Abstract: An artificial peptide having an amino acid sequence which corresponds to a naturally occurring amino acid sequence of a HIV comprising an epitope and which further has two cysteine residues located on each side of said epitope, and further having a sulphur bridge between said two cysteine residues, which has been formed by a chemical oxidation step, is described.Furthermore, an artificial antigen which reacts with antibodies induced by a HIV is described. Said antigen mainly consists of an artificial peptide according to the invention.Additionally, a method of detecting antibodies induced by a HIV in a sample of body fluid, wherein said sample is subjected to an immunoassay, especially ELISA, and wherein an artificial antigen according to the invention is used as a diagnostic antigen, is described. A diagnostic immunoassay kit for said method is also described.Finally, a vaccine composition comprising, as an immunizing component, at least one antigen according to the invention, is described.

Abstract: A process for preparing and purifying cyclic peptides having disulfide moieties in a single processing operation which simplifies synthesis and reduces production costs, yet produces high, quality yield. Higher yields are obtained by isolating the desired cyclic compound through direct ion exchange chromatography as an integral part of the single process. The improved process is particularly useful for the preparation of vasopressin and oxytocin and their respective derivatives and analogs.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of high purity desmopressin produced in single batches of substantial size and a method of treating diabetes insipidus with the high purity desmopressin produced therefrom.

Abstract: Method for detection of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) for diagnostic purposes, particularly for diagnosing carcinoma, or pre-stages thereof, or the risk of development of carcinoma. The detection is effected on a body fluid, particularly on a secretion from cervix uteri, by ascertaining the presence of IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies against papillomavirus virions, including individual virion proteins or peptides thereof, in the body fluid.

Abstract: A process for preparing and purifying cyclic peptides having disulfide moieties in a single processing operation which simplifies synthesis and reduces production costs, yet produces high, quality yield. Higher yields are obtained by isolating the desired cyclic compound through direct ion exchange chromatography as an integral part of the single process. The improved process is particularly useful for the preparation of vasopressin and oxytocin and their respective derivatives and analogs.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) comprising, condensing a preparation of Mpa(R.sup.1)-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys(R.sup.2)-Pro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1), where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are sulfhydryl-protecting groups, with the dipeptide (R.sup.3)-D-Arg(HCl)-Gly-NH.sub.2, where R.sup.3 is an acid-sensitive amino-protecting group, to form Mpa(R.sup.1)-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys(R.sup.2)-Pro-D-Arg(HCl)-Gly-NH.sub.2 (SEQ ID NO: 1), which is oxidized with iodine in a protic solvent. The reaction mixture containing the oxidized product can be purified by ion exchange chromatography on a cation exchange resin equilibrated with acid. Also disclosed is high-purity DDAVP obtained by this process and its use for treating diurea.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for spray nasal administration of a synthetic analog of vasopressin (desmopressin; actate containing between 2.5 and 7.5 .mu.g per 100 .mu.l. The composition may additionally contain an osmotic-pressure controlling agent, such as sodium chloride, a preservative, such as chlorobutanol or benzalkonium chloride, and a buffer stabilizing the pH between about 4 and 6. Buffers containing citrate and/or phosphate are preferred. Also disclosed is a sealed container filled with the composition, an assembly comprising the container and a spray pump, and the use of the composition, the container, and the assembly in the management of urinary disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilized aqueous composition for administration to a patient comprising a biologically active peptide, a buffer, a quaternary amine-type preservative or disinfectant, and an osmotic pressure-controlling agent, which composition can be stored and used at room temperature. The buffer stabilizes the pH of the composition between about 4 and 6. The preferred buffer contains citrate and/or phosphate, and the preferred preservative or disinfectant is benzalkonium chloride. The composition protects the peptide contained therein from adhering to container surfaces, particularly in containers made of polymeric materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new vasotocin derivatives with prolonged activity compared to previous vasotocin derivatives. In particular, the vasotocin derivatives of the present invention are of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein Hmp is a 2-hydroxy-3-mercaptopropionic acid residue, ##STR2## Z is Phe or Tyr, Y is Hgn or Hci, X is a residue of the formula ##STR3## wherein Q is H, alanyl or L-2-aminobutyryl and n is 1, 2 or 3. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these vasotocin derivatives.

Abstract: Novel vasotocin derivatives having an inhibitory effect on uterine contractions, pharmaceutical compositions containing these derivatives, and the use thereof in the therapeutical treatment of excessive muscle contractions in the uterus and described. The derivatives differ from vasotocin in that the structure of the original hormone has been modified at positions 1, 2 and, optionally, 4 and/or 8. The vasotocin derivatives thus have the formula ##STR1## wherein Mpa is a 3-mercaptopropionoyl residue (--S--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CO--);A is the peptide residue of L- or D-tyrosine-O-ethyl ether (in other words, 4-ethoxy-L or D-phenyl alanine, i.e.

Abstract: New oxytocin derivatives having an inhibitory effect on uterine contractions, pharmaceutical compositions containing the oxytocin derivatives, and use of the derivatives in the production of medicines are described. The derivatives are 1-deamino-(2-O-alkyltyrosine)-oxytocin of the formula ##STR1## wherein Mpa is a 3-mercaptopropionyl residue and X is an alkyl group having 2-4 carbon atoms, preferably an ethyl group. Apart from their inhibitory effect on vasopressin and oxytocin induced uterine contractions, the new oxytocin derivatives are capable of inhibiting the spontaneous contraction pattern of the uterus.

Abstract: Antidiuretically effective vasopressin derivates of the formula ##STR1## in which Mep is a 2-mercaptopropionyl residue (--S--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO--), and A and B are glutamine (Gln) or asparagine (Asn) and A is Gln only when B is Gln and D-arginine is in position 8.A method for preparing the derivatives comprises the steps of gradually producing the amino acid sequenceMep(SH)--Tyr--Phe--A--B--Cys(SH)--Pro--D--Arg--Gly--NH.sub.2and thereafter oxidizing this amino acid sequence to the desired vasopressin derivative of the formula (I).