Abstract: A method for treating acute or chronic pancreatitis in a subject comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an ACE2 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing 2-[1-(S)-carboxy-2(S)-[3-(3,5-dichloro-benzyl)-3H-imidazol-4-yl]-ethylamino]-4-methyl-pentanoic acid, as well as novel salts, including hydrates and solvates thereof, and novel crystalline and amorphous forms thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract, for example inflammatory bowel disease, in a subject comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of (S,S)-2- [1-carboxy-2-[3-(3,5-dichlorobenzyl)-3H-imidazol-4-yl]-ethylamino]-4-methylpentanoic acid and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds and methods for treating melanocortin receptor associated disorders, such as weight loss disorders including cachexia resulting from cancer and other chronic illnesses. The compounds are represented by formula I: wherein X is oxygen or sulfur; G is G1 or G2: L1, L2, L3 and Q are linker groups, and Rings A, B and C, and R1-R14 are described in the specification. The compounds are antagonists of melanocortin receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating multiple sclerosis (MS), or excluding MS as a diagnosis for a patient The method comprises determining a gene expression profile for a sample from such a patient. The gene expression profile, which contains gene expression values for a plurality of genes that are differentially expressed in white blood cells of MS patients, is compared to an MS-profile and/or a non-MS profile, and classified. The invention also provides a method for monitoring treatment of an MS patient Pre-treatment and post-treatment gene expression profiles contain gene expression values for a plurality of genes that are differentially expressed upon treatment of MS patients. The expression profiles may then be compared, to identify differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment gene expression. These differences are indicative of the patient's response to treatment The invention further provides kits and systems for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for treating an inflammatory condition or immune disorder comprises administering to a subject having such a condition or disorder a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from irindalone, physiologically active enantiomers thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention further provides a method for elevating levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-13 while inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A pharmaceutical composition, useful for example in topical treatment of psoriasis, comprises a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from irindalone, physiologically active enantiomers thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in a vehicle comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, the vehicle being adapted for topical administration to skin of a subject.

Abstract: A method for selecting a breast cancer patient for therapy with an agent that reduces production of angiotensin II, for example an ACE inhibitor or renin inhibitor, comprises (a) determining whether the cancer comprises a tumor that is estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and (b) selecting the patient for such therapy only if the cancer is determined to comprise an ER+ tumor. A method for treating breast cancer in a patient further comprises (c) administering to the patient, if so selected, an agent that reduces production of angiotensin II, for example an ACE inhibitor or renin inhibitor. A method for treating a breast tumor in a patient having SERM-resistant ER+ breast cancer comprises administering to the patient an agent that reduces production of angiotensin II, for example an ACE inhibitor or renin inhibitor.

Abstract: Five novel DNA and protein sequences have been determined for the BRCA2 gene, as have been ten polymorphic sites and their rates of occurrence in the normal alleles of BRCA2. The sequences BRCA2(omi 1-5) and the ten polymorphic sites will provide greater accuracy and reliability for genetic testing. One skilled in the art will be better able to avoid misinterpretations of changes in the gene and/or protein sequence, determine the presence of a normal sequence, and of mutations of BRCA2. This invention is also related to a method of performing gene therapy with BRCA2(omi 1-5) coding sequences or fragments thereof. This invention is further related to protein therapy with BRCA2(omi 1-5) proteins or their functional equivalents.

Abstract: Five novel DNA and protein sequences have been determined for the BRCA2 gene, as have been ten polymorphic sites and their rates of occurrence in the normal alleles of BRCA2. The sequences BRCA2(omi 1-5) and the ten polymorphic sites will provide greater accuracy and reliability for genetic testing. One skilled in the art will be better able to avoid misinterpretations of changes in the gene and/or protein sequence, determine the presence of a normal sequence, and of mutations of BRCA2. This invention is also related to a method of performing gene therapy with BRCA2(omi 1-5) coding sequences or fragments thereof. This invention is further related to protein therapy with BRCA2(omi 1-5) proteins or their functional equivalents.

Abstract: A method for treating a solid tumor in a subject comprises administering to the subject an ACAT inhibitory compound or a prodrug thereof, for example avasimibe, wherein (a) the solid tumor is at least about 2 mm in diameter and (b) the compound or prodrug thereof is administered in an amount that is therapeutically effective, but ineffective to cause unacceptable toxicity to normoxic tissues.

Abstract: A method for treating acute or chronic pancreatitis in a subject comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an ACE2 inhibitor.

Abstract: A method for selecting a female breast cancer patient for AT1 receptor antagonist therapy comprises (a) determining whether the cancer comprises a tumor that is ER+ and/or PR+; and (b) selecting the patient for AT1 receptor antagonist therapy only if the cancer is determined to comprise an ER+ and/or PR+ tumor. A method for treating breast cancer in a female patient further comprises (c) administering to the patient, if so selected, an AT1 receptor antagonist according to a regimen effective to reduce growth, invasiveness and/or metastasis of the tumor.

Abstract: Provided are MC4-R binding compounds of the formula XVII: wherein L2 is a linker group, and P1, P2, P3, P4, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, t, s, and R are as described in the specification. Methods of using the compounds to treat MC4-R associated disorders, such as disorders associated with weight loss, are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are MC4-R binding compounds of the formula XVII: wherein L2 is a linker group, and P1, P2, P3, P4, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, t, s, and R are as described in the specification. Methods of using the compounds to treat MC4-R associated disorders, such as disorders associated with weight loss, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds and methods for treating melanocortin receptor associated disorders, such as weight loss disorders including cachexia resulting from cancer and other chronic illnesses. The compounds are represented by formula I: wherein X is oxygen or sulfur; G is G1 or G2: L1, L2, L3 and Q are linker groups, and Rings A, B and C, and R1-R14 are described in the specification. The compounds are antagonists of melanocortin receptors.