Abstract: The synthesis of peptides comprising disulphide bridges is challenging since it is difficult to ensure that the correct cysteine residues combine to form the desired disulphide bridges. The present invention describes novel protection techniques useful in the preparation of peptides. Described is a process for the deprotection of an Acm-, MBzl- and/or tBu-protected thiol which comprises reacting said protected thiol with an acid in the presence of an oxidising agent at a temperature sufficient to effect deprotection and generation of disulphide bonds.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a family of cyclic peptide monomers and supramolecular cyclic peptide structures comprising chromophore residues which possess electronic and electro-optic properties for producing molecular scale electronic and photonic devices made from such materials. More particularly, this invention provides for cyclic peptide nanotube structures formed from a plurality of stacked cyclic peptides comprising chromophore residues that provide molecular scale electronic conductivity and non linear optical behavior. The stackable cyclic peptide is represented by the general formula where R1 is H, CH3 or alkyl; where at least one R2 is a chromophore; where R3 is H, CH3 or a polar or non-polar organic functional group used for controlling peptide stacking and solubility; where n equals 1 or 2; where m equals 4 or 6; and where a first adjacent amino acid residue has an ?-carbon chirality of L and a second adjacent amino acid residue has an ?-carbon chirality of D.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prevention and treatment for dermatological disorders. One aspect of this invention involves a dermatological treatment comprising one or more polypeptides with an amino acid sequence including KPV (SEQ. ID. NO. 1), MEHFRWGKPV (SEQ. ID. NO. 2), HFRWGKPV (SEQ. ID. NO. 3), or SYSMEHFRWGKPV (SEQ. ID. NO. 4) for the treatment and prevention of dermatological disorders. The polypeptides are at a level to effectively treat the cutaneous inflammation and are carried by a carrier. The one or more polypeptides can also be a dimer formed from any of the amino acid sequence above.

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: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel genes encoding an angiotensin converting enzyme, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2). The invention provides therapeutics, prognostic and diagnostics methods for treating blood pressure related disorders as well as various types of allergic conditions, among others. Also disclosed are screening assays for identifying compounds for treating and preventing these conditions.

Abstract: Genes are disclosed that are differentially-regulated during feeding and fasting cycles. These genes, and their encoded polypeptides are useful to combat obesity and other metabolic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying a calcium ion-binding protein by cation exchange chromatography. The present invention provide a method for isolating and purifying a calcium ion-binding protein in a simple and efficient manner from a liquid sample containing a calcium ion-binding protein and contaminants without any pretreatment such as addition of a chelating agent. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for purifying a calcium ion-binding protein which comprises contacting said protein with a cation exchange carrier in the presence of calcium ions to let the said protein be adsorbed to the carrier, and after washing, eluting said protein, and to a calcium ion-binding protein having substantially no contaminants obtained by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating diabetic cardiomyopathy, the methods comprising administering to a patient having or at risk of having diabetic cardiomyopathy a therapeutically effective amount of a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for treating retinopathy containing a tricyclo compound of formula (I)

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of hydrolyzing a protein (or peptide) by treating a protein (or peptide)-containing sample with a laser and associated apparatus for effectuating the hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilized insulin composition comprising a mixture of insulin species such as insulin and an insulin analog. As disclosed herein, insulin compositions comprising a mixture of insulin and insulin analog species form heterodimeric complexes having a greater stability than the homodimeric complexes formed in compositions comprising single insulin species. Consequently, the present invention provides methods for stabilizing insulin molecules, methods for identifying stable heterodimeric insulin complexes and stabilized insulin compositions.

Abstract: A method of achieving safe and effective treatment or prevention of potentially harmful blood clots, or in inhibiting the coagulation of blood when so desired such as during a wide array of disease conditions including stroke, myocardial infarction, sickle-cell crisis and venous thrombosis, is provided by the administration of a fibrinogen-binding protein capable of binding at the N-terminal B&bgr; chain of fibrinogen, such as SdrG or Fbe, or their respective binding regions such as the A domain. In addition, compositions comprising effective amounts of the fibrinogen-binding proteins are also provided. The present anti-coagulation compositions have been shown to inhibit thrombin-induced fibrin clot formation by interfering with the release of fibrinopeptide B and the resulting anti-coagulation effects can be achieved without potential for causing or exacerbating unwanted side effects such as thrombocytopenia associated with prior art anticoagulants such as heparin.

