Abstract: A benzodiazepine derivative of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein (a) R.sup.1 is --CH.sub.2 CHOH(CH.sub.2).sub.a R.sup.4 or a ketone group --CH.sub.2 CO(CH.sub.2).sub.a R.sup.5 in which a is 0 or 1 and R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are selected from alkyl and cycloalkyl groups and saturated heterocyclic groups optionally substituted at a hetero-atom; (b) R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from aromatic carbocyclic and heterocylic residues; and (c) W and X are selected independently from halogen and hydrogen atoms and alkyl and alkoxy groups. These compounds are gastrin and/or CCK-B receptor antagonists.

Abstract: Peptides are provided which have improved duration of GnRH antagonistic properties. These antagonists may be used to regulate fertility and to treat steroid-dependent tumors and for other short-term and long-term treatment indications. These antagonists have a derivative of aminoPhe or its equivalent in the 5- and/or 6-positions. This derivative contains a carbamoyl group or a heterocycle including a urea in its side chain. Particularly effective decapeptides, which continue to exhibit very substantial suppression of LH secretion at 96 hours following injection, have the formulae: Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-D-3Pal-Ser-4Aph(hydroorotyl)-D-4Aph(acetyl)-Leu-Lys(isopr opyl)-Pro-D-Ala-NH.sub.2, and Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-D-3Pal-Ser-4Aph(hydroorotyl)-D-4Amf(Q.sub.2)-Leu-Lys(isop ropyl)-Pro-D-Ala-NH.sub.2, wherein Q.sub.2 is Cbm or MeCbm.

Abstract: Peptides are provided which have improved duration of GnRH antagonistic properties and/or which can be synthesized more economically. These antagonists may be used in the same manner as the compounds of which they are analogs to regulate fertility and to treat steroid-dependent tumors and for other short-term and long-term treatment indications. One particularly effective peptide, a decapeptide analog of the GnRH antagonist Acyline, has the formula: Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-D-Dpr(methylcarbamoyl)-Ser-4Aph(acetyl)-D-4Aph(acetyl)-Le u-Lys(isopropyl)-Pro-D-Ala-NH.sub.2. It continues to exhibit very substantial suppression of LH secretion at 96 hours following injection. Other economically attractive and pharmacologically effective analogs have the formulas: Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-Xaa.sub.3 -Ser-4Aph(acetyl)-D-4Aph(acetyl)-Leu-Lys(isopropyl)-Pro-D-Ala-NH.sub.2 ; and Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-Xaa.sub.3 -Ser-4Aph(hydroorotyl)-D-4Aph(acetyl)-Leu-Lys(isopropyl)-Pro-D-Ala-NH.sub. 2, wherein Xaa.sub.3 is D-Gln or Gln.

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: A composition for a foam and a process for preparing it are provided, the composition including by weight (a) more than 25% of an active ingredient in powder form; (b) from 1 to 20% of a surfactant; the balance being composed of water, wherein the powder of the active ingredient has a particle size below 20 .mu.m. Foams, notably for rectal administration, containing this composition with a propellant gas are also provided.