NZ521590A - Liquid and lyophilised formulations of KGF-2 and deletion or point or substitution mutants thereof used to accelerate soft tissue growth or regeneration - Google Patents

Abstract

Liquid and lyophilised forms of Keratinocyte Growth Factor-2 (KGF-2) and derivatives thereof are described. The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed comprise: (a) KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v); (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent to bring the composition to a designated volume or a reaction product thereof, and can further comprise (d) a chelating agent at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM; and (e) NaCI at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 150 mM, and about 0.5% to about 2% w/v glycerol, about 0.1% to about 1% w/v methionine, or about 0.1% to about 2% w/v monothioglycerol.

Description

52 1 5 9 0 INTELLECTUAL PROPEHIY OFFICE OF N2 SEP 2002 RECEIVED NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: Divided out of No. 505324 Date: Dated. 22 December 1998 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION KERATINOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR-2 FORMULATIONS We, HUMAN GENOME SCIENCES, INC., a United States corporation of 9410 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: (followed by page la) ■ \ CA- Keratinocyte Growth Factor-2 Formula INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 RECEIVED iSHT Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to liquid and lyophilized formulations of Keratinocyte Growth Factor-2 (KGF-2) and derivatives thereof. This invention further relates to formulations of KGF-2, especially topical and injectable formulations, that can be employed for therapeutic use in indications requiring soft-tissue growth and regeneration.

Related Art The fibroblast growth factor family has emerged as a large family of growth factors involved in soft-tissue growth and regeneration. It presently includes several members that share a varying degree of homology at the protein level, and that, with one exception, appear to have a similar broad autogenic spectrum, i.e., they promote the proliferation of a variety of cells of mesodermal and neuroectodermal origin and/or promote angiogenesis.

KGF was originally identified as a member of the FGF family by sequence homology or factor purification and cloning. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) was isolated as a mitogen from a cultured murine keratinocyte line (Rubin, J.S. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:802-806 (1989)). Unlike the other members of the FGF family, it has little activity on mesenchyme-derived cells but stimulates the growth of epithelial cells. Keratinocyte growth factor is produced by fibroblasts derived from skin and fetal lung (Rubin et al. (1989)). The Keratinocyte growth factor mRNA was found to be expressed in adult kidney, colon and ilium, but not in brain or lung (Finch, P.W. et al. Science 245:752-755 (followed by page 2a) (1989)). KGF displays the conserved regions within the FGF protein family. KGF binds to the FGF-2 receptor with high affinity.

Impaired wound healing is a significant source of morbidity and may result in such complications as dehiscence, anastomotic breakdown and, non-healing wounds. In the normal individual, wound healing is achieved uncomplicated. In contrast, impaired healing is associated with several conditions such as diabetes, infection, immunosuppression, obesity and malnutrition (Cruse, P.J. and Foord, JL,Arch. Surg. 107:206 (1973); Schrock, T.R. etal., Ann. Surg. 177:513 (1973); Poole, G.U., Jr., Surgery 97:631 (1985); Irvin, G.L. ei al., Am. Surg. 57:418 (1985)).

Wound repair is the result of complex interactions and biologic processes. Three phases have been described in normal wound healing: acute inflammatory phase, extracellular matrix and collagen synthesis, and remodeling (Peacock, E.E., Jr., Wound Repair, 2nd edition, WB Saunders, Philadelphia (1984)). The process \ involves the interaction ofkeratinocytes, fibroblasts and inflammatory cells at the wound site.

It is desirable to formulate polypeptides that are capable of promoting and enhancing soft-tissue growth and regeneration in pharmaceutical compositions that (1) are stable over prolonged periods of storage, (2) increase th6*pharmacological activity or effectiveness of the the polypeptide and/or (3) allow facile application or administration of the polypeptide in therapeutic regimens.

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, comprising: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z -4 FEB 2004 RECEIVED 128820 l.DOC -2a- (followed by page 2b) (a) aKGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range ofabout 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v), wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) ~ Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (20S); Ala (63) - Ser (208); Ser (69) - Ser (208); Val (77) -"Ser (208); Glu (93)-- Ser (208); Glu (104) - Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208); Met (1)- Lys (153); Thr (36) - Lys (153); and Cys (37) -- Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; (c) a diluent to bring the composition to a designated volume; (d) a chelating agent at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM; and (e) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 150 mM, or a reaction product of (a), (b), (c). (d), (e) or any combination thereof formed by ; admixing the ingredients of said composition together.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range ofabout 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v), wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: Ala (39) — Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Ala (63) -- Ser (208); Val (77).-- Ser (208); Glu (93) - Ser (208); Glu (104) Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208); Met (I) - Lys (153); Thr (36) -L£ys'(153); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH . 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; (c) a bulking agent; and (d) a diluent to bring the composition to a designated volume; or a reaction product of (a), (b), (c), (d) or any combination thereof formed by admixing the ingredients of said composition together.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, comprising (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range ofabout 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v) selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) - Ser (208); Pro (47)» Ser (208); Ala (63) -Ser (208); Ser (69) - Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) - Ser (208); Glu (104) -- Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) -- Ser (208); Met (1) - Lys (153); Thr (36); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ IDN0:2; 1 • ; • (b) citric acid or a pharmaceutical^ acceptable salt thereof, at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; (c) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM; (d) ethylenediaminetetraaceticacidataconcentrationrangeofaboutO.l mMto about 10 mM; 128820 1.DOC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 200*1 RECEIVED -2b- (followed by page 2 c) (c) one or more of sucrose, mannitol, glycine or trehalose at a concentration range of about 2% w/v to about 15% w/v; and (f) water, or a reaction produce of (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or any combination thereof formed by admixing the ingredients of said composition together.

In a yet further aspect, the present invention provides a thickened KGF-2 polypeptide solution composition formed by mixing: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.01 ng /ml to about 10 mg/ml selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) - Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Ala (63) - Ser (208); Ser (69) -- Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) -- Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) -- Ser (208); Met (1)-- Lys (153); Thr(36)-Lys(153); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO :2; (b) about 10 mM to about 500 mM sodium citrate buffer; (c) about 0.01 to about 150 mM NaCl; (d) 1 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; (e) about 0.1 to about 7% (w/v) sucrose; and (f) about 0.75 to about 1.5% (w/w) carboxy methyl cellulose or about 0.5 to about 1.5% hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose or about 0.25 to about 0.75% (w/v) hydroxy ethyl cellulose or about 0 to 1% carbomer or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a KGF-2 formed by mixing: !' J '■ (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.01 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) - Scr (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Ala (63) - Ser (208); Ser (69) - Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) - Ser (208); Glu (104) - Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208): Met (1) -- Lys (153); Thr (36) - Lys (153); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2: (b) about 10 mM to about 500 mM sodium citrate; (c) about 0.01 mM to about 150 mM NaCl; 1 1 (d) about 1 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; ' 1 " (e) about 0.1% to about 7% (w/v) sucrose; and i (f) about 14% to about 18% (w/v) or a polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene ! block copolymer having an average molecular weight of 12,600; vyhcrein the pH of said formulation is about pH 6.2.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a KGF-2 gel formulation formed by mixing: INTELLECT UAL PROPERTY OFFICF OF N.2 - 4 FEB 2004 128820 1.DOC RECEIVED -2c- (followed by page 2d) (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide at a concentration range of about 0.01 mg/ml to about ifrrhg/rtil (w/v) selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) - Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Ala (63) - Ser (208); Ser (69) - Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) -r Sc* (208): Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208); Met (1) - Lys (153); Thr (36) -- Lys (153); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) sodium citrate at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; (c) about 10% to about 25% (w/v), of a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene copolymer having an average molecular weight of 12,600; and (d) water to volume.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition produced by removing, by lyophilization, over 90% of the water from a mixture comprising: (a) aKGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v) selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) - Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Ala (63) -Ser (208); Ser (69) - Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) - Ser (208); Glu (104) - Ser (208); Val (123) - Scr (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208); Met (1) -- Lys (153); Thr (36) -- Lys (153); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of about pH 5.0 to about pH 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; (c) a bulking agent; and (d) water to bring the composition to a designated volume.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, produced by removing, by lyophilization, over 90% of the water from a mixture comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v) selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) - Ser (208); Pro (47) ~ Ser (208); Ala (63) -Ser'(2'08); Ser (69) - Ser (208); Val (77) -- Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) - Ser (208); Val (123). - Ser (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208); Met (1) - Lys (153); Thr (36) - Lys (153); and Cys v (37) "tys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; ' V ; u :u'r: (b) citric acid or a pharmaceutical^ acceptable salt thereof, at a concentration ■^4nge Of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; "7. ' (c) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM; (d) ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM; (e) one or more of sucrose, mannitol, glycine or trehalose at a concentration range of about 2% w/v to about 15% w/v; and . : (f) water.

" INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z -1| FEB 20M RECEIVED -2d- (followed by page 3) As used herein, "formulation" and "composition" as well as their plural forms are utilised interchangeably.

The present invention is generally directed to liquid and lyophilized formulations of KGF-2 and deletion or point or substitution mutants thereof (referred to herein as KGF-2 polypeptides). Also described is the use of such formulations of KGF-2 polypeptides to promote or accelerate soft tissue growth or regeneration, for example in wound healing, or in treating mucocytis or inflammatory bowel disease. Preferred formulations of the present invention employ novel mutant forms of KGF-2, and in one embodiment employ a deletion INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 received (followed by page 3 a) mutant referred to herein as KGF2-A33. The co-ingredients employed in the formulations (1) provide storage stability to the KGF-2 polypeptide, (2) further enhance soft-tissue healing activity of the therapeutic composition, and/or (3) provide the KGF-2 polypeptide in an active form while allowing facile application and administration for particular therapeutic purposes.

As stated above the present invention includes in various aspects a formulation comprising a KGF-2 polypeptide and a buffering agent having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0. Useful buffers include phosphate, acetate, aconitate, succinate, malate, carbonate and citrate buffers, citrate being preferred.

Also in various of the above aspects, the formulations of the invention include a KGF-2 polypeptide, a lyophilization bulking agent and a buffering agent having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0. Useful buffers include phosphate, aconitate, succinate, malate, carbonate and citrate buffers, citrate being preferred.- v In one embodiment, the formulations of the invention further comprise a thiol-containing compound, preferably monothioglycerol, capable of stabilizing the KGF-2 polypeptide. This formulation also includes a buffering agent having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0. This formulation may also include one or more antioxidants and or one or more metal chelating agents.

The formulations of the invention may further comprise a high molecular weight compound that causes the formulation to gel at a certain predefined temperature. A preferred I high molecular weight compound is a Pluronic or Poloxamer polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer. A thiol-containing compound, such as monothioglycerol, can be included in the formulation to provide added stability to the polypeptide. 128820 1.DOC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 -3 a- (followed by page 4) The formulations of the invention may further comprise a thickening agent. Thickening agents are used to increase the viscosity of the formulation.

Preferred thickening agents 128820 l.DOC 'NTELLECTUAL. PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.z -1 FEB 20W RECEIVFn are carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), Natrosol, and Carbomers.

In addition, the formulations of the present invention may also include metal chelating agents, antioxidants or thiol-containing compounds, such as ascorbic acid ester, monothioglycerol, cystein, tocopherols, butylated hydroxyanisole, sodium sulphate, sodium bisulfite, and sodium metasulfite and preservatives such as phenol, chlorobutane, benzylalcohol, methyl parabens and propyl parabens. The formulations of the present invention may also have an nitrogen blanket overlay on the head space of the vial. Additionally, the formulations of the present invention may be include purging the formulation buffer with helium, argon, or nitrogen.

Brief Description of the Figures \ Figures 1 A-1C illustrate tlgrcDNA and corresponding deduced amino acid sequence of KGF-2. The initial 35 or 36 amino acid residues represent the putative leader sequence (underlined). The standard one letter abbreviations for amino acids are used. Sequencing inaccuracies are a common problem when attempting to determine polynucleotide sequences. Sequencing was performed % using a 373 Automated DNA sequencer (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). Sequencing accuracy is predicted to be greater than 97% accurate. (SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2) Figures 2(A)-2(C) depict stimulation of normal primary epidermal keratinocyte proliferation by KGF-2 polypeptides of the invention. Figure 2(A) shows stimulation of normal primary epidermal keratinocyte proliferation by KGF-2. Figure 2(B) shows the stimulation of normal primary epidermal keratinocyte proliferation by KGF-2 A33. Figure 2(C) shows the stimulation of normal primary epidermal keratinocyte proliferation by KGF-2 A28.

Figure 3 shows bioactivity results for KGF-2 A33 liquid formulation, 10 month stability.

Figure 4 shows bioactivity results for KGF-2 A3 3 lyophilized preparation, 9 month stability. (followed by page 5a) Figure 5 shows the effect of monothiolglycerol on KGF-2 bioactivity. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The reader's attention is directed to our related New Zealand Specification No. 505324 (NZ505324) that describes and claims a pharmaceutical composition, comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v); (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; and (c) a pharmaceutical acceptable diluent to bring the composition to a designated volume; or a reaction product of (a), (b), (c), or any combination thereof formed by admixing the ingredients of said composition together.

