Abstract: Cyclic peptides and compositions comprising such cyclic peptides are provided. The cyclic peptides comprise a cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV. Methods for using such peptides and compositions for modulating cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula where R5 is a sugar moiety. The compounds are useful in inhibiting fungal and parasitic activity and infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to analogues of human parathyroid hormoneh(PTH) which have increased activities in bone restoration, and increased bioavailablities. The analogues described are either single cyclic (1-28) or (1-29) analogues, or double cyclic (1-28) to (1-31) analogues. The single cyclic analogues are cyclised between amino acid pairs R22 and R26. The double cyclic analogues are cyclised between amino acid pairs 13 and 17, and 22 and 26. Various substitutions of the natural residues for other amino acids are also described. For example, the natural Lys27 residue may be substituted by Leu. Typically, these novel analogues have enhanced abilities to stimulate adenyl cyclase activity in rat osteosarcoma cells, and show increased activities in bone restoration using the ovariectomized rat model.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses novel peptides that are agonists to somatostatin and the use of the agonists for treatment of cancer. The invention particularly relates to the design and synthesis of novel analogs of somatostatin incorporating &agr;, &agr;-dialkylated amino acids in a site specific manner. The invention encompasses methods for the generation of these peptides, compositions containing the peptides and the pharmacological applications of these peptides especially in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting neurologic therapeutic agents to the brain by means of the olfactory neural pathway and a pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment of brain disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tetrapeptide derivatives of the formula X—NH—CHR1—C(W1)—NR2—CH[CH2C(O)—Y]—C(W2)—NH—CH[CR3(R4)—COOH]—C(W3)—NH—CHR5—Z wherein X is a terminal group, for example, alkanoyl or phenylalkanoyl radicals, R1 and R5 are selected from amino acid or derived amino acid residues, R2 is hydrogen, alkyl or phenylalkyl, R3 and R4 are hydrogen or alkyl or R3 and R4 are joined to form a cycloalkyl, W1, W2and W3 are oxo or thioxo, Y is, for example, an alkoxy or a monosubstituted or disubstituted amino, and Z is a terminal unit, for example, hydrogen, COOH or CH2OH. The derivatives are useful for treating herpes infections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a series of complementary peptides for the pro-gly-pro sequence as antagonists of polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemoattractants. Also provided are applications of such peptides for treating alkali-injuried eyes and other types of diseases.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit occludin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used to increase vasopermeability. The modulating agents comprise at least one occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel tissue adhesive technology comprising a combination of ultrasonically treated proteins including collagen and albumin which form a viscous material that develops adhesive properties when chemically cross-linked. A novel new cross-linking agent with surprisingly stable properties was developed in association with the tissue adhesive described and claimed herein and is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. This new cross-linking agent is a product of reacting glutaraldehyde with amino acids or peptides and allowing the reaction to proceed to completion. This chemical cross-linker is mixed with the ultrasonically treated proteins, allowed to react for a pre-determined time, then used to seal large surface areas of vigorously bleeding tissues including, but not limited to, the liver, lungs and major vascular systems in patients with and without bleeding disorders. This same tissue adhesive has proven to work well in sealing suture sites to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A linear (i.e., non-cyclic) analog of biologically active amphibian bombesin, mammalian gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), or mammalian growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), having an active site and a binding site responsible for the binding of the peptide to a receptor on a target cell. Cleavage of a peptide bond in the active site of naturally occurring bombesin, GRP, or GRF is unnecessary for in vivo biological activity. The analog has one of the following modifications: (a) a deletion of an amino acid residue within the active site and a modification of an amino acid residue outside of the active site, (b) a replacement of two amino acid residues within the active site with a synthetic amino acid, a &bgr;-amino acid, or a &ggr;-amino acid residue, or (c) a non-peptide bond instead of a peptide bond between an amino acid residue of the active site and an adjacent amino acid residue.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing calpain inhibitors and methods of using these calpain inhibitors to prevent or ameliorate ocular neural tissue disease or damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heart homing peptide that contains the amino acid sequence GGGVFWQ (SEQ ID NO: 2); HGRVRPH (SEQ ID NO: 3); VVLVTSS (SEQ ID NO: 4); CLHRGNSC (SEQ ID NO: 9); or CRSWNKADNRSC (SEQ ID NO: 10) and further provides conjugates in which a heart homing peptide is linked to a moiety such as a therapeutic agent. The conjugates of the invention are useful for treating cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of staphylococcal infections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for treating systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), intensive care requiring conditions, viral diseases, Colitis ulcerosa, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, infectious hospital polyresistance conditions of viral and bacterial sources (infections hospitalismus), bronchial asthma, kidney and urethral infections, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis Sudeck, acute and chronic inflammations, venal and arterial inflammations, acute and chronic exhaustion conditions, tumors, muscle shrinkage diseases, hemorrhoids, chemically induced heart diseases, hypertonia, aging phenomena, acute and chronic pain conditions, spastics, polyneuropathies, prostate neoplasms, hair loss, impotence, neurodermitis, cervical syndrome, tissue traumas, and amyotropic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), which comprises administering to a patient in need therefor an effective amount of Paravac composition which can suitab

Abstract: A strain of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan (SAR-55) implicated in an epidemic of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis, now called hepatitis E, is disclosed. The invention relates to the expression of the whole structural region of SAR-55, designated open reading frame 2 (ORF-2), in a eukaryotic expression system. The expressed protein is capable of forming HEV virus-like particles which can serve as an antigen in diagnostic immunoassays and as an immunogen or vaccine to protect against infection by hepatitis E.

Abstract: Psoriasis may be treated by topical administration of a urokinase inhibitor, such as PAI-2, or a combination of protease inhibitors, such as PAI-2 with other serine protease inhibitors and/or with protease inhibitors such as inhibitors of metalloproteinases, acid proteases, and thiol proteases.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicament excipient particles which are suitable for tissue-specific application of a medicament, especially to the central nervous system (CNS). The invention particles can be loaded with or be free pf the active substance. At least one detection protein is bonded to the particle surface or alternatively, the particle surface is modified in such a way that a detection protein bonds with it on contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified tandem LHRH-peptide vaccine preparation in which the amino acid glycine at position (6) of one or both LHRH decapeptides that constitute the tandem unit is substituted by a dextrorotatory amino acid that contains a side chain to which a carrier compound can be coupled. In addition, the tandem LHRH-peptide can be brought into a tandem-dimer form which is also suitable for producing a vaccine that is effective against LHRH (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone) also referred to as GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), for immunological castration, to inhibit or affect reproductive functions or to affect behaviour in vertebrates in general and in domesticated animals and man in particular.

Abstract: Individuals in need of treatment of ischemia-related reperfusion are treated, preferably intravenously, with a composition which includes a compound which binds to a receptor for the glucagon-like peptide-1. The invention relates to both the method and compositions for such treatment.