Abstract: A new use of immunosuppressant for treating or preventing MMp-medicated diseases is provided. The preferred immunosuppresants are tacrolimus, cyclosporing A or 33-epi-chloro-33-desoxyascomycin (pimecrolimus). Particularly, preferable MMP-mediated diseases are the diseases or conditions caused by gelatinase and/or collagenase, and/or inflammatory diseases concerned with gelatinase; such as arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) cerebral diseases (e.g., stroke, etc.), tissue ulceration (e.g., corneal, epidermal and gastriculceration, etc.), abnormal wound healing, periodontal diseases, bone diseases (e.g., Paget's diseases, osteoporosis. etc.), tumor growth, tumor metastasis or invasion, HIV-infection, decubitus, decubitis ulcer, restenosis, epidermolysis bullosa, sepsis, septic shock, neoplasm, psoriasis, neovascularization and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for identifying novel conformers of proteins not known to exist as different conformers. By using chimeric genes replacing a native signal sequence with a different signal sequence resulting in the production of a conformer, one can compare the native protein with the product of the chimeric gene. Where the conformations are different, the different protein may be used for production of antibodies, elucidation of mechanisms associated with the native and different conformer protein, assays for the presence of the different conformer in physiological samples, identification of compounds specifically binding to the conformer, particularly drugs, etc. Where the formation of the conformer is associated with a diseased state, the conformer may be used in screens to identify compounds as drug candidates.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: Modified BDNF having improved pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics and physical properties can be obtained by modifying BDNF with a 1-acyl-glycerol derivative. This BDNF being modified with a 1-acyl-glycerol derivative of the present invention has more efficacious and more excellent pharmacokinetic properties with retaining the useful effects being characteristic to BDNF which are useful as remedies for neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes mellitus, and hence, it is particularly useful as a therapeutic agent for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: This invention relates to stabilized formulations comprising a glycopeptide antibiotic immobilized on carrier particles, and more particularly stabilized vancomycin bidentate conjugate formulations for assaying the concentration of vancomycin in a test sample. The invention also relates to assay formats that utilize such stabilized formulations. The invention further provides a test kit for detecting the presence of vancomycin in a test sample, wherein the test kit includes a stabilized vancomycin conjugate formulation. The invention further provides a novel rate enhancer for immunoassays for enhancing the rate of binding of an anti-analyte antibody to the analyte.

Abstract: Secretin and secretin compositions are used for the treatment of autism and other neurological, behavioral and immunological disorders. The method includes administering an effective amount of secretin, such as Secretin-Ferring, to a patient. In one example, 2 clinical units (CU) of Secretin-Ferring was dissolved in a 7.5 ml solution of sodium chloride and was intravenously injected over 1 minute. In another example, secretin was administered transdermally by applying dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the patients skin and rubbing about 15 CU of Secretin-Ferring into the DMSO. Other methods and compositions for administering the effective amount of secretin include other transdermal carrier substances, such as gels, lotions, or patches; oral carriers, such as tablets, capsules, or lozenges; inhalation through the nose or mouth (e.g., as an aerosol); suppository forms of secretin and secretin compositions; and using acoustic waves to cause the secretin to penetrate the skin.

Abstract: A method for oral administration of an active principle includes the steps of incorporating an active principle in multilamellar vesicles having a diameter of between 0.1 and 25 &mgr;m, and a lamellar liquid-crystal internal structure formed, from the center to the periphery of the vesicles, of a stack of concentric bilayers based on amphiphilic agents alternating with layers of water, aqueous solution or solution of a polar liquid, and orally administering a composition containing the active principle incorporated within the vesicles.