NZ505324 also describes and claims a pharmaceutical composition, comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v); (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; (c) a bulking agent; and (d) a pharmaceutical^ acceptable diluent to bring the composition to a designated volume; or a reaction product of (a), (b), (c), (d) or any combination thereof formed by admixing the ingredients of said composition together. 128820 1.DOC INTELL|CTUAl PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z -4 FEB 2004 RECEIVED -5a- (followed by page 5b) NZ505324 also describes and claims a pharmaceutical composition, comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v); (b) citric acid or a pharmaceutical^ acceptable salt thereof, at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; (c) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM, (d) EDTA at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about mM and (e) one or more of sucrose, mannitol, glycine or trehalose at a concentration range of about 2% w/v to about 15% w/v; and (f) water.

NZ505324 also describes and claims a thickened KGF-2 polypeptide solution composition formed by mixing: (a) a topically effective amount of a KGF-2 polypeptide; (b) about 10 mM to about 500 mM sodium citrate buffer; (c) about 0.01 to about 150 mM NaCl; (d) 1 mM EDTA; (e) about 0.1 to about 7% sucrose; and (f) about 0.75 to about 1.5% (w/w) carboxy methyl cellulose or about 0.5 to about 1.5% hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose or about 0.25 to about 0.75% hydroxy ethyl cellulose or about 0 to 1% carbomer-or any combination thereof.

NZ505324 also describes and claims a KGF-2 gel formulation, comprising: 128820 l.DOC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 RECEIVED -5b- (followed by page 5 c) (a) a pharmaceutically active amount of KGF-2 polypeptide; (b) about 10 mM to about 500 mM sodium citrate; (c) about 0.01 mM to about 150 mM NaCl; (d) about 1 mM EDTA; (e) about 0.1% to about 7% sucrose; (f) about 14% to about 18% of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having an average molecular weight of 12,600; and (g) about pH 6.2.

NZ505324 also describes and claims a KGF-2 gel formulation, comprising: (a) aKGF-2 polypeptide at a concentration range of about 0.01 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml (w/v), (b) sodium citrate at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; (c) about 10% to about 25% (w/v), of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having an average molecular weight of 10,800 or 12,600. (d) water to volume.

KGF-2 stimulates the proliferation of epidermal keratinocyes but not mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts. Thus, "a polypeptide having KGF-2 protein-like activity" includes polypeptides that exhibit the KGF-2 activity, in the keratinocyte proliferation assay set forthbelow and bind to FGF receptor isoforms « 1-iiib and 2-iiib. i-ccCTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 128820_1.DOC RECEIVED -5c- (followed by page 6) The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical and veterinary formulations of KGF-2 polypeptides. The KGF-2 polypeptides are defined herein by reference to the polypeptide of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2) or that encoded by the deposited cDNA, and include fragments, derivatives and analogs of the polypeptide of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2) or that encoded by the deposited cDNA which retain essentially the^samS biological function as the parent polypeptide. The polypeptides employed in the present invention may be recombinant polypeptides, natural polypeptides or synthetic polypeptides, preferably recombinant polypeptides.

It has been discovered that KGF-2 polypeptides exhibit poor activity and stability at a pH of 4.5 or less, or at a pH above about 8.0. The prese'nt inventors have discovered that KGF-2 polypeptides oxidize and precipitate. These polypeptides present a difficult challenge when attempting to formulate them for therapeutic purposes. In order to maintain physico-chemical properties and biological activity, KGF-2 polypeptides can be formulated with antioxidants, such as oxygen scavenging compounds, and/or a protein stabilizer, such as a thiol: containing compound, and/or a metal-chelating agent, such as EDTA. Stabilization, as used herein, refers to the maintenance of both physico-chemical properties and substantial biological activity of the KGF-2 polypeptides over a given time period. 128820J.DOC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 RECEIVED The formulations according to the present invention include gel, thickened solution, solution and lyophilized forms. Formulations are also referred to herein as "pharmaceutical compositions" or "compositions." Injectable Formulations Liquid Formulations As stated above, various formulations of the invention at least include: ™ a KGF-2 polypeptide and a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0, more preferably pH 5.5 topH6.5, most preferably pH 6.2. Useful buffers include buffers derived from 10 phosphate, acetic, aconitic, citric, glutaric, malic, succinic and carbonic acids.

Typically employed is an alkali or alkaline earth salt of one of the aformentioned acids. More preferably the buffer willhe acetate or citrate, most preferably citrate. For example, the formulation may comprise a composition formed by mixing a buffering amount of citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with 15 KGF-2 A3 3 in water. The formulation alternatively may comprise a composition formed by mixing a buffering amount of acetic acid or a pharmaceutically ^ acceptable salt thereof with KGF-2 A3 3 in water. Preferable buffer concentrations are from about 5 mM to about 50 mM. Most preferably the acetate buffer will have a concentration of about 20 mM and the citrate buffer will be about 10 mM 20 to about 20 mM. The formulation may also include NaCl as a tonicifier at a concentration of from about 0.01 mM to about 150 mM, most preferably at about 125 mM and a metal chelating agent, such as EDTA, at a concentration of from about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM, most preferably at about 1 mM Additionally, a liquid formulation of the present invention may also include one or more of (a) a 25 stabilizing amount of an antioxidant, such as ascorbate and/or (b) a protein stabilizing amount a thiol-compound, for example monothioglycerol (MTG). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that thiol compounds such as MTG serve to protect free sulfhydryl groups present in the KGF-p - 4 FEB 2004 RECEIVED The storage conditions for the liquid formulation are typically at about 2°C to about 8°C. Alternatively, storage conditions are at or below -20°C. Most preferably, storage conditions are at about -20°C. Maintaining a KGF-2 liquid formulation in a frozen state limits the amount of oxidation to the polypeptide which in turn results in a stable polypeptide formulation.

Preferably, a liquid formulation comprises: (1) a therapeutically-effective amount of a KGF-2 polypeptide; (2) an effective amount of a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0; and (3) a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent; and (4) optionally one or more of the following: (a) NaCl as a tonicifier, (b) a chelating agent, (c) a stabilizing amount of an antioxidant, and \ (d) a stabilizing amount of a protein stabilizer.

The KGF-2 polypeptide preferably is maintained in solution.

Compositions of the present invention are manufactured by admixing the above listed ingredients together, preferably in concentrations and ratios as expressed herein.

Antioxidants that can be used in the liquid formulation include ascorbic acid, tocopherols, and butylated hydroxyanisole. In addition, stabilizers that can be used in the liquid formulation also include thiols such as cysteine, methionine and thioglycerols. Chelating agents that can be employed include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), or diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DPTA), with EDTA being preferred.

Formulations of the present invention which include antioxidants or thiols can increase the stability of the KGF-2 polypeptides. This makes it possible to have a pharmaceutical product with a longer shelf life.

More preferred liquid formulations comprise: (1) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v), more preferably about 0.05 to about 30 mg/ml (w/v), even more preferably about 0.1 to about 20 mg/ml (w/v), still more preferably about 10 mg/ml (w/v), and most preferably about 0.2 to 4 mg/ml; (2) a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM, preferably about 5 mM to about 30 mM; and (3) a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, preferably water, to bring the composition to a designated volume.

Useful buffers for the formulations of the present invention include buffers derived from acetic, aconitic, citric, glutaric, malic, succinic, phosphate and carbonic acids. Typically employed is an alkali or alkaline earth salt of one of the aformentioned acids. Acetate and citrate buffers, such as acetic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are preferred. The preferable pH ranges for the solution formulation is from about pH 5.0 to about pH 8.0, preferably pH 5.5 to pH 6.5, and most preferably about pH 6,2. Sodium acetate or sodium citrate are the preferred buffering agents, with sodium citrate being most preferred.

To the above solution also preferably added are: (4) a chelating agent, such as EDT A at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM, more preferably at about 1 mM; (5) NaCl at a concentration range ofabout 0.01 mM to about 150 mM and more preferably at about 125 mM.

Optionally, a liquid formulation may also include a protein stabilizing amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of: (a) about 0.5% to about 2% w/v glycerol, (b) about 0.1% to about 1% w/v methionine, or (c) about 0.1% to about 2% w/v monothioglycerol.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the present invention include a composition formed by mixing: (1) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v), more preferably about 0.1 to about 20 mg/ml, and most preferably about 0.2 to 4 mg/ml. (2) 10 mM sodium citrate or 20 mM sodium acetate; (3) 125 mM NaCl; (4) 1 mM EDTA; and (5) water as diluent.

More preferably, the solution formulation comprises a composition formed by mixing: (1) about 0.2 to about 4 mg/ml of a KGF-2 polypeptide; (2) 20 mM sodium acetate; (3) 125 mM NaCl; (4) ImM EDTA; and (5) water as a diluent, wherein the solution is at about pH 6.2 and is stored at about - 20° C.

The present inventors have discovered that KGF-2 polypeptides readily oxidize, aggregate and precipitate out of solution. Although oxidation of KGF-2 does not destroy biological activity, limiting the extent of oxidation of the product leads to a more stable product. The inventors observed that if the liquid formulation is at a pH too low the KGF-2 polypeptide will lose biological activity. Additionally, as the pH of the solution approaches the pi for KGF-2, the protein will precipitate out of solution. Thus, the inventors have determined that liquid formulations should be maintained in the range of about pH 6.0 to about pH 7.0, and that a pH of about 6.2 is most optimal for stabilizing the KGF-2 polypeptide. Moreover, the inventors surprisingly determined that a citrate buffer specifically stabilizes the KGF-2 polypeptides.

Although, the use of a citrate buffer having at about pH 6.0-6.2 provides a liquid formulation that reduces aggregation of the KGF-2 polypeptide and increases stability, the liquid polypeptide formulation may still be subject to oxidation and precipitation of KGF-2 polypeptides. Thus, the inventors developed a lyophilized formulation as set forth below.

Lyophilized Formulations Certain formulations of the invention at least include: a KGF-2 polypeptide and a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0, more preferably pH 5.5 to pH 6.5, most preferably pH 6.2. Useful buffers include buffers derived from phosphate, aconitic, citric, glutaric, malic, succinic and carbonic acids. Typically employed is an alkali or alkaline earth salt of one of the aforementioned acids. More preferably the buffer will be phosphate or citrate, most preferably citrate. For example, the formulation may comprise a composition formed by mixing a buffering amount of citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with KGF-2 A33 in water. The preferable buffer concentration is from about 5 mM to about 50 mM and more preferably at about 10 mM. Most preferably, the citrate buffer will be added in a concentration of about 10 mM. Also preferably-included in the formulation is NaCl as a tonicifier at a concentration of from about 0.01 mM to about 150 mM, most preferably at about 20 mM and a metal chelating agent, such as EDTA, at a concentration of from about 0.01 mM to about 10 mM, most preferably at about 1 mM. In addition, bulking agents/cryoprotectants such as sucrose, glycine, mannitol, trehalose or other pharmaceutically acceptable bulking agents are included in the formulation. The amount of bulking agent used will be such that the solution is isotonic and is in a range ofabout 2% to about 10% w/v. Preferred concentrations are as follows: 5% mannitol, 7% sucrose, 8% trehalose, or 2% glycine + 0.5% sucrose. More preferably, sucrose or sucrose/glycine mixture is used. Additionally, a lyophilized formulation of the present invention may also include one or more of (a) a stabilizing amount of an antioxidant, such as ascorbate or (b) a stabilizing amount of thiol-compound, for example monothioglycerol. Storage conditions for the lyophilized formulation are typically at about 2 ° C to about 25 ° C. More preferably storage conditions are at or below about 2° C to about 8° C.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N2 - 4 FEB 2004 RECEIVED KGF-2 polypeptides are lyophilized at a concentration of about 0.02 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml of protein in the initial solution The initial lyophilization solution preferably comprises (in addition to the KGF-2 polypeptides): (1) an effective amount of citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably sodium citrate, at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; (2) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM, (3) EDTA at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM (4) one or more of sucrose, mannitol, glycine or trehalose at a concentration range of about 2% w/v to about 15% w/v; and (5) water.

The preferred pH range for the lyophilization buffer is from about 5.5 to about 8.0, preferably about ptt 6.2.

More preferably, the lyophilization buffer comprises 10 mM sodium citrate, 20 mM sodium chloride, 1 mM disodium EDTA at pH 6.2 and 7% sucrose.

The lyophilized KGF-2 polypeptide formulations are reconstituted in sterile water so as to maintain isotonic conditions of about 290 mOsm. The KGF-2 polypeptides can be reconstituted in sterile water, optionally containing a stabilizing amount of antioxidants comprising: a) about 0.01% to about 2% w/v monothioglycerol, b) about 0.01% to about 2% w/v ascorbic acid, c) about 0.01% to about 2% w/v methionine or d) combinations thereof.

The present invention includes lyophilization cycles that yield a stable KGF-2 polypeptide formulation. The lyophilization cycle is designed to keep the KGF-2 polypeptide product below its collapse temperature during the primary drying phase. Additionally, the moisture content is targeted to be preferably less than 5%, and more preferably less than 2%. Such a protocol must be determined for any particular protein on an individual basis. An example lyophilization cycle for the KGF-2 sucrose containing lyophilization formulation according to the present invention was determined to be as follows: Temperature (°C) Pressure (mTorr) Time (min.) (hold) atmospheric 60 to -45 (ramp) atmospheric 120 -45 (hold) atmospheric 120 -45 (hold) 75 to 100 60 -45 to -20 (ramp) 75 to 100 125 -20 (hold) 75 to 100 2100 -20 to +25 (ramp) 75 to 100 225 +25 (hold) 75 to 100 1020 The lyophilization formulation of the present invention provides a product with unexpectedly increased stability. Indeed, lyophilized KGF-2 formulations of the present invention are biologically stable for at least 9 months at temperatures of up to 45° C. (Figure.4)- Reverse-phase HPLC demonstrated that the lyophilized KGF-2 formulations of the present invention retained its physio-chemical properties for up to 8 months at temperatures of at or below 45 ° C and 75% relative humidity. Stability for this length of time at such high temperatures is very unusual for proteins.

