Enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins are used in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for promoting the take of a graft, e.g. in soft tissue such as skin or mucosa or mineralized tissue such as bone.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the uses of enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins or peptides as therapeutic or prophylactic agents in connection with grafting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Enamel matrix proteins such as those present in enamel matrix are most well-known as precursors to enamel. Enamel proteins and enamel matrix derivatives have previously been described in the patent literature to induce hard tissue formation (i.e. enamel formation, U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,032 (Slavkin)) or binding between hard tissues (EP-B-0 337 967 and EP-B-0 263 086). Thus, the prior art is solely centred on regeneration of hard tissues, while the present invention is concerned with beneficial effects on grafting or transplantation of soft and hard tissue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the finding that enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins (collectively termed "an active enamel substance" in the following) are beneficial agents for the enhancement or improvement of the attachment or healing of grafts. As demonstrated in the experimental section herein, the enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins exert especially useful effects in the healing of skin grafts.

Accordingly, the invention relates to the use of a preparation of an active enamel substance for the preparation of a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition for promoting the take of a graft. It is anticipated that, in addition to the healing itself, the extent of scarring often accompanied with grafting procedures may be reduced by such use.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of promoting the take of a graft, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of an active enamel substance.

In the present context, the term "take of a graft" is intended to indicate the entire healing process involved in the grafting procedure from the initial attachment of the graft to proliferation of fibroblasts, generation of granulation tissue, production of collagen by fibroblasts, and revascularisation, and, in case of surface grafts such as skin or mucosal grafts, keratinocyte migration into the graft bed. The term "mammal" is intended to indicate a member of any mammalian species which may advantageously be treated by the method of the invention, including domesticated mammals such as horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats, or, preferably, humans.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Based on the present inventors' current findings, the active enamel substance is believed to be most beneficial for use in connection with grafts of non-mineralized tissue such as soft tissue comprising a substantial proportion of epithelial cells such as skin and mucosa. However, the active enamel substance may also be used successfully in connection with grafts of other tissue with high regenerative properties such as bone and cartilage, or even in connection with corneal transplants.

Skin and Mucosal Grafting

In dermatological surgery, grafts are most commonly used to repair lesions occurring after surgical excisions such as the removal of skin cancers, traumatic lesions, e.g. resulting from accidents, burns (whether thermal, chemical or electrical) or pathological processes, e.g. leg or foot ulcers.

Depending on the type of lesion to be repaired by grafting, e.g. whether it is a deep or more superficial lesion, and location of the lesion, e.g. whether the recipient (graft) bed comprises a sufficient vascular supply for capillary regrowth or whether the tissue at the recipient site is exposed bone, cartilage or tendon which does not contain a sufficient vascular supply, different types of graft will normally be applied. Thus, full-thickness skin grafts have traditionally been employed to repair facial lesions because such grafts often provide a more aesthetically pleasing result. "Full-thickness skin grafts" are intended to indicate grafts which are composed of both the epidermis and the entire thickness of the dermis, including structures such as hair follicles, sweat glands and nerves. Full-thickness skin grafts are therefore also preferred for use in connection with hair transplants. When performing full-thickness skin transplants, donor skin is excised from a suitable site and defatted (i.e. adipose tissue is removed from the graft). The recipient bed is cleaned with an antibacterial agent and rinsed. The graft is suitably trimmed to the size of the recipient site and placed dermis down on the recipient bed. The graft is then secured by suturing, and may be further immobilised by means of a suitable dressing or bandage. While full-thickness skin grafts tend to give the best results from an aesthetic point of view, graft take is often more difficult to obtain because revascularisation of the graft is required.

Another type of graft is the split-thickness skin graft which is composed of the entire thickness of the epidermis and a partial-thickness dermis. They have the advantage of containing less tissue for revascularisation and are more likely to be successful on various types of recipient bed than full-thickness grafts. Split-thickness skin grafts are often used to cover more extensive lesions but are often less aesthetically attractive than the full-thickness grafts. To cover large lesions such as extensive burns, split-thickness grafts may be used as seed or mesh grafts which means that the graft is divided into smaller portions (such as strips) and placed on the lesion. New epithelial growth then takes place from each of the portions of skin grafted onto the lesion.

