Abstract: A method of storing and warming a sterile corticotropin composition by storing the sterile corticotropin composition in a multiple-dose vial comprising 80 USP units/mL of the sterile corticotropin composition, wherein the vial comprises a rubber stopper coated with cross-linked silicones, at a temperature of 2° to 8° C.; and warming the vial to a temperature of 18° to 26° C., wherein the corticotropin comprises amino acids 1-39 of SEQ ID NO: 1, or wherein the sterile corticotropin composition has not more than 0.05 USP Vasopressin Units/USP Corticotropin Units.

Abstract: Method for enzymatically synthesizing an oligopeptide, comprising the coupling of an (optionally N-protected) protected oligopeptide ester with an (optionally C-protected) protected oligopeptide nucleophile in an organic solvent or an organic solvent mixture having a water content of 0.1 vol % or less, by a subtilisin in any possible form.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the enteral treatment of autoimmune disease such a multiple sclerosis with polypeptide therapeutics. Enteral therapeutics comprise monomeric alpha-MSH polypeptides such as ACTH. Therapeutic formulations of the invention may be used to reduce the incidence or severity of autoimmune disease. For instance methods for the oral treatment of multiple sclerosis with alpha-MSH and ACTH are described.

Abstract: Bioerodible poly(ortho esters) useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents from dioxane-based di(ketene acetals). Block copolymers contain these bioerodible poly(ortho esters). These block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the modulated release of a biologically active agent. The composition comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix, a biologically active agent which is dispersed within the polymeric matrix, and a metal cation component which is separately dispersed within the polymeric matrix, whereby the metal cation component modulates the release of the biologically active agent from the polymeric matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for modulating the release of a biologically active agent from a biocompatible polymeric matrix, comprising the steps of dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a solvent to form a polymer solution and also separately dispersing a metal cation component and a biologically active agent within the polymer solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds selected from GH, analogues thereof, and GH-releasing compounds, optionally in combination with lipid-lowering agents or therapy, for the preparation of a drug for treatment of mammals with familial hypercholesterolemia of homozygous form.

Abstract: Prolonged parenteral release into the circulatory system of a cow of a bioactive growth hormone releasing factor at desirably effective levels can be achieved using novel compositions in which the growth hormone releasing factor is present in an aqueous liquid at a dose of at least about 50 mg and at a concentration of at least about 20 mg/ml. Preferably, the growth hormone releasing factor is present in an aqueous liquid at a dose of about 200 mg and at a concentration of about 180 mg/ml. The aqueous bovine growth hormone releasing factor formulation provides for the sustained release of bovine somatotropin into the circulatory system of the animal for greater than seven (7) days.

Abstract: Macromolecular drug complexes containing a drug, like human growth hormone, and a polymer having a plurality of acid moieties, like carboxyl moieties or phosphonic acid moieties, and compositions containing the same, are disclosed. Compositions, particularly microemulsions, containing the macromolecular complexes are administered to individuals suffering from a disease or condition, and the complexes release the drug, in vivo, to treat the disease or condition, and to reduce, eliminate, or reverse complications associated with the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the modulated release of a biologically active agent. The composition comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix, a biologically active agent which is dispersed within the polymeric matrix, and a metal cation component which is separately dispersed within the polymeric matrix, whereby the metal cation component modulates the release of the biologically active agent from the polymeric matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for modulating the release of a biologically active agent from a biocompatible polymeric matrix, comprising the steps of dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a solvent to form a polymer solution and also separately dispersing a metal cation component and a biologically active agent within the polymer solution.