Thickened and Gel Formulations Some formulations of the present invention utilize thickened or gel formulations for KGF-2 polypeptides. 1) Thickening Agents: Thickening agents may be added to the above described liquid formulations to increase the viscosity of the resulting formulation. A formulation having an increased viscosity may be beneficial for topical applications where controlled release, adhering to the shape of a wound or avoiding run-off nJIM®cfuAL PROPERTY , . OFFICE OF N.Z important. Such thickened formulations are employed for topical uses such as - 4 FEB 2004 RECEIVED wound healing, to treat skin disorders or any other use which could be treated via topical application of a KGF-2 pharmaceutical composition.

The thickening agent should raise the viscosity to about 50 to about 10,000 cps, more preferably about 50 to about 1,000 cps and most preferably about 200 to about 300 cps. Viscosity is measured using a rotating spindle viscometer. The most preferred concentration of thickening agent is 0 to 5% (w/w). The thickened solution will stay liquid at all times.

Examples of appropriate thickening agents include, but are not limited to water soluble etherified celluloses and carbomer (high molecular weight polymers of acrylic add cross-linked with either allyisucrose or allyl ethers of pentaerythritol). Examples of etherified cellulose are well known in the art (listed in USP) and include alkyl celluloses, hydroxyalkyl celluloses and alkylhydroxyalkyl celluloses e.g., methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methylceflulose, and the like. In a further embodiment, the topical or incisional gel may comprise about 0 to about 20% by weight of a cellulose derivative having a molecular weight of about 50,000 to about 700,000. In a preferred embodiment the cellulose derivative is present at about 2% to about 8% by weight and has a molecular weight in the range of about 80,000 to about 240,000. Preferred cellulose derivatives are hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose/ When thickening agents are added to the injectable formulations, detailed above, salts and buffering agents may be added or removed from the formulation for optimal stability. For example, the citrate concentration may be increased. Preferred concentrations for citrate are for example, about 10 mM to about. 500 mM citrate, more preferably about 10 mM to about 50 mM citrate and most preferably about 10 mM to about 20 mM citrate. Additionally, the amount of sucrose may be decreased in the lyophilization formulation to a range from about 0% to about 5% sucrose.

Thickening agents maybe added directly to a liquid formulation according to the present invention and then lyophilized. Alternatively, a lyophilized formulation according to the present invention may be reconstituted by adding a suitable diluent, most preferably water having a thickening agent dissolved therein. Such thickened formulations could be administered by spray.

An example of a preferred thickened KGF-2 polypeptide solution according to the present invention comprises a product formed by mixing: (1) a topically effective amount of a KGF polypeptide, preferably KGF-2 A33; (2) about 10 mM to about 500 mM sodium citrate buffer; (3) about 0.01 to about 150 mMNaCl; (4) about 0.75 to about 1.27 mM, preferably about 1 mM EDTA; (5) about 0.1% to about 7% sucrose; (6) about 0.75 to about 1.5% (w/w) carboxy methyl cellulose or about 0.5 to about 1.5% hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose or about 0.25 to about 0.75% hydroxy ethyl cellulose or about 0 to 1% carbomer or any combination thereof.

The a pH of such a formulation is most preferably pH 6.2. 2) Gelling Agents: Some formulations of the present invention are directed to gel formulations for KGF-2 polypeptides. Gelling agents may be added to injectable formulations of the present invention to provide a formulation that remains liquid at room temperature and solidifies when applied to the surface of the skin (at about 37° C). Such formulations may be useful for topical applications where controlled release, adhearing to the shape of a wound or avoiding run-off may be important. Such gel formulations are employed for topical uses such as wound healing, to treat skin disorders or any other use which could be treated via topical application of KGF-2 pharmaceutical composition.

In general terms, gel formulations for KGF-2 polypeptides according to the present invention at least comprise: (1) a topically effective amount of a KGF polypeptide; (2) a buffer; (3) a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, preferably water; and INTELLECTUAL PR0PERT OFFICE OF N.Z -\ FEB 2004 RECEIVED (4) a gel-forming high molecular weight compound.

Viscosity of gel formulations of the present invention may be in a range of about 1 to about 10,000 cps at room temperature, most preferred about 20 to about 100 cps at room temperature. Viscosity is measured using a rotating spindle viscometer.

Gel forming high molecular weight compounds employed in the present invention are typically water-soluble polymers capable of forming a viscous aqueous solution, or non-water soluble, water-swellable polymers (e.g., collagen) that can also form a viscous solution and that gel upon contact with skin.

Useful gel forming high molecular weight compounds may be selected from vinyl polymers, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymers, polysaccharides, proteins, poly(ethylene oxide), acrylamide polymers and derivatives and or salts thereof. Other compounds that can be used to make pharmaceutical gel formulations used in healing wounds can be found in U.S \ Patent No. 5,427,778, which is-herdn folly incorporated by reference.

Useful vinyl polymers (or substituted polyethylenes) include polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol. Useful polysaccharides include cellulose derivatives, glycosaminoglycans, agar, pectin, alginic acid, dextran, starch (a-amylose or amylopectin), and chitosan. Useful glycosaminoglycans include hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, chondroitin-4-sulfate, heparan sulfate and heparin. The glycosaminoglycans may be used to enhance wound healing in combination with any other gel forming polymer such as, for example, collagen, gelatin, fibronectin. The acrylamide polymers may be polyacrylamide or polymethacrylamide polymers.

Preferred high molecular weight gel forming compounds are polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, especially those block copolymers that are designated in the trade as PLURON1CS (BASF) or POLAXAMERS (BASF).

In one preferred embodiment, the gel of the present invention may comprise about 10 to about 60% by weight of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having an average molecular weight of about 500 to 50,000. In a more preferred embodiment, the gel of the present invention may comprise about 14 to about 18% by weight of block copolymers having a molecular weight in the range 1,000 to 15,000. Preferred block copolymers of the present invention are Pluronic F108 and Pluronic F127.

Polyoxyethyiene-polyoxpropylene block copolymers (Pluronic or Poloxamer) have great potential for use in topical drug delivery systems because they exhibit reverse thermal gelation behavior, have good drug release characteristics as well as low toxicity. Gels are formed as the solution is wanned. Thus* the gel is a low viscosity aqueous solution at room temperature but when it contacts the mammalian body and is warmed by body temperature the viscosity increases as the solution gels. Pluronic gels can be used for the controlled delivery of KGF-2 polypeptides to, for example, wounds and other such sites where topical delivery is desirable. KGF-2 polypeptides can be combined with the Pluronic in the liquid state and applied to the wound: Gelation occurs and effectively reduces \ the rate that the polypeptides, are-released to the wound and thereby permits prolonged contact between the polypeptides and the wound site. The benefits of using such gel formulations include keeping the wound moist and having a pharmaceutical compound that is form-fitting to the wound or other such site where the compound may be applied.

The preferred gel formulations for KGF-2 polypeptides according to the present invention comprises citrate buffer and a Pluronic. The formulation may comprise an amount of citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, thereof.

The gel formulation according to the present invention may also include an chelating agent, a stabilizing amount of antioxidants or thiols. The gel formulation will include a high molecular weight compound, such as a Pluronic, or water-soluble etherified cellulose, and the like in an amount that will form a gel. In the gel formulation according to the present invention, the KGF-2 polypeptides are preferably in a concentration of about 0.01 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml. Preferably, the gel formulations are formed by mixing: (1) a KGF-2 polypeptide, preferably KGF-2 A 3 3, in a final calculated concentration of 0.01 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml; (2) an effective amount of a buffering agent; (3) about 10% to about 60%, or more preferably about 14% to about 18% by weight of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having an average molecular weight of about 500 to 50,000; and (4) a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, preferably water.

Another preferred gel formulation comprises: (1) a pharmaceutically active amount of KGF-2 polypeptide; (2) about 10 mM to about 500 mM sodium citrate; (3) about 0.01 mM to about 150 mM NaCl; (4) about 1 mM EDTA; (5) about 0.1% to about 7% sucrose; (6) about 14% to about 18% Pluronic F127; and (7) water, wherein the formulation is at a pH of about pH 6.2.

Most preferably, the gel formulation comprises: (1) a KGF-2 polypeptide, preferably KGF-2 A3 3, at a concentration range of about 0.01 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml (w/v), more preferably about 0.1 mg/ml to about 3 mg/ml, and most preferably about 0.2 mg/ml; (2) sodium citrate at a concentration range of ab out 5 mM to 'about 20 mM; (3) about 10% to about 25% (w/v), preferably about 15 to about 25, and most preferably about 16% of Pluronic 127 or Poloxamer 407; (4) about 6.7% to about 7.3% sucrose, preferably about 7% sucrose; and (5) water to volume.

The gel formulation optionally further includes one or more of the following: (6) EDTA at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM. (7) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM. The preferred pH ranges for the gel formulation is from about pH 5.0 to about pH 8.0, preferably pH 6.2 and the resulting gel formulation should be isotonic. 3) Additional Stabilizing Agents: All of the foregoing formulations ofthe present invention may benefit from from anti-oxidants, metal chelating agents, thiol containing compounds and other general stabilizing agents. Examples of such stabilising agents, include, but are « not limited to: (a) about 0.5% to about 2% w/v glycerol, (b) about 0.1% to about 1% w/v methionine, (c) about 0.1% to about 2% w/v monothioglycerol, (d) about 1 mM to about 10 mM EDTA, (e) about 0.01% to about 2% w/v ascorbic acid, (f) 0.003%jto about 0.02% w/v polysorbate 80, (g) 0.001% to about 0.05% w/v polysorbate 20, (h) arginine, (0 heparin, G) dextran sulfate, (k) cyclodextrins, or 0) combinations thereof.

Administration of KGF-2 Polypeptides The KGF-2 polypeptide formulations of the present invention may employ suitable pharmaceutical diluents that are known to be useful in pharmaceutical compositions. Such a diluents include but are not limited to, saline, buffered saline, dextrose, water, glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof. The formulation should suit the mode of administration. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions will be formulated according to the present invention, as indicated above. Water is a preferred diluent.

The polypeptide having KGF-2 activity may be administered in pharmaceutical compositions in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. It will be understood that, when administered to a human patient, the total daily usage of the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention will be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific therapeutically effective dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the type and degree of the response to be achieved; the specific composition, including whether « another agent, if any, is employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of the composition; the duration of the treatment; drugs (such as a chemotherapeutic agent) used in combination or coincidental with the specific composition; and like factors well known in the medical arts. Suitable formulations, known in tfid art, can be "found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (latest edition), MackrPubfilhing Company, Easton, PA. The "effective amount" of KGF-2 for purposes herein (including a KGF-2 effective amount) is thus determined by such considerations.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered in a convenient manner such as by the oral, rectal, topical, * intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intraarticular, subcutaneous, intranasal, inhalation, intraocular or intradermal routes. Parenteral and topical delivery are the preferred routes of administration. The term "parenteral" as used herein refers to modes of administration which include intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrasternal, subcutaneous and intraarticular injection and infusion.

The pharmaceutical compositions are administered in an amount which is effective for treating and/or prophylaxis of the specific indication. In most cases, the KGF-2 dosage is from about 1 ng/kg to about 30 mg/kg body weight daily, taking into account the routes of administration, symptoms, etc. However, the dosage can be as low as 0.001 |ig/kg. For example, in the specific case of topical administration dosages are preferably administered from about 0.01 jig to 9 mg per cm2. In the case of intranasal and intraocular administration, dosages are preferably administered from about 0.001 ng/ml to about 10 mg/ml, and more preferably from about 0.05 mg/ml to about 4 mg/ml.

As a general proposition, the total pharmaceutically effective amount of the KGF-2 polypeptide administered parenterally will be in the range of about 1 |ig/kg/day to 10 mg/kg/day of patient body weight, although, as noted above, this will be subject to therapeutic discretion. If given continuously, the KGF-2 polypeptide is typically administered at a dose rate of about 1 jig/kg/hour to about 50 |ig/kg/hour, either by 1-4 injections per day or by continuous subcutaneous infusions, for example, using a mini-pump. An intravenous bag solution or bottle solution may also be employed.

A course of KGF-2 polypeptide treatment to affect the fibrinolytic system appears to be optimal if continued longer than a certain minimum number of days, 7 days in the case of the mice. The length of treatment needed to observe changes and the interval following treatment for responses to occur appears to vary depending on the desired effect? H ;; For parenteral administration, in one embodiment, the KGF-2 polypeptide is formulated generally by mixing it at the desired degree of purity, in a unit dosage injectable form (solution, suspension, or emulsion), with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, i.e., one that is non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed and is compatible with other ingre'dients of the formulation. For example, the formulation preferably does not include oxidizing agents and other compounds that are known to be deleterious to polypeptides.

