Angiogenesis using hepatocyte growth factor

Abstract

Methods for enhancing angiogenesis in a mammal using hepatocyte growth factor (“HGF”) are provided. In the methods, HGF can be administered to mammals suffering from, for instance, vascular insufficiency or arterial occlusive disease. Articles of manufacture and kits containing HGF are also provided.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . An article of manufacture, comprising: 
 a container;    a label on said container; and    a composition comprising an active agent contained within said container;    wherein the composition is effective for enhancing angiogeneis, the label on said container indicates that the composition can be used for enhancing angiogenesis, and the active agent in said composition comprises HGF.    
   
   
       9 . The article of manufacture of  claim 8  further comprising instructions for administering the HGF to a mammal to enhance angiogenesis.  
   
   
       10 . A kit, comprising: 
 a first container, a label on said container, and    a composition comprising an active agent contained with said container;    wherein the composition is effective for enhancing angiogenesis, the label on said container indicates that the composition can be used for enhancing angiogenesis, and the active agent in said composition comprises HGF;    a second container comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer; and    instructions for using the HGF to enhance angiogenesis.    
   
   
       11 . A pharmaceutical composition for enhancing angiogenesis comprising hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a pharmaceutical carrier acceptable for intravenous, intraarterial or infusion administration.  
   
   
       12 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 11 , wherein said carrier comprises a buffering agent.  
   
   
       13 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 11 , wherein said HGF is recombinant HGF.  
   
   
       14 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 11 , further comprising a pharmacologic agent used to treat conditions associated with vascular disease.  
   
   
       15 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 14 , wherein said pharmacologic agent is vascular endothilial growth factor (VEGF).