Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using a pheromone, a luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). 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 or suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for proprotein and activatable proprotein compositions. A proprotein contains a functional protein (i.e. a full length protein or functional fragment thereof) which is coupled to a peptide mask that inhibits the binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner. An activatable proprotein contains a functional protein coupled to a peptide mask, and further coupled to an activatable linker, wherein in an non-activated state, the peptide mask inhibits binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner and in an activated state the peptide mask does not inhibit binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner. Proproteins can provide for reduced toxicity and adverse side effects that could otherwise result from binding of a functional protein at non-treatment sites if it were not inhibited from binding its binding partner. Proproteins can further provide improved biodistribution characteristics.

Abstract: HB-EGF is exploited to treat conditions associated with enhanced urothelium permeability, including interstitial cystitis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multimeric agent and a multimeric conjugate formed from this multimeric agent and a biologically active agent. Said multimeric conjugates have a longer life time in vivo and an increased avidity compared to the unmodified biologically agent. The present invention is further directed to a pharmaceutical or diagnostic composition containing said conjugate as well as to a method of its production. The invention additionally provides the use of said conjugates for the detection, determination, separation and/or isolation of a specific binding partner and for the diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of diseases in which the specific binding partner is directly or indirectly involved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for promoting arteriogenesis, and preparation method and applications of the same, wherein said pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of a drug, and a peptide hydrogel, and it forms a microenvironment for autologous cell recruitment and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A synergistic pharmaceutical composition for the preparation of topical formulations for use in prophylaxis and treatment of wounds, burn wounds, skin grafts, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and other skin diseases is provided. The composition may include one or more synergistically active ingredients and one or more inactive ingredients. The synergistically active ingredients may include Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor (rh-EGF) (REGEN-D™ of Bharat Biotech International Limited) and/or Platelet Derived Growth Factor (rh-PDGF-BB), silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). One or more inactive ingredients may comprise carriers, preservatives, emulsifiers, skin emollients and soothers and one or more other constituents.

Abstract: The present invention elates to the applications of neuregulin in the preparation of drugs for preventing, treating or delaying the ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in mammals, particularly in humans. In particular, the present invention provides the neuregulin based compositions and methods for preventing, treating or delaying the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Specifically, although it has been shown in cytological experiments, animal studies and clinical trials that neuregulin can improve the cytoskeleton structure of myocytes and cardiac function, it is still unknown whether neuregulin has effects on the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of treating patients with chronic heart failure by administering a neuregulin polypeptide within a dosage range which is both effective and safe.

Abstract: Compositions that are EGF polypeptides that possess improved biological activity as compared to the biological activity exhibited by wild-type EGF are provided. Also provided are methods for the preparation of these mutants, methods for the use of these mutants, methods for rationally designing new polypeptide mutants, and methods for screening mutants polypeptides to identify novel EGF mutants with desirable biological activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating chronic wounds using calreticulin. In particular, the invention relates to the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds using topical application of calreticulin to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Dermatologic compositions for therapeutic use, containing a growth factor, or a growth factor purified from transgenic plants, or animal, bacterial, yeast or insect cells, or a mixture of growth factors in purified form, for treatment of various dermatological conditions and diseases. The pharmaceutical compositions are suitable for treatment of sensitive and challenged skin due to conditions and illnesses such as challenged skin due to systemic lupus erythematosus, Lichen simplex chronicus, blepharitis and blepharokeratoconjuctivitis. The skin compositions are also useful for use in combination with agents to treat anti-fungal infections such as Clotrimazole, Terbinafine, Miconazole, Ketoconazole, Amorolfine and Econazole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transiently immortalizing cells according to which immortalization proteins are introduced into the cells from outside. The invention also relates to a method for producing cells according to which organ-related cells are transiently immortalized by the exogenous supply of immortalization proteins and are remortalized after their expansion. The invention further relates to the cells produced according to the inventive method, to the use of said cells for producing a transplant and to the immortalization proteins used in the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides which bind to EGFR family receptors and to applications of those polypeptides in medicine, veterinary medicine, diagnosis diagnostics and imaging.