Generally, the formulations are prepared by contacting the KGF-2 polypeptide uniformly and intimately with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both. Then, if necessary, the product is shaped into the desired formulation. Preferably the carrier is a parenteral carrier, more preferably a solution that is isotonic with the blood of the recipient. Examples of such carrier vehicles include water, saline, Ringer's solution, and dextrose solution. Nonaqueous vehicles such as fixed oils and ethyl oleate are also useful herein, as well as liposomes. Suitable formulations, known in the art, can be found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (latest edition), Mack Publishing Company, Easton, PA.

KGF-2 polypeptides may also be administered to the eye to treat lacrimal gland injuries, disorders and pathologies in animals and humans as a liquid, drop, or thickend liquid, a geL KGF-2 polypeptides can also be intranasally administered to the nasal mucosa to treat disorders, injuries and pathologies of the nasal mucosa and sinus epithelia in animals and humans as liquid drops or in a spray form.

Generally, the formulations are prepared by contacting the KGF-2 polypeptide uniformly and intimately with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both. Then, if necessary, the product is shaped into the desired formulation. Preferably the carrier is a parenteral carrier, more preferably a solution that is isotonic with the blood of the recipient. Examples of such carrier vehicles include water ~ saline, Ringer's solution, and dextrose solution. Non-aqueous vehicles such as fixecLoils and ethyl oleate are also useful herein, as well as liposomes. Suitable formulations, known in the art, can be found in Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences (latest edition), Mack Publishing Company, Easton, PA.

The carrier may also contain minor amounts of suitable additives such as substances that enhance isotonicity and chemical stability. Such materials are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, succinate, acetic acid, and other organic acids or their salts; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid; low molecular weight (less than about ten residues) polypeptides, e.g., polyarginine or tripeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids, such as glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, or arginine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including cellulose or its derivatives, glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol; counterions such as sodium; and/or nonionic surfactants such as polysorbates, poloxamers, or PEG.

KGF-2 is typically formulated in such vehicles at a concentration of about 0.01 pg/ml to 50 mg/ml, preferably 0.01 |ig/ml to 10 mg/ml, at a pH of about 5 to about 8, preferably about 6 to about 7, most preferably about pH 6.2. It will be understood that the use of certain of the foregoing exdpients, carriers, or stabilizers will result in the formation of KGF-2 salts.

KGF-2 to be used for therapeutic administration may be sterile. Sterility is readily accomplished by filtration through sterile filtration membranes (e.g., 0.2 micron membranes). Therapeutic KGF-2 compositions may be placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.

KGF-2 ordinarily will be stored in unit or multi-dose containers, for example, sealed ampules or vials, as an aqueous solution or as a lyophilized formulation for reconstitution. As an example of a lyophilized formulation, 3-ml vials are filled with 1 nil ofsterile-filtered-i% (w/v) aqueous KGF-2 solution, and the resulting mixture is lyophilized: The infusion solution is prepared by reconstituting the lyophilized KGF-2 using Water-for-Injection which may optionally include one or more antioxidants.

Dosaging may also be arranged in a patient specific manner to provide a predetermined concentration of an KGF-2 activity in the blood, as determined by an RIA technique, for instance. Thus patient dosaging may be adjusted to achieve regular on-going trough blood levels, as measured by RIA, on the order of from 50 to 1000 ng/ml, preferably 150 to 500 ng/ml.

The KGF-2 is also suitably administered by sustained-release systems. Suitable examples of sustained-release compositions include semi-permeable polymer matrices in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, or mirocapsules. Sustained-release matrices include polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919, EP 58,481), copolymers ofL-glutamic acid and gamma-ethyl-L-glutamate(U. Sidman et al., Biopolymers 22:547-556 (1983)), poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (R. Langer etal., J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 15:167-271 (1981), and R. Langer, Chem. Tech. 12:98-105 (1982)), ethylene vinyl acetate (R. Langer et al., Id.) or poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyricacid(EP 133,988). Sustained-release KGF-2 compositions also include liposomally entrapped KGF-2. Liposomes containing KGF-2 are prepared by methods known perse: DE 3,218,121; Epstein, et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:3688-3692 (1985); Hwang et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 77:4030-4034 (1980); EP 52,322; EP 36,676; EP 88,046; EP 143,949; EP 142,641; Japanese Pat. Appl. 83-118008; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545; and EP 102,324. Ordinarily, the liposomes are of the small (about 200-800 Angstroms) unilamellar type in which the lipid content is greater than about 30 mol. percent cholesterol, the selected proportion being adjusted for the « optimal KGF-2 therapy.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical pack or kit comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the ingredients of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. Associated with such containers can be a notice in the form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals^&r biological products, which notice reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use orsale for human administration. In addition, the polypeptides, agonists and antagonists of the present invention may be employed in conjunction with other therapeutic compounds.

When the present inventors examined the biological activity and stability of the KGF-2 polypeptide prepared according to the formulations of the present invention, it was surprisingly discovered that the use of monothioglycerol may stabilize the KGF-2 polypeptides and may behave as a potentiating agent for KGF-2 polypeptides in wound healing. The optimal concentration range for the potentiating effect of the monothioglycerol was 0.1% to 2% w/v.

KGF-2 Polypeptides KGF-2 stimulates the proliferation of epithelial cells and epidermal keratinocyes but not mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts. Thus, "a polypeptide having KGF-2 protein-like activity" includes polypeptides that exhibit the KGF-2 activity, in the keratinocyte proliferation assay set forth below and U.S. Application No. 08/910,875 and can bind to the FGF receptor isoforms 1-iiib and 2-iiib. Although the degree of activity need not be identical to that of the KGF-2 protein, preferably, "a polypeptide having KGF-2 protein-like activity" exhibits substantially similar activity as compared to the KGF-2 protein (i.e., the candidate polypeptide exhibits greater activity or not more than tenfold less and, preferably, not more than about twofold less activity relative to the reference KGF-2 protein).

The KGF-2 polypeptides used in the formulations of the present invention may or may not have the N-terminal methionine, preferably the polypeptide will be lacking the N-terminal methionine.

The KGF-2 cDNA clone was deposited as ATCC Deposit No. 75977 on December 16,1994 at the American Type Culture Collection, Patent Depository, 10801 University Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110-2209. In addition, a cDNA encoding KGF-2 A3 3 inserted into an expression vector, pHE4-5, was deposited at the ATCC on January 9, 1998 as ATCC No. 209575.

The terms "fragment," "derivative" and "analog" when referring to the polypeptide, of Figure 1 (SEQ © NO;2) or that encoded by the deposited cDNA, means a polypeptide which retains essentially the same biological function or activity as such polypeptide. Thus, an analog includes a proprotein which can be activated by cleavage of the proprotein portion to produce an active mature polypeptide.

The polypeptide of the present invention may be a recombinant polypeptide, a natural polypeptide or a synthetic polypeptide, preferably a recombinant polypeptide.

The fragment, derivative or analog of the polypeptide of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2) or that encoded by the deposited cDNA may be (i) one in which one or more of the amino acid residues are substituted with a conserved or non-conserved amino acid residue (preferably a conserved amino acid residue) and such substituted amino acid residue may or may not be one encoded by the genetic code, or (ii) one in which one or more of the amino acid residues includes a substituent group, or (iii) one in which the mature polypeptide is fused with another compound, such as a compound to increase the half-life of the polypeptide (for example, polyethylene glycol), or (iv) one in which the additional amino acids are fused to the mature polypeptide, such as a leader or secretory sequence or a sequence which is employed for purification of the mature polypeptide or a proprotein sequence. Such fragments, derivatives and analogs are deemed to be within the scope of those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

The terms "peptide" and "oligopeptide" are considered synonymous (as is commonly recognized) and each term can be used interchangeably as the context requires to indicate a chain of at least to amino acids coupled by peptidyl linkages. The word "polypeptide" is used herein for chains containing more than ten amino acid residues. All oligopeptide and polypeptide formulas or sequences herein are written from left to right and in the direction from amino terminus to carboxy terminus.

It will be recognized in the art that some amino acid sequences of the KGF-2 polypeptide can be varied without significant effect of the structure or function of the protein. Ifsuch differences in sequence are contemplated, it should be remembered that there will be critical areas on the protein which determine activity. In general, it is possible to replace residues which form the tertiary structure, provided that residues performing a similar function are used. In other instances, the type of residue may be completely unimportant if the alteration occurs at a non-critical region of the protein.

The polypeptides of the present invention are preferably in ah isolated form. By "isolated polypeptide" is intended a polypeptide removed from its native environment. Thus, a polypeptide produced and/or contained within a recombinant host cell is considered isolated for purposes of the present invention.

Also intended are polypeptides that have been purified, partially or substantially, from a recombinant host cell or a native source.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention include the KGF-2 polypeptide of SEQ ID N0 .2 (in particular the mature polypeptide) and deletion mutants thereof. Also described herein are polypeptides which have at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% similarity (more preferably at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% identity) to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 and deletion mutants thereof, and also include portions of such polypeptides with such portion o IfclTCLLECTUAL. PROPER OFFICE OF N.2 - 4 FEB 2004 polypeptide (such as the deletion mutants described below) generally containing at least 30 amino acids and more preferably at least 50 amino acids.

As known in the art "similarity" between two polypeptides is determined by comparing the amino add sequence and its conservative amino add substituted sequence of one polypeptide to the sequence of a second polypeptide.

By H% similarity" for two polypeptides is intended a similarity score produced by comparing the amino acid sequences of the two polypeptides using the Bestfit program (Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, « Genetics Computer Group, University Research Park, 575 Science Drive, Madison, WI 53711) and the default settings for determining similarity. Bestfit uses the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Advances in Applied Mathematics 2:482-489,1981) to find the best segment of similarity between two sequences.

By a polypeptide laving an amino acid sequence at least, for example, 95% "identical" to a reference^amino acid sequence of a KGF-2 polypeptide is intended that the amino add sequence of the polypeptide is identical to the reference sequence except that the polypeptide sequence may include up to five amino acid alterations per each 100 amino acids of the reference amino acid of the KGF-2 polypeptide. In other words, to obtain a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to a reference amino acid sequence, up to 5% of the amino acid residues in the reference sequence may be deleted or substituted with another amino acid, or a number of amino acids up to 5% of the total amino acid residues in the reference sequence may be inserted into the reference sequence. These alterations of the reference sequence may occur at the amino or carboxy terminal positions of the reference amino acid sequence or anywhere -between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually among residues in the reference sequence or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference sequence.

As a practical matter, whether any particular polypeptide is at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to, for instance, the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 1 [SEQ ID NO:2] or to the amino acid sequence encoded by deposited cDNA clone can be determined conventionally using known computer programs such the Bestfit program (Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, Genetics Computer Group, University Research Park, 575 Science Drive, Madison, WI53711). What using Bestfit or any other sequence alignment program to determine whether a particular sequence is, for instance, 95% identical to a reference sequence according to the present invention, the parameters are set, of course, such that the percentage of identity is calculated over the full length of the reference amino acid sequence and that gaps in homology of up to 5% of the total number of amino acid residues in the reference sequence are allowed.

KGF-2 Deletion Mutants Native KGF-2 isrelatively unstable in the aqueous state and it undergoes chemical and physical degradation resulting in loss of biological activity during processing and storage. Native KGF-2 is also prone to aggregation in aqueous solution, at elevated temperatures and it becomes inactivated under acidic conditions.

Particularly preferred KGF-2 polypeptides are the deletion mutants shown below (numbering starts with the first amino acid in the protein (Met):* Thr (residue 36) — Ser Cys (37) --Ser (208) Gin (38) - Ser (208) Ala (39) » Ser (208) Leu (40) - Ser (208) Gly (41) - Ser (208) Gin (42) - Ser (208) Asp (43) - Ser (208) Met (44) - Ser (208) Val (45) -- Ser (208) Ser (46) - Ser (208) Pro (47)- Ser (208) Glu (48) - Ser (208) Ala (49) - (Ser (208) Thr (50) - Ser (208) Asn (51)- Ser (208) Ser (52) - Ser (208) Ser (53) - Ser (208) Ser (54) - Ser (208) Ser (55) - Ser (208) Ser (56) - Ser (208) Phe (57) ~ Ser (208) Ser (59) ~ Ser (208) Ser(62) - Ser (208) Ala(63) - Ser (208) Gly (64) -Ser (208) Arg (65) - Ser (208) Val (67)-Ser (208) Ser (69)-Ser (208) Val (77)-Ser (208) Arg (80) - Ser (208) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - His (207) Met (1), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Val (206) Met (1), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Val (205) \ Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) — Met(204) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Pro (203) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys(37) - Leu (202) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Phe (201) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - His (200) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Ala (199) Met (1), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Ser (198) Met (1), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Thr (197) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) -Asn (196) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Lys (195) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) — Arg (194) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) — Arg (193) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Thr (192) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) — Lys (191) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Arg (188) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Arg (187) Met(l), Thr (36), or Cys (37) - Lys (183) Preferred embodiments include the N-terminal deletions Ala (63) — Ser (208) (KGF-2A28) and Ser (69) - Ser (208) (KGF-2A33). Other preferred N-terminal and C-terminal deletion mutants include: Ala (39) — Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Val (77) -- Ser (208); Glu (93) - Ser (208); Glu (104) ~ Ser (208); 5 Val (123) - Ser (208); and Gly (138) — Ser (208). Other preferred C-terminal deletion mutants include: Met (1), Thr (36), or Cys (37) — Lys (153).