More recently, at number of skin equivalents have been developed either from bioengineered epidermal cells, such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes, or from acellular dermal matrix. Examples of cultured epidermal cells include human fibroblasts (derived from neonatal foreskin) which is marketed by Novartis under the trade name Appligraf, and dermal tissue cells marketed by Smith & Nephew under the trade name Dermagraft and Dermagraft TC. Other examples include cultured keratinocyte grafts, cultured allogenic keratinocyte grafts, acellular collagen matrices and cellular matrices (as reviewed in, e.g. W H Eaglstein and V. Falanga, Cutis 62 (1 Suppl.), July 1998, pp. 1-8). An example of an acellular product is AlloDerm manufactured by LifeCell Corp.

Bone Grafts

Bone grafts may typically be applied to promote healing of complicated fractures. Various types of bone grafts are known, including autogenous fresh (living) cancellous and cortical bone, and demineralised bone matrix containing cells such as skeletal stem cells which, on stimulation with growth factors, differentiate into bone and cartilage. Such growth factors include, i.a., PDGF and TGF-β production of which has been observed to be stimulated in the presence of the active enamel substance. It is therefore anticipated that the inclusion of active enamel substance in such grafts or coadministration thereof during surgical procedures for the grafting of bone tissue may substantially promote the healing of the graft.

The use of active enamel substance mixed with demineralized, freeze-dried bone allograft has been suggested by JT Mellonig, Int. J. Periodontics Restorative Dent. 19, 1999, pp. 9-19, in connection with healing of bone lesions in the periodontium. This type of allograft is composed of dead tissue and merely acts as a carrier for the active enamel substance, whereas it does not participate actively in the bone tissue regeneration process.

According to the present invention it has surprisingly been found that the active enamel substance is capable of promoting the attachment and healing of a graft comprising living bone tissue or living cells capable of maturing into bone tissue. Furthermore, it has been found possible to use the active enamel substance which, in nature, is only found in the periodontal environment during tooth development for promoting graft attachment and healing of other types of bone tissue than alveolar bone or other mineralized tissue in the periodontium.

Cartilage Grafts

It has previously been disclosed (B Rahfoth et al., Osteoarthritis Cartilage 6 (1), 1998, pp. 50-65) that defects of articular cartilage in knees and other joints may be repaired by means of implants composed of chondrocytes embedded in a carrier matrix such as agarose. It is expected that the inclusion of active enamel substance in such implants may substantially stimulate the healing of the graft.

At sites of graft attachment there is an increased risk that the new tissue formed at the interface between the grafted tissue and the recipient bed is structurally and chemically unlike the original tissue (scar tissue). In the early stage of tissue repair, one process which is almost always involved is the formation of a transient connective tissue in the area of tissue injury. This process starts by forming a new extracellular collagen matrix by fibroblasts. This new extracellular collagen matrix is then the support for a connective tissue during the final healing process. The final healing is in most tissues a scar formation containing connective tissue. In tissues which have regenerative properties, such as skin and bone, the final healing includes regeneration of the original tissue. This regenerated tissue has frequently also some scar characteristics, e.g. a thickening of a healed bone fracture.

The stages of graft attachment and healing normally include inflammation (normally 1-3 days), migration (normally 1-6 days), proliferation (normally 3-24 days) and maturation (normally 1-12 months). The healing process is a complex and well orchestrated physiological process that involves migration, proliferation and differentiation of a variety of cell types as well as synthesis of matrix components. The healing process may be separated into the following phases:

i) Haemostasis and Inflammation

When platelets are present outside the circulatory system and exposed to thrombin and collagen, they become activated and they aggregate. Thus, platelets initiate the repair process by aggregating and forming a temporary plug to ensure haemostasis and prevent invasion from bacteria. The activated platelets initiate the coagulation system and release growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factors (EGFs) and transforming growth factors (TGFs).

The first cells to invade the site of a graft are neutrophils followed by monocytes which are activated by macrophages.

