Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing hyperacute rejection.

Abstract: A new use of a suitable colloidal mixture of hyaluronic acids, of different molecular weights mixed together in a proper ratio in the treatment of the cutaneous diseases is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formulation of pharmaceutical compounds. More particularly, the invention provides stable, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions prepared from boronic add compounds and methods for preparing the compositions. The invention also provides novel boronate ester compounds. The invention further provides boronic add anhydride compounds useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for producing hyaluronic acid or a hyaluronic acid derivative which is a simple preparation method as compared with a cockscomb extraction method or a fermentation method which has conventionally been employed industrially, and with which isolation and purification of the product from the reaction liquid is easy. It is a method for producing hyaluronic acid or a hyaluronic acid derivative, which comprises acting a hyaluronidase on an oxazoline derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methodology for polymer grafting by a polysaccharide synthase and, more particularly, polymer grafting using the hyaluronate or chondroitin or heparin/heparosan synthases from Pasteurella, in order to create a variety of glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides having a natural or chimeric or hybrid sugar structure with a targeted size that are substantially monodisperse in size.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds containing a 2-deoxy-2-amino-&bgr;-D-glucopyranose (glucosamine) glycosidically linked to a cyclic aminoalkyl (aglycon) group. The invention further provides methods for inducing an immune response using the compounds of the present invention in the presence or absence of an antigen. In addition, methods for treating disease with the compounds of the present invention with or without an antigen are also provided in this invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a double-crosslinked hyaluronate material. A hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof is sequentially reacted with an epoxide compound and a carbodiimide compound to produce a more biodegradation-resistant hyaluronate material.

Abstract: Novel arylisothiocyanate compounds are described that are useful for activating alcohol-containing macromolecules, for example polyethyleneglycols and cellulose, for covalent linkage to amino-groups of biomolecules, for example polypeptides such as antibodies, enzymes, and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives cross-linked with another polymer, in particular multiple e.g. double cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivatives. The invention also provides novel cross-linked derivatives, products containing them and their uses in cosmetic, medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A method of flocculating a micro-organism and/or removal of high molecular weight contaminants from a fermentation broth, comprising adding a divalent salt to the fermentation broth comprising a glycosaminoglucan of interest after which the micro-organism and/or the high molecular weight contaminants are removed, wherein said micro-organism produces the glycosaminoglucan of interest.

Abstract: Novel compounds are provided having enhanced affinity for a desired, preselected, target substance (a small molecule; a macromolecule such as a protein, a carbohydrate, a nucleic acid, a cell, a viral particle, etc.) by modification with chemical groups that allow these substances to form strong bonds, such as irreversible covalent bonds, with the desired target substance. These qualities of tight, specific binding are reminiscent of antibody-like affinity; hence the new substances are termed COBALT, an acronym for Covalent-Binding Antibody-Like Trap. The present invention includes a process wherein a target species is chosen and then, by synthetic chemical procedures and modifications, novel substances (COBALTs) are obtained that exhibit selective and covalent binding to the preselected target species. The applications of the COBALTs include diagnostic, analytical, therapeutic and industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention offers a novel asymmetric double-headed lipid capable of forming a stable, nanometer scale micro-tubular aggregated material of containing a sugar and a carboxylic acid at each end.

Abstract: Novel lincomycin derivatives are disclosed. These lincomycin derivatives exhibit antibacterial activity. As the compounds of the subject invention exhibit potent activities against bacteria, including gram positive organisms, they are useful antimicrobial agents. Methods of synthesis and of use of the compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A glycopolymer composition is provided comprising glycopolymer molecules having a polymer backbone; a first pendent unit comprising a linking group connected to said polymer backbone and a saccharide moiety connected to said linking group, optionally a second pendent unit; a phenyl ring at a first end of the polymer backbone; and a cyanoxyl group at the second end of the polymer backbone, useful as intermediates for making bioactive glycopolymers which bind to bioactive molecules, viruses, cells and substrates for protein separation, cell culture, ad drug delivery systems, as well as in targeting for treatment of wound healing and other pathological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polypeptide having a &bgr;1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity, an agent for synthesizing a sugar chain comprising the polypeptide, a process for producing a sugar chain or a complex carbohydrate using the agent for synthesizing a sugar chain, DNA encoding the polypeptide, a process for producing the polypeptide, an antibody against the polypeptide, and a diagnosis method and a medicament for treatment for inflammation, cancer or tumor metastasis using the DNA or the antibody. The present invention is useful for synthesis of a useful sugar chain and diagnosis and treatment for inflammatory diseases, cancer or tumor metastasis.

