Abstract: The present invention relates to combination therapy using a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide which is an antagonist of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and a chemotherapeutic agent. Methods of using the pharmaceutical composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: New types of hydroxamic acid-based bifunctional chelators are provided. These chelators are designed to chelate metal ions that can be detected either by their paramagnetic or radioactive properties. Conjugation with peptides or protein can be achieved by the presence of a linker moiety in the molecular structure of these chelators.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the chemosensitivity of a tumor to an anti-tumor agent in vivo is provided. The method comprises extracting a portion of a tumor from a human host and inserting the portion of the tumor into an immunodeficient mouse. The tumor portion is permitted to grow to a minimum preselected size to form a test tumor. An amount of an anti-tumor agent is administered to the immunodeficient mouse sufficient to determine whether the anti-tumor agent is effective in treating the test tumor. The anti-tumor activity of the anti-tumor agent on the test tumor is assessed.

Abstract: A pigmented cosmetic composition comprising at least one silicone compatible organic oil and at least two silicones selected from the group consisting of: (A) Da (B) MDbD′cD″dM (C) MeTf (D) MgQh wherein a is 3-6 b is 1-1,000,000, preferably 1-50,000, more preferably 1-5,000 c is 0-1,000,000, preferably 0-50,000, more preferably 0-5,000 d is 0-1,000,000, preferably 0-50,000, more preferably 0-5,000 e is 1-1,000 f is 1-1,000 g is 1-1,000; and h is 1-1,000.

Abstract: A compound useful for in vivo imaging of organs and tumors is provided of formula: wherein is a cobalamin, is derived from a corrin carboxylic acid group of said cobalamin, Y is a linking group and X is a chelating group, optionally comprising a detectable radionuclide or a paramagnetic metal ion, and n is 1-3.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition of matter of the formula (I): V—L—R, where V is a vector moiety having affinity for an angiogenesis-related endothelias cell receptor, L is a linker moiety or a bond and R is a detectable moiety, characterized in that V is a non-peptidic organic group, or V is peptidic and R is a macromolecular or particulate species providing a multiplicity of labels detectable in in vivo imaging.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide in vivo analytical methods that allow for diagnosis and management of therapy for diseases involving discrete biochemical pathways. In the method of the invention, a labelled tracer probe, a specifically designed substrate of a “gateway” enzyme, an enzyme marking a regulatory point in a discrete biochemical pathway, is administered to a subject; a labelled product of the action of the enzyme is measured; and the appearance and concentration of the product are related to the disease condition of interest. Determination of the rate of substrate-product conversion of the gateway enzyme allows for the analysis to be made. The method involves administering a defined amount of a labelled “metaprobe” substrate of the gateway enzyme to a subject, at a site that provides access to a desired pool of the gateway enzyme in the subject, and measuring the amount of the chosen labelled product.

Abstract: A compound for use as a diagnostic or therapeutic pharmaceutical and method of using the same where the compound consists essentially of an alpha-melanotropin stimulating hormone analog which has integrally located a radionuclide. The radionuclide is administered to the body in an amount sufficient to allow uptake and retention by the tumor cells.

Abstract: An endoscopic stain is provided that includes a carbon pigment and a suspending/viscosity-increasing agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle, wherein the carbon pigment has a total level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) of not greater than 0.5 ppm. Methods of staining an internal site utilizing the stain of the invention and kits that include the stain of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Described is a sebum removing method which comprises applying a liquid composition to the skin and holding a water absorptive or oil absorptive material against the surface of the applied skin to remove sebum together with the liquid composition. According to this method, sebum can be removed from the skin effectively and selectively without removing makeup from the made-up face.

Abstract: A method for preventing and treating ALS by administering a phytoestrogen, preferably genistein.

Abstract: An intramolecularly-quenched, near infrared fluorescence probe that emits substantial fluorescence only after interaction with a target tissue (i.e., activation) is disclosed. The probe includes a polymeric backbone and a plurality of near infrared fluorochromes covalently linked to the backbone at fluorescence-quenching interaction-permissive positions separable by enzymatic cleavage at fluorescence activation sites. The probe optionally includes protective chains or fluorochrome spacers, or both. Also disclosed are methods of using the intramolecularly-quenched, near infrared fluorescence probes for in vivo optical imaging.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for medical imaging, evaluating intracellular processes and components, radiotherapy of intracellular targets, and drug delivery by the use of novel cell membrane-permeant peptide conjugate coordination and covalent complexes having target cell specificity are provided. Kits for conjugating radionuclides and other metals to peptide coordination complexes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vivo methods for detection of vulnerable plaque in a subject in need thereof. In the invention method the subject is administered a diagnostic amount of a biologically compatible detectable lipid-avid agent, the detectable lipid-avid agent is allowed to penetrate arterial walls and attach to any lipid accumulations of oxidized LDL-cholesterol in arterial walls in the wall of an artery; unbound detectable lipid-avid agent is allowed to clear from the body by natural processes, and the presence of the detectable lipid-avid agent attached to the lipid accumulation in the wall of the artery is detected. Detection of bound lipid-avid agent indicates the presence of a vulnerable plaque and predicts a heightened risk of lethal heart attack or thrombus. The detectable lipid-avid agent is selected for its ability to penetrate arterial walls and bind with oxidized LDL-cholesterol in the lipid accumulation in a vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: Cascade polymers, containing complex-forming ligands, optionally at least five ions of an element of atomic numbers 21-29, 39, 42, 44 or 57-83, as well as, if desired, cations of inorganic and/or organic bases, amino acids or amino acid amides, are valuable complexing compounds and complexes for diagnostics and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to iron-containing nanoparticles having a modular structure, their production, and their use for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The nanoparticles according to the invention are characterized in that they consist of an iron-containing core, a primary coat (synthesis polymer), and a secondary coat (targeting polymer) and, optionally, of pharmaceutic adjuvants, pharmaceuticals, and/or adsorption mediators/enhancers.

Abstract: The invention features a method for treating obesity in a patient by administering to the patient a polymer that has been substituted with one or more groups that inhibit lipases, which are enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of fat. The invention further relates to the polymers employed in the methods described herein as well as novel intermediates and methods for preparing the polymers.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising one or more of an acid protease and an acidic buffer, the acidic buffer comprising an acid and a pharmaceutically or cosmetically 5 acceptable carrier, vehicle or excipient, useful for treating or preventing abnormal biological conditions, diseases or disorders, and/or for improving the texture or appearance of the skin, and/or for enhancing epidermal exfoliation and/or for enhancing epidermal cell renewal and to methods for the use of the compositions. The acid protease comprises one or more proteolytic enzymes that exhibit proteolytic activity at pH values below that of the surface of the skin, i.e., approximately pH 5.5. The acidic buffer comprises inorganic and/or organic acids or mixtures thereof with a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier, vehicle or excipient. The buffer is capable of reducing the pH of the surface of the skin to less than pH 5.5 and is susceptible to neutralization by normal epidermal processes.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel compounds of the formula: (Q)d—Ln—Ch, useful for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, methods of imaging tumors in a patient, and methods of treating cancer in a patient. The present invention also provides novel compounds useful for monitoring therapeutic angiogenesis treatment and destruction of new angiogenic vasculature. The present invention further provides novel compounds useful for imaging atherosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac ischemia and myocardial reperfusion injury. The present invention still further provides novel compounds useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The pharmaceuticals are comprised of a targeting moiety that binds to a receptor that is upregulated during angiogenesis, an optional linking group, and a therapeutically effective radioisotope or diagnostically effective imageable moiety.