The major role of neutrophils appears to be clearing the recipient bed at the site of the graft of or defending the graft against contaminating bacteria and to improve the healing of the graft by removing dead cells and platelets. The infiltration of neutrophils ceases within about the first 48 hours provided that no bacterial contamination is present in the wound. Excess neutrophils are phagocytosed by tissue macrophages recruited from the circulating pool of blood-borne monocytes. Macrophages are believed to be essential for efficient wound healing in that they also are responsible for phagocytosis of pathogenic organisms and a clearing up of tissue debris. Furthermore, they release numerous factors involved in subsequent events of the healing process. The macrophages attract fibroblasts which start the production of collagen.

ii) Granulation Tissue Formation

Within 48 hours after a graft has been applied, fibroblasts begin to proliferate and migrate into the site of the graft from the connective tissue at the edge of the graft. It has surprisingly been found that application of the active enamel substance at the site of a graft stimulates the fibroblasts to produce collagens and glycosaminoglycans which participate in the attachment of the graft to the graft bed. Inter alia low oxygen tension at the graft stimulates proliferation of epithelial cells which give rise to the formation of a new capillary network. In accordance with the present invention, it has surprisingly been found that application of the active enamel substance to the recipient bed, preferably before application of the graft stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts and their production of a number of growth factors, such as TGF-β, PDGF and interleukin-6. It is therefore concluded that the active enamel substance promotes the processes, in particular the formation of granulation tissue, that permit a graft to take, that is, attach firmly to the recipient bed. The active enamel substance may be applied for a period of up to 72 hours before the graft is applied on the recipient bed in order to ensure a desirable stimulation of fibroblasts to promote the take of the graft.

Collagenases and plasminogen activators are secreted from keratinocytes. If the graft is left undisturbed and well-nourished with oxygen and nutrients, keratinocytes will migrate into the graft bed. Keratinocytes are believed only to migrate over viable connective tissue and, accordingly, the keratinocytes migrate into the area below the dead tissue and the crust of the wound at the edges of the graft.

Clinical healing of the graft is said to have occurred when no tissue interruption can be visually observed and only discrete signs of inflammation are present such as a light redness, exudate or a discretely swollen tissue. In addition, no complaints of pain are present when the grafted tissue is relaxed or untouched.

As mentioned above, the invention relates to the use of enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins as an agent which accelerates, stimulates or promotes the take of a graft.

It has previously been suggested that growth factors like epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) including acidic fibroblast growth factor (α-FGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (β-FGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and insulin like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2) are conductors of the wound healing process and they are frequently cited as promoters of wound healing, also in connection with grafting; however, they can actually lead to fibrosis which in turn can itself impair successful healing. Even though accelerated healing offers the most promise for reducing the risk of infection and the resulting inflammation that can result in scar formation, therapeutic attempts to accelerate the normal graft healing process have met with relatively little success. This is likely because the repair process involves the concerted involvement of a number of factors, cf. above.

To this end, the present inventors have observed that in various cell cultures of fibroblasts (embryonal, dermal, derived from the periodontal ligament, fish or bird), four times as much TGFβ1 is produced in the cell cultures stimulated with EMDOGAIN® compared to non-stimulated cultures when assayed by, e.g., ELISA in a sample from the culture medium. The increase is present after 24 hours of culture, but more significant on the following days (days 3 and 4). After the second day, also the cell proliferation is increased in cell cultures stimulated with EMDOGAIN®. As TGFβ1 seems to be of central importance in the epithelisation of skin and mucosal grafts, these findings support the concept of the present invention.

The present inventors have now found that enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins have graft healing properties. Furthermore, there are indications of that the application of enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins to sites of graft lead to improved attachment and/or healing. Especially, the inventors have observed that after application of enamel matrix proteins and/or enamel matrix derivatives, the inflammation stage is shortened and the typical signs such as warmth, redness, oedema and pain are less noticeable, and new tissues are formed more rapidly. The observed time for graft healing (e.g. after dermatological surgery) is substantially reduced as compared to surgery without the use of enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins.

