Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating, i.e. increasing or decreasing, the length and/or the complexity of the dendrites of a neuronal cell by influencing the amount of vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGFD)-related signaling. The present invention further relates to methods for treating age- and/or disease-related cognitive dysfunctions, or for impairing the memory of a subject. Finally, the present invention relates to recombinant VEGFD (rVEGFD) for use in the treatment of age- and/or disease-related cognitive dysfunctions.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for treating or ameliorating the following disorders, in male, with help of prolactin are disclosed: a) erectile dysfunction (ED), also from aging, of pituitary/hypothalamic origin; b) premature ejaculation (PE), of pituitary/hypothalamic origin. Said methods, compositions and kits comprise prolactin, variants, analogs, agonists and functional fragments of prolactin, also in combination with conventional therapies and drugs (eg testosterone/androgens and/or gonadotropins).

Abstract: The invention relates to growth hormone compounds with a protracted profile. The effect is obtained by linking an albumin binding residue via a hydrophilic spacer to growth hormone variants. Further described are methods of preparing and using such compounds. These growth hormone compounds are based on there altered profile considered particular useful in therapy.

Abstract: The disclosure provides nucleic acid molecules encoding chimeric polypeptides, chimeric polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising chimeric polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating sepsis and septic shock using a combination of ghrelin and growth hormone, and for using ghrelin to reduce organ and tissue injury and improve survival after combined radiation exposure and sepsis.

Abstract: Provided are peptides that bind to the thymidylate synthase protein, in particular to human thymidylate synthase (hTS) protein, for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are peptides that can bind at a binding site located at the interface of thymidylate synthase protein. These peptides range from 3 to 10, preferably 4-8 amino acids and have a sequence that binds to each subunit of the thymidylate synthase dimer at the level of dimer interface, stabilizing the dimeric inactive form of the thymidylate synthase enzyme. In addition, provided are pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds as active agents, and uses thereof for the treatment of cancer and to reverse or/and be active in cancer drug resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides FGFR fusion proteins, methods of making them, and methods of using them to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers and disorders of angiogenesis. The FGFR fusion molecules can be made in CHO cells and may comprise deletion mutations in the extracellular domains of the FGFRs which improve their stability. These fusion proteins inhibit the growth and viability of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The combination of the relatively high affinity of these receptors for their ligand FGFs and the demonstrated ability of these decoy receptors to inhibit tumor growth is an indication of the clinical value of the compositions and methods provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention refers to novel recombinant proteins obtained from modified ubiquitin capable of binding the extradomain B of fibronectin (ED-B). Furthermore, the invention refers to fusion proteins comprising said recombinant protein fused to a pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crustacean androgenic gland hormone. More specifically, described are an androgenic gland hormone and associated peptides derived from Penaeus monodon, and their use to influence the sex ratio in prawn and shrimp cultures, and to set up monosex cultures. It is also related to the use of the hormone and associated peptides, associated gene or fragments thereof in sex determination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for differentiating hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells and a method for the differentiation, more precisely an agent for differentiating hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells comprising YC-I [3-(5?-hydroxymethyl-2?-furyl)-1-benzylindazole] or IL-21 (Interleukin-21) as an active ingredient and a method for differentiating hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells using the same. The YC-I and IL-21 regulate the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells and increase the killing activity of NK cells. Therefore, the agent for NK cell differentiation of the present invention can be effectively used for cell therapy for the treatment of cancer by regulating the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells having tumor cell killing activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for the ?- and the ?-chain of the human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), respectively, which has been modified with respect to the codon usage in CHO cells. The present invention further relates to a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising such nucleic acid sequences and host cells containing such recombinant nucleic acid molecules, as well as their use in the production of recombinant human FSH. Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for producing host cells expressing human follicle stimulating hormone by transfecting cells in suspension culture under serum-free conditions with the recombinant nucleic acid molecule of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for producing leafy biomass from undifferentiated plant cells, the method comprising providing undifferentiated plant cells, contacting them with an agent that promotes differentiation of the cells into leafy tissue and growing the cells in a temporary liquid immersion culture system. This method of the invention may be used to produce polypeptides, and natural medicinal products, and can be used to capture carbon dioxide. A method of producing a polypeptide in plant cells in vitro comprising: providing undifferentiated plant cells containing chloroplasts that carry a transgenic nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, wherein the plant cells display homoplastomy; and propagating the cells according to the above method to produce leafy biomass containing the polypeptide.

Abstract: Compounds used as labels with properties comparable to known fluorescent compounds. The compounds can be conjugated to proteins and nucleic acids for biological imaging and analysis. Synthesis of the compounds, formation and use of the conjugated compounds, and specific non-limiting examples of each are provided.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing an aqueous protein or antibody formulation is disclosed herein. Additionally, stable pharmaceutical formulations are contemplated which comprise a biologically active protein, a destabilizing concentration of preservative and a stabilizing concentration of osmolyte.