Also included by the present invention are deletion mutants having amino acids deleted from both the N- terminus and the C-terminus. Such mutants include « all combinations of the N-terminal deletion mutants and C-terminal deletion 10 mutants described above, e.g., Ala (39) — His (200), Met (44) — Arg (193), Ala (63) — Lys (153), Ser (69) - Lys (153), etc. Those combinations can be made using recombinant techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Thus, preferred KGF polypeptides for use in pharmaceutical formulations comprise N-terminal deletion mutants, including those comprising the amino acid sequence town in Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2) exceptfor a deletion of at least the first 38 N-terminal amino acid residues (i.e., a deletion of at least Met (1) — Gin (3 8)) but not more than the first 147 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ BDNO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the first 38 N-terminal amino 20 acid residues (i.e., a deletion of at least Met (1) — Gin (38)) but not more* than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the first 46 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). 25 Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the first 62 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the first 68 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the 30 first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2).

Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion thi •IMLECTUAL PROPER" OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.2 - 4 FEB 2004 -30" received include at least the first 76 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the first 92 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the first 103 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure I (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the first 122 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2).

In addition to a formulation comprising a KGF-2 mutant with the ranges of N-terminal deletion mutants described above, other formulations are described having all combinations of the above described ranges, e.g., deletions of at least the first 62^terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 68 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the first 62 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 76 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the first 62 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 92 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the first 62 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 103 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the first 68 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 76 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the first 68 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 92 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the first 68 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 103 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the first 46 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 62 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the first 46 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 68 N-terminal amino acid residues of INTELLECTUAL PROPEHIY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 received Figure 1 (SEQ ID N0:2); deletions of at least the first 46 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 76 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); etc.

Formulations comprising C-terminal deletion mutants are described. Preferably, the N-terminal amino acid residue of said C-terminal deletion mutants is amino acid residue 1 (Met), 36 (Thr), or 37 (Cys) of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Such formulations comprising mutants include those comprising the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2) except for a deletion of at least the last C-terminal amino acid residue (Ser (208)) but not more than the last 55 C-terminal amino acid residues (i.e., a deletion of amino acid residues Glu (154) - Ser (208)) of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the last C-terminal amino acid residue but not more than the last 65 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant Jiaving a deletion that will include at least the last 10 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 55 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the last 20 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 55 C-termifial amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation coiriprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the last 3 0 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 55 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the last 40 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 55 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2). Alternatively, the formulation comprises a mutant having a deletion that will include at least the last 50 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 55 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2).

In addition to a formulation comprising a KGF-2 mutant with the ranges of C-terminal deletion mutants described above, also described is a formulation having all combinations of the above described ranges, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z -4 FEB 2004 received e.g., deletions of at least the last C-terminal amino acid residue but not more than the last 10 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the last C-terminal amino acid residue but not more than the last 20 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the last C-terminal amino acid residue but not more than the last 30 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the last C-terminal amino acid residue but not more than the last 40 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the last 10 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 20 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the last 10 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 30 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the last 10 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 40 C-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); deletions of at least the last 20 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 30 C^termjnal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2); etc.

The KGF-2 polypeptide can be a deletion mutant having amino acids deleted from both the N- terminal and C-terminal residues. Such mutants include all combinations of the N-terminal deletion mutants » and C-terminal deletion mutants described above. Such mutants include those comprising the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2) except for a deletion of at least the first 46 N-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2) and a deletion of at least the last C-terminal amino acid residue but not more than the last 55 C-terminal amino acid residues ofFigure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2). Alternatively, -a deletion can include at least the first 62, 68, 76, 92, 103, or 122 N-terminal amino acids but not more than the first 137 N-terminal amino acid residues of Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2) and a deletion of at least the last 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 C-terminal amino acid residues but not more than the last 55 C-terminal amino acid residues ofFigure 1. Further included are all combinations of the above described ranges.

KGF-2 Substitution Mutants Useful KGF-2 polypeptides include those having substitution of amino acids. Native mature KGF-2 contains 44 charged residues, 32 of which carry a positive charge. Depending on the location of such residues in the protein's three dimensional structure, substitution of one or more ofthese clustered residues with amino acids carrying a negative charge or a neutral charge may alter the electrostatic interactions of adjacent residues and may be useful to achieve « increased stability and reduced aggregation of the protein. Aggregation of proteins cannot only result in a loss of activity but be problematic when preparing pharmaceutical formulations, because they can be immunogenic (Pinckard et al, Clin. Exp. Immunol. 2:331-340 (1967), Robbins et al., Diabetes 36: 838-845 (1987), Cleland et al., Crit. Rev. Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems 10:307-377 (1993)). Any modification should, give consideration to minimizing charge repulsion in the tertiary structure of the. protein molecule. Thus, of special interest are substitutions of charged amino add with another charge and with neutral or negatively charged amino acids. The latter results in proteins with a reduced positive charge to improve the characteristics of KGF-2. Such improvements include increased stability and reduced aggregation of the analog as compared to % the native KGF-2 protein.

The replacement of amino acids can also change the selectivity of binding to cell surface receptors. Ostade et al., Nature 361: 266-268 (1993), described certain TNF alpha mutations resulting in selective binding of TNF alpha to only one of the two known TNF receptors.

KGF-2 molecules may include one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or additions, either from natural mutation or human manipulation. Examples of some preferred mutations are: Ala (49) Gin, Asn (51) Ala, Ser (54) Val, Ala (63) Pro, Gly (64) Glu, Val (67) Thr, Trp (79) Val, Arg (80) Lys, Lys (87) Arg, Tyr (88) Trp, Phe (89) Tyr, Lys (91) Arg, Ser (99) Lys, Lys (102) Gin, Lys 103(Glu), Glu (104) Met, Asn (105) Lys, Pro (107) Asn, Ser (109) Asn, Leu (111) Met, Thr (114) Arg, Glu(l 17) Ala, Val (120) lie, Val (123) lie, Ala(125) Gly, lie (126) Val, Asn (127) Glu, Asn (127) Gin, Tyr (130) Phe, Met (134) Thr, Lys (136) Glu, Lys (137) Glu, Gly (142) Ala, Ser (143) Lys, Phe (146) Ser, Asn (148) Glu, Lys (151) Asn, Leu (152) Phe, Glu (154) Gly, Glu.(154) Asp, Arg (155) Leu, Glu (157) Leu, Gly (160) His, Phe (167) Ala, Asn (168) Lys, Gin (170) Thr, Arg (174) Gly, Tyr (177) Phe, Gly (182) Gin, Ala (185) Val, Ala (185) Leu, Ala (185) lie, Arg (187) Gin (190) Lys, Lys (195) Glu, Thr (197) Lys, Ser (198) Thr, Arg(194)Glu, Arg(l 94)Gln, Lys(191)Giu, Lys(191)Gln, Arg(l 88)Glu, Arg(188)Gln, Lys(183)Glu.

By the designation, for example, Ala (49) Gin is intended that the Ala at position 49 ofFigure 1 (SEQ ID NO:2) is replaced by Gin.

Changes are preferably of minor nature, such as conservative amino acid substitutions that do not significantly affect the folding or activity of the protein. Examples of conservative amino acid substitutions known to those skilled in the art are set forth below: \ Aromatic: Hydrophobic: Polar: Basic: Acidic: Small: phenylalanine tryptophan tyrosine leucine isoleucine valine glutamine asparagine arginine lysine histidine aspartic acid glutamic acid alanine serine threonine methionine glycine Of course, the number of amino acid substitutions a skilled artisan would make depends on many factors, including those described above. Generally speaking, the number of substitutions for any given KGF-2 polypeptide will not be more than 50,40, 30,20,10, 5, or3, depending on the objective. For example, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 received a number of substitutions that can be made in the C-terminus of KGF-2 to improve stability.

Amino acids in KGF-2 that are essential for function can be identified by methods well known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning mutagenesis (Cunningham and Wells, Science 244:1081-1085 (1989). The latter procedure introduces single alanine mutations at every residue in the molecule. The resulting mutant molecules are then tested for biological activity such as receptor binding or in vitro and in vivo proliferative activity. (See, e.g., Example 1). Sites that are critical for ligand-receptor binding can also be determined by structural analyzis such as crystalization, nuclear magnetic resonance or photoaffinity labelling. (See for example: Smith et al., J. Mol. Biol, 224\ 899-904 (1992); and de Vos et al Science, 255: 306-312 (1992).) Other useful KGF polypeptides include polypeptides having substitutions of serine for cysteine at amino acid positions 37 and 106 and 150. An uneven number of cysteines means that at-least one cysteine residue is available for intermolecular crosslinks or bonds that can cause the protein to adopt an undesirable tertiaiy structure. Novel KGF-2 proteins that have one or more cysteines replaced by serine or e.g. alanine are generally purified at a higher yield of soluble, correctly folded protein. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the cysteine residue at position 106 is important for function.

This cysteine residue is highly conserved among all other FGF family members.

Therapeutic Uses of KGF-2 Polypeptide Compositions The polypeptides useful in the present invention may stimulate keratinocyte cell growth and proliferation. Accordingly, compositions of the present invention can be employed to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation and basal keratinocytes for the purpose of wound healing, and to stimulate hair follicle production and healing of dermal wounds. These wounds may be of superficial nature or may be deep and involve damage of the dermis and the epidermis of skin.

KGF-2 is useful for treating a number of diseases and conditions. For example, KGF-2 is active in vitro and in vivo in various wound healing models. See, U.S. Patent No. 6,077,692.

The individual to which KGF-2 is administered may heal wounds at a normal rate or may be healing impaired. When administered to an individual who is not healing impaired, KGF-2 is administered to accelerate the normal healing process. When administered to an individual who is healing impaired, KGF-2 is administered to facilitate the healing of wounds which would otherwise heal slowly or not at all. A number of afflictions and conditions can result in healing impairment. These afflictions and conditions include diabetes (e.g., Type II diabetes mellitus), treatment with both steroids and non-steroid pharmacological agents, and ischemic blockage or injury.

A number of growthfactors have been shown to promote wound healing in healing impaired individuals. --These growth factors include growth hormone-releasing factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factors. Thus, the present invention also encompasses the administration of KGF-2 compositions in conjunction with one or more additional growth factors or other agent which promotes wound healing.

The compositions of the present invention also promote the healing of anastomotic and other wounds caused by surgical procedures in individuals which both heal wounds at a normal rate and are healing impaired.

The compositions of the present invention may also be employed to stimulate differentiation of cells, for example muscle cells, cells which make up nervous tissue, prostate cells, and lung cells.

The compositions of the present invention are clinically useful in stimulating wound healing of wounds including surgical wounds, excisional wounds, deep wounds involving damage of the dermis and epidermis, eye tissue wounds, dental tissue wounds, oral cavity wounds, diabetic ulcers, dermal ulcers, cubitus ulcers, arterial ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and bums resulting from heat exposure to extreme temperatures of heat or cold, or exposure to chemicals, in INTELLECTUAl PROPERTY OFF/CE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 received normal individuals and those subject to conditions which induce abnormal wound healing such as uremia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, obesity, infection, immunosuppression and complications associated with systemic treatment with steroids, radiation therapy, and antineoplastic drugs and antimetabolites. The compositions are also useful for promoting the healing of wounds associated with ischemia and ischemic injury, e.g., chronic venous leg ulcers caused by an impairment of venous circulatory system return and/or insufficiency; for promoting dermal reestablishment subsequent to dermal loss; increasing the tensile strength of epidermis and epidermal thickness; and increasing the adherence of skin grafts to a wound bed and to stimulate re-epithelialization from the wound bed.

Other therapeutic uses for the KGF-2 polypeptides include, but are not limited to, for example, to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation and basal keratinocytes for the purpose of treating bums and skin defects such as psoriasis and epidermolysis bullosa? KGF-2 can be used to increase the adherence of skin grafts to a wound bed and to stimulate re-epithelialization from the wound bed. KGF-2 can also be used to reduce the side effects of gut toxicity that result from radiation, chemotherapy treatments or viral infections. KGF-2 can be used to treat diseases and conditions of the liver, lung, kidney, breast, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. KGF-2 can be used to treat inflamamatory bowel » diseases, diabetes, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglobulinemia, hemorrhagic cystitis, xerostomia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca. KGF-2 can be used to stimulate the epithelial cells of the salivary glands, lacrimal glands and stimulating re-epithelialization of the sinuses and the growth of nasal mucosa.

A number of other indications that can be treated by the composition of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,077,692 and is herein incorporated by reference.

The present invention is directed to novel liquid and lyophilyzed formulations of KGF-2 and deletion mutants thereof. This invention further relates to formulations of KGF-2 for therapeutic use. The formulations provide superior stability to the active KGF-2 polypeptides and in some instances, potentiate and dramatically increase the wound-healing activity of the polypeptides.

As used herein, by "individual" is intended an animal, preferably a mammal (such as apes, cows, horses, pigs, boars, sheep, rodents, goats, dogs, cats, chickens, monkeys, rabbits, ferrets, whales, and dolphins), and more preferably a human.

The KGF-2 A3 3 polypeptide used in the formulations of the present invention may or may not have the N-terminal methionine, preferably the polypeptide will be lacking the N-terminal methionine. Stability of the KGF-2 polypeptide formulations of the present invention is determined by proliferation assays, as described herein below.

