Abstract: The invention provides novel chemical entities based on sugar alcohols. These new chemical entities are biocompatible and biodegradable. The molecules can be made in a single and pure form. The molecular weights of these molecules range from small (<1000 Da) to large (1000-120,000 Da). The sugar alcohol-based molecules can have functional groups throughout the molecule for crosslinking compounds, such as the preparation of antibody-drug conjugates, or to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic proteins, peptides, siRNA, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Also provided are new conjugate entities prepared through sugar alcohol molecules. Methods of synthesizing sugar alcohol-based molecules and conjugates are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind to prolactin receptor (PRLR) and methods of using the same. According to certain embodiments, the antibodies of the invention bind human PRLR with high affinity. In certain embodiments, the invention includes antibodies that bind PRLR and block prolactin-mediated cell signaling. In other embodiments, the invention includes antibodies that bind PRLR but do not block prolactin-mediated cell signaling. According to certain embodiments, the invention includes antibodies that bind to the first fibronectin-like type III domain of the extracellular domain of PRLR. The antibodies of the invention may be fully human antibodies. The invention includes anti-PRLR antibodies conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, radionuclide, or other moiety detrimental to cell growth or proliferation. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of various cancers as well as other PRLR-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and tools for determining a specific treatment of a prolactin associated disorder. The treatment is selected based on the expression pattern of growth hormonereceptor (GHR), prolactin receptor (PrlR) and the suppressors SOCS2 and TCS2.

Abstract: The invention features methods of diagnosing a subject as having, or at risk of developing ALS by determining the frequency of Gems in cells obtained from the subject. These methods include diagnosing the severity or monitoring the progression of ALS by determining the Gem frequency in a subject. Also, the invention features methods of identifying compounds useful for the treatment of ALS as well as methods for the treatment of ALS.

Abstract: Methods for assessing a risk of experiencing an adverse perinatal outcome in a subject are described. The methods include determining a level of at least one cytokine in a biological sample from the subject; and comparing the level of the at least one cytokine in the subject's biological sample with a predetermined value based on levels of the at least one cytokine in a biological sample from a population of control subjects, wherein a subject whose level of at least one cytokine is greater than the predetermined line value is at risk of experiencing an adverse perinatal outcome.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for the treatment of cancer, such as breast cancer. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions include human prolactin, or human prolactin in conjunction with a cytotoxic agent. In other embodiments, the methods and compositions include one or more of human prolactin, growth hormone and placental lactogen, or one or more of human prolactin, growth hormone and placental lactogen in conjunction with a cytotoxic agent. In some embodiments, the cytotoxic agent comprises a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and compositions for treating sinusitis, asthma, or polyps. The invention also relates to methods and compositions for treating nasal polyps.

Abstract: Methods for elevating and stabilizing prolactin levels in a mammal including methods of treating disorders and conditions associated with reduced serum levels of prolactin are provided. Also provided are methods of using certain synthetic tetrapeptide amides which are peripherally selective kappa opioid receptor agonists to elevate or stabilize serum prolactin levels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for the treatment of cancer, such as breast cancer. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions include human prolactin, or human prolactin in conjunction with a cytotoxic agent. In other embodiments, the methods and compositions include one or more of human prolactin, growth hormone and placental lactogen, or one or more of human prolactin, growth hormone and placental lactogen in conjunction with a cytotoxic agent. In some embodiments, the cytotoxic agent comprises a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and more particularly to compositions and methods that may be useful for eliminating cancer cells with stem-like characteristics. The disclosed compositions and methods may also be useful for managing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer or endometrial (uterine) cancer with metastases; and visualizing the cancer cells in patient's body. The compositions of the instant invention include human prolactin receptor antagonist G129R.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method of prognosing outcome of hormone-dependent cancer in a subject comprising detecting a constitutively activating mutation in the prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene in a nucleic acid sample previously obtained from said subject, said constitutively activating mutation being preferably a mutation resulting in the expression of a mutant prolactin receptor wherein the isoleucine residue at position 146 is substituted with leucine or a mutation resulting in the expression of a mutant prolactin receptor wherein the isoleucine residue at position 76 is substituted with valine.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and more particularly to compositions and methods that may be useful for eliminating cancer cells with stem-like characteristics. The disclosed compositions and methods may also be useful for managing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer or endometrial (uterine) cancer with metastases; and visualizing the cancer cells in patient's body. The compositions of the instant invention include human prolactin receptor antagonist G129R.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.