An additional advantage in the use according to the invention of the active enamel substance is that it has been found to exhibit infection-decreasing properties. As infections are a frequent complication in connection with grafting which may result in graft rejection or, at the very least, in impaired healing of the graft and an increased risk of scarring, the infection-decreasing properties of the active enamel substance contribute to the improvements in attachment and healing of the graft observed when using the active enamel substance. In particular, the active enamel substance has been found to have antibacterial properties in the sense that it suppresses the growth of bacteria. Of particular interest for the present purpose is the inhibition of bacteria causing wound infections, in particular Staphylococci such as Staphylococcus aureus.

The therapeutic and/or prophylactic activity of the active enamel substance may of course be evidenced by in vivo tests using experimental animals (cf. Example 2 below) or humans. However, an indication of the efficacy and/or activity of the active enamel substance can be obtained by performing relatively simple in vitro tests such as, e.g., tests involving cell cultures.

Furthermore, there are several parameters which may be employed in order to evaluate a graft healing effect. These include:

• Computer aided planimetry (evaluation of rate of graft healing)
• Laser doppler imaging (evaluation of graft perfusion)
• Tensiometry (evaluation of graft strength)
• Histopathology/cytology (microscopic evaluation of graft tissues and fluids)
• Biochemistry (HPLC/RIA/ELISA) (evaluation of various drugs and biochemical components of tissue healing)
• Electrodiagnostics (evaluation of relationship of graft healing and innervation)
• Scintigraphy (radionuclide imaging of graft tissue)

In connection with the preparation of sites for grafting, debridement and cleansing of the graft bed may be of particular importance. It is believed that the cleansing and/or debridement of graft beds before grafting are a prerequisite for the successful attachment of the graft and the graft healing process. It is further believed that the active enamel substance has to exert its effect on fresh and vital tissue and not on dead or contaminated tissue. Debridement of necrotic tissue may be carried out by at least four different methods: (1) sharp debridement, (2) mechanical debridement, (3) enzymatic debridement and (4) autolytic debridement.

Accordingly, in the use of the active enamel substance according to the present invention for preparation of graft beds containing necrotic tissue, a debridement method is suitably carried out before application of the active enamel substance and attachment of the graft.

Enamel Matrix, Enamel Matrix Derivatives and Enamel Matrix Proteins

Enamel matrix is an actodentally derived precursor to enamel and may be obtained from any relevant natural source, i.e. a mammal in which teeth are under development. A suitable source is developing teeth from slaughtered animals such as, e.g., calves, pigs or lambs. Another source is for example fish skin.

Enamel matrix can be prepared from developing teeth as described previously (EP-B-0 337 967 and EP-B-0 263 086). The enamel matrix is scraped off and enamel matrix derivatives are prepared, e.g. by extraction with aqueous solution such as a buffer, a dilute acid or base or a water/solvent mixture, followed by size exclusion, desalting or other purification steps, followed by freeze-drying. Enzymes may be deactivated by treatment with heat or solvents, in which case the derivatives may be stored in liquid form without freeze-drying.

In the present context, enamel matrix derivatives are derivatives of enamel matrix which include one or several of enamel matrix proteins or parts of such proteins, produced naturally by alternate splicing or processing, or by either enzymatic or chemical cleavage of a natural length protein, or by synthesis of polypeptides in vitro or in vivo (recombinant DNA methods or cultivation of diploid cells). Enamel matrix protein derivatives also include enamel matrix related polypeptides or proteins. The polypeptides or proteins may be bound to a suitable biodegradable carrier molecule, such as polyamino acids or polysaccharides, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the term enamel matrix derivatives also encompasses synthetic analogous substances.

Proteins are biological macromolecules constituted by amino acid residues linked together by peptide bonds. Proteins, as linear polymers of amino acids, are also called polypeptides. Typically, proteins have 50-800 amino acid residues and hence have molecular weights in the range of from about 6,000 to about several hundred thousand Daltons or more. Small proteins are called peptides or oligopeptides.