Abstract: Novel cyclic CRF agonist peptides have the amino acid sequence: (cyclo 30-33)Ac-Ser-Leu-Asp-Leu-Thr-D-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu-Glu-Nle-Ala-Arg-Ala-Glu-Gln-Leu-Ala-Gln-Glu-Ala-R32-R33-Asn-Arg-Lys-Leu-Nle-Glu-Ile-Ile-NH2 wherein R32 is His, D-His or an equivalent &agr;-amino acid; R33 is Lys or Orn. The N-terminus may be extended by Tyr, D-Tyr or Ile. Lys may be substituted for Arg23, and its side chain connected by a lactam bridge to Glu20 to form a bicyclic peptide. Certain disclosed CRF agonists include: (cyclo 30-33)[Ac-Ser7, D-Phe12, Nle21,38, Glu30, Lys33]r/hCRF(7-41); (cyclo 30-33)[Ac-Ser7, D-Phe12, Nle21,38, Glu30, D-His32, Lys33]r/hCRF(7-41); (bicyclo 20-23, 30-33)[Ac-Ser7, D-Phe12, Nle21,38, Lys23,33, Glu30, D-His32]-r/hCRF(7-41); (cyclo 30-33)[Ac-Ser7, D-Phe12, Nle18,21, Glu30, D-Ala32, Lys33]&agr;-helicale CRF(7-41); and (cyclo 30-33)[Ac-Ser7, D-Phe12, Nle21,38, CML27,40, Glu30, Lys33]r/hCRF(7-41).

Abstract: Prolonged parenteral release into the circulatory system of a cow of a bioactive growth hormone releasing factor at desirably effective levels can be achieved using novel compositions in which the growth hormone releasing factor is present in an aqueous liquid at a dose of at least about 50 mg and at a concentration of at least about 20 mg/ml. Preferably, the growth hormone releasing factor is present in an aqueous liquid at a dose of about 200 mg and at a concentration of about 180 mg/ml. The aqueous bovine somatotropin formulation provides for the sustained release of bovine somatotropin into the circulatory system of the animal for greater than seven (7) days.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the delivery of active agents are provided. These delivery compositions include (a) an active agent; and either (b)(1) a carrier of (i) at least one amino acid and (ii) at least one diketopiperazine or (b)(2) at least one mono-N-substituted, di-N-substituted, or unsubstituted diketopiperazine. Methods for preparing these compositions and administering these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the modulated release of a biologically active agent. The composition comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix, a biologically active agent which is dispersed within the polymeric matrix, and a metal cation component which is separately dispersed within the polymeric matrix, whereby the metal cation component modulates the release of the biologically active agent from the polymeric matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for modulating the release of a biologically active agent from a biocompatible polymeric matrix, comprising the steps of dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a solvent to form a polymer solution and also separately dispersing a metal cation component and a biologically active agent within the polymer solution.

Abstract: Novel cyclic CRF antagonist peptides have the amino acid sequence: ##STR1## wherein Y is Ac, H, Ac-Thr or H-Thr; R.sub.30 is Glu or Cys; R.sub.32 is His or preferably a basic and/or aromatic D-amino acid such as D-His or D-Arg; R.sub.33 is Lys, Orn or Cys. The N-terminus may be extended by Leu or Asp-Leu. CML may be substituted for Leu.sup.27, and D-Tyr may be substituted for D-Phe to facilitate labelling. Lys may be substituted for Arg.sup.23, and its side chain connected by a lactam bridge to Glu.sup.20 to form a bicyclic peptide. Disclosed CRF antagonists include:(cyclo 30-33)?D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(12-41),(cyclo 30-33)?Ac-Thr.sup.11, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(11-41),(cyclo 30-33)?D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Cys.sup.30,33 !r/hCRF(12-41),(bicyclo 20-23,30-33)?D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Lys.sup.23,33, Glu.sup.30 !-r/hCRF(12-41),(cyclo 30-33)?D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, D-His.sup.32, Lys.sup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of administering progesterone to a normogonadal or a functionally agonadal human female undergoing an assisted reproduction technique. The invention further provides a method of hormone replacement for a human female. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, progesterone is provided by intravaginal administration of a progesterone-containing polysiloxane ring.