Abstract: A use of an inhalable powder formulation for preventing or treating an NMDA receptor hypofunction-related disease, a method for preventing or treating an NMDA receptor hypofunction-related disease in a subject, which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of an inhalable powder formulation comprising growth hormone (GH) to the subject in need thereof, and an inhalable powder formulation for preventing or treating an NMDA receptor hypofunction-related disease comprising GH as an active ingredient are provided.

Abstract: Modified porcine somatotropin polypeptides and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: Modified bovine somatotropin polypeptides and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising one carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to an amino terminus of a growth hormone and two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a carboxy terminus of a growth hormone are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to conjugates that include a polypeptide capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier or entering one or more cell types attached to a transport vector, i.e., a composition capable of transporting an agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent). In certain cases, the polypeptides are directly conjugated to a lipid or polymeric vector to allow targeted application of a therapeutic agent to treat, for example, a cancer, a neurodegenerative disease, or a lysosomal storage disorder.

Abstract: A bifunctional polyazamacrocyclic chelating agent of the formula (I): wherein: and the variables A, L, Q, Q1, X, Y, Z, Z1, m, n and r are as defined in the description of the present application. Also described is a complex of the above chelating agent to an ion of a metal ion, such as an ion of 90Y, 111In or 177Lu; a conjugate of the complex covalently attached to a biological carrier; and a pharmaceutical composition containing the conjugate. A method of therapeutic treatment of a mammal involving administration of the pharmaceutical composition is also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and means for modulating pharmacokinetic properties of molecules, such as biologically active molecules. More specifically, the present invention concerns conjugates comprising a biologically active moiety and a moiety conjugated to and modulating at least one pharmacokinetic property of the biologically active moiety (pharmacokinetic property modulating moiety).

Abstract: Described herein are compositions having a peptide sequence that includes at least one bone targeting moiety, wherein the bone targeting moiety is bonded to the peptide sequence by a linker, wherein the peptide sequence is calcitonin, and wherein the composition is neutral or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. In one aspect, calcitonin inhibits or slows osteoclast mediated resorptive bone loss. The compounds described herein can be used in a number of therapeutic applications including treating or preventing conditions associated with bone loss, which include, but are not limited to, osteoporosis, Paget's disease, osteolytic tumors, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Osteoarthritis, osteopenia, and hypercalcemia. Also described herein are the methods of making these compositions that prevent or treat conditions associated with bone loss and methods of preventing bone fractures.

Abstract: A polyion Complex (PIC) polymeric micelle is formed by interaction between a bioactive protein and a dendritic block copolymer of opposite charge. The conventional low stability of PIC micelles with bioactive proteins vis-à-vis ionic strength is offset by the stability provided by the dendritic block. The overall process for preparing the micelles is facilitated by the simplicity of the drendritic block copolymer synthesis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for selecting in parallel (i.e., synchronously or simultaneously) peptides that target a number of organs, in which each peptide targets distinct tissues or organs. Typically, the methods of the invention provide for peptide selection in a Minimal number of subjects and still provides a selectively binding peptide. In certain aspects, methods of identifying peptides that bind to multiple selected tissues or organs of an organism may comprise the steps of administering a phage display library to a first subject; obtaining a sample of two or more selected tissues; obtaining phage displaying peptides that bind to the samples from the first subject; enriching for peptides by administering phage isolated from the samples of the first subject to a second subject; obtaining a sample of two or more selected tissues from the second subject; and identifying the peptides displayed.

Abstract: This invention relates to modified IGF-II binding domains of the Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 Receptor (IGF2R) which have enhanced binding affinity for IGF-II relative to the wild type IGF-II binding domain. Suitable IGF-II binding domains may be modified, for example, by substituting residue E1544 for a non-acidic residue. These modified domains may be useful in the sequestration of Insulin-like Growth Factor II (IGF-II), for example, in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising pegylated growth hormone at pH 7 or below are provided.

Abstract: We disclose growth hormone [GH] fusion proteins that have increased in vivo stability and activity; nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteins and methods of treatment of growth hormone deficiency that use said fusion proteins. The GH fusion proteins comprise human GH covalently linked to the extracellular domain of Growth Hormone Receptor [GHR] either as a direct in-frame translational fusion or via a flexible peptide linker. The GH/GHR fusion proteins have exceptional pharmacokinetics and are potent growth hormone receptor agonists. The GH/GHR fusion proteins form head to tail dimers.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptide immunogens comprising influenza virus matrix 2 protein epitopes and related compositions and methods. The present invention relates to a composition comprising a peptide immunogen useful for the prevention and treatment of an influenza virus-mediated disease. The invention also relates to vaccines, immunogenic products and immunogenic compositions containing the peptide immunogens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for accomplishing systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-? superfamily via a peripheral mode of administration. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7. The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the peripheral site of intravenous administration of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: Said preparations can be administered topically to the intact eye surface, and are useful in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders of the retina, optic nerve, lateral geniculate body and visual cortex, in order to prevent reduction of visual capacity and restore the normal visual function.

Abstract: Methods of harvesting proteins directly from bioreactors to avoid at several steps in the purification of recombinant drugs are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of INSP035 for treatment and/or prevention of fibrotic diseases, in particular of scleroderma.

