The present inventors discovered that antibodies having weaker antigen-binding activity at the early endosomal pH in comparison with that at the pH of plasma are capable of binding to multiple antigen molecules with a single antibody molecule, have long half-lives in plasma, and have improved durations of time in which they can bind to antigen.

The invention is directed to compositions and methods for collecting, transporting, and storing, preferably without refrigeration, biological materials, which may comprise samples of biological, clinical, forensic, and/or environmental origin. Compositions preserve the fidelity and/or viability of the collected organisms and/or macromolecules in the sample and permit long-term storage. Compositions are compatible with manipulation of the sample, including propagation and culture of the microorganisms, or isolation, purification, detection, and characterization of macromolecules. Compositions containing microorganisms or macromolecules can be further processed, for example, by nucleic acid testing with greater fidelity and detection as compared to conventional microbial transport media. In particular, the compositions disclosed allow for the safe collection, transport and storage of biological samples for extended periods at ambient temperature, while maintaining the integrity of the macromolecules of the sample for subsequent extraction, identification, and quantitation.

Material complexes that capture biologicals and methods of synthesizing and using such complexes composed of fluid-insoluble material and a receptor are provided herewith. The fluid-insoluble material has reactive functionality on its surface, including hydroxyl, amino, mercapto or eposy functionality material. The material can be agarose, sand, textile, or any combination thereof. The receptor is selected from the group consisting of mono-and poly-saccharides, heparin, or any combination thereof. Also provide are methods whereby releasing the captured biologicals and is controllable.

Nutritional compositions with fucosyllactose and betagalactooligosaccharides for use in stimulation of the immune system. The composition is suitable for infants.

Influenza vaccines are administered using solid biodegradable microneedles. The microneedles are lubricated from the influenza vaccine in combination with solid excipient(s) and, after penetrating the skin, they dissolve in situ and release the vaccine to the immune system. The influenza vaccine is (i) a purified influenza virus surface antigen vaccine, rather than a live vaccine or a whole-virus or split inactivated vaccine (ii) an influenza vaccine prepared from viruses grown in cell culture, not eggs, (iii) a monovalent influenza vaccine e.g. for immunising against a pandemic strain, (iv) a bivalent vaccine, (v) a tetravalent or >4 -valent vaccine, (vi) mercury-free vaccine, or (vii) a gelatin-free vaccine.

The present inventors discovered that antibodies having weaker antigen-binding activity at the early endosomal pH in comparison with that at the pH of plasma are capable of binding to multiple antigen molecules with a single antibody molecule, have long half-lives in plasma, and have improved durations of time in which they can bind to antigen.

The present inventors discovered that antibodies having weaker antigen-binding activity at the early endosomal pH in comparison with that at the pH of plasma are capable of binding to multiple antigen molecules with a single antibody molecule, have long half-lives in plasma, and have improved durations of time in which they can bind to antigen.

The present inventors discovered that antibodies having weaker antigen-binding activity at the early endosomal pH in comparison with that at the pH of plasma are capable of binding to multiple antigen molecules with a single antibody molecule, have long half-lives in plasma, and have improved durations of time in which they can bind to antigen.

Provided herein are methods for treating, reducing or preventing influenza A virus infection in a patient, as well as compositions and articles of manufacture for treating, reducing or preventing influenza A virus infection in a patient.

The present invention relates to novel peptidomimetic compounds that are capable of binding to and/or neutralizing influenza viruses, in particular influenza A viruses of phylogenetic group 1, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. The invention also relates to the use of the peptidomimetic compounds in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of influenza virus infections.