Recombinant human relaxin in the treatment of scleroderma. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Relaxin is a pregnancy-related hormone that has tissue remodeling and antifibrotic effects. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is characterized by fibrosis of the skin, vasculature, and internal organs.

Objective: To assess the efficacy, safety, and dose-response effect of recombinant human relaxin in patients with scleroderma.

Betamethasone valerate foam 0.12%: a novel vehicle with enhanced delivery and efficacy.

Background: A new topical formulation of betamethasone valerate (BMV) with enhanced dermal penetration has been developed.

Objective: These studies were designed to evaluate: (1) the relative bioavailability of BMV foam, and (2) the safety and efficacy of BMV foam in the treatment of scalp psoriasis as compared to a lotion formulation of BMV and placebo.

Methods: Safety and efficacy were evaluated in a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, active-and placebo-controlled trial in adult patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis.

Human immune response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa mucoid exopolysaccharide (alginate) vaccine.

Chronic lung infection with mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the major pathologic feature of cystic fibrosis. Previous studies suggested that a failure to produce opsonic antibody to the mucoid exopolysaccharide (MEP; also called alginate) capsule is associated with the maintenance of chronic bacterial infection. Provision of MEP-specific opsonic antibodies has therapeutic potential.

The effects of cyclophosphamide on the toxicity and immunogenicity of ricin A chain immunotoxin in rats.

We conducted a study to determine if treatment with cyclophosphamide (CY) could suppress the formation of anti-murine and anti-ricin A chain antibodies in rats treated with a murine monoclonal antibody-ricin A chain immunotoxin (IT). Female Sprague-Dawley rats received intravenous doses of IT at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight alone or in combination with CY at a dose level of either 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight. The IT was given as one or two courses consisting of five consecutive daily intravenous injections (days 0 to 4, or days 0 to 4 and days 21 to 25 of the study).