Lubris LLC

University of California

The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Inc.

Rhode Island Hospital

Tannin A Schmidt

Gregory D Jay

Benjamin D Sullivan

David A Sullivan

Jawed Fareed

Edward R Truitt

Khaled Elsaid

Roman Krawetz

Adam Chodobski

Joanna Szmydynger-Chodobska

Disclosed are new recombinant isoforms of human-like lubricin or PRG4 glycoprotein having outstanding lubrication properties and a novel glycosylation pattern, and methods for their manufacture at high levels enabling commercial production.

Production of recombinant lubricin

Disclosed are compositions and methods involving the use of PRG4 protein, also known as lubricin, to mechanically inhibit biological processes involving cell motility and adhesion. The methods and compositions may be used to develop a variety of specific therapies and compositions, often exploited through surgical procedures, where development of the pathology involves one or more of the following modes of action: 1) the passage of cells from one body compartment to another, 2) adherence of macrophages to substrates such as fibrin or exposed extra cellular matrix, 3) binding of platelets to fibrin, or 4) failure of function of the glycocalyx on exposed epithelial cell surfaces, e.g., within the vasculature. In these instances PRG4 glycoprotein adheres to extracellular matrix or cell surfaces and presents a glycol-surface of polysaccharide which blocks the mechanisms of cell motility, extravasation, or intravasation, inhibits sticking of macrophages and platelets, and/or serves as a substitute or mimic of native glycocalyx.

Compositions and methods for inhibiting intercellular interactions

Disclosed herein are methods of using PRG4 glycoprotein, also known as lubricin, to reduce, inhibit, or down-regulate pro-inflammatory pathways in patients at risk of or suffering from an inflammatory response or allergy symptom through CD44 antagonization, regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inhibiting NF-&#x3ba;B translocation and/or facilitating removal of inflammation-inducing cellular or matrix debris or allergens.

Use of PRG4 as an anti-inflammatory agent

Recombinant lubricin

An ophthalmic composition, and methods of use thereof, including for treating ocular boundary deficiency, symptoms associated therewith, or undesired condition that is associated with or causes ocular boundary deficiency at the ocular surface or for the treatment or care of ophthalmic devices. The ophthalmic composition comprises a human PRG4 protein, a lubricant fragment, homolog, or isoform thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution. The ophthalmic composition may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents.

Replenishment and enrichment of ocular surface lubrication

Growing community of inventors

Avon, CT, United States of America

Tannin A Schmidt