Abstract: A composition, and methods of forming and using said composition, for the sustained release of biologically active, stabilized human growth hormone (hGH). The sustained release composition of this invention comprises a polymeric matrix of a biocompatible polymer and particles of biologically active, stabilized hGH, wherein said particles are dispersed within the biocompatible polymer. The method of the invention for producing a composition for the sustained release of biologically active hGH, includes dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a polymer solvent to form a polymer solution, dispersing particles of biologically active, stabilized hGH in the polymer solution, and then solidifying the polymer to form a polymeric matrix containing a dispersion of said hGH particles. The method for using a composition of the invention is a method for providing a therapeutically effective blood level of biologically active, non-aggregated hGH in a subject for a sustained period.

Abstract: The permeability of the blood-ocular barrier to therapeutic or diagnostic agents in the bloodstream of a host is increased by administering a permeabilizer peptide, preferably bradykinin or a bradykinin analogue, into the bloodstream of a host. The invention provides methods of treatment or diagnosis of ocular diseases by administration of a permeabilizer peptide, such as permeabilizer A-7, in combination with a therapeutic or diagnostic agent.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for delivering a neuropharmaceutical or diagnostic agent across the blood brain barrier to the brain of a host. The method comprises administering to the host a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody-neuropharmaceutical or diagnostic agent conjugate wherein the antibody is reactive with a transferrin receptor. Other aspects of this invention include a delivery system comprising an antibody reactive with a transferrin receptor linked to a neuropharmaceutical or diagnostic agent and methods for treating hosts afflicted with a disease associated with a neurological disorder.

Abstract: Polypeptides called receptor mediated permeabilizers (RMP) increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to molecules such as therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents. These receptor mediated permeabilizers are more efficacious than bradykinin in causing the blood-brain barrier to become more permeable. The permeabilizer A-7 or conformational analogues can be intravenously co-administered to a host together with molecules whose desired destination is the cerebrospinal fluid compartment of the brain. The permeabilizer A-7 or conformational analogues allow these molecules to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and arrive at this destination.

Abstract: Polypeptides called receptor mediated permeabilizers (RMP) increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to molecules such as therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents. These receptor mediated permeabilizers are more efficacious than bradykinin in causing the blood-brain barrier to become more permeable. The permeabilizer A-7 or conformational analogues can be intravenously co-administered to a host together with molecules whose desired destination is the cerebrospinal fluid compartment of the brain. The permeabilizer A-7 or conformational analogues allow these molecules to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and arrive at this destination.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for delivering a neuropharmaceutical or diagnostic agent across the blood brain barrier to the brain of a host. The method comprises administering to the host a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody-neuropharmaceutical or diagnostic agent conjugate wherein the antibody is reactive with a transferrin receptor. Other aspects of this invention include a delivery system comprising an antibody reactive with a transferrin receptor linked to a neuropharmaceutical or diagnostic agent and methods for treating hosts afflicted with a disease associated with a neurological disorder.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for delivering a neuropharmaceutical agent across the blood brain barrier to the brain of a host. The method comprises administering to the host a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody-neuropharmaceutical agent conjugate wherein the antibody is reactive with a transferrin receptor. Other aspects of this invention include a delivery system comprising an antibody reactive with a transferrin receptor linked to a neuropharmaceutical agent and method for treating hosts afflicted with a disease associated with a neurological disorder.

Abstract: The permeability of the blood-brain barrier to endogenous or exogenous neuropharmaceutical or diagnostic agents in an individual's blood stream is increased by administering a bradykinin agonist of blood-brain barrier permeability, such as N-acetyl [Phe.sup.8 (CH.sub.2 -NH)Arg.sup.9 ] bradykinin, to the individual. The bradykinin agonist of blood-brain barrier permeability is co-administered with the agent of interest into a blood vessel such as a vein. This co-administration allows the agent of interest to pass the blood-brain barrier into the brain compartment.