University of Pittsburgh

Lipella Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Other

William Beaumont Hospital

Michael B Chancellor

Johnny Huard

Christopher C Capelli

Ronald Jankowski

Ryan Pruchnic

Zhuqing Qu

Jonathan H Kaufman

Michael S Sacks

Steve Chung

Leaf Huang

Changfeng Tai

Matthew Oliver Fraser

Thomas Payne

Naoki Yoshimura

Jay Pasricha

William C De Groat

Yao-Chi Chuang

Pradeep Tyagi

Laura Lamb

Zhuqing Qu-Petersen

Joseph J Janicki

Brandon Minnery

Chistopher C Capelli

Ron Jankowski

Jay Pastricha

The invention provides systems and methods for providing a diagnostic examination to a patient, including, but not limited to a determination of the permeability of a patients' body cavity.

Systems and methods of detecting interstitial cystitis

Metastable liposomal formulations for hydrophobic drug delivery to a tissue or tissue lumen such the bladder have been developed. These are at least one micron in diameter and formed of one or more lipids having entrapped in the lipid a hydrophobic therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent. The greater stability of these liposomes, as well as the enhanced transfer of entrapped agent into the adjacent tissue, provides for better delivery, especially of hydrophobic agents such as tacrolimus which does not penetrate tissue well. The metastable liposomal formulations can be administered locally, preferably by instillation, or topically, for example, by spraying or painting, to a tissue or tissue lumen such as the bladder in need of treatment.

Delivery of agents using metastable liposomes

The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration of symptoms for gastro-esophageal pathologies like gastro-esophageal reflux.

Muscle derived cells for the treatment of gastro-esophageal pathologies and methods of making and using the same

The present invention relates to methods for detecting, diagnosing and/or treating ulcerative interstitial cystitis (UIC) by detecting in a urine sample from a patient the levels of each of the proteins IL-6, IL-8 and GRO [also known as CXCL 1 (chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 1]. In some embodiments, the method also includes diagnosing the patient with UIC when each of the proteins IL-6, IL-8 and GRO in the urine sample is at a different level than a statistically validated threshold for the respective proteins. In some embodiments a companion diagnostic, e.g., a cystoscopy, is used in conjunction with the protein biomarker diagnostic. In some embodiments, once UIC is diagnosed, the patient is treated for the UIC.

Methods for detecting, diagnosing and treating ulcerative interstitial cystitis

A rapid method for preparing stem cell and physiologically acceptable matrix compositions for use in tissue and organ repair is described. Compared with previous tissue engineering materials, the stem cell-matrix compositions of the present invention do not require long-term incubation or cultivation in vitro prior to use in in vivo applications. The stem cells can be from numerous sources and may be homogeneous, heterogeneous, autologous, and/or allogeneic in the matrix material. The stem cell-matrix compositions provide point of service utility for the practitioner, wherein the stem cells and matrix can be combined not long before use, thereby alleviating costly and lengthy manufacturing procedures. In addition, the stem cells offer unique structural properties to the matrix composition which improves outcome and healing after use. Use of stem cells obtained from muscle affords contractility to the matrix composition.

Rapid preparation of stem cell matrices for use in tissue and organ treatment and repair

Methods and apparatus are therefore provided herein for stimulating a desired physiological effect. The methods and apparatus can be used to control micturition, defecation and/or ejaculation. The methods and apparatus also can be used to control pain in the lower pelvic region, for example and without limitation, interstitial cystitis. The methods and apparatus also can be used to increase sexual sensation.

Methods and systems for achieving a physiological response by pudendal nerve stimulation and blockade

The present invention describes methods involving the use of muscle derived cells (MDCs), preferably obtained from skeletal muscle, to support the innervation and repair of damaged tissues and organs, particularly associated with nerve damage or neuropathy. The invention relates to MDCs for use in methods for promoting or enhancing innervation of nerve cells, particularly in the peripheral nervous system, and their ability to contribute to the development of neuronal tissue when MDCs are introduced at or near a tissue or organ site in need of repair due to injury, damage, disease, or dysfunction. Such methods are useful for the treatment of central and peripheral nervous system disorders and to alleviate, abate, or eliminate the symptoms of neurologic or neurodegenerative diseases in animals, particularly mammals, including humans. The methods are also useful for treating both nerve and muscle tissue following injury, damage, or dysfunction to these tissue types.

Muscle-derived cells (MDCs) for promoting and enhancing nerve repair and regeneration

The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells (MDCs) that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating MDCs. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising MDCs for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. The invention also relates to uses of MDCs for the treatment of cosmetic or functional conditions, including, but not limited to skeletal muscle weakness, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, spasticity, myoclonus and myalgia. The invention also relates to the use of MDCs for the increase of skeletal muscle.

Skeletal muscle augmentation utilizing muscle-derived progenitor compositions, and treatments thereof

The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for dermatological conditions, gastroesophageal reflux, vesico-ureteral reflux, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, heart failure, and myocardial infarction.

Soft tissue and bone augmentation and bulking utilizing muscle-derived progenitor cells, compositions and treatments thereof

The present invention provides muscle-derived cells, preferably myoblasts and muscle-derived stem cells, genetically engineered to contain and express one or more heterologous genes or functional segments of such genes, for delivery of the encoded gene products at or near sites of musculoskeletal, bone, ligament, meniscus, cartilage or genitourinary disease, injury, defect, or dysfunction. Ex vivo myoblast mediated gene delivery of human inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the resulting production of nitric oxide at and around the site of injury, are particularly provided by the invention as a treatment for lower genitourinary tract dysfunctions. Ex vivo gene transfer for the musculoskeletal system includes genes encoding acidic fibroblast growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-1, transforming growth factor-a, nerve growth factor and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP), bone morphogenetic protein (BMPs), cartilage derived morphogenetic protein (CDMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and sonic hedgehog proteins.

Muscle-derived cells (MDCs) for treating muscle- or bone-related injury or dysfunction

The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for urinary incontinence and other urinary tract pathologies.

Growing community of inventors

Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Michael B Chancellor