Abstract: Less toxic agents for reversal of heparin or low molecular weight heparin anticoagulation which are synthetic protamine-like polycationic peptides having a total cationic charge which is less than that of n-protamine. In preferred embodiments, arginine residues of n-protamine are replaced with lysine residues for ease of manufacture. Selective positively charged arginine residues have been replaced with an uncharged amino acid residue or its analog, such as glycine or glutamine, in order to reduce the total cationic charge on the polycationic peptide to the range of about [+14] to [+18], preferably [+16]. In specific embodiments, there are sequences of 29 amino acid residues wherein 4 to 5 clusters of 2 to 4 positively charged amino acids are separated by 2 to 6 neutral amino acids. The C-terminus and the N-terminus can be modified to mitigate against in vivo degradation by carboxypeptidases and aminopeptidases.

Abstract: This application discloses seven newly synthesized pentapeptide amides and our tetrapeptide amides. The synthesis utilized both naturally occurring and modified amino acids; the modified amino acids are constituents of the well known dolastatin 10 and dolastatin 15 which are structurally distinct peptides with excellent antineoplastic activity. These peptides were constructed by introducing a peptide bond between selected amino acids and modified amino acids and coupling the resulting di- and tri-peptides to obtain peptides having a high anticancer activity against a series of human cancer cell lines.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of diabetes and other insulin-requiring conditions by administering insulin and a calcitonin with or without amylin, and methods for treatment of hypoglycemic conditions by administering a calcitonin alone or in combination with glucagon and/or an amylin, and related compositions.

Abstract: There is disclosed an indole-containing peptide represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or formyl group; and X represents oxygen atom or sulfur atom,an ester thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: Retro-inverted tetrapeptides of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrogen atom or the side-chain of threonine; R.sub.1 is the side-chain of arginine, leucine or glutamine; and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or a metabolically perishable acyl group; with the proviso that when R.sub.1 is the side-chain of arginine, R cannot be the side-chain of threonine; diastereo-isomeric forms and pharmacologically acceptable salts, esters and amides thereof. These compounds are useful as immuno-stimulating agents.

Abstract: A therapeutic preparation for inhalation which comprises insulin and a substance which enhances the absorption of insulin in the lower respiratory tract, is provided in the form of a powder preparation suitable for inhalation.

Abstract: A polypeptide and analogues thereof inhibit cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). An anti-atherosclerosis composition comprises an anti-atherosclerosis effective amount of the polypeptide and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. An anti-atherosclerosis kit comprises in separate sterile containers at least one unit of the composition containing the polypeptide, one syringe and one needle. An antibody has specificity for the polypeptide of the invention, the baboon CETP 4 kD polypeptide inhibitor, the 1-36 amino acid N-terminal fragment of apo C-I, modified apo A-I (MW: 31 kD) or modified apo E (MW: 41 kD). A method of preventing atherosclerosis in a mammal being predisposed to that condition comprises administering to the mammal a prophylactically effective amount of the polypeptide of the invention, and a method of treating a mammal afflicted with atherosclerosis comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the polypeptide disclosed herein.

Abstract: Peptides which consist of 4-25 amino acids and which bind to tumor necrosis factor-alpha, prevent tumor necrosis factor-alpha from binding to its receptors and inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha activity are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha activity and of treating individuals suffering from tumor necrosis factor-alpha-mediated diseases and disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic proteins that can be used in in vitro sensing devices to detect the presence of physiologically active substances. The synthetic proteins are mimetic to native ion channels in mammalian systems. The invention also relates to a biosensor comprising a support assembly, a synthetic lipid bilayer containing the active channel protein. Lastly, the invention relates to the use of the biosensor disclosed in the application for the in vitro detection of physiologically active substances including antiseptics, antibiotics, neurotransmittors, and others.

Abstract: A luteinizing hormone releasing hormone antagonist peptide is provided which effectively decreases plasma levels of estrogens and androgens. The peptide exhibits increased levels of potency while at the same time minimizing histamine releasing properties, vascular permeability (or edematogenic effects), hypotension, poor water solubility an inadequate duration of action associated with luteinizing hormone releasing hormone antagonist peptides of the past.