Keratinocyte Proliferation Assays \ Dermal keratinocytes are cells in the epidermis of the skin. The growth and spreading of keratinocytes in the skin is an important process in wound healing. A proliferation assay of keratinocyte is therefore a valuable indicator of protein activities in stimulating keratinocyte growth and consequently, wound healing. e Keratinocytes are, however, difficult to grow in vitro. Few keratinocyte cell lines exist. These cell lines have different cellular and genetic defects. In order to avoid complications of this assay by cellular defects such as loss of key growth factor receptors or dependence of key growth factors for growth, primary dermal keratinocytes are chosen for this assay. These primary keratinocytes are obtained from Clonetics, Inc. (San Diego, CA).

The bioactivity of KGF-2 polypeptides can be determined by a cell proliferation assay employing murine Baf3 2b cells that have been transfected with the fibroblast growth factor 2iiib receptor (FGFR2iiib). Proliferation of the cells is measured by the incorporation of [Methyl - 3H]-thymidine after the cells have been exposed to the protein as described below. The assay is carried out in a 96 well tissue culture cluster plate with about 22,000 BaO 2b cells in each well. The cells are exposed to different concentrations of a KGF-2 polypeptide in triplicate and incubated at 37°C in a C02 incubator for approximately 48 hours. An approximate amount of cell media containing labelled thymidine is subsequently added into each well and the incubation is continued for another 5 hours. The cells are then harvested on a glass fiber filter mat, in the 96 well format, using a cell harvester. The filter mats are dried and radioactivity incorporated into each sample is counted using a flat-bed liquid scintillation counter. Under these assay conditions, cells exposed to KGF-2 show an increased incorporation of radioactivity compared to control cells that have been treated either with an appropriate dilution of the placebo buffer or simply with phosphate buffered saline.

Another useful keratinocyte proliferation assay is with Alamar Blue. Alamar Blue is a viable~blue dye that is metabolized by the mitochondria when added to the culture media. The dye then turns red in tissue culture supernatants. The amounts of the red dye may be-directly quantitated by reading difference in optical densities between 570 nm and 600 nm. This reading reflects cellular activities and cell number.

Normal primary dermal keratinocytes ( CC-0255, NHEK-Neo pooled) are purchased from Clonetics, Inc. These cells are passage 2. Keratinocytes are grown in complete keratinocyte growth media (CC-3001, KGM; Clonetics, Inc.) until they reach 80% confluency. The cells are trypsinized according to the manufacturer's specification. Briefly, cells are washed twice with Hank's balanced salt solution. 2-3 ml of trypsin is added to cells for about 3-5 min at room temperature. Trypsin neutralization solution is added and cells are collected. Cells are spun at 600 xg for 5 min at room temperature and plated into new flasks at 3,000 cells per square centi-meter using pre-warmed media.

For the proliferation assay, plate 1,000-2,000 keratinocytes per well of the Corning flat bottom 96-well plates in complete media except for the outermost rows. Fill the outer wells with 200 [z\ of sterile water. This helps to keep . temperature and moisture fluctuations of the wells to the minimum. Grow cells overnight at 37° C with 5% C02. Wash cells twice with keratinocyte basal media (CC-3101, KBM, Clonetics, Inc.) and add 100 //I of KBM into each well. Incubate for 24 hours. Dilute growth factors in KBM in serial dilution and add 100 /zl to each well. Use KGM as a positive control and KBM as a negative control. Six wells are used for each concentration point. Incubate for two to three days. At the end of incubation, wash cells once with KBM and add 100 /A of KBM with 10% v/v alamarBlue pre-mixed in the media. Incubate for 6 to 16 hours until media color starts to turn red in the KGM positive control. Measure O.D„ 570 nm minus O.D. 600 nm by directly placing plates in the plate reader.

Construction of KGF-2 Deletion Mutants Useful deletion mutants for use in compositions of the present invention can be constructed by the following protocol.

Deletion mutants were constructed from the 5' terminus and 3' terminus of KGF-2 gene using an optimized KGF-2 construct as a template. The deletions were selected based on regions of the gene that might negatively affect expression in E. coli. For the 5' deletion the primers listed below were used as the 5' primer. These primers contain the indicated restriction site and an ATG to code for the initiator methionine. The KGF-2 (FGF-12) 208 amino acid 3* Hindlll primer was used for the 3' primer. PCR amplification for 25 rounds was performed using standard conditions. The products for the KGF-2 36aa/208aa deletion mutant were restricted BspHI for the 5' site and Hindlll for the 3' site and cloned into the pQE60 which has bee digested with BspHI and Hindlll. All other products were restricted with Ncol for the 5' restriction enzyme and Hindlll for the 3* site, and cloned into the pQE60 which had been digested with Ncol and Hindlll. For KGF-2 (FGF-12), 36aa/l 53 aa and 128aa 3' Hindlll was used as the 3' primer with FGF-12 36aa/208aa as the 5' primer. For FGF-12 62aa/153aa, 128aa 3* Hindlll was used as the 3' primer with FGF-12 62aa/208aa as the 5' primer. The nomenclature of the resulting clones indicates the first and last amino acid of the polypeptide that results from the deletion. For example, KGF-2 36aa/153aa indicates that the first amino acid of the deletion mutant is amino acid 36 and the OFFICF OF M.Z - 4 FEB 2004 received last amino acid is amino acid 153 of KGF-2. The construction of these KGF-2 deletion mutants are also described in U.S. Patent No. 6,077,092 which is herein incorporated by reference. Further, as indicated in below, each mutant has N-terminal Met added thereto. However, the KGF-2 deletion polypeptides used in the formulations according to the present invention may or may not have the N-terminal methionine, preferably the polypeptide will be lacking the N-terminal methionine.

Sequences of the Deletion Primers: FGF12 36aa/208aa: ' BsphI GGACCCTCATGACCTGCCAGGCTCTGGGTCAGGAC (SEQ ID NO:3) FGF12 63aa/208aa: " Ncol GGACAGCCATGGCTGGTCGTCACGTTCG (SEQ ID NO:4) FGF12 77aa/208aa: ' Ncol GGACAGCCATGGTTCGTTGGCGTAAACTG (SEQ ID NO:5) FGF12 93aa/208aa: ^ ' Ncol GGACAGCCATGGAAAAAAACGGTAAAGTTTC (SEQ ID NO:6) FGF 12 104aa/208aa: ' Ncol GGACCCCCATGGAGAACTGCCCGTAGAGC (SEQ ID NO:7) FGF 12 123aa/208aa: ' Ncol GGACCCCCATGGTCAAAGCCATTAACAGCAAC (SEQ ID NO:8) FGF 12 138aa/208aa: ' Ncol GGACCCCCATGGGGAAACTCTATGGCTCAAAAG (SEQ ID NO:9) FGF12 3' Hindlll: (Used for all above deletion clones) CTGCCCAAGCTTATTATGAGTGTACCACCATTGGAAG (SEQ IDNO:10) FGF12 36aa/153aa: ' BsphI (as above) 3«Hindin CTGCCCAAGCTTATTACTTCAGCTTACAGTCATTGT (SEQ ID NO:ll) FGF12 63aa/153aa: 'Ncol and 3'HindIII, as above.

Construction of N-terminal deletion mutant KGF-2A33 Construction of KGF-2 A33 in pQE6 To permit Polymerase Chain Reaction directed amplification and sub-cloning of KGF2A33 into the E.coli protein expression vector, pQE6, two oligonucleotide primers (5952 and 19138) complementary to the desired region of KQF2 were synthesized with the following base sequence.

Primer5952: 5' GCGGCACATGTCTTACAACCACCTGCAGGGTG3'(SEQ IDNO:12) Primer 19138: 5' GGGCCCAAGCTTATGAGTGTACCACCAT 3' (SEQ ID NO: 13) In the case of the N-terminal primer (5952), an AflHI restriction site was incorporated, while in the case of the C-terminal primer (19138) a Hindlll restriction site was incorporated. Primer 5952 also contains an ATG sequence adjacent and in frame with the KGF2 coding region to allow translation of the cloned fragment in E. coli, while primer 19138 contains two stop^codons (preferentially utilized in E. coli) adjacent and in frame with the KGF2 coding region which ensures correct translational termination in E. coli.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed using standard conditions well known to those skilled in the art and the nucleotide sequence for the mature KGF-2 (aa 36-208) as template. The resulting amplicon was restriction digested with Afllll and Hindlll and subcloned into Ncol/Hindlll digested pQE6 protein expression vector.

Construction of KGF-2 A33 in pHEl To permit Polymerase Chain Reaction directed amplification and subcloning of KGF2A33 into the E.coli expression vector, pHEl, two oligonucleotide primers (6153 and 6150) corresponding to the desired region of KGF2 were synthesized with the following base sequence.

Primer 6153:5' CCGGCGGATCCCATATGTCTTACAACCACCTGCAGG 3' (SEQ ID NO: 14) Primer 6150:5' CCGGCGGTACCTTATTATGAGTGTACCACCATTGG 3' (SEQ ID NO: 15) *In the case of the N-terminal primer (6153), an Ndel restriction site was incorporated, while in the case of the C-terminal primer (6150) an Asp718 restriction site was incorporated. Primer 6153 also contains an ATG sequence adjacent and in frame with the KGF2 coding region to allow translation of the cloned fragment in E. coli, while primer 6150 contains two stop codons (preferentially utilized "In E . coli) adjacent and in frame with the KGF2 coding \ region which ensures correct translational termination in E. coli.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed using standard conditions well known to those skilled in the art and the nucleotide sequence for the mature KGF-2 (aa 36-208) as template. The resulting amplicon was restriction digested with Ndel and Asp718 and subcloned into Ndel/Asp718 digested pHEl protein expression vector.

Nucleotide sequence of KGF-2 A33 ATGTCTT AC AACC ACCTGC AGGGTGACGTT CGTT GGCGT AAACTGTT CTCTTTCACCAAATACTTCCTGAAAATCGAAAA AAACGGTAAAGTTTCTGGGACCAAGAAGGAGAACT GCCCGT ACAGC AT CCTGGAGAT AAC AT C AGTAGAAAT CGGAGTT G TT GCCGT C AAAGCC ATT AACAGCAACT ATT ACTT AGCC AT GAAC AA G AAGGGGAAACT CT AT GGCT C AAAAG AATTT AAC AATGACTGT AAGCT GAAGG AG AGGAT AG AGG AAAAT GGAT AC AAT ACCT ATGC AT C ATTT AACT GGC AGC AT AAT GGGAG GC AAAT GT AT GT GGC ATT GAAT GGAAAAGGAGCT CCAAGG AGAGGACAGAAAACACGAAGGAAAAACACCTCTGCTCACTTTCTTC CAAT GGT GGT AC ACT CAT A A (SEQ ID NO: 16) Amino Acid sequence of KGF-2 A33: MSYNHLQGDVRWRKLFSFTKYFLKIEKNGKVSGTKKENCPYSILEITSV EIGWAVKAINSNYYLAMNKKGKLYGSKEFNNDCKLKERIEENGYNT « YASFNW QHN GRQM Y V ALN GKG APRRGQKTRRKNTS AHFLPM V VH S (SEQ ID NO: 17) B. Construction of an Optimized KGF-2 A33 Polynucleotide Sequence In order to increase the expression levels of KGF2A33 in E.coli, the codons of the complete gene Were optimized to match those most highly used in E.coli. As the template utilized to generate the KGF2A33 was codon optimized within the N-terminal region, the C-terminal amino acids (84-208) required optimization Firstly, amino acids 172-208 were codon optimized to generate •» KGF2A33(sl72-208). This was achieved by an overlapping PCR strategy. Oligonucleotides PM07 and PM08 (corresponding to amino acids 172-208) were combined and annealed together by heating them to 70°C and allowing them to cool to 37°C. The annealed oligonucleotides were then utilized as template for a standard PCR reaction which was directed by primers PM09 and PM10: In a separate PCR reaction following standard conditions well known to those skilled -in the art and using KGF2A33 as template, oligonucleotides PM05 (which overlaps with the Pstl site within coding region of KGF2) and PM11 were used to amplify the region of KGF2 corresponding to amino acids 84-172. In a third PCR reaction, the product of the first PCR reaction (corresponding to codon optimized amino acids 172-208) and the product of the second PCR reaction (corresponding to codon non-optimized amino acids 84-172) were combined and used as template-for a standard PCR reaction directed by oligonucleotides PM05 and PM10. The resulting amplicon was digested with Pst 1 /Hindlll and sub-cloned into Pstl/Hindlll digested pQE6KGF2A33, effectively substituting the corresponding non codon optimized region, and creating pQE6KGF2A3 3 (s172-208).

To complete the codon optimization of KGF2, a synthetic gene codon optimized for the region of KGF2 corresponding to amino adds 84-172 was generated utilizing overlapping oligonucleotides. Four oligonucleotides (PM31, PM32, PM33 and PM 34) were combined and seven cycles of the following PCR was performed: 94°C, 30 sees; 46.5°C, 30 sees; and 72°C, 30 sees.

A second PCR reaction directed by primers PM35 and PM36 was then performed following standard procedures, utilizing 1 pi of the first PCR reaction as template. The resulting codon optimized gene fragment was then digested with Pstl/Sall and subcloiied into Pstl/Sall digested pQE6KGF2A33(sl72-208) to \ create a fully optimized KGF2 Encoding gene, pQE6KGF2A33s.