Abstract: This invention provides modified biopolymers comprising biopolymers attached to at least one non-proteinaceous catalyst capable of dismutating superoxide in the biological system or precursor ligand thereof. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified biopolymer and therapeutic methods comprising administering the modified biopolymer to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a combinatorial library of cyclic compounds, such as Holliday junction-trapping compounds, comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a plurality of trimers according to the generic structure X1-X2-X3, wherein X1, X2 and X3 can be independently any naturally or nonnaturally occurring amino acids or peptidomimetics thereof; (b) optionally coupling a spacer S to the trimer at either end; (c) cyclizing two trimers or trimer-spacer conjugates in a head-to-tail orientation; thereby obtaining a combinatorial library of compounds, wherein the library does not include an unmodifed or naturally occurring Holliday Junction-trapping compounds. The invention additionally provides methods macrocyclic compounds that are synergimycin derivatives.

Abstract: To provide a fusion protein of a sugar-bonding protein and &bgr;1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, and a method for producing such proteins in E. coli cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hyaluronic acid polymers modified with non-proteinaceous catalysts for the dismutation of superoxide, and processes for making such materials. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified biopolymer and therapeutic methods comprising administering the modified biopolymer to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A fluid bed granulation process for manufacturing non-hygroscopic, stable granulates containing a water-soluble salt of S-adenosylmethionine is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the crystal and three dimensional structures of the lectin and EGF-like (LE) domains of P-selectin, the crystal and three dimensional structures of P-selectin LE and E-selectin LE each complexed with SLeX, as well as the crystal and three dimensional structure of P-selectin LE complexed with a functional PSGL-1 peptide modified by both tyrosine sulfation and SLeX. The present invention also provides methods for identifying agents which activate or inhibitor each of the foregoing structures. In addition, the present invention provides agents identified by such methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of cleaving an O-linked oligosaccharide from a glycoprotein. The method comprises the steps of contacting a composition comprising a glycoprotein, wherein the glycoprotein comprises O-linked oligosaccharides, with a solution comprising a borane-ammonia complex to form a mixture comprising the glycoprotein and the borane-ammonia complex, incubating the mixture for a period of time sufficient to cleave the linked oligosaccharides from the glycoprotein, and forming a mixture comprising oligosaccharide alditol products and deglycosylated protein by-products.

Abstract: The present invention describes a substance or a receptor comprising Helicobacter pylori binding oligosaccharide sequence [Gal(A)q(NAc)r/Glc(A)q(NAc)r&agr;3/&bgr;3]s[Gal&bgr;4GlcNAc&bgr;3]tGal&bgr;4Glc(NAc)u wherein q, r, s, t, and u are each independently 0 or 1, and the use thereof in, e.g., pharmaceutical and nutritional compositions for the treatment of conditions due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori. The invention is also directed to the use of the receptor for diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystal comprising the ligand binding pocket of a glycosyltransferase enzyme and optionally a donor molecule or analogue thereof and/or an acceptor molecule or analogue thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of such a crystal to identify ligands capable of modulating glycosyltransferase activity, and the use of such ligands in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an IL-12 expression controlling agent, an inhibitor of IL-12 expression and an enhancer of IL-12 expression for oral administration, which comprise hyaluronan as an active ingredient. The present invention relates to an interleukin-12 expression controlling agent, which comprises hyaluronan as an active ingredient. Specifically, it is an inhibitor of interleukin-12 expression, which comprises hyaluronan or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a weight average molecular weight of from 600,000 to 3,000,000 as an active ingredient, or an enhancer of interleukin-12 expression for oral administration, which comprise hyaluronan or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 400,000 as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Novel arylisothiocyanate compounds are described that are useful for activating alcohol-containing macromomolecules, for example polyethyleneglycols and cellulose, for covalent linkage to amino-groups of biomolecules, for example polypeptides such as antibodies, enzymes, and proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to three-dimensional molecular structure determination of polymers, three-dimensional computer molecular modeling, rational drug design, and immunomodulatory polymers. In particular the invention is directed to immunomodulatory polymers, as well as to methods for designing, selecting, and screening therapeutic agents having immunomodulatory activity.

