Abstract: Modified toxins including botulinum toxin or tetanus toxin coupled to polyethylene glycol, pharmaceutical compositions of modified toxins, and methods for their use are provided. The methods include treating inappropriate muscle contraction, and treatments for cosmetic purposes.

Abstract: Chemokine-binding proteins are administered as a treatment for congestive heart failure and related disorders. Evidence indicates that CC chemokines are a factor in the disease pathogenesis; by binding to receptors on heart muscle cells, the chemokines may, through a G-protein-coupled transduction system, increase the concentration of free calcium ions in the cytoplasm. This disrupts the normal calcium cycle required for muscle contraction and relaxation, and is a likely mechanism for development of congestive heart failure. Suitable proteins include poxyirus-encoded CC chemokine inhibitors and promiscuous chemokine receptors; these proteins bind to a number of different CC chemokines with high affinity but generally do not bind to other subfamilies of chemokines.