To create an alternative E.coli protein expression vector, KGF2A33s was PCR amplified utilising primers PM102 arid PM130 on pQE6KGF2A33s. The resulting amplicon was digested with Ndel and EcoRV and subcloned into the pHE 1 expression vector which had been digested with Ndel and Asp718 (blunt % ended) to create pHElA33s.

Oligonucleotide Sequences used in construction of codon optimized KGF-2 A33s: PM05: CAACCACCTGCAGGGTGACG (SEQIDNO:18) PM07: AACGGT CGAC AAAT GT AT GTGGC ACT GAACGGT AAAGGTG CTCCACGTCGT GGTCAGAAAACCCGTCGTAAAAACACC (SEQ ID NO: 19) PM08: GGGCCC AAGCTTAAGAGT GT ACC ACC ATT GGC AGAAAGT GAGCAGAGGTGTTTTTACGACGGGTTTTCTGACC ACG (SEQ ID N0:20) PM09: GCCACATACATTTGTCGACCGTT (SEQ ID NO:21) PM10: GGGCCCAAGCTTAAGAGTG (SEQIDNO:22) PM11 :GCCACATACATTTGTCGACCGTT (SEQ ID NO:23) PM31: CTGCAGGGTGACGTTCGTTGGCGTAAACT GTT CT CCTT C ACC A AATACTTCCTGAAAAT CGAAAAAAACGGTAAAGTTT CT GGT ACCAA G (SEQIDN0.24) PM3 2: AGCTTTA ACAGCAAC AACACCGATTTC AACGGAGGT GATTT C CAGGATGGAGTACGGGCAGTTTTCTTTCTTGGTACCAGAAACTTTAC C (SEQ ID NO:25) « PM33:GGTGTTGTTGCTGTTAAAGCTATCAACTCCAACTACTACCTGG CT AT GAACAAGAAAGGT AAACT GTACGGTT C CAAAGAATTTAAC AA C (SEQ ID NO:26) PM3 4: GTCGACCGTTGTGCTGCC AGTTGAAGGAAGCGTAGGT GTT GT AACCGTTTTCTTCGATACGTTCTTTCAGTTTACAGTCGTTGTTAAATT CTTTGGAACC (SEQIDNO:27) \ PM35: GCGGCGTCGACCGTTGTGCTGCCAG (SEQIDNO:28) PM36: GCGGCCTGCAGGGTGACGTTCGTTGG (SEQIDNO:29) PM102: CCGGCGGATCCCATATGTCTTACAACCACCTGCAGG (SEQ ID N0:30) PM130: CGCGCGAT AT CTT ATT AAGAGT GT ACC ACCATTG (SEQ ID NO:31) Nucleotide sequence of KGF-2 A33(sl72-208): AT GT CTT ACAACC ACCTGCAGGGT GACGTT CGTT GGCGT AAACTGTT CTCCTTCACCAAATACTTCCTGAAAATCGAAAA AAACGGT AAAGTTTCTGGTACCAAGAAAGAAAACT GCCCGT ACT CC ATCCTGGAAATCACCTCCGTTGAAATCGGTGTTG TT GCT GTT AAAGCT AT C AACT CC AACT ACT ACCT GGCT AT G AAC AAG AAAGGT AAACTGT ACGGTTCC AAAGAATTTAAC AACGACT GT AAACT GAAAGAACGT ATCG AAGAAAACGGTT AC AAC A C CT ACGCTTCCTT C AACT GGC AGC AC AACGGT CG AC AAAT GT AT GT GGC ACTG AACGGT AAAGGT GCT CC ACGT CGT GGT CAGAAAACCCGTCGTAAAAACACCTCTGCTC ACTTTCTGCCAATGGTGGTACACTCTTAA (SEQ ED N0.32) Amino Acid Sequence of KGF-2 A33(sl72-208): MSYNHLQGDVRWRKLFSFTKYFLKIEKNGKVSGTKKENCPYSILEITSV « EIGVVAVKAINSNYYLAMNKKGKLY GSKEFNNDCKLKERIEENGYNT YASFNWQHNGRQMYVALNGKGAPRRGQKTRRKNTSAHFLPMWHS (SEQ ED NO:33) Examples \ _ Example 1 KGF-2 Liquid Formulation The following ingredients were mixed to create a liquid KGF-2 A3 3 formulation is a liquid that is stored at -20 °C. 2 mg/ml KGF-2 A33 polypeptide, mM sodium acetate, 125 mM sodium chloride, 1 mM EDTA, Water, pH 6.2.

This formulation retained its in vitro bioactivity for up to 10 months at storage conditions at or below 2 to 8°C. The bioactivity at 10 months is shown in Figure 3. This formulation retained all its physico-chemical properties for up to 11 months at storage conditions at or below Bioactivity was measured using a cell proliferation assay as follows. BaF3 cells, were routinely grown and maintained in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10 % NBCS, 10 % WEHI cell conditioned medium, 2 mM glutamine, 600 ng/ml GENETICIN, 1 nl P mercaptoethanol/500 ml growth medium, 50 units penicillin and 50 ng/ml streptomycin (Omitz, D., M. et al (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 277:15292-15297). Foi' cell proliferation assays, BaF3 cells were harvested by centrifugation and washed with Basal medium (this has the same composition as the growth medium, but contains no WEHI conditioned medium and is supplemented with 1 ng/ml heparin). Following this operation the cells were resuspended in basal medium and 22,000 cells/180 nl were plated/well in a 96 well cell culture cluster dish. Appropriate dilutions (10 Xhigher than the required final concentration) of KGF 2 were made in PBS in another 96 well plate and added to the cells to a final volume of200 fil. The cell plates were incubated in a 37° C, 5 % C02 incubator for 36 - 40 hr. and 0.5 nCi methyl - 3H thymidine in 50 nl basal medium was added to each well. The plates were incubated for another 5 hr. in the incubator and cells were harvested by filtration on a glass fiber filter using a Tomtec Harvester 96. Incorporated~thymidine was counted on a Wallac ($ plate scintillation counter.

Example 2 KGF-2 Lyophilized Formulation » The following ingredients were mixed to create a KGF-2 A33 lyophilized formulation. mg/ml KGF-2 A33, 10 mM sodium citrate, 20 mM sodium chloride, 1 mM EDTA, 7% w/v sucrose, water (removed upon lyophiliztion) pH 6.2.

This formulation retained its in vitro bioactivity for up to 9 months at storage conditions at or below 45 °C. The bioactivity at 9 months is shown in Figure 4. Bioactivity was measured using the cell proliferation assay detailed in Example 1. Reverse-phase HPLC demonstrated that the formulation retained its physio-chemical properties for up to 8 months at temperatures of at or below 45 ° _C and 75% relative humidity.

Example 3 KGF-2 in a Thickened Formulation The following ingredients were mixed to create a KGF-2 A33 thickened formulation. 2 mg/ml KGF-2 A33, mM sodium citrate, _ mM sodium chloride, ImMEDTA; 7% w/v sucrose, 1.25% carboxy methyl cellulose, water pH 6.2.

This formulation is prepared by adding KGF-2 A33 polypeptide to the * carboxy methyl cellulose solution. The viscosity of the resulting formulation was about 250 cps as determined by rotating spindle viscometer. The KGF-2 polypeptide retained bioactivity in the presence of carboxy methyl cellulose. Bioactivity of the formulation was assayed using the cell proliferation assay detailed in Example 1.

Example 4 KGF-2 in a Gel Formulation The following ingredients were mixed to create a KGF-2 A33 gel formulation. 2 mg/ml KGF-2 A33, mM sodium citrate, mM sodium chloride, 1 mMEDTA, 7% w/v sucrose, 16% Pluronic F127, water pH 6.2.

KGF-2 A33 is added to a Pluronic solution at about 2°C to about 8°C. The viscosity of the resultingformulation was about 50 cps at 20° C and solid at about 37°C. KGF-2 retained bioactivity in the presence of Pluronic F127 as measured by the cell proliferation assay detailed in Example 1.

Example 5 Activation of KGF 2 by Monothioglycerol KGF-2 A3 3 protein stock formulations (0.1 to 2.0 mg/ml) were prepared with or without monothioglycerol (MTG).

The protein formulations were diluted in 1 x phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.2 to attain the required concentrations for use in the cell proliferation assays.

Cell culture BaF32b cells, were routinely grown and maintained in RPMI1640medium containing 10 % NBCS, 10 % WEHI cell conditioned medium, 2 mM glutamine, 600 fig/ml GENETICIN, 1 nl P mercaptoethanol/500 ml growth medium, 50units penicillin and 50 ng/ml streptomycin (Ornitz, D., M. et al (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271:15292-15297).

Cell Proliferation Assays For cell proliferation assays, BaF32b cells were harvested by centrifugation and washed with Basal medium (this has the same composition as the growth medium, but contains no WEHI conditioned medium and is supplemented with 1 ng/ml heparin). Following this operation the cells were resuspended in basal medium and 22,000 cells/180. nl were plated/well in a 96 well cell culture cluster dish. Appropriate dilutions (10 X higher than the required final concentration) of KGF 2 were made in PBS in another 96 well plate and added to the cells to a final volume of200 nl. The cell plates were incubated in a 37° C, 5 % C02 incubator for 36 - 40 hr. and 0.5 nCi methyl -3 H thymidine in 50 nl basal medium was added to each well. The plates were incubated for another 5 hr. in the*incubator and cells were harvested by filtration on a glass fiber filter using a Tomtec Harvester 96. Incorporated thymidine was counted on a Wallac P plate scintillation counter.

Results A. Effect of MTG concentration on KGF-2 activity The cell proliferation assay was carried out with KGF-2 exposed to different concentrations of monothioglycerol (MTG). Control samples contained no excipient. With MTG, stimulation ofKGF-2 activity was observed with various concentrations of MTG is shown in Figure 5. The increase in activity was between 10-150% of control depending on the concentration of MTG used. This enhancement of cell proliferation activity was not observed with other members of this growth factor family. From these observations, it was concluded that stimulation of KGF-2 activity by MTG was quite specific.

Conclusions Monothioglycerol appears to specifically stimulate the in vitro cell proliferation activity of KGF-2.

Example 6 KGF-2 Gel Formulation with Citrate \ The following ingredients were mixed to create a KGF-2 formulation is a liquid at room temperature and that subsequently gels upon application to skin. mM sodium citrate, 125 mM sodium chloride, » 1 mM disodium EDTA, 17% Pluronic 127, pH 6.0, water.

Example 7 KGF-2 Gel Formulation with Acetate The following ingredients were mixed to create a KGF-2 formulation that can gel upon application to skin. . 20 mM sodium acetate, 125 mM sodium chloride, 1 mM disodium EDTA, 17% Pluronic 127, pH 6.0, water.

Example 8 Liquid KGF-2 Formulations The suitability of sodium citrate as a buffer in which to maintain KGF-2 A33. was evaluated in four separate formulations, and at three separate pHs: pH 5.0, pH 5.5 and pH 6.0.

Formulations: A. KGF-2 A33 1 or 2 mg/ml 20 mM sodium citrate, 125 mM sodium chloride, 1 mM disodium EDTA, water.

B. As in "A" above, further including 1% glycerol.

C. As in "A" above, further including 0.05% methionine. ^ D. As in "A" above, further including 1% monothioglycerol.

The concentration of KGF-2 A33 was 1 and 2 mg/ml in all of the above formulations. 2. Lyophilization formulation KGF-2 A3 3 was lyophilized in the presence of one of three bulking agents: mannitol, sucrose and trehalose.

Formulations: A. 10 mM sodium citrate, 20 mM sodium chloride, ImM disodium EDTA and 4% mannitol, pH 6.0 B. 10 mM sodium citrate, 20 mM sodium chloride, ImM disodium EDTA and 7% sucrose, pH 6.0 C. 10 mM sodium citrate, 20 mM sodium chloride, ImM disodium EDTA and 8% trehalose, pH 6.0 The concentration of KGF-2 polypeptide was 3 mg/ml and 8 mg/ml. Evaluation parameters were RP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE, appearance, before and following reconstitution with water. 3. 10 mg/ml KGF-2 lyophilization Whether the formulation will permit lyophilization of the protein at 10 mg/ml was assessed as well as the protein's subsequent stability after reconstitution.

Formulation: mM sodium citrate, 20 mM sodium chloride, 1 mM disodium EDTA and 4% mannitol, pH 6.0. - The lyophilized products were reconstituted with water or water containing 1% monothioglycerol.

It will be clear that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described in the foregoing description and examples. * Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and, therefore, are within the scope of the appended claims.