Enamel matrix proteins are proteins which normally are present in enamel matrix, i.e. the precursor for enamel (Ten Cate: Oral Histology, 1994; Robinson: Eur. J. Oral Science, Jan. 1998, 106 Suppl. 1:282-91), or proteins which can be obtained by cleavage of such proteins. In general such proteins have a molecular weight below 120,000 daltons and include amelogenins, non-amelogenins, proline-rich non-amelogenins, amelins (amelo-blastin, sheathlin), enamelins and tuftelins.

Examples of proteins for use according to the invention are amelogenins, proline-rich non-amelogenins, tuftelin, tuft proteins, serum proteins, salivary proteins, amelin, ameloblastin, enamelins, sheathlin, and derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. A preparation containing an active enamel substance for use according to the invention may also contain at least two of the aforementioned proteinaceous substances. Moreover, other proteins for use according to the invention are found in the marketed product EMDOGAIN® (Biora AB).

In general, the major proteins of an enamel matrix are known as amelogenins. They constitute about 90% w/w of the matrix proteins. The remaining 10% w/w includes proline-rich non-amelogenins, tuftelin, enamelins, tuft proteins, serum proteins and at least one salivary protein; however, other proteins may also be present such as, e.g., amelin (amelo-blastin, sheathlin) which have been identified in association with enamel matrix. Furthermore, the various proteins may be synthesized and/or processed in several different sizes (i.e. different molecular weights). Thus, the dominating proteins in enamel matrix, amelogenins, have been found to exist in several different sizes which together form supramolecular aggregates. They are markedly hydrophobic substances which under physiologically conditions form insoluble aggregates. They may carry or be carriers for other proteins or peptides.

Other protein substances are also contemplated to be suitable for use according to the present invention. Examples include proteins such as proline-rich proteins and poly-proline. Other examples of substances which are contemplated to be suitable for use according to the present invention are aggregates of such proteins, of enamel matrix derivatives and/or of enamel matrix proteins as well as metabolites of enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and enamel matrix proteins. The metabolites may be of any size ranging from the size of proteins to that of short peptides.

As mentioned above, the proteins, polypeptides or peptides for use according to the invention typically have a molecular weight of at the most about 120 kDa such as, e.g, at the most 100 kDa, 90 kDa, 80 kDa, 70 kDa or 60 kDa as determined by SDS Page electrophoresis.

The proteins for use according to the invention are normally presented in the form of a preparation, wherein the protein content of the active enamel substance in the preparation is in a range of from about 0.05% w/w to 100% w/w such as, e.g., about 5-99% w/w, about 10-95% w/w, about 15-90% w/w, about 20-90% w/w, about 30-90% w/w, about 40-85% w/w, about 50-80% w/w, about 60-70% w/w, about 70-90% w/w, or about 80-90% w/w.

A preparation of an active enamel substance for use according to the invention may also contain a mixture of proteins with different molecular weights.

The proteins of an enamel matrix can be divided into a high molecular weight part and a low molecular weight part, and it has been found that a well-defined fraction of enamel matrix proteins possesses valuable properties with respect to treatment of periodontal defects (i.e. periodontal wounds). This fraction contains acetic acid extractable proteins generally referred to as amelogenins and constitutes the low molecular weight part of an enamel matrix (cf. EP-B-0 337 967 and EP-B-0 263 086).

As discussed above the low molecular weight part of an enamel matrix has a suitable activity for inducing binding between hard tissues in periodontal defects. In the present context, however, the active proteins are not restricted to the low molecular weight part of an enamel matrix. At present, preferred proteins include enamel matrix proteins such as amelogenin, amelin, tuftelin, etc. with molecular weights (as measured in vitro with SDS-PAGE) below about 60,000 daltons but proteins having a molecular weight above 60,000 daltons have also promising properties as candidates for wound healing, anti-bacterial and/or anti-inflammatory agents.

Accordingly, it is contemplated that the active enamel substance for use according to the invention has a molecular weight of up to about 40,000 such as, e.g. a molecular weight of between about 5,000 and about 25,000.

