Abstract: The invention relates to a process for synthesizing piperazic acid and similar, ring-containing acids. The invention also relates to a process for simultaneously N(2)-acylating piperazic acid or an ester thereof and forming a bicyclic ring structure. The invention also relates to the use of either or both processes in a method of synthesizing a bicyclic compound useful as an intermediate for the production of an inhibitor of a caspase, particularly an inhibitor of interleukin-1&bgr; converting enzyme (“ICE”).

Abstract: A fluorescence polarization process used to identify activity of conjugative enzymes involved in xenobiotic transformations, such as glucuronosyltransferases is provided.

Abstract: The system comprises mixing a fluorescence-emitting compound that binds to the steroid hormone receptors in a solution containing the steroid hormone receptors. Then, measuring the fluorescence polarization of the solution. Subsequently, incubating the solution with at least one molecule that may compete with the compound for interaction with the steroid hormone receptors. Measuring the fluorescence polarization of the solution again. Finally, comparing the fluorescence polarization measurements to quantify any competitive interaction.

Abstract: This invention provides certain crystallized, protein kinase-ligand complexes, in particular P38-ligand complexes, and their structure coordinates. The structure coordinates are based on the structure of a phosphorylated P38&ggr; complex which has now been solved and which reveals new structural information useful for understanding the activated states of other, related kinase proteins as described herein. The key structural features of the proteins, particularly the shape of the substrate binding site, are useful in methods for designing or identifying selective inhibitors of the protein kinases, particularly P38&ggr; and in solving the structures of other proteins with similar features. The structure coordinates may be encoded in a data storage medium for use with a computer for graphical three-dimensional representation of the structure and for computer-aided molecular design of new inhibitors.

Abstract: A method is described by which the association between an oligonucleotide labeled by attachment of a fluorophore and another macromolecule such as a protein or nucleic acid may be determined quantitatively in solution accurately and with high sensitivity. In the performance of this method the polarization of fluorescence of an extrinsic fluorescence probe that is covalently coupled to the oligonucleotide is determined. Changes in fluorescence polarization are related directly to the degree of association between the labeled oligonucleotide and another macromolecule and may be used to quantify the association. Because of its high sensitivity and accuracy, this method may be used to make reliable quantitative measurements of very small amounts of complexes formed between labeled oligonucleotides and proteins, nucleic acids or other macromolecules. The method also allows the accurate calculation of important biochemical parameters such as dissociation constants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for simultaneously N(2)-acylating piperazic acid or an ester thereof and forming a bicyclic ring structure. The invention also relates to the use of that process step in a method of synthesizing a bicyclic compound useful as an intermediate for the production of an inhibitor of a caspase, particularly an inhibitor of interleukin-1&bgr; converting enzyme (“ICE”).

Abstract: The invention relates to the X-ray crystal structure of the hepatitis C virus helicase domain. More specifically, the invention relates to crystallized complexes of HCV helicase and an oligonucleotide, to crystallizable compositions of HCV helicase and an oligonucleotide and to methods of crystallizing an HCV helicase-oligonucleotide complex. The invention further relates to a computer programmed with the structure coordinates of the HCV helicase oligonucleotide binding pocket or the HCV helicase nucleotide triphosphate pocket wherein said computer is capable of displaying a three-dimensional representation of that binding pocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for synthesizing piperazic acid and similar, ring-containing acids. The invention also relates to a process for simultaneously N(2)-acylating piperazic acid or an ester thereof and forming a bicyclic ring structure. The invention also relates to the use of either or both processes in a method of synthesizing a bicyclic compound useful as an intermediate for the production of an inhibitor of a caspase, particularly an inhibitor of interleukin-1&bgr; converting enzyme (“ICE”).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for assaying exogenous protease activity in a host cell transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding that protease and a specialized substrate. It also relates to methods for assaying endogenous protease activity in a host cell transformed with nucleotide sequences a specialized substrate. When these nucleotide sequences are expressed, the exogenous or endogenous protease cleaves the substrate and releases a polypeptide that is secreted out of the cell, where it can be easily quantitated using standard assays. The methods and transformed host cells of this invention are particularly useful for identifying inhibitors of the exogenous and endogenous proteases. If the protease is a protease from an infectious agent, inhibitors identified by these methods are potential pharmaceutical agents for the treatment or prevention of infection by that agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that can maintain, increase, or restore sensitivity of cells to therapeutic or prophylactic agents. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well-suited for treatment of multi-drug resistant cells, for prevention of the development of multi-drug resistance, and for use in multi-drug resistant cancer therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel class of immunosuppressive compounds having an affinity for the FK-506 binding protein (FKBP). Once bound to this protein, the immunosuppressive compounds inhibit the prolyl peptidyl cis-trans isomerase (rotamase) activity of the FKBP and inhibit T cell activation. As such, the compounds of this invention can be used as immunosuppressive drugs to prevent or significantly reduce graft rejection in bone marrow and organ transplantations and for use in the treatment of a wide variety of autoimmune diseases in humans and other mammals.

