Abstract: Novel GRF PEPTIDES having Thr, Val or Ile at position 2, having an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Ala, Val, Leu, Ile or Gly at position 15, and optionally substituted with Val or Ile at position 19 are described. Compositions and the method of stimulating the release of growth hormone utilizing GRF PEPTIDES having Thr, Val or Ile at position 2 and having an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Ala, Val, Leu, Ile or Gly at position 15 are also described. The GRF PEPTIDES of the present invention have enhanced stability in plasma.

Abstract: A process for obtaining insulin having correctly linked cystine bridges from a corresponding proinsulin amino acid chain in the presence of mercaptan, chaotropic auxiliaries and at a pH of 10 to 11 is described, as well as the direct conversion of the proinsulin to insulin with the aid of enzymes and direct isolation of the insulin from the reaction mixture with the aid of hydrophobic adsorber resins.

Abstract: A tumor necrosis factor (TNF) preparation with high cytolytic activity is described. The TNF preparation includes modified forms of TNF associated with or encapsulated within liposomes. The TNF molecule is modified at up to 3 amino acid residues per trimer with nearly complete retention (80-95%) of biological activity. Amino acid residues of the TNF are modified to include long chain fatty acids via TNF lysyl side chains and/or N-terminal amino acid groups. The disclosed modified TNF molecules provide a highly efficient method for preparing liposome-associated or encapsulated TNF complexes in either standard multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) or small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) having enhanced in vivo stability. The liposomes of the present invention feature particularly small diameters in the range of 0.02-0.05 um in diameter. The binding of the modified TNF molecules to the surface of SUVs is up to 100% efficiency.

Abstract: Cell and tissue destruction by cryoablation is enhanced by the perfusion of the cells with thermal hysteresis proteins prior to the cryogenic freezing. The effect of the proteins is to promote the growth of spicular ice crystals in the intracellular fluid which destroy the cell by piercing the cell membrane. This decreases the incidence of cell preservation by freezing, thereby permitting a more uniform and controllable destruction of undesirable tissue by the cryoablation technique.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the survival of neuronal cells in a mammal, the cells being at risk of dying, the method including the step of administering to the mammal one of the following substances: IGF-I; a functional derivative of IGF-I; IGF-II; a functional derivative of IGF-II; IGF-III; or a functional derivative of IGF-III.

Abstract: A controlled release pharmaceutical formulation which comprises cyclosporin entrapped in a biodegradable polymer to form microspheres or nanospheres such that the cyclosporin is substantially in an amorphous state and the biodegradable polymer comprises greater than 12.5% w/w poly(lactide). The biodegradable polymer is suitably poly-D,L-lactide or a blend of poly-D,L-lactide and poly-D,L-lactide-co-glycolide. Additionally, an enteric coating can be applied to the microspheres or nanospheres or to the oral dosage form incorporating the microspheres or nanospheres to protect the formulation while it passes through the stomach. A particularly suitable formulation comprises 50% w/w cyclosporin-loaded 80:20 blend of poly-D,L-lactide-co-glycolide to poly-D,L-lactide micro- and/or nanospheres. This formulation has the combined properties of nearly complete but relatively slow release of cyclosporin within 8 hours and is useful for targeting cyclosporin to the small intestine when administered orally.

Abstract: A method for processing a fatty acid-acylated protein, especially N-palmitoyl Lys.sup.B29 human insulin, to reduce the incidence of gelation by conducting such processing in the presence of a citrate buffering agent as the primary buffer which method allows such processing to be conducted at higher protein concentrations and with less temperature control than would otherwise be possible in the absence of the citrate buffer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel family of peptides which inhibit calmodulin and which have the general structure Ac-(D)Leu-A1-B2-C3-D4-E5-NH.sub.2, wherein A1 is (D)Gln or (D)Trp, B2 is (D)Arg or (D)Ile, C3 is (D)Ile or (D)His, D4 is (D)Leu or (D)His and E5 is (D)Trp or (D)Arg. The novel peptides can be used to inhibit the activity of calmodulin. In addition, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a calmodulin-inhibitor peptide. These compositions can be used to treat calmodulin related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptides derived from portions of the sequence of amino acids 23-26 and 27-30 of P-selectin. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides of the invention, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing the peptides and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. The peptides of this invention can be used in the modulation or inhibition of coagulation processes or inflammatory processes.