The entire disclosure of all publications (including patents,, patent applications, journal articles, laboratory manuals, books, or other documents) cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims (7)

1. WHAT WE CLAIM IS: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 received 1. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range ofabout 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v), wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) - Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Ala (63) » Ser (208); Ser (69) -- Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) - Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) -- Ser (208); Met (1)- Lys (153); Thr (36) -- Lys (153); and Cys (37) -- Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; (c) a diluent to bring the composition to a designated volume; (d) a chelating agent at a concentration range of about 0.1 roM to about 10 mM; and (e) NaCl at a concentration range ofabout 0.01 mM to about 150 mM, or a reaction product of (a), (b), (c). (d), (e) or any combination thereof formed by admixing the ingredients of said composition together.
2. 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, further comprising an ingredient selected from the group consisting of: (t) about 0.5% to about 2% w/v glycerol; v 1 (g) about 0.1% to about 1% w/v methionine; and (h) about 0.1% to about 2% w/v monothioglycerol.
3. 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is present in a concentration range of about 0.05 mg/ml to about 30 mg/ml (w/v).
4. 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is present in a concentration of about 0.1 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml (w/v).
5. 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is present in a concentration range of about 0.1 mg/ml to about 20 mg/ml (w/v).
6. 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is present in a concentration range of about 0.2 mg/ml to 4 mg/ml.
7. 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said diluent is water. S. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said chelating agent is ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid at a concentration ofabout 1 mM, and said NaCl is present at a concentration of about 125 roM. -55- 9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said pH is from about pH 5.5 to about pH 6.5. 10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9, wherein said pH is about pH 6.2. 11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said buffer is selected from the group consisting of phosphonic, acetic, aconitic, citric, glutaric, malic, succinic carbonic acid, and an alkali or alkaline earth salt thereof. 12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11, wherein said buffer is a phosphate, acetate or citrate salt. u; ' * 13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 12, wherein said buffer is a citrate salt. 14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said buffer is present in a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 30 mM. 15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 14, wherein said buffer is a citrate salt present in a concentration of from about 10 mM to about 20 mM. 16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, further comprising a stabilizing amount of one or more of (a) an antioxidant or (b) a thiol-compound. 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said composition is maintained at a temperature at or below -20 °C. 18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, further comprising a thickening agent in an amount effective to raise the viscosity to about 50 to about 10,000 centipoise. ?fr -|9 The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein said thickening agent is present in an amount effective to raise the viscosity to about 50 to about 1,000 centipoise. 20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 19, wherein said thickening agent is present in an amount effective to raise the viscosity to about 200 to about 300 centipoise. 21. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein said thickening agent is present in a concentration of 0 to 5% (w/w). K 22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein said thickening agent is a water . soluble etherified cellulose or a high molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid cross-linked with allylsucrosc or an allyl ether of pentaerythritol. -56- 23. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 22, wherein alkyl cellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose or alkylhydroxyalkyl cellulose. 24. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 22, wherein said etherified cellulose is melhylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, or carboxymethyl cellulose. 25. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 22. wherein said etherified cellulose derivative has a molecular weight ofabout 50,000 to about 700,000 and is present in a concentration of about 0 to about 20% by weight. 26. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 22, wherein said etherified cellulose derivative lias a molccular weight of about 80,000 to about 240,000 and is present in a concentration of about 2% to about 8% by weight. 27. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a gel forming agent in an amount effective to raise the viscosity to about .01 to about 10,000 centipoise at room temperature. 28. The composition of claim 27, wherein said gel forming agent is a water-soluble polymer capable of forming a viscous aqueous solution, or a non-water soluble, water-swellable polymer capable of forming a viscous solution. 29. The composition of claim 27, wherein said gel forming agent is a high molecular "weight polymer selected from the group consisting of vinyl polymer, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylenc copolymer, polysaccharide, protein, poly(ethylene oxide), acrylamide polymer and a salt thereof. u 30. The composition ofclaim 27, wherein said gel forming agent is (1) a vinyl polymer selected from the group consisting ofpolyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone polyvinyl alcohol, and salts and esters thereof; and (2) a polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of a cellulose derivative, a glycosaminoglycan, agar, pectin, alginic acid, dextran, ct-amylose, amylopectin, chitosan, and salts esters thereof. , 31. The composition ofclaim 27, wherein said gel forming agent is a glycosaminoglycan selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, chondroitin-4-sulfate, heparan sulfate, heparin and salts and esters thereof. 32. The composition of claim 31, wherein said glycosaminoglycan is present in combination with collagen, gelatin, or fibronectin. . p. , 23. The composition of claim 27, wherein said gel forming agent is an acrylamide polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyacrylamide and a polymethacrylamide. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 ss tjhrtl -57- 34. The composition of claim 27, wherein said gel forming agent is a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylenc block copolymer. 35. The composition of claim 34, which comprises about 10% to about 60% by weight of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having an average molecular weight of about 500 to 50,000. 36. The composition of claim 34, which comprises about 14% to about 18% by weight of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having a molecular weight in the range 1.000 to 15,000. 37. The composition of claim 36, wherein said gel forming agent is a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having an average molecular weight of 12,600 or 14.600. 38. The composition of claim 34, wherein said composition is formed by mixing: (a) the KGF-2 polypeptide, in a final calculated concentration of 0.01 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml; (b) an effective amount of a buffering agent; '(c) about 10% to about 60% by weight of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene 'block copolymer having an average molecular weight of about 500 to 50,000; and (d) a diluent. ' - 39. The composition ofclaim 34, wherein said polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer is present at a concentration of about 14% to about 18%. 40. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range ofabout 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v), wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: Ala (39) — Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Ala (63) - Ser (208); Val (77)« Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104)-- Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208); Met (1) - Lys (153); Thr (36) --£ys(153); and Cys (37)« Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of between about pH 5.0 and about pH . 8,0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; (c) a bulking agent; and (d) a diluent to bring the composition to a designated volume; or a reaction product of (a), (b), (c), (d) or any combination thereof formed by admixing the ingredients of said composition together. 41. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, wherein said bulking agent is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glycine, mannitol, trehalose, and mixtures of two or more of the bulking agents present in any combination thereof in any amount as long as the total amount of the components make up 100% of the bulking agent. -58- 42. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, wherein said bulking agent is selected from the group consisting of sucrose and a mixture of sucrose and glycine present in any combination thereof in any amount as long as the total amount of sucrose and glycine make up 100% of the bulking agent. 43. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, wherein, said bulking agent is present in a concentration of about 2% to about 10% w/v. 44. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, wherein said bulking agent is selected from the group consisting of 5% (w/v) mannitol, 7% (w/v) sucrose, 8% (w/v) trehalose, and 2% (w/v) glycine + 0.5% sucrose. 45. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, further comprising: 1 (e) a chelating agent at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about ] 0 mM; and (f) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM. 46. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, wherein said pH is about pH 6.2. 47. The pharmaceutical composition ofclaim 40, wherein said diluent is water. ! 4 48. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40. wherein said buffer is selected from the group consisting of phosphonic, acetic, aconitic, citric, glutaric, malic, succinic carbonic acid, and an alkali or alkaline earth salt thereof. 49. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 48, wherein said buffer is a phosphate or citrate salt 50 The pharmaceutical composition of claim 49, wherein said buffer is a citrate salt. 51. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, wherein said buffer is added in a concentration from about 10 mM to about 50 mM. : r P 52. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 51, wherein said buffer is citrate at a concentration of about 10 mM. 53. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, further including a stabilizing amount of one or more of (g) an antioxidant or (h) a thiol-compound. 54 The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40, further comprising a thickening agent in an amount effective to raise the viscosity to about 50 to about 10,000 centipoise. -59- INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 4 FEB 2004 received 55. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 54, wherein said buffer is citrate in a concentration of about 10 mM to about 50 mM. 56. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 55, wherein said buffer is citrate in a concentration of about 10 mM to about 20 mM citrate. ~ 57. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 54, wherein said bulking agent is sucrose in a concentration of about 0.01% to about 5% (w/v) sucrose. - 58. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 57, wherein said thickening agent is added directly to a liquid formulation and thereafter lyophilized. 59. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 57, wherein said thickening agent is added to a lyophilized formulation by reconstituting said formulation by adding a suitable diluent having a thickening agent dissolved therein. 60. The composition of claim 40, further comprising a gelling agent in an amount effective to raise the viscosity to about 0.1 to about 10,000 centipoise at room temperature. 61. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v) selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) — Ser (208); Pro (47) — Ser (208); Ala (63) — Ser (208); Ser (69) - Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) - Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208); Met (1) -- Lys (153); Thr (36); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ IDNO:2; ; (b) citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; (c) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM; (d) ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid at a concentration range ofabout 0.1 mM to about 10 mM; (c) one or more of sucrose, mannitol, glycine or trehalose at a concentration range of about 2% w/v to about 15% w/v; and (f) water, f Or a reaction produce of (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or any combination thereof formed by admixing the ingredients of said composition together. 62. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 61, wherein said KGF-2 polypeptide is present at a concentration of about 2 mg/ml, about 4 mg/ml, or about 10 mg/ml. 63. A thickened KGF-2 polypeptide solution composition formed by mixing: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.01 |ig /ml to about 10 mg/ml selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) — Ser (208); Pro (47) — Ser (208); Ala (63) - Ser (208); Ser (69) -- Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) -- Ser -60- (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) -- Ser (208); Met (1) -- Lys (153); Thr (36) -- Lys (153); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) about 10 mM to about 500 mM sodium citrate buffer; (c) about 0.01 to about 150 mM NaCl; (d) 1 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; (e) about 0.1 to about 7% (w/v) sucrose; and (f) about 0.75 to about 1.5% (w/w) carboxy methyl cellulose or about 0.5 to about 1.5% hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose or about 0.25 to about 0.75% (w/v) hydroxy ethyl cellulose or about 0 to 1% carbomer or any combination thereof. 64. A KGF-2 gel formulation formed by mixing: '; (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.01 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) -- Scr (208): Pro (47) — Ser (208); Ala (63) -- Ser (208); Ser (69) -- Ser (208); Val (77) -- Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) - Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208): Met (1) -- Lys (153); Thr (36)» Lys (153); and Cys (37)- Lys (153) of SEQ IDNO:2; (b) about 10 mM to about 500 mM sodium citrate; (c) about 0.01 mM to about 150 mM "NaCl: (d) about I mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; !' (e) about 0.1 % to about 7% (w/v) sucrose; and i (f) about 14% to about 18% (w/v) or a polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene 1 block copolymer having an average molecular weight of 12,600; wherein the pH of said formulation is about pH 6.2. ! : 65. A KGF-2 gel formulation formed by mixing: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide at a concentration range of about 0.01 mg/ml to about ! 10? thg/ml (w/v) selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) ~ Ser (208); Pro (47) - Ser (208); Ala (63) -- Ser (208); Ser (69) -- Ser (208); Val (77) -- Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) -- Scr (208): Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) -- Ser (208); Met (1) - Lys (153); Thr (36) -- Lys (153); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) sodium citrate at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; (c) about 10% to about 25% (w/v), of a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene copolymer having an average molecular weight of 12,600; and (d) water to volume. 66. The gel formulation of claim 65, further comprising: (e) ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM; and (f) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM. 67. A pharmaceutical composition produced by removing, by lyophilization, over 90% of the water from a mixture comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v) selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) -- Ser (208); Pro (47) — Ser (208); Ala (63) — Ser (208); Ser (69) -- Ser (208); Val (77) - Ser (208); Glu (93) - Ser (208); Glu (104) - Ser (208); Val (123) - Scr (208); Gly (138) - Ser (208); Met (1) -- Lys (153); Thr (36) -- Lys (153); and Cys (37) - Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2; (b) a buffer having a buffering capacity of about pH 5.0 to about pH 8.0 at a concentration range of about 5 mM to about 50 mM; (c) a bulking agent; and (d) water to bring the composition to a designated volume. 68. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 67, which is reconstituted in with an amount of sterile water effective to maintain isotonic conditions of about 290 mOsm. 69. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 67, wherein said composition is reconstituted in sterile water containing a stabilizing amount of an antioxidant selected from the group Consisting of: a) about 0.01 % to about 2% w/v monothioglycerol, b) about 0.01 % to about 2% w/v ascorbic acid, c) about 0.01% to about 2% w/v methionine andd) combinations thereof. 70. A pharmaceutical composition, produced by removing, by lyophilization, over 90% of the water from a mixture comprising: (a) a KGF-2 polypeptide in a concentration range of about 0.02 to about 40 mg/ml (w/v) selected from the group consisting of Ala (39) - Ser (208); Pro (47) — Ser (208); Ala (63) — Ser (208); Ser (69) - Ser (208); Val (77) -- Ser (208); Glu (93) -- Ser (208); Glu (104) -- Ser (208); Val (123) - Ser (208); Gly (138) ~ Ser (208); Met (1) - Lys (153); Thr (36) - Lys (153); and Cys (37)-- Lys (153) of SEQ ID NO:2: ' :! t 1 (b) citric acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, at a concentration Mnge Of about 5 mM to about 20 mM; .V(c) NaCl at a concentration range of about 0.01 mM to about 125 mM; (d) ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid at a concentration range of about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM; (e) one or more of sucrose, mannitol, glycine or trehalose at a concentration range of about 2% w/v to about 15% w/v; and (f) water. 71. A pharmaceutical composition as defined in claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof and with or without reference to the accompanying drawings. 72. A pharmaceutical composition as defined in claim 40 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof and with or without reference to the accompanying drawings. 73. A pharmaceutical composition as defined in claim 61 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof and with or without reference to the accompanying drawings. 74. A thickened KGF-2 polypeptide solution composition as claimed in claim 63 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof and with or without reference to the accompanying drawings. -62- 75. A KGF-2 gel formulation as claimed in claim 64 or as defined in claim 65 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof and with or without reference to the accompanying drawings. 76. A pharmaceutical composition as defined in claim 67 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof and with or without reference to the accompanying drawings. 77. A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 70 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof and with or without reference to the accompanying drawings. END OF CLAIMS -63-