Abstract: The present invention makes available methods and reagents for inhibiting aberrant growth states resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function comprising contacting the cell with a hedgehog antagonist, such as a small molecule, in a sufficient amount to aberrant growth state, e.g., to agonize a normal ptc pathway or antagonize smoothened or hedgehog activity. Such methods and reagents may also inhibit the hedgehog pathway in normal cells, e.g., where normal levels of hedgehog signalling are unwanted.

Abstract: Administration of a modulator of cell cycle checkpoint activation, which is preferably ?-lapachone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, metabolite, analog or derivative thereof, protects normal cells against radiation injury. The invention includes methods of preventing radiation damage. The invention also provides methods for treating conditions such as cancer with radiotherapy, by administering a modulator of cell cycle checkpoint activation to a subject, prior to administration of radiotherapy.

Abstract: A compound or groups of compounds, present in an active principle, derived from tunicates of the species Synoicum adareanum, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. Extracts from tunicates show selective toxicity against several different cancer cell lines in the NCI 60 cell line panel. These compounds are useful in the effective treatment of cancers, particularly malignant melanomas, colon cancer, and renal cancer cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imidazole derivatives of formula I wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are described hereinabove. These compounds can be used in the treatment or prevention of mGluR5 receptor mediated disorders. These compounds are useful, inter alia, in the treatment of genitourinary diseases.