Abstract: The present invention provides a non-T cell binding peptide and its analogs used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The polypeptide therapeutic agent can specifically inhibit abnormal immune responses of the rheumatoid arthritis, and fundamentally control the progression of this disease with effect on the initiating factor of the disease development.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases wherein mis-folded proteins accumulate in characteristic lesions and contribute substantially to a pathogenesis and to an inflammatory reaction magnifying the damage, by the isolated or joint effect of inhibitors of the alanyl amino peptidase (APN) and of the dipeptidyl peptidase N (DP IV). Our results show that the application of inhibitors of the above-referenced enzymes or of preparations and dosage forms containing such inhibitors is definitely suitable for a therapy and prevention of dementia diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Peptides have been identified that bind with high affinity to body surfaces, such as, hair, skin, nails, teeth, gums, and oral cavity surfaces. Diblock and triblock peptide-based body surface coloring reagents formed by coupling a body surface binding peptide to a pigment binding peptide, either directly or through a spacer, are described. The peptide-based body surface coloring reagents may be used in conjunction with pigments to color body surfaces.

Abstract: A method for treating subjects with abnormal cell proliferation is provided. The method involves administering to subjects in need of such treatment an effective amount of an agent of Formula I, to inhibit cell proliferation such as that associated with tumor growth and metastasis. A method for inhibiting angiogenesis in an abnormal proliferative cell mass by the administration of an agent of Formula I is also provided.

Abstract: Peptide conjugates in which cytocidal and cytostatic agents, such as polyamine analogs or naphthoquinones, are conjugated to a polypeptide recognized and cleaved by enzymes such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and cathepsin B are provided, as well as compositions comprising these conjugates. Methods of using these conjugates in the treatment of prostate diseases are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating conditions associated with lipid oxidation or microbial proliferation include the step of administering a composition comprising a pharmacologically effective amount of an antioxidant or antimicrobial lung surfactant protein compound. Peptides derived from lung surfactant protein compounds possess lipid oxidation inhibiting and/or antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides angiogenesis inhibitor compounds comprising a MetAP-2 inhibitory core coupled to a peptide, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the angiogenesis inhibitor compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides methods of treating an angiogenic disease, e.g., cancer, in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the angiogenesis inhibitor compounds of the invention.

Abstract: A method for regulating substrate activity in vivo is useful for the treatment of medical disorders such as inflammation, arteriolosclerosis and angiogenesis. The method involves the administration of an effective amount of a DPP-IV inhibitor to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Analogs of 1-desamino-8-D-arginyl vasopressin having the formula: wherein, X and Y are amino acids as defined herein, useful as an anti-diuretic or as an inhibitor of metastasis and cancer cell migration.

Abstract: Disclosed are glycopeptide derivatives substituted at the C-terminus and/or the R-terminus with a substituent that comprises one or more saccharide groups and a carboxy group; and pharmaceutical compositions containing such glycopeptide derivatives. The disclosed glycopeptide derivatives are useful as antibacterial agents.

Abstract: A method for treating subjects with abnormal cell proliferation is provided. The method involves administering to subjects in need of such treatment an effective amount of an agent of Formula I, to inhibit cell proliferation such as that associated with tumor growth and metastasis. A method for inhibiting angiogenesis in an abnormal proliferative cell mass by the administration of an agent of Formula I is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a peptide of SEQ ID NO:1 and its variants that blocks stretch-activated ion channels. All amino acids in this peptide are D-amino acids. The peptide, designated as D-GsMTx4, is an enantiomer of a peptide GsMTX-4 present in the venom of the spider Grammostola spatulata. The present invention also discloses a method for inhibition of stretch activated ion channels in a cell. This peptide can be used for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and other pathologies that involve alterations in mechanical stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active agent, in particular a metalloproteinase inhibitory agent of casein-derived peptides obtained by hydrolysis of casein by a food grade bacteria. The invention also relates to the manufacture of an active agent, in which a food grade bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus helveticus is contacted with casein in order to perform a hydrolysis and obtain casein-derived peptides exhibiting metalloproteinases inhibitory property. The present invention also includes isolated and purified inhibitory peptides obtained by hydrolysis of casein by the bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for a covalent ligation of one or more molecules to one or more surfaces, that is site-specific and both rapid and high yielding. The covalent ligation to the surface is based on the reaction of an azide and a phosphinothioester to form an amide bond. The method of the invention is particularly well-suited to the immobilization of peptides, proteins or protein fragments to surfaces.

Abstract: A biocompatible material genus serves as the foundation for multiple material composition species, each adapted to a specific therapeutic indication.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a patient with a pharmaceutically active peptide that combines a pharmaceutically active peptide, a permeation enhancer, and a carrier, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel class of cyclic polypeptides of the formula: (R1)a-AA1-cyclo[AA2-AA3-AA4-AA5-AA6-Cys]-AA7-R2, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the variables are as defined in the specification, which inhibit the effects of urotensin-II and are useful for treating a variety of diseases and/or conditions characterized by an excess of urotensin-II including ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, hypotension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ulcers, anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, mental retardation and/or dyskinesias.

Abstract: Whole cell phage-display techniques were used to identify several peptides that bound preferentially to a non-typeable strain of Haemophilus influenzae. These peptides were able to inhibit growth of both H. influenzae and Staphylococcal aureus. Thus, methods for treating bacterial infections, alone or in combination with traditional antibiotics, are envisioned.

Abstract: A method for managing withdrawal from an addictive substance is described. The method involves administering one or more peptides having specific activity for the ? and/or ? isozyme of protein kinase C (PKC). The peptide(s) can be administered prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to administration of the addictive substance. Also described is a kit having at least one container containing a peptide having isozyme-specific activity for ?PKC or ?PKC and instructions for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I: in which, A1 is the radical corresponding to D- or L-Ser, A2 is the radical corresponding to D- or L-Asp or Glu, A3 is the radical corresponding to D- or L-Lys, Arg or Gm, A4 is the radical corresponding to D- or L-Pro, R1 and R2 are chosen, independently, from H, C1–C12-alkyl which may or may not be substituted, C7–C20-arylalkyl which may or may not be substituted, R4CO or R4COO, R4 being C1–C12-alkyl which may or may not be substituted, or C7–C20-arylalkyl which may or may not be substituted; among the substitutions, mention should be made of OH, NH2 or COOH, X1 and X2 are peptide or pseudopeptide bonds, X3 is CO or CH2 and R3 is OH, NH2, C1–C1-alkoxy or NH-X4-CH2-Z, X4 is a normal or branched C1–C12 hydrocarbon, and Z is H, OH, CO2H or CONH2, or the corresponding tripeptides comprising the radicals A1, A2, A3, and also the pharmacautically acceptable salts, for the preparation of a medicament for treating pathologies which may benef