Zetesis S.p.a.

Hoffmann-la Roche Inc.

Alberto Bartorelli

Alberto Panerai

Severino Ronchi

Pier Luigi Meroni

Roberto Accinni

Irma Colombo

Bruno Berra

Carlo De Giuli Morghen

Angela Turiano

The use of proteins extracted with perchloric acid from animal organs for the preparation of medicaments active against autoimmune diseases, in particular with activity against atherosclerosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.

Use of proteins as anti-diabetes agents

Proteins extractable with perchloric acid from mammal liver, in particular from goat liver, are capable of lowering blood levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and can be used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock and other pathologies characterized by TNF hyperproduction.

Use of proteins extractable from animal organs for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of pathological conditions characterized by hyperproduction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

The present invention relates to the discovery that a protein, having a molecular weight of about 14 Kd, extracted with perchloric acid from animal organs such as goat liver, has anti-retroviral activity, and may be used in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Use of proteins as anti-retroviral agents

Nucleotide sequence encoding a 14 kDa protein from goat liver

Substances of polypeptide nature are obtainable by extraction with HClO.sub.4 and 3M KCl from animal tissue homogenates. The substances have the characteristics of (a) molecular weights ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 daltons (by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis); (b) are capable of inducing the formation of antibodies which specifically bind in vivo or in vitro antigens which are present in human tumoral cells, when administered to different animal species; (c) are capable of decreasing or inhibiting pain; (d) induce an effect of cell lysis; and (e) inhibit or slow tumor growth, when administered to humans affected by malignant tumors of different kinds.

Substances of polypeptide nature useful in human therapy

Proteins from mammalian liver

Tumor associated antigens are disclosed in both crude and pure form which are specific to human breast cancer. The antigens are designated BCA. Antisera, radiolabeled antigens and antisera, as well as methods for the detection of circulating BCA are also disclosed. Methods for the extraction of BCA also form part of the invention. A diagnostic kit for the detection of circulating BCA, especially one suitable for use in as radioimmunoassay is also disclosed.

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Milan, Italy

Alberto Bartorelli