Other

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Maria Ann Rupnick

Robert Samuel Langer

Guillermo A Ameer

Hidde L Ploegh

Judah M Folkman

Milica Radisic

Susan Dallabrida

Eric Grovender

Rober S Langer, Jr

A peptide comprising the amino acid sequence, XXRXDXXXXis provided, as well as a biomaterial comprising the peptide for use to treat conditions resulting from cell death or apoptosis.

Cell-protective peptides and uses thereof

Angiogenesis inhibitors are administered to patients in an amount effective to regulate normal, non-transformed vascularized tissue size and/or growth by regulating its vascular compartment. Examples of tissues that can be controlled include adipose tissue, intestinal polyps, muscle (including cardiac) tissue, and endometrial tissue. The response of these tissues to the angiogenesis inhibitors is dose-dependent, reversible, and common to a variety of different angiogenesis inhibitors (examples use TNP-470, angiostatin, and endostatin), based on studies in animal models of obesity, intestinal polyps, cardiac hypertrophy, and endometriosis. Initial studies conducted in an adipose tissue model (genetically obese mice and normal control mice) showed that the growth and mass of adipose tissue is under the control of microvascular endothelium. Expansion of adipose tissue was associated with endothelial cell proliferation. Inhibition of angiogenesis led to reduction in adipose tissue mass. Weight gain in animals receiving angiogenesis inhibitors was significantly restricted, in spite of increases in appetite sufficient to cause weight gain in paired-fed mice. Discontinuation of the inhibitor resulted in rapid expasion of the adipose tissue. The effect was dose-dependent, repeatedly reversible, and occurred in response to all of the inhibitors tested. Significant inhibition was also observed in both the intestinal polyp and cardiac hypertrophy animal models, using dosages of two-thirds or less than the dosages used to treat tumors. Preliminary results in an endometriosis model also show a clear trend towards decreased development of endometriosis in animals treated with angiogenesis inhibitors at a dosage of one-third the dosage used to treat tumors. No effect on normal tissue that was not proliferating, other than adipose tissue, was observed.

Method for regulating size of vascularized normal tissue

Apparatus for removing substances from blood is disclosed. The apparatus includes concentric cylinders defining an annulus therebetween with the inner cylinder adapted for rotation with respect to the outer cylinder. At least one of the cylinders includes a porous membrane covered portion forming a compartment containing an immobilized active species. The active species is adapted to break down or remove the substance. Plasma in blood flowing in the annulus passes through the porous membrane and interacts with the active species either by reaction or binding. Red and white blood cells do not pass through the membrane. In this way, a substance is removed from plasma without exposing blood cells to the active species.

Apparatus for treating whole blood comprising concentric cylinders

Growing community of inventors

Medford, MA, United States of America

Maria Ann Rupnick