Abstract: The present invention provides emulsions comprising a plurality of submicron particles, a bioactive peptide, and an aqueous continuous phase or that effect enhanced oral bioavailability of the peptide. Another aspect of the invention provides compositions and methods of administering peptides in an emulsion comprising a plurality of submicron particles, a mucoadhesive macromolecule, a bioactive peptide, and an aqueous continuous phase, which promotes absorption of the bioactive peptide through mucosal surfaces by achieving mucoadhesion of the emulsion particles. Mucous surfaces suitable for application of the emulsions of the present invention may include corneal, conjunctival, buccal, sublingual, nasal, vaginal, pulmonary, stomachic, intestinal, and rectal routes of administration.

Abstract: A polypeptide and analogues thereof inhibit cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). An anti-atherosclerosis composition comprises an anti-atherosclerosis effective amount of the polypeptide and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. An anti-atherosclerosis kit comprises in separate sterile containers at least one unit of the composition containing the polypeptide, one syringe and one needle. An antibody has specificity for the polypeptide of the invention, the baboon CETP 4kD polypeptide inhibitor, the 1-36 amino acid N-terminal fragment of apo C-I, modified apo A-I (MW:31kD) or modified apo E (MW:41kD). A method of preventing atherosclerosis in a mammal being predisposed to that condition comprises administering to the mammal a prophylactically effective amount of the polypeptide of the invention, and a method of treating a mammal afflicted with atherosclerosis comprises the administration of a therapeutically affective amount of the polypeptide disclosed herein.

Abstract: Glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide (GLP-1(7-37)) analogs and derivatives are disclosed. The analogs include amino acid substitutions, amino and carboxyl terminal modifications, and C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 acylations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated and purified peptide comprising the LDV domain of the CSI peptide sequence or single amino acid substitutent analog thereof. A preferred peptide has the amino acid residue sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs:8-14, 17-23, 25, 28, and 51. The present invention is further directed to a process of inhibiting the binding of .alpha..sub.4 .beta..sub.1 integrin to a protein such as VCAM-1 or fibronectin comprising exposing a cell that expresses .alpha..sub.4 .beta..sub.1 integrin to the protein in the presence of an effective inhibiting amount of such a peptide. The present invention is still further directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide of SEQ ID NO:8-102.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing or inhibiting wound contraction in a subject having a wound comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide or a polypeptide. The invention provides, for example, a method of reducing or inhibiting wound contraction comprising the administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide having more than three consecutive basic amino acids. The invention also provides a method of reducing or inhibiting wound contraction comprising the administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising decorin.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of diabetes and other insulin-requiring conditions by administering insulin and a calcitonin with or without amylin, and methods for treatment of hypoglycemic conditions by administering a calcitonin alone or in combination with glucagon and/or an amylin, and related compositions.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient in need of insulin treatment, including the steps of introducing into the lower respiratory tract of the patient an effective amount of a therapeutic preparation in the form of a dry powder containing (a) insulin and (b) an enhancer compound which enhances the absorption of insulin in the lungs of the patient.

Abstract: Polypeptides called receptor mediated permeabilizers (RMP) increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to molecules such as therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents. These receptor mediated permeabilizers are more efficacious than bradykinin in causing the blood-brain barrier to become more permeable. The permeabilizer A-7 or conformational analogues can be intravenously co-administered to a host together with molecules whose desired destination is the cerebrospinal fluid compartment of the brain. The permeabilizer A-7 or conformational analogues allow these molecules to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and arrive at this destination.

Abstract: New insulin derivatives, a process for their preparation and use, and a pharmaceutical formulation containing them are disclosed. The derivatives contain the basic amino acid arginine at the amino-terminal position of the insulin A-chain, and various amino acid substitutions at the carboxyl terminus of the insulin B-chain. The compounds are suitable for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, have a delayed profile of action and are very well tolerated.

Abstract: Muramyl peptide compounds which: (a) are non-pyrogenic; and/or (b) ameliorate endotoxin-induced weight loss and/or hypophagia; and/or (c) reduce TNF production; and/or (d) stimulate macrophage to produce endotoxin are useful, in the treatment of septic shock, cachexia and other life-threatening inflammatory conditions. Preferred compounds include N-acetyl-glucosaminyl-N-acetyl-muramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (GMDP) and N-acetyl-glucosaminyl-N-acetyl-muramyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamic acid (GMDP-A).