Abstract: A novel complex of (a) a metal ion selected from copper, calcium, manganese, iron, and zinc ions, and (b) a fraction of heparin, heparan sulfate, low molecular weight heparin, low molecular weight heparan sulfate, heparin fragments, heparan sulfate fragments, and oligosaccharides derived from heparin or from heparan sulfate, or a salt of such fractions which fractions bind to the said metal ion, said complex containing from 5 to 1,000 nmole metal of component (a) per .mu.mole of component (b).

Abstract: Described are novel growth promoting peptides of the general formula:P-Cys-Q-Cys-RwhereP is hydrogen, or Phe-Asn-Val-Asp-Lys-Lys-;Q is selected from -Gln-, or -Ser-Tyr-Tyr-Gln-Ser-Asn-, or -Tyr-Thr-Ala-Glu-; andR is selected from -Thr, -Lys-Pro-Gln-Val-Thr, or -Asp-Glu-Leu;and of the corresponding reduced linear form of any of the foregoing, as well as the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of any of the foregoing. The corresponding intermediates or intermediary compounds with amino and/or carboxyl groups protected are also covered.