Abstract: Novel cyclic CRF agonist peptides have the amino acid sequence: (cyclo 30-33)Ac-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Leu-Asp-Leu-Thr-D-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu -Glu-Nle-Ala-Arg-Ala-Glu-Gln-Leu-Ala-Gln-R.sub.30 -Ala-R.sub.32 -R.sub.33 -Asn-Arg-Lys-Leu-Nle-Glu-Ile-Ile-NH.sub.2 wherein R.sub.30 is Glu or Cys; R.sub.32 is His or a D-amino acid such as D-His, D-Arg or similar; R.sub.33 is Lys, Orn or Cys. The N-terminus may be extended by Ser-Glu-Glu. Lys may be substituted for Arg.sup.23, and its side chain connected by a lactam bridge to Glu.sup.20 to form a bicyclic peptide. Certain disclosed CRF agonists include:(cyclo 30-33)?Ac-Pro.sup.4, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, D-His.sup.32, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(4-41),(cyclo 30-33)?Ac-Pro.sup.4, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, D-His.sup.32, Glu.sup.30, Orn.sup.33 !r/hCRF(4-41),(cyclo 30-33)?Ac-Pro.sup.4, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Cys.sup.30,33, D-His.sup.32 !r/hCRF(4-41),(bicyclo 20-23,30-33)?Ac-Pro.sup.4, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Lys.sup.23,33, Glu.sup.30, D-His.sup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the modulated release of a biologically active agent. The composition comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix, a biologically active agent which is dispersed within the polymeric matrix, and a metal cation component which is separately dispersed within the polymeric matrix, whereby the metal cation component modulates the release of the biologically active agent from the polymeric matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for modulating the release of a biologically active agent from a biocompatible polymeric matrix, comprising the steps of dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a solvent to form a polymer solution and also separately dispersing a metal cation component and a biologically active agent within the polymer solution.

Abstract: ACTH polymeric controlled release systems are described wherein the ACTH retains good biological activity and is released over an extended period of time following administration by injection. In the preferred embodiment, the ACTH polymeric microspheres are made using very cold temperatures to freeze the polymer-ACTH mixtures into polymeric microspheres with very high retention of biological activity and material. Sustained release of biologically active ACTH is achieved when the microspheres are tested in vitro, extending over a period of greater than one day to several months. Altered release can be achieved by inclusion of degradation modifiers, pore forming agents, and stabilizers of the ACTH.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for testing the susceptibility of a mammal to inflammatory diseases which comprises the steps of:administering to a mammal a compound selected from the group consisting of Type 1 mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, opiate antagonists, estrogen antagonists or mixed estrogen agonists/antagonists, progesterone agonists; or a combination of an estrogen antagonist with one or a combination of a Type I glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, a Type II glucocorticoid agonist or a progesterone agonist which is effective in stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; andmeasuring the level of at least one hormone secreted by the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenal glands of said mammal.The present invention is also directed to methods of treating inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Inbred Lewis (LEW/N) female rats develop an arthritis in response to Group A streptococcal cell wall peptidoglycanpolysaccharide (SCW) which mimics human rheumatoid arthritis. Histocompatible Fischer (F344/N) rats, on the other hand, do not develop arthritis in response to the same SCW stimulus. To evaluate this difference in inflammatory reactivity between the two strains, the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its ability to modulate the development of the inflammatory response was studied. It has been found that, in contrast to F344/N rats, LEW/N rats had markedly impaired plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses to SCW, recombinant human Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), the serotonin agonist, quipazine, and synthetic rat corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). In addition, LEW/N rats compared to F344/N rats had smaller adrenal glands and larger thymuses. Treatment of LEW/N rats with replacement doses of dexamethasone decreased the severity of their SCW-induced arthritis.