Within the scope of the present invention are also peptides as described in WO 97/02730, i.e. peptides which comprise at least one sequence element selected from the group consisting of the tetrapeptides DGEA (Asp-Gly-Glu-Ala), VTKG (Val-Thr-Lys-Gly), EKGE (Glu-Lys-Gly-Glu) and DKGE (Asp-Lys-Gly-Glu) and which further comprise an amino acid sequence from which a consecutive string of 20 amino acids is identical to a degree of at least 80% with a string of amino acids having the same length selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1 and a sequence consisting of amino acids 1 to 103 of SEQ ID NO:1 and amino acids 6 to 324 of SEQ ID NO:2 shown in WO 97/02730.

By the term "sequence identity" is meant the identity in sequence of amino acids in the match with respect to identity and position of the amino acids of the peptides. A gap is counted as non-identity for one or more amino acids as appropriate.

Such peptides may comprise from 6 to 300 amino acids, e.g. at least 20 amino acids, at least 30 amino acids, such as at least 60 amino acids, at least 90 amino acids, at least 120 amino acids, at least 150 amino acids or at least 200 amino acids.

A method for the isolation of enamel matrix proteins involves extraction of the proteins and removal of calcium and phosphate ions from solubilized hydroxyapatite by a suitable method, e.g. gel filtration, dialysis or ultrafiltration (see e.g. Janson, J-C & Ryd én, L. (Eds.), Protein purification, VCH Publishers 1989 and Harris, ELV & Angal, S., Protein purification methods—A practical approach, IRL Press, Oxford 1990).

A typical lyophilized protein preparation may mainly or exclusively up to 70-90% contain amelogenins with a molecular weight (MW) between 40,000 and 5,000 daltons, the 10-30% being made up of smaller peptides, salts and residual water. The main protein bands are at 20 kDa, 12-14 kDa and around 5 kDa.

By separating the proteins, e.g. by precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, preparative electrophoresis, gel permeation chromatography, reversed phase chromatography or affinity chromatography, the different molecular weight amelogenins can be purified.

The combination of molecular weight amelogenins may be varied, from a dominating 20 kDa compound to an aggregate of amelogenins with many different molecular weights between 40 and 5 kDa, and to a dominating 5 kDa compound. Other enamel matrix proteins such as amelin, tuftelin or proteolytic enzymes normally found in enamel matrix, can be added and carried by the amelogenin aggregate.

As an alternative source of the enamel matrix derivatives or proteins one may also use generally applicable synthetic routes well-known for a person skilled in the art or use cultivated cells or bacteria modified by recombinant DNA techniques (see, e.g., Sambrook, J. et al.: Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989).

Physico-Chemical Properties of Enamel Matrix, Enamel Matrix Derivatives and Enamel Matrix Proteins

In general the enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and enamel matrix proteins are hydrophobic substances, i.e. less soluble in water especially at increased temperatures. In general, these proteins are soluble at non-physiological pH values and at a low temperature such as about 4-20° C., while they will aggregate and precipitate at body temperature (35-37° C.) and neutral pH.

At least part of the active enamel substance for use according to the invention may be in the form of aggregates or after application in vivo is capable of forming aggregates. The particle size of the aggregates is in a range of from about 20 nm to about 1 μm.

It is contemplated that the solubility properties of the active enamel substance are of importance in connection with the prophylactic and therapeutic activity of the substance. When a composition containing the active enamel substance is administered to e.g. a human, the proteinaceous substances will precipitate due to the pH normally prevailing under physiological conditions. Thus, a layer of enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins is formed at the application site and this layer (which also may be a molecular layer in those cases where aggregates have been formed) is difficult to rinse off under physiological conditions. Furthermore, due to the substances bioadhesive properties (see below) the precipitated layer is firmly bound to the tissue also at the margin between the precipitated layer and the tissue. The proteinaceous layer thus covers the tissue onto which the active enamel substance or compositions thereof have been applied and the active enamel substances are maintained in situ for a prolonged period of time, i.e. it is not necessary to administer the active enamel substance with short intervals. Furthermore, the layer formed in situ can almost be compared to an occlusive dressing, i.e. the layer formed protects the tissue onto which the layer is formed from the surroundings. In the case of grafted tissue such a layer protects such tissue from further contamination from microorganisms present in the surroundings. Furthermore, the proteinaceous layer may exert its effect by direct contact with the tissue or with microorganisms present in/on/at the tissue.

