Abstract: Peptide or pseudopeptide decoys binding to antibodies capable of being developed against endogenous proteins within the framework of autoimmune pathologies or against exogenous proteins administered to patients, in particular within the framework of pathologies due to a deficiency in these proteins, the amino acid sequence of the peptide or pseudopeptide decoys differing from that of the epitopes recognized by the antibodies, for the preparation of medicaments intended for the prevention or treatment of the autoimmune pathologies, or for the prevention or treatment of the disorders linked to the appearance of antibodies directed against the exogenous proteins.

Abstract: Growth factor binding molecules having a plurality of peptide loops attached to a non-peptide organic scaffold, preferably having pseudo-six amino acid peptide loops with four amino acid sidechains. The growth factor binding molecules specifically bind various growth factors and are suitable for treating a subject having tumors or restinosis. In one embodiment a platelet-derived growth factor binding molecule is disclosed that is used to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis in solid tumors.

Abstract: Artificially synthesized antimicrobial peptide that does not occur naturally is provided by the present invention. The antimicrobial peptide includes one unit, two units or more units of amino acid sequence composed of the following 8 amino acid residues: (R or Q)-(L or F or I)—I—K-(L or F or I or V)-L-Y-Q; and/or, modified sequence composed of said sequence with partial modification.

Abstract: A method of controlling obesity by injecting bio-compatible bulking material into the pyloric sphincter area of the stomach. The injection of this material bulks the pyloric sphincter, retarding stomach emptying and producing a feeling of satiation in the patient. The method may be supplemental and augmented by inducing flaccid paralysis of the stomach by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscle tissue of the antrum or fundus of the stomach.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for converting cellulose in a lignocellulosic biomass. The method provides for a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein treatment of high lignin solids. The treatment enhances cellulase availability in cellulose conversion. Cellulase efficiencies are improved by the protein or polypeptide treatment. The treatment may be used in combination with steam explosion and acid prehydrolysis techniques. Hydrolysis yields from lignin containing biomass are enhanced 5-20%, and enzyme utilization is increased from 10% to 50%. Thus, a more efficient and economical method of processing lignin containing biomass materials utilizes a polypeptide/protein treatment step that effectively blocks lignin binding of cellulase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain biologically active peptides and conjugated peptides which can be used as therapeutics or prophylactics against diseases or conditions linked to B1 as the causative agent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention biologically active PEG-conjugated peptides are provided. In one aspect of the present invention, pharmacologically active PEG-conjugated peptides of the present invention are useful to treat inflammation or pain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic peptide comprising a sequence of amino acids containing at least a segment that is an analogue of a native peptide that specifically binds to HLA A0201 or HLA A0301 molecules on a cell characteristic of a pathophysiologic state in a mammal. The synthetic peptide may be derived from native peptides comprising a breakpoint region of the WT1 protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide represented by the formula: A1-Arg-A2-Cys-Tyr-A3-A4-X-A5-A6-Cit-Cys-A7??(I) (wherein A1 represents a hydrogen atom or an arginine, lysine, ornithine, citrulline, alanine residue, etc.; A2 represents an aromatic amino acid residue; A3, A4 and A6 represent an arginine, lysine, ornithine, citrulline or alanine residue, A5 represents a tyrosine, phenylalanine, alanine, naphthylalanine or citrulline residue; A7 represents a lysine or arginine residue in which a carboxyl group may be amidated; X represents a D-ornithyl-proline, prolyl-D-ornithine, D-lysyl-proline residue, etc.; provided that either of A1, A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7 is an alanine residue, etc., or X is citrulline, etc.) or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention comprises peptidyl analogs that possess agonist or antagonist ghrelin activity, along with therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are inhibitors of myosin light chain kinase, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the inhibitors and methods of use.