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 present invention provides methods of forming a solid, biodegradable implant in-situ in a body by administering a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a biocompatible, water-insoluble, biodegradable polymer and an effective amount of a therapeutic peptide covalently modified with one or more lipophilic or amphiphilic moieties, which are dissolved or dispersed in a biocompatible, water-soluble organic solvent. This invention also provides related compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using prolactin. The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases or conditions. In addition, since neural stem cells are a source for olfactory neurons, the present invention also provides methods of increasing olfactory neurons and enhancing olfactory functions.

Abstract: Methods for elevating and stabilizing prolactin levels in a mammal including methods of treating disorders and conditions associated with reduced serum levels of prolactin are provided. Also provided are methods of using certain synthetic tetrapeptide amides which are peripherally selective kappa opioid receptor agonists to elevate or stabilize serum prolactin levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates biomedically useful compositions containing bioactive agents and biodegradable carbohydrate polyethers that exhibit reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. The microstructure structure and properties of the carbohydrate polyethers can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell delivery, surgical procedures and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.

Abstract: A nutritional Composition for a subject, comprising prolactin identical or similar or analogous to prolactin found in a natural food source, and at least one protective layer, wherein release of said prolactin from the composition in said subject is the result of an environmental event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel analogues of neuropeptide Y, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, pharmaceutical formulations containing the same, and method of treating diseases or conditions mediated by neuropeptide Y-receptor binding. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel analogues of neuropeptide Y having proline substitution at position 34 and other substitution(s) as defined herein that selectively bind to the neuropeptide Y1 receptor subtype compared to the neuropeptide Y2 receptor subtype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel analogues of neuropeptide Y, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, pharmaceutical formulations containing the same, and method of treating diseases or conditions mediated by neuropeptide Y-receptor binding. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel analogues of neuropeptide Y having at least one unnatural amino acid substitution, such as 4Hyp at position 34, that selectively bind to the neuropeptide Y1 receptor subtype compared to the neuropeptide Y2 receptor subtype.

Abstract: A therapeutic or bioeffecting film delivery system which includes nanoparticles having actives bound to or associated with the nanoparticles and which when administered allow the active to perform a therapeutic or bioeffecting function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using prolactin. The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases or conditions. In addition, since neural stem cells are a source for olfactory neurons, the present invention also provides methods of increasing olfactory neurons and enhancing olfactory functions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a taxane or taxoid, such as paclitaxel, and a protein, such as albumin or a metal-transferrin, such as gallium-transferrin, can be prepared by combining an aqueous protein solution with a second solution containing the taxane or taxoid, a non-ionic surfactant, and an alcohol; adjusting the pH of the combined solutions to between about 7.9 and about 8.3; and purifying the pH-adjusted solution to remove solutes having a molecular weight less than 10,000 Da. Such compositions can be prepared that are substantially free of non-ionic surfactants, such as Cremophor EL, and are useful in the treatment of cancers, such as breast cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides novel active agents (e.g. peptides, small organic molecules, amino acid pairs, etc.) peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of eye disease and/or other pathologies characterized by an inflammatory response, hi certain embodiment, the peptides resemble a G* amphipathic helix of apolipoprotein J. The agents are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route or via intraocular injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.

Abstract: Improved biodegradable and bioabsorbable BAB-block copolymers exhibiting reverse thermal gellation properties, and aqueous polymer compositions including the BAB-block copolymers, are provided. Methods of making the improved BAB-block copolymers and compositions including the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and more particularly to compositions and methods that may be useful for eliminating cancer cells with stem-like characteristics. The disclosed compositions and methods may also be useful for managing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer or endometrial (uterine) cancer with metastases; and visualizing the cancer cells in patient's body. The compositions of the instant invention include human prolactin receptor antagonist G129R.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using prolactin. The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases or conditions. In addition, since neural stem cells are a source for olfactory neurons, the present invention also provides methods of increasing olfactory neurons and enhancing olfactory functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to graft copolymers of polyvinyl sulfonic-co-vinyl alcohol)-g-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (P(VS-VA)-g-PLGA) with negatively charged electrolyte properties, their method of preparation and their use. These negatively charged graft copolymers are suitable for effective loading and sustained-release of especially positively charged drugs, proteins and peptides, and drug-loaded particles from these grafted co-polymers are especially useful as parenteral or mucosal drug delivery systems for pharmaceutical applications.