Abstract: A method of treating osteoporosis by PTH that has excellent safety and high efficacy is disclosed, along with a method for inhibiting/preventing bone fractures by PTH that has excellent safety, as well as providing a drug to do this. A drug containing PTH as the active ingredient is disclosed, characterized in that a unit dose of PTH of 100 to 200 units is administered weekly in the above method.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel, selectable hybrid polypeptides useful as agents for the treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases and disorders which can be alleviated by control plasma glucose levels, insulin levels, and/or insulin secretion, such as diabetes and diabetes-related conditions. Such conditions and disorders include, but are not limited to, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, insulin-resistance, obesity, and diabetes mellitus of any kind, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed are biologically active protein conjugates that comprise a biologically active polypeptide coupled via a peptide bond to a polypeptide comprising from 2 to about 500 units of a repeating peptide motif, wherein the biologically active protein conjugate exhibits a modified plasma half-life compared to the intrinsic half-life of the unconjugated biologically active polypeptide or protein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the conjugated proteins, as well as methods for determining whether a given conjugate exhibits a modified half life relative to the intrinsic half life of the unconjugated polypeptide.

Abstract: An HGF precursor protein variant, in which a peptide structure comprises a sequence including a peptide chain X inserted between an ? chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the C-terminus of the ? chain are deleted, and a ? chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the N-terminus of the ? chain are deleted; wherein (i) the peptide chain X has an amino-acid sequence of at least two residues, (ii) the peptide chain X can be cleaved by a protease reaction or a chemical reaction, and (iii) a protein obtained by cleaving at least one site of the peptide chain X has HGF action.

Abstract: Provided herein are multifunctional heteromer proteins. In specific embodiments is a heteromultimer that comprises: at least two monomeric proteins, wherein each monomeric protein comprises at least one cargo polypeptide, attached to a transporter polypeptide, such that said monomeric proteins associate to form the heteromultimer. These therapeutically novel molecules comprise monomers that function as scaffolds for the conjugation or fusion of therapeutic molecular entities resulting in the creation of bispecific or multivalent molecular species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Cardiac Targeting Peptides or CTPs that are able to transduce cardiomyocytes specifically in culture and in vivo, and to methods for using such peptides and their derivatives to deliver peptides, proteins or nucleic acids specifically to the heart. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the peptide APWHLSSQYSRT (SEQ ID NO:1) functioned as a cardiac-specific protein targeting peptide and was successful in delivering a number of different cargoes to cardiac muscle cells in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacturing of a protein, such as growth hormone, in mammalian cells cultured in a serum-free medium (medium free of components derived from animal serum). The medium contains cobalt and, optionally, cadmium or cyclodextrin.

Abstract: We describe modified growth hormone fusion proteins and dimers comprising said fusion proteins; nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteins and methods of treatment that use said proteins in the treatment of conditions that result from growth hormone excess.

Abstract: Provided is a fusion protein, which comprises human fibroblast growth factor 21 and glucagon-like-peptide-1 or its analogs. Also provided is the medicament composition comprising the fusion protein, which can be used for treating or preventing obesity, diabetes, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia etc.

Abstract: A septum is positioned within a disposable vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes a plurality of apertures that provide fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. Compressed gas is introduced in the lower chamber to produce fine bubbles rising up throughout the vessel to produce a mixing and gasification needed for the growth of a biological culture and manufacture of a biological product in a nutrient medium. Adding a binding resin to the upper chamber allows harvesting, separation and purification of biological products in the reactor as a single unit operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new homodimeric form of recombinant PlGF-1, to a process for its preparation and to compositions containing it.

Abstract: A human VEGF-related protein (VRP) has been identified and isolated that binds to, and stimulates the phosphorylation of, the receptor tyrosine kinase Flt4. The VRP is postulated to be a third member of the VEGF protein family. Also provided are antibodies that bind to VRP and neutralize a biological activity of VRP, compositions containing the VRP or antibody, methods of use, chimeric polypeptides, and a signal polypeptide for VRP.

Abstract: A dicarba analogue of insulin comprising an A-chain and a B-chain or fragments, salts, solvates, derivatives, isomers or tautomers of the A-chain, the B-chain or both, provided that the dicarba analogue is not [A7,B7-(2,7-diaminosuberoyl]-des-(B26-B30)-insulin B25-amide.

Abstract: The present technology relates to engineered human Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF2) proteins and methods of using the same. In particular, the methods and compositions relate to FGF2 mutants with increased thermostability compared to the wild-type protein and method for using the proteins in the culturing of embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: A pedicle anchor device is provided and is equipped for being used like a pedicle screw, i.e. for being implanted in the vertebra from dorsal direction (but generally at an angle to the sagittal plane, slightly inward towards the sagittal plane) through the pedicle so that a distal portion of the device protrudes into the vertebral body. The pedicle anchor device includes a pedicle anchor device body with a head portion, a shaft portion and a longitudinal bore that extends from a proximal end of the pedicle anchor device body and has a hole or a plurality of holes from the longitudinal bore outward, for example radially outward.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for remodeling a peptide molecule, including the addition or deletion of one or more glycosyl groups to a peptide, and/or the addition of a modifying group to a peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.