Abstract: A method and means of providing stromal repair and improved refractive correction by creating corneal stromal collagen tissue with fibril diameter and spacing that duplicates the optical transmission and diffusion characteristics of natural corneal collagen. The repair method includes implanting the collagen scaffold during laser corneal ablation or other interlamellar surgery to improve visual acuity or to preclude the possibility of ectasia.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polypeptide analogues of GLP-1 and exendin-4. The polypeptide, in a preferred embodiment, is insulinotropic and long-acting. Preferably, the polypeptide's insulinotropic effect is comparable to or exceeds the effect of an equimolar amount of GLP-1 or exendin-4. The invention also relates to a method of treating a subject with diabetes, comprising administering to the subject the polypeptide of the invention in an amount that has an insulinotropic effect. The invention also relates to methods of using GLP-1, exendin-4, and polypeptide analogues thereof for neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing or preventing mitochondrial permeability transitioning. The method comprises administering an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide having at least one net positive charge; a minimum of four amino acids; a maximum of about twenty amino acids; a relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges (pm) and the total number of amino acid residues (r) wherein 3pm is the largest number that is less than or equal to r+1; and a relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges (pt) wherein 2a is the largest number that is less than or equal to pt+1, except that when a is 1, pt may also be 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conformationally constrained parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogs, and methods of preparing and using the PTH analogs. The invention provides novel PTH polypeptide derivatives containing amino acid substitutions at selected positions in the polypeptides. The invention provides derivatives of PTH (1-34), PTH(1-21), PTH(1-20), PTH(1-19), PTH(1-18), PTH(1-17), PTH(1-16), PTH(1-15), PTH(1-14), PTH(1-13), PTH(1-12), PTH(1-11) and PTH(1-1 0) polypeptides, wherein at least one residue in each polypeptide is a helix, preferably an a-helix, stabilizing residue. The invention also provides methods of making such peptides. Further, the invention encompasses compositions and methods for use in limiting undesired bone loss in a vertebrate at risk of such bone loss, in treating conditions that are characterized by undesired bone loss or by the need for bone growth, e.g. in treating fractures or cartilage disorders and for raising cAMP levels in cells where deemed necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for synthesizing conformationally constrained peptides and cyclic peptidomimetics obtainable by these methods which are conformationally constrained due an internal cross-link. This cross-link is formed between the side chain of an amino acid residue or analog and a (2S, 4S)4-functionalized proline residue. The invention further relates to the use of (2S, 4S)-4-functionalized proline residues as building units in the synthesis of such peptidomimetics and to the use thereof as antigens, alone or in combination with suitable immunopotentiating delivery systems, for example immunopotentiating reconstituted influenza virosomes to elicit an immune response in a mammal. Moreover, the invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide nucleic acid (PNA) conjugates which can be used for treating diseases correlated with HIV, wherein the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) inhibits the gene expression of HIV. The conjugates comprise the following components: (a) a transport mediator for the cell membrane, (b) an address protein or peptide for the import into the cell nucleus, and (c) a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) which is to be transported and can be hybridized with an HIV gene and can inhibit the expression of the HIV gene.

Abstract: Good bioavailability of desmopressin can be obtained by means of an orodispersible pharmaceutical dosage form. Preferred dosage forms comprise desmopressin and an open matrix network which is an inert water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier material. Desmopressin formulated in this way is useful for voiding postponement, or the treatment or prevention of incontinence, primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), nocturia or central diabetes insipidus. Peptides other than desmopressin can also be formulated in this way.

Abstract: Compounds of the formulas LAn-Z-X—WwD and BZ-X—WwD wherein: D is a drug moiety; L is a ligand; B is a blocking group; A is an optional acyl unit; Z is an amino acid or a peptide; X is an aminobenzyl ether self-immolative spacer group; W is an optional second self-immolative group; n is an integer of 0 or 1; and w is an integer of 0 or 1, and compositions of said compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent and/or excipient, and methods of delivery the drug D via the compounds.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to compositions of novel antimicrobial peptides. The peptides of the present invention exhibit high antibacterial activity and low hemolytic activity. The invention further provides compositions comprising these antimicrobial peptides and methods of use thereof for killing, reducing the growth of, or preventing the growth of microorganisms. The invention also provides antimicrobial substrates and articles comprising the peptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A stabilized pharmaceutical composition in the form of a solution for parenteral administration of a parathyroid hormone is described wherein the therapeutically active ingredient is stabilized with a buffer and a polyol. Preferred preparations contain in an aqueous solution human PTH(1-34), mannitol, an acetate or tartrate buffering agent and m-cresol or benzyl alcohol as a preservative.