Abstract: Prodrug compounds of unstable inhibitors of the serine peptidase dipeptidyl peptidase IV, are used in the treatment of various disorders, especially of metabolic disorders. The Prodrug compounds can be used in the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance, glucosuria, hyperlipidaemia, metabolic acidoses, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel and useful Ligand comprising a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO.:6, an analog, a derivative, or a variant thereof, which increases the absorption of biological agents across the blood brain barrier and the gastrointestinal barrier. As a result, a Ligand of the present invention increases the bioavailability of biological agents administered orally.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides which contain N-methylated amino acid units and have improved water solubility. Medicaments in which the peptides according to the invention are contained can be used for the treatment of hormone-dependent tumours and hormone-influenced non-malignant disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of peptides and other small molecules (i.e. peptide mimetics) as pharmaceutical and/or therapeutic agents, and to methods for identification and design of peptides and peptide mimetics having desired functional activities. Specifically, peptides and other small molecules derived from regions of interacting intracellular signaling proteins are provided. More specifically, peptides and other small molecules derived from regions of the G&bgr; subunit of heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins are provided. Such molecules include specific agonists and antagonists of G&bgr; downstream effectors, including adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C. Such molecules are targeted to predicted regions of interaction between intracellular signaling proteins and tested for activity in functional assays using methods of the invention.