Abstract: This invention provides smooth muscle cell proliferation inhibitors of formula I having the structure 1

Abstract: A chemiluminescent system for detecting the presence of influenza virus in a biological fluid sample is provided. An influenza diagnostic kit is provided which includes (1) a sampling device for obtaining the biological fluid from a subject, (2) a chemiluminescent substrate material which, in the presence of influenza virus in the biological sample, will generate a chemiluminescent product that will produce detectable light, and (3) a means for detecting any generated light. A liquid sample containing the biological fluid, and preferably a diluent, are contacted with the an absorbent material containing the chemiluminescent substrate material. The substrate responds to neuraminidase activity intrinsic to influenza A and influenza B virus particles, such that when the substrate is in contact with influenza virus, the substrate is cleaved to yield a chemiluminescent product that then decomposes to produce light which can then be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified, easily produced poly-&bgr;-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine (p-GlcNAc) polysaccharide species. The p-GlcNAc of the invention is a polymer of high molecular weight whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in &bgr;-1→4 conformation, and which is free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, derivatives and reformulations of p-GlcNAc are described. The present invention further relates to methods for the purification of the p-GlcNAc of the invention from microalgae, preferably diatom, starting sources. Still further, the invention relates to methods for the derivatization and reformulation of the p-GlcNAc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the uses of pure p-GlcNAc, its derivatives, and/or its reformulations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Sphingomonas bacteria and a method of producing exopolysaccharides by culturing a Shingomonas bacteria in a fermentation broth for a time and temperature effective for providing a sphingan exopolysaccharide in a slime form.

Abstract: New biomaterials essentially constituted by esterified derivatives of hyaluronic acid or by cross-linked derivatives of hyaluronic acid for use in the surgical sector, particularly for use in the prevention of post-surgical adhesion.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical colloidal preparation useful in the treatment of diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, and lung parenchyma which contains, as an active ingredient, a colloidal mixture of hyaluronic acids of different molecular weights, in addition to a suitable diluent is described.

Abstract: Methods for chemical modification of hyaluronic acid, formation of amine or aldehyde functionalized hyaluronic acid, and the cross-linking thereof to form hydrogels are provided. Functionalized hyaluronic acid hydrogels of this invention can be polymerized in situ, are biodegradable, and can serve as a tissue adhesive, a tissue separator, a drug delivery system, a matrix for cell cultures, and a temporary scaffold for tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The invention relates to zinc-containing antiviral compositions and methods of treating viral infections. More specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods useful for ameliorating the symptoms of individuals suffering from infection with a broad range of viruses. Examples of viruses against which the compounds of the invention are active include rhinoviruses, varicella zoster, immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV.

Abstract: This invention relates to in-situ preparation, and stable topical delivery systems of ascorbic acid salts of organic bases that provide skin beneficial properties, including reduction in signs of skin aging, anti-wrinkle, anti-oxidant, and photo-protection from UV and sunlight. The formulation avoids the use of oils, minimizes the importance of the pH of the formulation, allows the incorporation of an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid or alkali metal salts of ascorbic acid in the formulation, does not require packaging the formulation in air tight containers, allows the use of large amounts of ascorbic acid, its salts, and its derivatives, and does not require the use of expensive coatings. Moreover, several ascorbic acid derivatives of different chemical composition can be made in a stable topical formulation by the in-situ combination of readily available starting materials in a water solution, despite the understanding well known in the prior art that such compositions in water are inherently unstable.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable compounds prepared from boronic acid and lyophilized compounds thereof of the formula (1): 1

Abstract: A gene which encodes a murine leukocyte &agr;(1,3)fucosyltransferase capable of synthesizing the sialyl Lewis x determinant has been cloned.

Abstract: This invention relates to reagents and methods for synthesis of biologically active di- and tri-saccharides comprising &agr;-D-Gal(1→3)-D-Gal. In particular the invention provides novel reagents, intermediates and processes for the solution or solid phase synthesis of &agr;-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-D-galactose, and derivatives thereof. In one preferred embodiments the invention provides a protected monosaccharide building block of general formula (II): in which R3 is methoxy or methyl; R1 is H, benzoyl, pivaloyl, 4-chlorobenzoyl, acetyl, chloroacetyl, levulinoyl, 4-methylbenzoyl, benzyl, 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, 4-acetamidobenzyl, or 4-azidobenzyl; and R2 is H, Fmoc, benzoyl, pivaloyl, 4-chlorobenzoyl, acetyl, chloroacetyl, levulinoyl, 4-methylbenzoyl, benzyl, 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, 4-acetamidobenzyl, or 4-azidobenzyl.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making complex carbohydrates in a bacterial production cell are disclosed. The complex carbohydrates that can be made include oligosaccharides and polysaccharides of bacterial or mammalian origin.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable glycosaminoglycan (GSG) structures and methods of use of such GAG structures. These structures comprise a core of free GAG, a coating of crosslinked GAG surrounding the core, and a layer of a positively charged moiety surrounding the crosslinked GAG layer. These GAG structures provide improved stability, both in in vivo and external use. Furthermore, resurfacing of the structures provides improved cell adhesion and thus improved delivery of the GAG into living cells and tissues.

