Cephalon, Inc.

Donna Bozyczko-Coyne

Robert Siman

Sheryl L Meyer

Michael E Lewis

Mohamed A Iqbal

Nicola T Neff

Ratan Venkatraman Bhat

Methods for the biochemical and immunohistochemical detection of cell apoptosis are described. The methods utilize the detection and measurement of polypeptide fragments generated during apoptosis. Conditions associated with apoptosis may be detected by the methods of this invention. Methods are also presented for the screening of potential therapeutic compounds which inhibit or stimulate apoptosis. Kits for detection of apoptosis and diagnosis of diseases are also provided.

Methods for detecting cell apoptosis

Disclosed is a method for promoting retinal neuronal survival in a mammal, wherein the neuronal cells are at risk of dying. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective dose of at least one of the following substances: IGF-I; a functional derivative of IGF-I; IGF-II; or a functional derivative of IGF-II.

Treating retinal neuronal disorders by the application of insulin-like growth factors and analogs

The invention provides methods for detecting calpain activation by measuring levels of calpain-generated spectrin BDPs using antibodies that specifically bind to these spectrin BDPs, but not intact spectrin, or spectrin BDPs generated by other proteases. Also included in the invention are kits for diagnosing diseases associated with increased levels of calpain activation, and methods for screening for effective therapeutics for these diseases.

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Landenberg, PA, United States of America

Donna Bozyczko-Coyne