Abstract: A leptin binding protein, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain related protein (IHRP), specifically binds leptin, the obesity gene product. The specific leptin binding proteins enable modulation of free leptin levels, immobilization and assay of bound/free leptin.

Abstract: The present invention provides anti-obesity proteins, which when administered to a patient regulate fat tissue. Accordingly, such agents allow patients to overcome their obesity handicap and live normal lives with much reduced risk for type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to new compounds and to a process for the controlled conversion of such compounds to produce a Protein that comprises an amino acid sequence which is useful as a precursor to human insulin or to a modified human insulin, the amino terminus portion of which sequence does not define a cathepsin C dipeptide removal stop point. The compounds have the formula Met-Y-Protein in which Y is Tyr or Arg.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to new compounds and to a process for the controlled conversion of such compounds to produce a Protein that comprises an amino acid sequence which is useful as a precursor to human insulin or to a modified human insulin, the amino terminus portion of which sequence does not define a cathepsin C dipeptide removal stop point. The compounds have the formula Met-Y-Protein in which Y is Tyr or Arg.

Abstract: This specification describes modified growth hormone having substantially diminished insulin-like and diabetogenic potencies relative to the native hormone with retention of substantially all of the anabolic potency of the native hormone. The modified growth hormone has the following structure: (a) elimination of from 1-5 to 1-19 amino acid residues from the amino terminus of the hormone; (b) cleavage of a peptide bond at any point from the carboxy moiety of residue 127 to residue 153; and (c) optionally, elimination of one or more of amino acid residues 128-152 of the hormone.

Abstract: A sulfoxide of human growth hormone has been produced and characterized. The sulfoxide derivative arises from a selective oxidation of Met.sup.14. The sulfoxide exhibits full biological activity.