Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition which is used to enhance the elasticity and/or appearance of tissue. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a composition formulated from peptides or peptide-like compounds having low molecular weights and which substantially correspond to sequences found in elastin. The present composition specifically includes chemical modification of the peptides described herein, specifically carboxy and amino modification including the addition of amino acids to either end of the peptide fragments.

Abstract: Several cyclic decapeptides having antibiotic activity are disclosed. The decapeptides are active against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Abstract: A method for producing peptide salts, including reacting an acid addition salt of a basic starting peptide in the presence of a diluent in a mixed bed ion exchanger, with a mixture of an acid and a basic ion exchanger during the formation of a free basic peptide, and then separating the ion exchanger and then the free basic peptide, with an inorganic or organic acid, and then forming the desired acid addition salt of the peptide, and removing the diluent.

Abstract: A method for controlling organisms which comprises growing, decreasing, activating or inactivating cells, bacteria, viruses or fungi at an N-surface or a P-surface of a ceramic which is formed by treating the ceramic by polarization; and a material for controlling organisms, a method for selective adsorption of proteins, a material for selective adsorption of proteins, a cement material for filling bones and dental applications and a biomaterial, in which the ceramic treated by polarization is utilized. By utilizing difference in properties among surfaces of the ceramic treated by polarization, growth, decrease, activation or inactivation of organisms such as cells, bacteria, viruses or fungi can be controlled. Therefore, the above methods and materials are useful in the medical, dental and biochemical areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for prevention and treatment of bone-related or nutrition-related disorders using a GLP molecule or GLP activator either alone or in combination with another therapeutic. The present invention also encompasses methods of diagnosing or monitoring the progression of a disorder. The invention also encompasses methods of monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of the 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, by first mixing a starting material containing the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound with a first polymeric material, water and at least one of a second polymeric material and a surfactant, wherein the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material and/or surfactant are immiscible in the resulting primary aqueous solution. The process further comprises maintaining the primary aqueous solution for a period of time sufficient for essentially separating the phases formed, and then removing the phase containing the main portion of the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound and the second polymeric material and/or surfactant. The second polymeric material and/or surfactant are separated from the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, and subsequently recycled to the initial mixing step.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for promoting internalization and degradation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator.

Abstract: Methods to inhibit hot flashes or gynaecomastia in a subject are provided. In the methods of the invention, an LHRH antagonist is administered to a subject in need of treatment for hot flashes or gynaecomastia such that hot flashes or gynaecomastia are inhibited in the subject. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method for inhibiting menopause-related hot flashes in which an LHRH antagonist is administered to a subject in need of treatment for menopause-related hot flashes such that the hot flashes are inhibited in the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical preparation which consists of or contains cyclosporin A, an emulsifying &agr;-tocopherol derivative, an ethoxylation product of vegetable oils, fatty acids or fats as a further emulsifier and a pharmaceutically customary alcohol.

Abstract: The activation of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) depends on the binding of its neuronal specific activator Nck5a. The minimal activation domain of Nck5a has been experimentally determine comprise acid residues 150 to 291 of the protein. It has been demonstrated that a 28 residue peptide encompassing amino acid residues Ala 146 to Asp 173 of Nck5a is capable of binding Cdk5 and hence resulting in the inhibition of its Kinase activity. Additionally, this peptide could also inhibit Cdk2 with a similar potency as it does to Cdk5. The direct competition experiments showed that the Nck5a inhibitory peptide does not compete with Nck5a for Cdk5 or cyclin A for Cdk2. Steady state kinetic analysis indicated that the Nck5a peptide acts as a non-competitive inhibitor of Cdk5/Nck5a complex with respect to its substrate.

Abstract: A composition in unit dosage form for the inhibition, prevention or treatment of inflammatory bowel disease comprising an effective amount of a compound having the formula: and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of peptide amides of formula (I) and phenylamino-oxoacetic acid derivatives of formula (II) as well as the salts of the above compounds as active substances for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions possessing neurogenic and non-neurogenic antiinflammatory as well as analgetic effects.

Abstract: The invention provides a peptide capable of blocking voltage-gated K+ channels and inhibiting IL-2 production, which is represented by an amino acid sequence of: Ala-Ser-Cys-Arg-Thr-Pro-Lys-Asp-Cys-Ala-Asp-Pro-Cys-Arg-Lys-Glu-Thr-Gly-Cys-Pro-Tyr-Gly-Lys-Cys-Met-Asn-Arg-Lys-Cys-Lys-Cys-Asn-Arg-Cys; in which the C-terminal is amidated and four disulfide bridges are present in the molecule, and their related peptides isolated from the venom gland of a scorpion Heterometrus spinnifer. The peptides provided by the present invention are neuropeptides which can block voltage-gated K+ channels and inhibit IL-2 production at an extremely low concentration and, therefore, are expected to contribute to application of scorpion toxins to medicines and so on.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a patient suffering from a disease, disorder or condition and associated pain include the administration to the patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin selected from a group consisting of Botulinum toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nitric monoxide metabolite-polyoxyalkylene-hemoglobin complex having a molecular weight of from 100,000 to 2,000,000 daltons, in which a polyoxyalkylene derivative is bound to from 10 to 30% in total of bindable amino groups in hemoglobin and a nitric monoxide metabolite is bound to from 10 to 100% in total of thiol groups of cysteine residues.

Abstract: Methods for modulating amyloid deposition in a subject are described. An effective amount of at least one ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter blocker is administered to a subject, such that modulation of amyloid deposition occurs. Methods also include administering and effective amount of at least one ABC transporter blocker, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a subject such that a disease state associated with amyloidosis is treated. Packaged pharmaceutical compositions for treating amyloidosis are described. The package includes a container for holding an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition and instructions for using the pharmaceutical composition for treatment of amyloidosis. The pharmaceutical composition includes at least one ABC blocker for modulating amyloid deposition in a subject. Methods for identifying agents which modulate amyloid deposition in a subject are also described.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a patient suffering from a disease, disorder or condition and associated pain include the administration to the patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin selected from a group consisting of Botulinum toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

Abstract: L-Lys-L-Glu dipeptide is proposed for use in medicine for preparation of a drug capable of stimulating repair processes. According to the invention, the pharmaceutical peptide preparation capable of stimulating regeneration consists of pharmaceutically admissible carrier and effective quantity of dipeptide as an active part, which is a combination of, L-lysil-L-glutamic acid or its salts. The pharmaceutical peptide preparation is proposed for parenteral, intranasal oral and local application. According to the invention, the method stimulating regeneration consists of prophylactic and/or treatment injections of the drug in the dose of 0.01-100 &mgr;kg per per 1 kg of weight, at least once a day during a period necessary for obtaining a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing polycarbonate by melt-polycondensing bisphenol and carbonic acid diester uses as catalyst an alkali metal compound and/or alkaline earth metal compound (a). The catalyst is added to the bisphenol prior to the melt polycondensation, in an effective amount, i.e., the amount of alkali metal compound and/or alkaline earth metal compound (a) that acts effectively as a catalyst, is contained in said bisphenol, and is controlled to have the same catalytic activity as 1×10−8 to 1×10−6 mole of bisphenol disodium salt per mole of pure bisphenol A. The method conducts the reaction efficiently from the initial stage in a stable manner to obtain polycarbonate with good color, good heat stability and color stability during molding and the like.