Abstract: The present invention finds application in the therapeutic fields. In particular, it concerns new synthetic melanocortin peptides having improved antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: The present invention finds application in the therapeutic fields. In particular, it concerns new synthetic melanocortin peptides having improved antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a treatment for animal pruritus. One aspect of this invention involves a treatment for animal pruritus comprising one or more polypeptides with an amino acid sequence including KPV (SEQ ID NO: 1), VPK-Ac-CC-Ac-KPV (SEQ ID NO: 5), MEHFRWG (SEQ ID NO: 2), HFRWGKPV (SEQ ID NO: 3) or SYSMEHFRWGKPV (SEQ ID NO: 4) for animal pruritus caused by exposure to any number of agents or causes. The polypeptides are at a level to effectively treat the animal pruritus and are combined with a shampoo. Other combinations include the polypeptides at a level to effectively treat animal pruritus combined with a shampoo and an antibiotic, antifungal and/or and anti-inflammatory. The one or more polypeptides can also be a dimer formed from any of the amino acid sequence above.

Abstract: The presence of the ancient anti-inflammatory peptide ?-melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH [1-13], SYSMEHFRWGKPV) in barrier organs such as gut and skin suggests a role in the nonspecific (innate) host defense system. ?-MSH and other amino acid sequences derived from ?-MSH were determined to have antimicrobial influences, including against two major and representative cutaneous and mucosal pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. C-MSH peptides had antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and significantly reversed the enhancing effect of urokinase on S. aureus colony formation. ?-MSH and other amino acid sequences reduced C. albicans viability and germination. ?-MSH peptides also enhanced C. albicans killing by human neutrophils. The antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of one or more peptides including the amino acid sequence KPV, one or more peptides including the amino acid sequence MEHFRWG, or a biologically functional equivalent of any of the foregoing.

Abstract: The broadest aspect of the invention is a composition and method of treatment of fungal pathologies of the oral cavity or fungal growth on the surface of dentures. A preferred embodiment of the is a pharmacologically effective amount of a peptide selected from the group of peptides with a C-terminal sequence consisting of KPV, HFRWGKPV, and SYSMEHFRWGKPV in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of a fungicide selected from the group consisting of: itraconazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole and fluconazole. Another embodiment of the invention is a method for treating fungal pathologies of the of oral cavity and dentures by application of a pharmacologically effective amount of a peptide selected from the group of peptides with a C-terminal sequence consisting of KPV, HFRWGKPV, and SYSMEHFRWGKPV in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of a fungicide selected from the group consisting of itraconazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole and fluconazole.

Abstract: Novel peptides with antimicrobial activity are disclosed. The novel peptides are octomeric peptides modified from ?-MSH. The modified ?-MSH antimicrobial peptides disclosed herein may have enhanced activity against microbes over ?-MSH due to modifications in peptide sequence and chirality of amino acids. Due an identified mechanism of action for antimicrobial activity in which cAMP accumulates in the microbial cell, it may be that microbes will not generate resistance to these modified ?-MSH antimicrobial peptides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prevention and treatment for dermatological disorders. One aspect of this invention involves a dermatological treatment comprising one or more polypeptides with an amino acid sequence including KPV (SEQ. ID. NO. 1), MEHFRWGKPV (SEQ. ID. NO. 2), HFRWGKPV (SEQ. ID. NO. 3), or SYSMEHFRWGKPV (SEQ. ID. NO. 4) for the treatment and prevention of dermatological disorders. The polypeptides are at a level to effectively treat the cutaneous inflammation and are carried by a carrier. The one or more polypeptides can also be a dimer formed from any of the amino acid sequence above.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method for treating uro-genital conditions. One embodiment disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of uro-genital conditions wherein said composition comprises a KPV dimer, a first preservative agent, a solvent, an alkalizer, an acrylic acid-based polymer, a second preservative agent and a gelatinizing agent. Another embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the composition comprises CKPV (SEQ ID NO: 5) dimer, API, Carbopol®, NF, propylparaben, NF; methylparaben, NF; propylene glycol, USP; edetic acid (EDTA), USP; 2 M sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH); and sterile water for injection, USP. Also disclosed are methods and indications for use of the disclosed composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for controlling host response to organ and/or tissue transplantation and grafting. Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone protects organ and tissue transplantation by controlling factors within the donor, host and of the organ or tissue to be transplanted. Treatment with &agr;-MSH and/or its derivatives can affect warm and cold ischemia times and thus promotes organ viability. Treatment of the donor, host and of the organ or tissue to be transplanted with an appropriate dosage of &agr;-MSH and/or its derivatives limits biochemical pathways that would normally work to reject an organ and/or tissue transplantation. &agr;-MSH augments successful graft transplantation whether it be allograft or xenograft.