Abstract: Human pancreatic GRF has been synthesized. The invention provides synthetic peptides which are extremely potent in stimulating the release of pituitary GH in mammals and which have the formula: H-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-R.sub.15 -Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-S er-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-R.sub.40 -R.sub.41 -R.sub.42 -Y wherein R.sub.15 is Gly or D-Ala, R.sub.40 is Ala or des-R.sub.40, R.sub.41 is Phe or des-R.sub.41, R.sub.42 is des-R.sub.42 or 1 to 8 different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of Gln, Gly, Ile, Leu, Lys, Pro, Thr and Val, and Y signifies the carboxyl moiety of the amino acid residue at the C-terminal and is the radical -COOR.sub.1,-CR.sub.1 O,-CONHNHR.sub.1,-CON(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2) or -CH.sub.2 OR.sub.1, with R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 being lower alkyl or hydrogen.

Abstract: An improved solution phase synthesis of thymosin .alpha..sub.1 and desacetyl thymosin .alpha..sub.1 with t-Boc side chain protection and proceeding through novel intermediates is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved nail polish composition for application to human nails which allows a polished nail to retain and absorb moisture thereby preventing brittleness and breakage of polished nails. Water and urea are used in the composition to impart moisture to the polished nail and polyvinyl butyral resin is used to harden the nail polish composition which is softened by the addition of water and to increase the adhesion of the nail polish composition to the nail.