Abstract: Agonists and antagonists of rCRF are disclosed that exhibit good binding affinity to CRF receptors. One exemplary agonist is: H-Ser-Gln-Glu-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser- Leu-Asp-Leu-Thr-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Met-Leu-Glu-Met- Ala-Arg-Ala-Glu-Gln-Glu-Ala-Glu-Gln-Ala-Ala-Leu-Asn-Arg- Leu-Leu-Leu-Glu-Glu-Ala-NH.sub.2. In the agonists, one or more of the first five N-terminal residues may be deleted or may be substituted by a peptide up to 10 amino acids long. A number of other substitutions may also be made throughout the chain. Similar peptides which function as CRF antagonists are created by deleting the first 7, 8 or 9 N-terminal residues. These analogs are coupled to a cytotoxin, such as gelonin, by a dialdehyde or the like, e.g., glutaraldehyde. The conjugates may be used to eliminate CRF Target Cells, and thus to regulate secretion of ACTH, .beta.-lipotropin and the like.

Abstract: Several known members of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) family have been synthesized and tested, including human and rat CRF which have the formula: H-Ser-Glu-Glu-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Leu-Asp-Leu-Thr-Phe-His- Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu-Glu-Met-Ala-Arg-Ala-Glu-Gln- Leu-Ala-Gln-Gln-Ala-His-Ser-Asn-Arg-Lys-Leu-Met-Glu- Ile-Ile-NH.sub.2. Peptides are herein disclosed that are potent competitive antagonists of CRF in mammals. One which has been found to be particularly potent is: H-D-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu-Glu-Nle-Ala- Arg-Ala-Glu-Gln-Leu-Ala-Gln-Gln-Ala-His-Ser-Asn- Arg-Lys-Leu-Nle-Glu-Ile-Ile-NH.sub.2. One that has shown particularly prolonged duration of potency is: H-D-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu-Glu-Nle-Ala- Arg-Ala-Glu-Gln-Leu-Ala-Gln-Gln-Ala-His-Ser-Asn- Arg-Lys-CML-Nle-Glu-Ile-Ile-NH.sub.2.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically active composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more alpha-MSH or analogues thereof for use in the stimulation of integumental melanocytes in vertebrates in order to bring about the production of melanin is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for alleviating stress induced immunosuppression is accomplished by application of low doses of ANF[1-28] or other ANF analogs having intact N-terminal sequences. Atrial natriuretic factors (ANFs) with intact N-terminal sequences are shown to be effective inhibitors of CRF 41-stimulated ACTH secretion when the ANFs are present in low concentrations. ANF[1-28] significantly inhibited ACTH release stimulated by 1-5 nM CRF. At the most effective concentration of 100 pM, ACTH release was inhibited by 40.1% (p<0.001). This effect was manifested after three hours, but not after only one half or one hour of incubation. Conversely, ANF[5-28], at concentrations of 10 to 10,000 pM, had no effect on ACTH secretion after one half, one, or three hours. ANF[1-11] weakly inhibited ACTH secretion at concentrations of 100 pM and 1000 pM. Again, three hours of incubation was required to manifest these effects.

Abstract: A method for stimulating integumental melanocytes by the topical application of alpha-MSH analogs, and compositions comprising said analogs for use in the method are described.

Abstract: A method for stimulating integumental melanocytes by the topical application of alpha-MSH analogs, and compositions comprising said analogs for use in the method are described.

Abstract: A novel therapeutic method for treating human and animal subjects afflicted with congestive heart failure is provided by administering effective dosages of a selective antagonist for arginine vasopressin to the subject. The antagonist is an effective and potent inhibitor for vasopressin and is a therapeutic agent selected from the class consisting of analogues of previously prepared compositions synthesized in a conventionally known manner. The administration of such selective antagonist as a therapeutic agent results in a demonstrated beneficial change in approximately thirty percent of tested individuals.

Abstract: A technique is described for neutralizing unishiol. The technique involves contacting urushiol with a chlorine-containing compound in a liquid medium. In one embodiment the chlorine-containing compound is sodium or calcium hypochlorite in an aqueous solution. In another embodiment the chlorine-containing compound is a chloramine in a liquid organic medium.