Abstract: Peptides having a structure characterized by the presence of two loops constrained in cyclic structure by the presence of covalent bonds between amino acid side chains, the amino acid sequences of the first and the second loop being substantially homologues to that of loop 1 (residues 29-38) and of loop 4 (residues 92-97) of NGF, respectively, displaying nerve growth factor (NGF) agonist or partial agonist activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired conformation. The invention also provides modified integrin I-domain polypeptides that are stabilized in a desired conformation. The invention further provides screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domains of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. Modified integrin I-domain polypeptides stabilized in a desired conformation are also provided, as well as screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domain polypeptides.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that inhibit the interaction of an IGF with any one of its binding proteins and not to a human IGF receptor. These IGF agonist peptides are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.

Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical formulation for intravenous or intramuscular administration of Octreotide, which is characterized in that the vehicle for injection of the peptide or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof contains glycine in concentrations ranging from 10 to 60 mM and aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid in sufficient quantity to adjust the pH of the formulation to values between 3.0 and 4.2.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that inhibit the interaction of an IGF with any one of its binding proteins and not to a human IGF receptor. These IGF agonist peptides are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel disulfides and thiols that are of up to about eighteen amino acids. One example, is a compound of the formula (1): A—B—C—S—S—D—E—F, wherein: A and F are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an amino acid, a dipeptide, a tripeptide, a modified polypeptide up to three amino acids long, and a carbobenzoxy groups, B and E are selected from the group consisting of an amino acid, a dipeptide, a tripeptide, and a modified polypeptide comprising up to and including three amino acids, C and D are selected from the group consisting of a modified polypeptide and a polypeptide comprising up to and including three amino acids, and S is the sulfur atom in the modified polypeptide and the polypeptide in C and D.

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: Peptides capable of inhibiting complement activation are provided. Methods of inhibiting complement activation and complement-mediated tissue injury using these peptides are also provided. In addition, a method of producing compositions capable of inhibiting complement activation using these peptides is provided, along with the peptide analogs and peptidomimetics produced by the method.

Abstract: A composition for permucosal administration characterized by containing Antago-3 or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, and a sucrose fatty acid ester. With the composition for permucosal administration of the invention there is provided a long-term stable preparation having the high permucosal absorption of physiologically active peptide Antago-3 without irritation.

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: A synthetic DNA sequence and its genetic equivalents are disclosed which sequences are capable, when used in a recombinant DNA method, of directing production of a serine protease inibitor protein. Recombinant DNA methods for the production of serine protease inhibitor proteins are also disclosed. These methods incorporate either the synthetic DNA sequence of the present invention or natural DNA sequences isolated from human cDNA or genomic libraries.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a cyclic peptide that inhibits the binding between the VLA-4 receptor expressed on inflammatory leukocytes and the fibronectin CS-1 peptide expressed on endothelial cells that are involved in immunoinflammatory disease states. Pharmaceutical compositions containing a contemplated cyclic peptide and processes for treating immunoinflammatory conditions using a binding-inhibitory cyclic peptide are also disclosed.

Abstract: A physiologically active polypeptide, BUF-3, having the ability to differentiate and maturate human leukemia cells into normal cells and of accelerating the formation of erythroblasts is disclosed. The polypeptide has a molecular weight of 16.+-.1 Kd as determined by SDS-electrophoresis in the presence of 1% mercaptoethanol, or 25.+-.1 Kd, as determined by SDS-electrophoresis in the absence of mercaptoethanol.

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: 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, D-His or an equivalent .alpha.-amino acid; R.sub.33 is Lys, Orn or Cys. The N-terminus may be extended by Ser-Glu-Glu or shortened by up to three more residues. 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, Glu.sup.30, D-His.sup.32, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(4-41),(cyclo 30-33)?Ac-Ser.sup.7, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(7-41),(cyclo 30-33)?Ac-Ser.sup.7, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, D-His.sup.32, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(7-41),(bicyclo 20-23, 30-33)?Ac-Pro.sup.4, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Lys.sup.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a cyclic peptide that inhibits the binding between the VLA-4 receptor expressed on inflammatory leukocytes and the fibronectin CS-1 peptide expressed on endothelial cells that are involved in immunoinflammatory disease states. Pharmaceutical compositions containing a contemplated cyclic peptide and processes for treating immunoinflammatory conditions using a binding-inhibitory cyclic peptide are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel cyclic CRF antagonist peptides are created by shortening the N-terminus of a CRF family peptide by 8-11 residues and adding an acyl group. CML is preferably present in what would be the 27-position of the native CRF sequence, and D-Tyr may be incorporated at the N-terminus to facilitate labelling. The cyclizing bond is preferably created between the side chains of the residues in positions 30 and 33; but it may alternatively be created between the residues in either of positions 28 and 29 with those in positions 31 and 32 or with those in positions 32 and 33, respectively. The side chain of Lys in position 33 is preferably linked to the side chain of Glu in position 30 by a lactam bridge to form the cyclic peptide. Disclosed CRF antagonists include:(cyclo 30-33) ?Ac-Asp.sup.9, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, CML.sup.27,40, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(9-41),(cyclo 30-33) ?Ac-Asp.sup.9, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, CML.sup.27,37, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(9-41),(cyclo 30-33) ?Ac-Asp.sup.9, D-Phe.sup.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition containing a somatostatin analogue, and its use in the treatment of breast cancer. The pharmaceutical composition preferably contains lactic acid in addition to the somatostatin analogue and is better tolerated when administered by injection.