Abstract: This invention relates to 1-amino thioacylbenzimidazoyl-2-one derivatives having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are defined herein. These compounds are useful as thioacylating reagents. This invention also relates to a process for producing cyclic and linear thiopeptides using the thioacylating reagents of this invention. This invention further relates to intermediate anilide compounds, which are produced by reacting an ortho phenylene diamine with an amino acid chain or peptide. This invention also relates to intermediate thioanilide compounds, which are produced by thionating the intermediate anilide compounds. This invention further relates to a process for producing the thioacylating reagents of this invention by cyclizing the intermediate thioanilide compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to anticoagulant and platelet inhibitory compositions, combinations and methods characterized by biologically active peptides which display the anticoagulant and platelet inhibitory activities of hirudin, or analogs thereof, for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The methods, compositions and combinations of this invention are advantageously useful for decreasing or preventing platelet aggregation and platelet activation in a patient or a biological sample. These methods, compositions and combinations are particularly useful in patients for whom standard heparin therapy is contraindicated due to a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or an antithrombin III deficiency. This invention also relates to methods, compositions and combinations for treating extracorporeal blood and for increasing platelet storage life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, bifunctional inhibitors of both platelet activation and thrombin. These bifunctional inhibitors are characterized by two domains -- a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitory domain and a thrombin inhibitory domain. The invention also relates to DNA sequences which encode the bifunctional inhibitors of this invention, recombinant DNA molecules which contain these DNA sequences and host transformed with these DNA molecules. The invention further relates to he recombinant expression of the bifunctional inhibitors of this invention by transformed hosts as well as to methods for purifying such recombinant bifunctional inhibitors. This invention also provides compositions and methods employing the novel bifunctional inhibitors alone or together with a fibrinolytic agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel biologically active molecules which bind to and inhibit thrombin. These molecules comprise a catalytic site directed moiety (CSDM) of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen or is characterized by a backbone chain consisting of from 1 to 100 atoms; R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted, monosubstituted, di-substituted and tri-substituted saturated ring structures; R.sub.2 is a bond or is characterized by a backbone chain consisting of from 1 to 5 atoms; R.sub.3 is a bond or is characterized by a backbone chain consisting of from 1 to 3 atoms; R.sub.4 is any amino acid; R.sub.5 is any L-amino acid which comprises a guanidinium- or amino-containing side chain group; R.sub.6 is a non-amide bond; and Y is characterized by a backbone chain consisting of from 1 to 9 atoms; or the formula: ##STR2## wherein R'.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted, mono-substituted, di-substituted and tri-substituted ring structures; R'.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide inhibitors of platelet activation and derivatives thereof, purified from the venom of the North American Water Moccasin and to methods for their purification. This invention also relates to DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules which code for these polypeptide inhibitors of platelet activation. And this invention relates to recombinant DNA molecules which code for fusion proteins comprising both a polypeptide inhibitor of platelet activation and a conventional anti-thrombin polypeptide. This invention also relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions and methods characterized by at least one of these natural or recombinant inhibitors of platelet activation, alone or in combination with conventional anti-thrombin compounds. The compositions, combinations and methods of this invention are particularly useful in the treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel biologically active molecules which bind to and inhibit thrombin. Specifically, these molecules are characterized by a thrombin anion-binding exosite association moiety (ABEAM); a linker portion of at least 18 .ANG. in length; and a thrombin catalytic site-directed moiety (CSDM). This invention also relates to compositions, combinations and methods which employ these molecules for therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide inhibitors of platelet activation and derivatives thereof, purified from the venom of the North American Water Moccasin and to methods for their purification. This invention also relates to DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules which code for these polypeptide inhibitors of platelet activation. And this invention relates to recombinant DNA molecules which code for fusion proteins comprising both a polypeptide inhibitor of platelet activation and an anti-thrombin polypeptide. This invention also relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions and methods characterized by at least one of these natural or recombinant inhibitors of platelet activation, alone or in combination with anti-thrombin compounds. The compositions, combinations and methods of this invention are particularly useful in the treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of rheumatic diseases. More particularly, this invention relates to processes and compositions for treating rheumatic diseases by administering to a patient a pharmaceutically effect amount of gamma interferon.