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: A stabilized pharmaceutical composition in lyophilized form comprising: a cyclic polypeptide compound represented by the general formula (I): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an acyl group and R2 and R3 are, the same or different, a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, or a salt thereof and the stabilizer.

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 present invention relates to compounds of formula I: where R5 is a sugar moiety. The compounds are useful in inhibiting fungal and parasitic activity and infections.

Abstract: A drug delivery system and methods are provided wherein a therapeutic/diagnostic agent or a component of the immune system is directed to particular cells in a selected organ or a specific site. Such a system can be formed by a photoselective compound generally described as V-M-P-C. V is a vector component suitable to target particular cells in a selected organ or site, where the type of the cell or antigen does not have to be specific to the desired treatment site. M is a marker component that is capable of being targeted by a therapeutic/diagnostic agent or a component of the immune system. P is a photocleavable or photosensitive bond, and C is a cap component rendering M ineffective. C is connected to M by the photocleavable or photosensitive bond. The photoselective compound is administered and marks targets of a certain kind of cell or a specific site.

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 NDR1 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana has been cloned and sequenced. NDR1 is necessary for plant defense mediated by numerous disease resistance gene products. Expression of NDR1 in transgenic plants confers resistance to a broad variety of plant pathogens.

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.