Abstract: Improved CRF antagonist peptides have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.30 is Cys or Glu; R.sub.33 is Cys, Lys or Orn; provided that when R.sub.30 is Cys, R.sub.33 is Cys and when R.sub.30 is Glu, R.sub.33 is Lys or Orn. The N-terminus may be extended by Asp-Leu-Thr. Lys may be substituted for Arg.sup.23 and its side chain connected by a lactam bridge to Glu.sup.20 to form a dicyclic peptide. Specific CRF antagonists disclosed include (cyclo 30-33) [D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 ]rCRF(12-41); (cyclo 30-33) [D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, Orn.sup.33 ]rCRF(12-41), (cyclo 30-33) [D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Cys.sup.30,33 ]rCRF (12-41) and (bicyclo 20-23,30-33) [D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Lys.sup.23,33, Glu.sup.30 ]-rCRF(12-41).

Abstract: The invention relates to novel nitrates containing a disulphide group, and to processes for their preparation. The compounds can be used for the therapy of disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a DNA sequence containing a DNA segment coding for endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3, (2) a precursor protein and a mature peptide of endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3, (3) a transformant carrying a DNA sequence containing a DNA segment coding for endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3 and (4) a method for preparing mature endothelin-2 or endothelin-3 which comprises culturing the transformant described in (3), producing and accumulating a protein in a culture medium, and collecting the same. Cells transfected or transformed with the DNA allow large amounts of endothelin-2 or endothelin-3 to be produced, which causes the advantageous production of endothelin-2 or endothelin-3. Endothelin-2 and endothelin-3 can be utilized as hypotension therapeutic agents or local vasoconstrictors to animals including humans.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved CRF peptide antagonists such as those having the formula: Y-D-Phe-Xaa.sub.13 -Leu-Leu-Arg-Xaa.sub.17 -Xaa.sub.18 -Leu-Xaa.sub.20 -Nle-Xaa.sub.22 -Xaa.sub.23 -Xaa.sub.24 -Xaa.sub.25 -Xaa.sub.26 -Leu-Xaa.sub.28 -Xaa.sub.29 -Gln-Xaa.sub.31 -Xaa.sub.32 -Xaa.sub.33 -Xaa.sub.34 -Arg-Xaa.sub.36 -Xaa.sub.37 -Nle-Xaa.sub.39 -Xaa.sub.40 -Xaa.sub.41 -NH.sub.2 wherein Y is Ac or hydrogen; Xaa.sub.13 is His, Tyr or Glu; Xaa.sub.17 is CML, Glu, Asn or Lys; Xaa.sub.18 is Val, Nle or Met; Xaa.sub.20 is Glu, D-Glu, Aib or D-Ala; Xaa.sub.22 is Ala, Aib, Thr, Asp or Glu; Xaa.sub.23 is Arg, Orn, Har or Lys; Xaa.sub.24 is Ala or Aib; Xaa.sub.25 is Asp or Glu; Xaa.sub.26 is Gln, Asn or Lys; Xaa.sub.28 is Ala or Aib; Xaa.sub.29 is Gln, Aib or Glu, Xaa.sub.31 is Ala or Aib; Xaa.sub.32 is His, Aib, Gly, Tyr or Ala; Xaa.sub.33 is Ser, Aib, Asn, Leu, Thr or Ala; Xaa.sub.34 is Asn or Aib; Xaa.sub.36 is Lys, Orn, Arg, Har or Leu; Xaa.sub.37 is Leu or Tyr; Xaa.sub.39 is Glu, Aib or Asp; Xaa.sub.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein each A.sub.1 and A.sub.2, independently, is H, C.sub.1-12 alkyl, C.sub.7-10 phenylalkyl, R.sub.1 CO (where R.sub.1 is C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.3-20 alkenyl, C.sub.3-20 alkinyl, phenyl, naphthyl, or C.sub.7-10 phenylalkyl), or R.sub.2 OCO (where R.sub.2 is C.sub.1-10 alkyl or C.sub.7-10 phenylalkyl), provided that when one of A.sub.1 or A.sub.2 is R.sub.1 CO or R.sub.2 OCO, the other must be H;each X.sub.1 and X.sub.2, independently, is H, F, Cl, Br, OH, CH.sub.3, or CF.sub.3, provided that at least one of X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 must be H;A.sub.3 is Phe or Tyr; andA.sub.4 is OH, NH.sub.2, or NH-R.sub.3 (wherein R.sub.3 is a saturated aliphatic C.sub.1-8 alkyl);or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A therapeutic composition containing the compound of the present invention and a method of using the same are also described.

