Abstract:
The invention provides biologically active erythropoietin (EPO) conjugate compositions wherein a transglutaminase reaction is employed to covalently and site specifically conjugate the EPO molecule to a non-antigenic hydrophilic polymer that can also be covalently linked to an organic molecule either of which modification increases the circulating serum half-life of the composition.
Abstract:
Disclosed are novel proteins, referred to as truncated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (truncated GDNF) proteins, that promote dopamine uptake by dopaminergic cells and promote the survival of nerve cells. Also disclosed are processes for obtaining the truncated GDNF proteins by recombinant genetic engineering techniques.
Abstract:
Methods for evaluating the risk of an individual to develop Alzheimer's disease using cultured neural crest-derived melanocytes are described. Also described are methods of therapy for Alzheimer's disease using peptides that bind to the neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and competitively inhibit the binding of null-amyloid to the p75NTR.
Abstract:
The present invention provides aqueous pharmaceutical formulations of erytropoietin that are free of human serum blood products, stabilized with a quantity of an amino acid and a sorbitan mono-9-octadecenoate poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivative. The present invention also provides aqueous stable, preserved pharmaceutical formulations of erythropoietin that contain an antimicrobial quantity of cresol and a quantity of an amino acid.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises compositions and methods for modulating or augmenting growth factor activity, especially TGF-null activity, by administering a fatty acid. The invention is based upon the discovery that fatty acids, especially those fatty acids having a carbon skeleton of at least 14 carbons, bind to null2-macroglobulin, prevent binding of TGF-null to null2-macroglobulin, and disrupt TGF-null-null2-macroglobulin complexes, which results in an effective increase in TGF-nullivity. Fatty acids that bind to null2-macroglobulin are useful in therapies for diseases that involve TGF-null or other growth factors, which are regulated by null2-macroglobulin binding.
Abstract:
The invention provides biologically active erythropoietin (EPO) conjugate compositions wherein EPO is covalently conjugated to a non-antigenic hydrophilic polymer covalently linked to an organic molecule that increases the circulating serum half-life of the composition. The invention thus relates to EPO derivatives described by the formula EPOnull(XnullY)N where EPO is erythropoietin or its pharmaceutical acceptable derivatives having biological properties of causing bone marrow cells to increase production of reticulocytes and red blood cells, X is PEG or other water soluble polymers, Y is an organic molecule that increases the circulating half-life of the construct more than the PEG alone and N is an integer from 1 to 15. Other molecules may be included between EPO and X and between X and Y to provide the proper functionality for coupling or valency.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to VEGF-C or VEGF-D materials and methods for promoting growth and differentiation of neural stem cells and materials and methods for administering said cells to inhibit neuropathology.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for treating peripheral artery disease in a patient are provided. Compositions comprise recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2. Fibroblast growth factor, such as FGF-2, is administered in therapeutically effective amounts to treat or prevent peripheral artery disease including claudication and critical limb ischemia. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of FGF-2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. The methods of the invention to treat peripheral artery disease and claudication comprise administering at least a single dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the FGF, such as FGF-2, via intra-arterial, intravenous, or intramuscular infusion to the patient. It is recognized that increased benefits may result from multiple dosing, including intermittent dosing.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods for modulating angiogenesis via regulating Shc activity or expression so that VEGF production is altered. Methods for preventing or treating an angiogenesis-related disease or condition as well as methods for identifying an agent for preventing or treating an angiogenesis-related disease or condition are also provided.
Abstract:
There are provided herniated disc treatment agents developed as a result of molecular level analysis of the action mechanism of spontaneous resorption of herniated disc. Angiogenesis-inducing substances are administered to promote spontaneous resorption of hernia by inducing vascular tubule formation in herniated disc tissue.