Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula I which are useful for elevating the plasma level of growth hormone in a mammal as well as for the treatment of growth hormone secretion deficiency, growth retardation in child and metabolic disorders associated with growth hormone secretion deficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the amount of homocysteine in the blood of an individual. The method comprises administering to the individual a composition comprising a homocysteine lowering agent in an amount effective to lower the amount of homocysteine in the blood of the individual. The homocysteine lowering agent is selected from A dipeptides consisting of isoleucine, leucine, valine, or glycine and combinations thereof; tripeptides consisting of isoleucine, leucine, valine, or glycine and combinations thereof; alpha-ketobutyrate; propionyl A CoA, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the improved synthesis of compounds of formula (I) an intermediate compound which is useful in the synthesis of the anticancer agents known as PSA conjugates.

Abstract: Composition and methods of treating pain and reducing, reversing, or preventing tolerance to opiate analgesics are disclosed. The composition and method utilize an opiate analgesic and a calcium calmodulin kinase (CaMKII) inhibitor as active agents to treat pain in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: Analogs of 6-monoacetyl morphine (6-MAM) are described. These include analogs derivatized at either the C-3 position, the C-6 position, or the nor position of the molecule. These analogs allow for elaboration with linkers terminated by a functional group such as an activated ester, the functional groups being useful for attaching the molecule to other entities such as proteins, polysaccharides, and reporter groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combined administration of a pulmonary surfactant and a PDE5 inhibitor for the treatment of a disease in which pulmonary surfactant malfunction and/or phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) activity is detrimental.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel complexes consisting of certain GLP-1 molecules associated with a divalent metal cation that is capable of co-precipitating with a GLP-1 molecule. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using such complexes for enhancing the expression of insulin in B-type islet cells is claimed, as is a method for treating maturity onset diabetes mellitus in mammals, particularly humans.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated agents having novel chemical structures and possessing superior activity as derepressors of IAP inhibited caspase. The invention further provides a method of derepressing an IAP-inhibited caspase. The invention further provides assay methods employing labeled compounds of the invention, especially fluorescent labeled compounds.

Abstract: Dipeptide, and tripeptide and tetrapeptide ester derivatives of bioactive agents are provided wherein the parent agents are substrates effluxed by the P-gp transporter. The derivatives are useful in treating the same condition as the bioactive agent. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a bioactive agent for targeted delivery by nutrient or peptide transporters comprising linking the agent to one or more groups of the formula —X—Y(n)-Z(n?)-Z?(n?)-R; wherein each X, Y, Z, and Z? is independently Met, Val, Thr, Tyr, Trp, Ser, Ala or Gly; R is independently H or an amino-protecting group; n=1, and each, n?, or n? is independently 0 or 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antagonist peptide of interleukin-6 (IL-6), wherein the peptide comprises a amino acid sequence which is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 7. The peptide of the invention is able to specifically bind IL-6R and compete for the binding of IL-6 to IL-6R, to block IL-6-induced signal transduction and therefore effectively inhibits IL-6-mediated antiapotopsis and angiogenesis, and further inhibits IL-6-mediated tumor growth.

Abstract: The invention regards a process for the production of ramoplanin-like derivatives of formula (I): RAMO-NC—CO—R (I), wherein the radical R represents a hydrocarbon radical and the portion RAMO-NH— represents deacylated ramoplanin, any of its factors or ramoplanose. The compound of Formula (I) are obtained by reacting a carboxylic acid R—COOH with deacylated ramoplanin, any of its factors or ramoplanose protected on the ornitine amino groups. New compounds wherein the hydrocarbon radical R is different form those characaterizing the ramoplanin and ramoplanose natural products and their tetrahydro-derivatives are calimed. The new compounds have the same or better antinfective activity, lower haemolytic effect and better tolerability profile than ramoplanin.