Abstract: Compositions are directed to the treatment of kidney diseases in a cell-specific manner. Methods of treating kidney diseases comprise the use of the compositions. Assays for identification of further compounds are provided. Biomarkers for predisposition to kidney diseases and diagnosis are indentified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic polypeptide which is a random linear pentapolymer comprising alanine, glutamic acid, lysine, tyrosine and phenylalanine and use thereof in treating autoimmune diseases, in particular multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition in the form of an injectable aqueous solution, the pH of which is between 6.0 and 8.0, comprising at least: a) a basal insulin, the isoelectric point pI of which is between 5.8 and 8.5; b) a co-polyamino acid bearing carboxylate charges and substituted with hydrophobic radicals. In one embodiment, the compositions according to the invention also comprise a prandial insulin and/or gut hormone.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to optical agents, including phototherapeutic agents, for biomedical applications, including phototherapy. The invention includes optical agents, and related therapeutic methods, comprising alicyclic diaza compounds, including 1,2 diaza heterocyclic compounds, having a photolabile N—N bond directly or indirectly linked to at least one carbocyclic aromatic and/or heterocyclic aromatic group. In some embodiments, for example, the invention provides alicyclic diaza compounds for phototherapeutic methods having a photolabile N—N bond that undergoes photoactivated cleavage to produce reactive species, such as radicals, ions, etc., that achieve a desired therapeutic effect, such as selective and/or localized tissue damage and/or cell death.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanoparticle and cell delivery agent, capable of releasing a target substance in a weakly acidic pH environment. Specifically, the present invention provides a nanoparticle comprising a peptide and a particle-forming component, the particle-forming component forming a liposome or a micelle, the peptide having a sequence with 2 to 8 units starting with His (histidine) and ending with an acidic amino acid, wherein each of the units may be identical or different.

Abstract: Found in various eukaryotic organisms, polo-like kinases (collectively, Plks) are a conserved subfamily of Ser/Thr protein kinases that play critical roles in cell proliferation. Provided herein are compounds that specifically inhibit the activity of Plks, specifically Plk1. Further provided herein are methods for use of the compounds for the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, particularly cancer. Also provided are uses of the compounds for the preparation of a medicament.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a mutant thrombomodulin is disclosed. The mutant thrombomodulin comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 and has residues corresponding to Ala364 and Ala391 of SEQ ID NO: 2. The mutant thrombomodulin has little or no protein C activation activity, and is effective in promoting wound healing and accelerating closure of an open wound in a diabetic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to B-domain truncated Factor VIII molecules with a modified circulatory half life, said molecule being covalently conjugated with a hydrophilic polymer. The invention furthermore relates to methods for obtaining such molecules as well as use of such molecules.

Abstract: Modified therapeutic proteins are provided. In particular modified Factor X polypeptides, which includes the Factor X zymogen, Factor Xa and other forms of Factor X, and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the therapy and prevention of problem drinking in alcohol-dependent and non-dependent subjects and those at risk of developing problem drinking behavior, and compositions of matter comprising oxytocin or an analog or derivative thereof or an agonist or partial agonist of an oxytocin receptor that are useful in preventing or treating problem drinking.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of diseases and disorders such as learning, cognitive activities, and analgesia, particularly in alleviating and/or reducing neuropathic pain.

Abstract: A composition in the form of an injectable aqueous solution, the pH of which is between 6.0 and 8.0, includes at least a basal insulin, the isoelectric point pI of which is between 5.8 and 8.5; and a dextran substituted by radicals carrying carboxylate charges and hydrophobic radicals. Single-dose formulations at a pH of between 7 and 7.8 includes a basal insulin whose isoelectric point is between 5.8 and 8.5 and a prandial insulin.

Abstract: Devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs are described. The devices, when implanted into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, provide for the controlled release of active agents into the disc. The active agent can be a chemonucleolytic agent such as chymopapain. The device can also comprise one or more binders. The device can be an elongate solid body having a tapered or rounded insertion end. Alternatively, the device can include a plurality of particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes of transcription factor decoys, their delivery to bacteria and their formulation. In particular, the present invention resides in an antibacterial complex comprising a nucleic acid sequence and one or more delivery moieties selected from quaternary amine compounds; bis-aminoalkanes and unsaturated derivatives thereof, wherein the amino component of the aminoalkane is an amino group forming part of a heterocyclic ring; and an antibacterial peptide.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising gelatin, collagen, and a chromophore that produces a reactive oxygen species upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. These compositions have also been found to be strong tissue adhesives that crosslinks the composition and tissue and are effective in closing and sealing wounds, fixation of grafts/implants and anastomoses.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of using and methods of making a cyclic peptide analog imaging agent that includes at least portions of a peptide or protein that binds specifically to the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the cyclic analog has one or more conformational restrictions including, but not limited to, lactam bridges, disulfide bridges, hydrocarbon bridges, and their combinations, salts and derivatives thereof wherein the cyclic analog is more stable than a non-cyclic analog when incubated in the presence of enzymes that degrade GLP-1 and have an increased serum half-live, wherein the cyclic analog comprises at least a portion of a GLP-1 peptide or at least a portion of an Exendin peptide salts, derivatives or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A Nisin derivative or variant, comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position 29 in the amino acid sequence. The Nisin derivative exhibits enhanced antimicrobial activity when compared to wild type Nisin. The Nisin derivative has an application as a natural food additive and as a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: PSMA ligands, compositions, and methods therefore are disclosed where the ligand is a peptide having the sequence X1X2CVEVX3QNSCX4X5 where X1-X5 are independently a natural or non-natural amino acid or a peptide having the sequence CALCEFLG [SEQ ID NO: 1]. Especially preferred aspects include diagnostic reagents for detection and/or quantification of PSMA in a sample, therapeutic reagents, and diagnostic imaging reagents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment for ophthalmic diseases, more specifically, a pharmaceutical composition for treating ophthalmic diseases including a fusion protein of FK506 binding protein capable of penetrating into the ocular tissue as an active ingredient.