoparticles and an agent, wherein the agent is admixed with the fibrin nanoparticles. Still further, the present invention provides a method for introducing an agent into a cell, a method for isolating stem and/or progenitor cells from a biological sample, as well as a composition comprising fibrin particles bound to stem and/or progenitor cells.

Abstract: Contaminant viruses can be efficiently removed almost without losing the activity of protein by subjecting a plasma protein composition having a high risk of viral contamination to a treatment with a porous membrane having a pore size greater than a single-particle size of the virus, particularly by subjecting a plasma protein composition to a fractionation treatment by precipitation, before the porous membrane treatment. Particularly, a fibrinogen composition substantially free of non-enveloped viruses, Parvovirus among others, can be provided. By the application of the present invention, a safe plasma protein preparation free of viruses can be conveniently provided.

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 of the specific loci. The modified factor VIII is not inhibited by inhibitory antibodies against the A2 or C2 domain epitopes. The modified factor VIII is useful for hemophiliacs, either to avoid or prevent the action of inhibitory antibodies.

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: Fibrin microbeads are prepared containing extensively cross-linked fibrin (ogen) without using glutaraldehyde. The fibrin microbeads are preferably prepared by containing an aqueous solution containing fibrinogen, thrombin and Factor XIII with an oil heated to about 50-80° C. to form an emulsion and mixing the emulsion at 50-80° C. until fibrin microbeads containing extensively cross-linked fibrin (ogen) are obtained. The fibrin microbeads may have a diameter of about 50-200 microns and can contain a bioactive agent. The fibrin microbeads are used for binding cells such as when culturing or separating one cell type from another, or when transplanting cells or engineering tissue.

Abstract: A process for producing an intravenously-administrable gamma globulin solution substantially free of contaminating viruses by fractionating an impure gamma globulin solution and then treating the purified gamma globulin, in any order, with a solvent-detergent for viral inactivation and a heat treating for viral inactivation. Thereafter, denatured impurities, residual solvent and aggregate generated by the heat treatment are removed from the gamma globulin.

Abstract: Drugs in which peptides having affinity specific for phospholipids, preferably those which are contained in the constituents of lipid bilayers forming the surface layers of cells and of which the proportion in the outer part of each lipid bilayer increases when the cell is not normal, for example, in the case where it is damaged, denatured or activated, and biologically active substances bind to each other, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which codes for the amino acid sequence of the drug in the case where the biologically active substance is a peptide, and processes for producing such drugs. The drugs and novel peptides are useful as preventives and therapeutics of diseases involving coagulopathy, inflammations and immune response.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing agents containing virus-inactivated vitamin K-dependent plasma components as well as protein C, protein S, factors II, VII, IX and/or X as well as combinations thereof, such as, for example, PPSB preparations, wherein a source containing these components is subjected to a appropriate separation procedures, especially by using membrane-chromatographic methods.

Abstract: Multimers of human serum albumin are removed from a solution of human serum albumin containing the multimers by bringing the human serum albumin solution into contact with an anion-exchanger equilibrated with a buffer containing a salt in a concentration ranging from 10 to 150 mM and having a pH value ranging from 5 to 9.5.

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: A modified Factor VIII cDNA is disclosed wherein the B-domain of the wild type factor cDNA has been deleted and a truncated Factor IX intron 1 has been inserted in two locations of the Factor VIII cDNA and as a promoter a cDNA is used which is suitable for the expression in hematopoietic cell lines and specifically in platelets.

Abstract: This invention combines the unique antiplatelet effects of S-nitrosothiols and the antiadhesive properties of fragments of von Willebrand (vWF) in the A1 domain to provide unique molecules that exploit both of these properties. Preferred molecules comprise a fragment of A1 (Ala 444-Asn 730) in which arginine at position 545 is replaced by cysteine (the most frequent von Willebrand disease type 2b mutation) that has been discovered to impair platelet adhesion, and to inhibit an antithrombotic activity in vivo. This cysteine residue may be S-nitrosated to produce a novel molecule that has the potential for impairing platelet adhesion as well as activation/aggregation, and such molecules form the basis of a novel therapeutic method for impairing platelet responses following vascular injury or in other thrombotic disorders according to this invention.

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: The invention relates to a modified B-domainless form of porcine factor VIII, to a DNA encoding the same, and to the use thereof for treatment of hemophilia.

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 and an amino acid sequence spacer is inserted between the A2- and A3-domains.

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: 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: 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: The present invention is related to the antigenic polypeptide sequence of Factor VIII.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the efficient delivery and expression of recombinant polynucleotides in animal cells in vitro or in vivo. In particular, a comprehensive approach of non-viral gene delivery is provided that has been optimized with regards to the vectors delivered, maximizing the amount and duration of gene expression, and methods of conditioning the patient to enhance the efficiency of gene delivery. The described methods find application in both gene therapy, and the functional analysis of cloned gene products in vivo.

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 Az domain. The modified factor VIII is useful as a clotting factor supplement for hemophiliacs.

Abstract: This invention describes a protein-free production process for proteins having factor VIII procoagulant activity. The process includes the derivation of stable human cell clones with high productivity for B-domain deleted Factor VIII, and (2) the adaptation of cells to grow in a medium free of plasma-derived proteins.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vWF derivative comprised of vWF, immobilized on a carrier, which is characterized in that the vWF is r-vWF, as well as a method of isolating proteins which bind to vWF, by using this vWF derivative.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides having Factor VIII activity are provided as well as compositions and methods for their preparation. The polypeptides comprise derivatives and fragments of Factor VIII and have sequences substantially similar to portions of naturally occuring Factor VIII. The polypeptides find use in treatment of Hemophilia A.

Abstract: A method to determine whether a test compound modulates the activity of an enzyme that has a metallated active site, comprising:

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.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides having Factor VIII activity are provided as well as compositions and methods for their preparation. The polypeptides comprise derivatives and fragments of Factor VIII and have sequences substantially similar to portions of naturally occuring Pactor VIII. The polypeptides find use in treatment of Hemophilia A.

Abstract: There is disclosed a highly purified complex comprising the components factor VIII and vWF having a specific activity of at least 70, preferably 100 to 300 U factor VIII:C/mg, a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing this complex as well as a method of producing the same.

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 biologically active peptides which specifically inhibit the Factor IX-dependent pathway of blood coagulation. These peptides are based on a specific motif which represents a sequence of Factor VIII (amino acid 1811-1818) involved in binding to activated Factor IX as well as to the intact Factor IX zymogen. Binding of said peptides to Factor IX or activated derivatives thereof effectively inhibits complex assembly with Factor VIII. These peptides thereby specifically interfere in the Factor IX-dependent pathway of thrombin formation, while leaving other haemostatic pathways unaffected. By virtue of this unique specificity, the peptides of this invention are particularly useful in novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of thrombotic disorders.

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 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: 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: 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.