In order to enable a proteinaceous layer to be formed in situ after application it may be advantageous to incorporate a suitable buffer substance in a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition of the active enamel substance; the purpose of such a buffer substance could be to avoid the dissolution of the active enamel substance at the application site.

The active enamel substance have also been observed (by the present inventors) to posses bioadhesive properties, i.e. they have an ability to adhere to skin surfaces. These properties are most valuable in connection with a therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment at least for the following reasons:

• the prophylactically and/or therapeutically active substance(s) can be maintained at the application site for a prolonged period of time (i.e. i) the administration frequency can be reduced, ii) a controlled release effect of the active substance is obtainable and/or iii) a local treatment at the application site is improved)
• the substances may in themselves be suitable as vehicles for other prophylactically or therapeutically active substances because a vehicle containing the active enamel substance can be formulated as a bioadhesive vehicle (i.e. a novel bioadhesive drug delivery system based on the bioadhesive properties of the active enamel substance.
  Theories with Respect to Mechanism of Action

Enamel matrix is an example of an extracellular protein matrix which adheres to mineral surfaces as well as to proteinaceous surfaces. At physiological pH and temperature the proteins form an insoluble supra-molecular aggregate (Fincham et al. in J. Struct. Biol. 1994 March-April; 112(2):103-9 and in J. Struct. Biol. 1995 July-August; 115(1):50-9), which is gradually degraded by proteolytic enzymes (occurs both in vivo and in vitro provided that the proteases have not been subjected to inactivation).

In many species, remnants of enamel matrix are found in the newly mineralized crown when a tooth is erupting into the oral cavity. It might be argued that a new tooth would be very vulnerable to bacterial attack from common oral bacteria unless it had a natural protection during this initial phase. This is supported by the fact that children with amelogenesis imperfecta develop fewer caries lesions (cf. S. Sundell, Swed. Dent J. 10(4), 1986, pp. 151-163).

In accordance with the present invention, the active enamel substance may be used for curative purposes as well as for preventive purposes. Furthermore, the active enamel substance may be used together with other active drug substances such as, e.g. anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal substances, immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporins or ascomycins, or in combination with growth factors such as, e.g., TGFβ, PDGF, IGF, FGF, EGF, keratinocyte growth factor or peptide analogues thereof (it is believed that EGF promotes healing by enhancing migration and cell division of epithelial cells; furthermore, EGF increases fibroblast numbers in wounds resulting in a greater collagen production). Enzymes—either inherently present in the enamel matrix or preparation thereof or added—may also be used in combination with the active enamel sub-stance, especially proteases.

A preparation of the active enamel substance is normally formulated as a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition. Such a composition may of course consist of the proteinaceous preparation or it may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Especially suitable excipients for use in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions are propylene gly-col alginate, or hyaluronic acid or salts or derivatives thereof.

Pharmaceutical or Cosmetic Compositions

In the following, examples of suitable compositions containing the active enamel sub-stance are given. Depending on the use of the active enamel substance, a composition may be a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition. In the following, the term "pharmaceutical composition" is also intended to encompass cosmetic compositions as well as compositions belonging to the grey area between pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, the so-called cosmeceuticals.

For the administration to an individual (an animal or a human) the active enamel sub-stance and/or a preparation thereof are preferably formulated into a pharmaceutical composition containing the active enamel substance and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

The compositions may be in form of, e.g., solid, semi-solid or fluid compositions such as, e.g.,

Claim 1 of 23 Claims

1. A method for providing for the take of a graft to a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising:

a) providing the graft from one or more of the group consisting of a suitable donor, cultured epidermal cells, acellular dermal matrix, cellular matrix, skin and mucosa,

b) applying a a prophylactically effective amount of an active enamel substance to a non-mineralized tissue recipient bed or lesion, and

c) placing the graft on the non-mineralized tissue recipient bed or lesion.

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