Recombinant bone morphogenetic protein heterodimers, compositions and methods of use

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for producing recombinant heterodimeric BMP proteins useful in the field of treating bone defects, healing bone injury and in wound healing in general. The invention also relates to the recombinant heterodimers and compositions containing them.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . An isolated recombinant heterodimeric protein having bone stimulating activity comprising a bone morphogenetic protein-4 comprising amino acids 293-408 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or a fragment thereof, associated by at least one disulfide bond with a bone morphogenetic protein-5 comprising amino acids 329-454 of SEQ ID NO: 10, or a fragment thereof. 
     
     
         38 . A method of treating a bone or cartilage disorder in a patient comprising administering the heterodimeric protein of  claim 37 .