Abstract: Described herein is a cell tissue gel cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, and a quenching agent bound to a reactive group of the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Connective tissue regenerative compositions and methods of repairing and regenerating connective tissue using such compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise a bioactive hydrogel matrix comprising a polypeptide, such as gelatin, and a long chain carbohydrate, such as dextran. The hydrogel matrix may further include polar amino acids, as well as additional beneficial additives. Advantageously, the compositions include further components, such as osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials, medicaments, stem or progenitor cells, and three-dimensional structural frameworks. The compositions are useful for regenerating connective tissue, and can be administered to an area having injury to, or a loss of, connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to stimulate endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation in a subject which method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of one or more of the following compounds prazosin, quinacrine, emetine, apomorphine, and debrisoquine, whereby endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation is stimulated in said subject. The endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation may enhance bone formation and/or cartilage formation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a pellet of epidermal growth factor and methionine or K2S2O7, a capsule which comprises these pellets, processes for theirs preparations and it use for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyelectrolyte complex gel comprising a chitosan and a ?-polyglutamic acid (?-PGA) having a molecular weight from about 1 kDa to about 400 kDa or the salt thereof, wherein the chitosan and the ?-PGA are swollen with an aqueous solution. Also provided is a soft tissue augmentation implant, comprising a polyelectrolyte complex gel of the invention as a carrier or a filler and an optional additive. The polyelectrolyte complex gel and the soft tissue augmentation implant containing the same has long degradation time and better supportability so as to provide good maintenance for soft tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human or veterinary pharmaceutical composition (B) for the stimulation of stem cells, comprising at least two stem-cells-stimulating-agents and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Dermatological and cosmetic compositions and methods are provided to reduce the appearance of biological and/or environmentally-caused aging.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using a pheromone, a luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). 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 or suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising trophic factors, methods to decrease the degeneration of a retina, methods of treating ocular degenerative diseases and methods to select cells for transplantation.

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 methods and compositions for treating bladder cancer. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a toxin moiety that is linked to an epithelial growth factor (EGF) moiety. The toxin moiety and the EGF moiety can be linked optionally via a linker. Typically, the fusion protein is administered intravesically into the cancerous bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising isolated human collagen, isolated human elastin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier wherein the human elastin is substantially insoluble in water with a molecular weight greater than 100 kDa. The present invention further provides methods and kits for soft tissue augmentation.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for ophthalmic and otic drugs. The nanoparticles may also be utilized to modify the rheological properties of the compositions, so as to enhance the viscosity or flow characteristics of the compositions and/or increase the retention time of the compositions in the eye or ear.

Abstract: The invention features methods, kits, and compositions for generating new hair follicles and growing hair on a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery that EGF can be engineered to generate mutants that bind to the EGF receptor (EGFR) of a cell and that have a desirable effect on the activity of the cell. For example, the mutants can agonize the receptor (i.e., increase a biological activity of the receptor), or antagonize the receptor (i.e., decrease or inhibit a biological activity of the receptor). In turn, the rate at which the cell proliferates, for example, can be changed. Moreover, some of these mutants bind EGFR with a higher affinity than wild-type EGF exhibits. The affinity may increase by about, for example, 2-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 50-, or 100-fold relative to wild-type EGF.

Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides which bind to EGFR family receptors and to applications of those polypeptides in medicine, veterinary medicine, diagnosis diagnostics and imaging.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a drug delivery carrier that is free from the drug leakage problem and has an easily controllable particle size, and that can be used to deliver water-soluble drugs such as genes and proteins in a wide range of applications, including delivery of water-soluble drugs that do not have high anionic properties, and also can be used as a non-viral gene vector. The invention also provides a process for production of such drug delivery carriers. The drug delivery carrier of the present invention includes a water-soluble drug double-coated with two types of inner and outer surfactants 1 and 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations suitable for targeting particular tissue and/or organ(s) with a formulated active ingredient, for example when administered upstream of the target organ or tissue, and to use of the same in treatment methods of preparing the formulations. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are for parenteral administration to a target tissue and comprise particles containing an active ingredient, and a biodegradable excipient, wherein 90% or more of the particles have a diameter of between 10 and 20 microns and the formulation is substantially free of particles with a diameter greater than 50 microns and less than 5 microns, such that where the formulation is administered upstream of the target tissue the ability of the active to pass through the target tissue and pass into systemic circulation is restricted.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds that inhibit a binding interaction between an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), as well as compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the same, and related kits. In some embodiments, the compound is an antibody or antibody analog, and, in other embodiments, the compound is a peptide or peptide analog. Also provided are methods of using the compounds, including methods of increasing degradation of an EGFR, methods of treating cancer, and methods of sensitizing tumors to radiation therapy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to identify targets, pathways and molecules regulating purinosomes and their uses for treating pathophysiological disorders associated with purinosomes. Disclosed are methods related to both label-free cellular assays and fluorescence imaging to confirm the regulatory roles of various targets and molecules in purinosome dynamics. Disclosed are methods to classify molecules and the uses of these molecules for different indications. Specifically, the purinosome-disrupting molecules can be used for improved prevention and treatment of cancer development.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and applications for efficient, site-specific drug delivery using pro-drug complexes comprising therapeutic agents and one or more functional groups (e.g., imaging agents, targeting agents, and trigger agents). In particular, the present invention relates to pro-drug complexes comprising one or more functional groups conjugated with a therapeutic agent (e.g., a chemotherapeutic agent), methods of synthesizing the same, as well as systems and methods utilizing the therapeutic and diagnostic compositions (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease (e.g., cancer) diagnosis and/or therapy, etc.)).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an in situ-forming, bioadhesive hydrogel and the medical uses thereof. Being formed by in situ crosslinking through an enzymatic reaction, the hydrogel has an advantage over conventional bioadhesive hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility. In addition, the in situ-forming bioadhesive hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength and has excellent tissue adhesiveness thanks to modification with/without dopa derivatives. The hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field, including bioadhesives or hemostats, implant substances for tissue regeneration and augmentation, carriers for delivering biologically active materials or drugs, etc.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to compositions and methods of dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing division of postmitotic mammalian differentiated cardiomyocytes. The invention can be used to repair heart tissue damaged by, for example, myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, stroke, myocardial infarction or chronic ischemic heart disease in vivo. In addition, the methods of the invention can be used to induce heart muscle cells to divide in vitro, in vivo and/or ex vivo, which can then be used in heart tissue repair.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of conjugates of a variety of bioactive components, especially proteins, with water-soluble polymers (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) and derivatives thereof), which conjugates have reduced antigenicity and immunogenicity compared to similar conjugates prepared using poly(ethylene glycol) containing a methoxyl or another alkoxyl group. The invention also provides conjugates prepared by such methods, compositions comprising such conjugates, kits containing such conjugates or compositions and methods of use of the conjugates and compositions in diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical polypeptide compositions promote the survival of cardiac cells, recruit cardiac cells to the cardiac area, stimulate the differentiation of cardiac cells, stimulate the proliferation of cardiac cells, and promote the activity of cardiac cells, thereby treating cardiac conditions. Methods of providing these compositions to the cardiac area include catheterization and direct injection. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise one of more of the following growth factors: EGF, bFGF, cardiotrophin-1, thrombin, PDGF-BB, amphiregulin, epiregulin, HB-EGF, TGFalpha, betacellulin, heregulin alpha, NRG-1-beta1-HRG-beta1, FGF 9.

Abstract: Disclosed are in situ-forming injectable hydrogel and medical uses thereof. In the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel two or more homogeneous or heterogeneous polymers are bonded to each other by a dehydrogenation reaction between phenol or aniline moieties on adjacent polymers, wherein a polymer backbone is grafted with a phenol or aniline moiety using a linker. In contrast to conventional hydrogel, the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel is superior in terms of in vivo stability and mechanical strength thanks to the introduction of a water-soluble polymer as a linker which leads to an improvement in the reactivity of phenol or aniline moieties. Having the advantage of superior bio stability and mechanical strength, the hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for tissue regeneration without cell transplantation.

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: In one aspect, the invention relates to providing enhanced application tissue graft materials in regenerative medicine through improved cellular interactions. Biocompatible implant materials, methods for preparing biocompatible implant materials, methods for using same, and methods for treating tissue injury are disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.