Abstract: A thirty-nine amino acid peptide, Margatoxin (MgTX), is purified to homogeneity from venom of the scorpion Centruroides margaritatus. The gene encoding MgTX is constructed and this gene is expressed in E. coli, to produce recombinant MgTX. MgTX is a potent and selective inhibitor of a voltage-dependent K.sup.+ channel present in human lymphocytes. MgTX exhibits immunosuppressant activity with human T-lymphocytes, and is useful as an immunosuppressant, in modeling nonpeptidyl K.sup.+ channel blockers, and in establishing biochemical assays based on ligand binding or other protocols with which to screen for other novel modulators of voltage dependent K.sup.+ channels in lymphocytes and other tissues including the brain. As an immunosuppressant, MgTX is useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, the prevention of rejection of foreign organ transplants and/or related afflictions, diseases and illnesses.

Abstract: A novel compound is disclosed for inhibiting the effects of oxytocin in a female mammal. As an analog of oxytocin the compound is named [(S)PMP.sup.1,D-Trp.sup.2,Pen.sup.6,Arg.sup.8 ] oxytocin. This compound can be administered to pregnant women to arrest premature labor while avoiding unwanted side effects due to antagonism of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved CRF peptide antagonists such as those having the formula: Y-D-Phe-R.sub.13 -Leu-Leu-Arg-R.sub.17 -R.sub.18 -Leu-R.sub.20 -Nle-R.sub.22 -R.sub.23 -R.sub.24 -R.sub.25 -R.sub.26 -Leu-R.sub.28 -R.sub.29 -Gln-R.sub.31 -R.sub.32 -R.sub.33 -R.sub.34 -Arg-R.sub.36 -R.sub.37 -Nle-R.sub.39 -R.sub.40 -R.sub.41 -NH.sub.2 wherein Y is Ac or hydrogen; R.sub.13 is His, Tyr or Glu; R.sub.17 is Cys, Glu, Asn or Lys; R.sub.18 is Val, Nle or Met; R.sub.20 is D-Cys, Glu, D-Glu, Aib or D-Ala; R.sub.22 is Ala, Aib, Thr, Asp or Glu; R.sub.23 is Arg, Orn, Har or Lys; R.sub.24 is Ala or Aib; R.sub.25 is Asp or Glu; R.sub.26 is Gln, Asn or Lys; R.sub.28 is Ala or Aib; R.sub.29 is Gln, Aib or Glu, R.sub.31 is Ala or Aib; R.sub.32 is His, Aib, Gly, Tyr or Ala; R.sub.33 is Ser, Aib, Asn, Leu, Thr or Ala; R.sub.34 is Asn or Aib; R.sub.36 is Lys, Orn, Arg, Har or Leu; R.sub.37 is Leu or Try; R.sub.39 is Glu, Aib or Asp; R.sub.40 is Ile, Aib, Thr, Glu, Ala, Val, Leu, Nle, Phe, Nva, Gly or Gln; and R.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to cyclic peptide derivatives which are useful anticoagulant agents.

Abstract: Analogs of CRF, which are based upon hCRF, oCRF and alpha-helical CRF, are disclosed that can be administered to achieve a substantial elevation of ACTH, .beta.-endorphin, .beta.-lipotropin, other products of the pro-opiomelanocortin gene and corticosterone levels. Analogs include those having the formula: Y-R.sub.1 -R.sub.2 -R.sub.3 -R.sub.4 -R.sub.5 -Ile-Ser-Leu-Asp-Leu-Thr-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu-R.sub.20 -R.sub.21 -R.sub.22 -R.sub.23 -R.sub.24 -R.sub.25 -Gln-Leu-Ala-Gln-Gln-Ala-R.sub.32 -Ser-Asn-Arg-Lys-Leu-R.sub.38 -R.sub.39 -Ile-R.sub.41 -NH.sub.2, wherein Y is an acyl group having 7 or fewer carbon atoms or hydrogen; R.sub.1 is Ser or desR.sub.1 ; R.sub.2 is Glu, Gln or desR.sub.2 ; R.sub.3 is Glu or desR.sub.3 ; R.sub.4 is Pro or desR.sub.4 ; R.sub.5 is Pro or desR.sub.5 ; R.sub.20 is Ala or Glu; R.sub.21 is Met or Nle; R.sub.22 is Ala or Thr; R.sub.23 is Arg or Lys; R.sub.24 is D-Ala or Ala; R.sub.25 is Glu or Asp; R.sub.32 is D-His or His; R.sub.38 is Met, Nle or Leu; R.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to cyclic peptide derivatives which are useful anticoagulant agents.

Abstract: Human laminin B.sub.1 peptides have been produced. The invention provides novel peptides which contain substantial amino acid sequence similarity to amino acids 897 to 936 in the human sequence. These peptides have been found to have enhanced antimetastatic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide having essentially the amino acid sequence of pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI). The present invention also relates to variants of such peptide wherein one or more of the amino acids in the original sequence are replaced by other amino acids. These peptides show an advantageously modified specificity in their inhibotory action. A method of preparation of the peptides and their pharmaceutical use is also described.