Abstract: Methods for modulating immune responses, such as IgE responses and autoimmune responses, are provided. The methods involve contacting an cell with an agent comprising multivalent lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), which modulates an immune response. The methods are useful for enhancing production of non-specific polyclonal IgE, inhibiting production of antigen-specific IgE responses, inducing cytokine production, and stimulating proliferation of splenocytes. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods for modulating an immune response to an antigen (e.g., an allergen) in vivo. Pharmaceutical compositions for modulating immune responses comprising the agents of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides for treatment or prevention of shock in a subject using multivalent LNnT and methods for treating or preventing an autoimmune disease in a subject using multivalent LNnT. Still further the invention provides for treatment of cancer in a subject using monovalent LNnT.

Abstract: A bone growth-promoting composition is provided comprising hyaluronic acid and a growth factor. The composition has a viscosity and biodegradability sufficient to persist at an intra-articular site of desired bone growth for a period of time sufficient to promote the bone growth. Preferably hyaluronic acid is used in a composition range of 0.1-4% by weight and preferred growth factor is bFGF, present in a concentration range of about 10−6 to 100 mg/ml.

Abstract: The invention relates to starch phosphates exhibiting improved properties with regard to application techniques, to a method for the production thereof, and to their use. Based on the disadvantages of the known prior art, the aim of the invention is to produce starch phosphates which have a high degree of substitution, which are resistant to hydrolysis, and which can be produced using phosphorylating agents comprising only a low level of toxicity. To this end, starch phosphates are provided in which the anhydroglucose units are substituted by phosphate ester groups and carbamide groups, and the average degree of substitution DS of the carbamide groups and of the phosphate ester groups is in a range, each time, that is greater than 0.01. The starting materials are used in a mol ratio of anhydroglucose units of the starch:phosphorus of the phosphorylating agent:urea of 1:0.1 to 1.5:0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding glycosyltransferases, the proteins encoded thereby, and to methods for synthesizing oligosaccharides using the glycosyltransferases of the invention. In particular, the present application is directed to identification a glycosyltransferase locus of Neisseria gonorrhoeae containing five open reading frames for five different glycosyltransferases. The functionally active glycosyltransferases of the invention are characterized by catalyzing reactions such as adding Gal &bgr;1→4 to GlcNAc or Glc; adding GalNAc or GlcNAc &bgr;1→3 to Gal; and adding Gal &agr;1→4 to Gal.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseases or conditions modulated or ameliorated by nitric oxide, particularly ischemia and reperfusion injury, are provided, using glycolipids structurally related to monophosphoryl lipid A but with notable reduction in proinflammatory and pyrogenic activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of support materials and injectable preparations comprised of esters, especially benzyl esters, and amides of hyaluronic acid in reconstructive surgery for soft tissue, particularly support materials and injectable preparations for adipose precursor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biscarbodiimides, thiourea derivatives, urea derivatives, and cross-linked hyaluronan derivatives having at least one intramolecular disulfide bond, and methods of preparation thereof. The invention also includes thiolated hyaluronan derivatives and salts thereof having at least one pendant thiol group or a modified pendant thiol group, and methods of preparation thereof. An example of a modified pendant thiol group is a sulfhydryl group linked to a small molecule such as a bioactive agent, for example a drug or pharmaceutically active moiety. A hyaluronan derivative having a sulfhydryl group linked to a pharmaceutically active moiety is useful as a sustained or controlled release drug delivery vehicle. Compositions containing the hyaluronan derivatives of the invention can reversibly viscosify in vivo or in vitro, in response to mild changes in condition, and are thus useful in ophthalmic surgery and in tissue engineering.

Abstract: The invention provides novel core 2 &bgr;-1,6-N-acetylglycosaminyltransferase nucleic acids, and polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acids. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists, and methods for treating disorders associated with the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine obtained from microbial biomass, and to methods of obtaining N-acetyl-D-glucosamine from microbial biomass. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of fungal biomass to create N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. The N-acetyl-D-glucosamine is efficiently obtained at high purity by degrading chitin in the fungal biomass to create N-acetyl-D-glucosamine.