The present disclosure relates to improved supraparticles loaded with high levels of payload and methods for their production. Such supraparticles may be used in a range of therapeutic applications, for example, to improve growth or survival of cells and/or treat disease.

The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic use of proteins, genes and cells. More specifically the invention relates to therapy based on the biological function of a secreted therapeutic protein, NsG33, in particular for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system. NsG33 is a nerve survival and growth factor with antiapoptotic effects on a cell line with neuronal potential and with neuroprotective and/or neurogenesis effects on a neural precursor cell line and on primary striatal cultures. The invention also relates to novel bioactive NsG33 polypeptide fragments and the corresponding encoding DNA sequences.

Disclosed herein are otic formulations and compositions comprising growth factors. These otic formulations and compositions allow for the delivery of the growth factor to the outer, middle, and/or inner ear for the treatment of otic diseases and disorders.

The present invention provides a means for transferring a therapeutic gene of interest into a nervous system cell by a highly-efficient and simpler means. More specifically, the present invention provides a recombinant vector that uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV), a method for manufacturing the recombinant vector, and a method for using the recombinant vector. More specifically, recombinant adeno-associated virus virions, which are capable of passing through the brain-brain barrier, for transferring a therapeutic genes of interest into a nervous system cell in a highly-efficient manner, a drug composition containing the recombinant adeno-associated virus virions, a method for manufacturing the recombinant adeno-associated virus virions, and a kit or the like are provided.

The present invention relates to methods of treating an auditory disorder. In particular, the present invention relates to treating an auditory disorder using supraparticles comprising a therapeutic payload.

In general, the invention features substantially purified MANF and substantially purified nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also features a pharmaceutical composition that includes MANF and a pharmaceutically-acceptable excipient, methods for treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, methods for improving dopaminergic neuronal survival during or following cell transplantation, methods for production of neurons for transplantation, and methods for identifying compounds that modulate or mimic MANF's biological activity.

The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Methods and compositions are described for management of the pharmacokinetic properties of active agents, e.g., therapeutic moieties, by conjugating, fusing, or non-direct linkage of the active agent to one or more wild-type or modified heparin-binding peptides (HB). Compounds may be administered to tissues including skin. Contemplated uses include treatment of disease, allergen immunotherapy, and immunization. Other aspects relate to compositions, methods and kits comprising heparin-binding peptides (HB) fused or conjugated to the therapeutic agents.

The present invention provides a universal delivery platform of functional, heterologous compounds to specific cells using toxins modified to include a heterologous compound. In one embodiment, the toxin is an AB5 toxin. In one embodiment, the AB5 toxin is a heat-labile enterotoxin from E. coli (LT), including LTI, LTII, LTIIa, LTIIb, LTIIc and other recombinant forms of LT. Methods of use are also provided.

ECM based compositions including amniotic membrane and methods for employing same to treat cardiovascular disorders.