Abstract: GLP-2 analogues are disclosed which comprise one of more substitutions as compared to [hGly2]GLP-2 and which improved biological activity in vivo and/or improved chemical stability, e.g., as assessed in in vitro stability assays. More particularly, preferred GLP-2 analogues disclosed herein comprise substitutions at one or more of positions 8, 16, 24 and/or 28 of the wild-type GLP-2 sequence, optionally in combination with further substitutions at position 2 (as mentioned in the introduction) and one or more of positions 3, 5, 7, 10 and 11, and/or a deletion of one or more of amino acids 31 to 33 and/or the addition of a N-terminal or C-terminal stabilizing peptide sequence. The analogues are particularly useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of stomach and bowel-related disorders and for ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy. Also disclosed are methods and kits for selecting a patient from populations suited for treatment with GLP-2 analogues.

Abstract: Novel peptide agonists of GLP-1 activity useful for lowering blood glucose levels. The novel peptides comprise variants of the GLP-1 or the exendin-4 polypeptide sequence and are pharmacologically active and stable. These peptides are useful in the treatment of diseases that benefit from regulation of excess levels of blood glucose and/or regulation of gastric emptying, such as diabetes and eating disorders.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Marina’, characterized by its single, daisy type composite inflorescenses with elliptic ray florets and tubular disc florets; violet to light purple disc florets and light purple ray florets with gray-orange undersides; dark green to yellow-green, small and narrow leaves; ovate to spatulate leaves with 6-8 small, acute lobes; and short peduncles and compact bushy plant shape.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating hemichannel function in a cell, tissue or organ. The invention also relates to useful screens for detecting such compounds, particularly those capable of modulating connexin phosphorylation. Further provided are therapeutic methods for preventing or treating conditions impacted by undesired hemichannel function in a mammal such as heart arrhythmia.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Shiela’, characterized by short, dense and bushy plant form with inverse pyramidal shape; more upright stems and differently shaped leaves; more large, upright inflorescences per plant consisting of ray florets that are primarily orange-red in color with red-purple color at base, and dark red-purple disc florets; and vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of peptides by solid-phase synthesis. The invention also relates to agents which are useful in solid-phase peptide synthesis.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Antique Serena’, characterized by its unique color combinations on the upper and undersides of its ray florets: (upperside) when opening—RHS 5C to RHS 5D, yellow and when fully opened—RHS 11D, yellow; (underside) when opening and when fully opened—longitudinal stripes of alternating gray-orange colors, RHS N163A and RHS N163B, gray-orange; upright, compact and globular plant habit; dense and bushy growth habit, mainly due to upright stems; moderately vigorous growth habit, but less need for chemical growth retardation; and high number of inflorescences per plant.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Golden Serena’, characterized by its unique gray-orange color combination of upper and underside of ray florets: (when opening) upperside RHS 163D with stripes of RHS 164B and underside RHS N163 with stripes of RHS 165A; (fully opened) upperside RHS 164D with stripes of RHS 164A and underside center stripe RHS 165B with margins RHS 164C; upright, compact and globular plant habit; dense and bushy growth habit, mainly due to upright stems; moderately vigorous growth habit, but less need for chemical growth retardation; and high number of inflorescences per plant.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed compositions comprising a stabilized Exendin-4 (1-39) and related compounds. The invention describes stabilized Exendin-4 agonists that include at least one modified amino acid residue particularly at positions Gln 13, Met14, Trp25, or Asn28 of the Exendin-4 (1-39) molecule. Disclosed are preferred modifications of deaminated, hydrolyzed, oxidized, or isomerized reaction products of the specified amino acid residues corresponding to the same positions in the Exendin-4 molecule. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the stabilized Exendin compounds, such as for the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed are dipeptides that facilitate the intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions. The invention has a wide spectrum of useful applications including use in the treatment of diseases associated with impaired gap junction intracellular communication (GJIC).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pharmacologically active peptide conjugate having a reduced tendency towards enzymatic cleavage comprising a pharmacologically active peptide sequence (X) and a stabilising petide sequence (Z) of 4-20 amino acid residues covalently bound to X.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of peptide conjugates represented by the following general formula: R1-Z-X-Z?-R2 including methods of making and using such conjugates. Also provided are antibodies that specifically bind the peptide conjugates. The present invention has a wide spectrum of important applications including use in the treatment of disorders impacted by nociceptin and related opioid-like peptides.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Stephanie’, characterized by purple ray floret color from RHS N78A with stripes of RHS N77B purple to RHS 59C, red-purple, with stripes of RHS N57B red-purple; dense and bushy plant form, mainly due to more upright stems; moderately vigorous growth habit, less need for chemical growth retardation; and high number of inflorescences per plant.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel peptides including antiarrhythmic peptides that have improved stability. Further disclosed are compositions that include such peptides and methods of using the compositions particularly as medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of non-maltogenic exoamylases of retarding the detrimental retrogradation of starch. Furthermore, the invention relates to a novel non-maltogenic exoamylase from Bacillus Clausii.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel peptides including antiarrhythmic peptides that have improved stability. Further disclosed are compositions that include such peptides and methods of using the compositions particularly as medicaments.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Philip’, characterized by its large upright purple flower heads; spatulate ray florets with colors: from white RHS N155B to violet RHS 85A on top and blue-violet on the back RHS 86A to RHS 86C; compact and bushy plant form, mainly due to more upright stems; moderately vigorous growth habit, but less need for chemical growth retardation; and high number of large flowers per plant.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Mary’, characterized by its large upright purple flower heads, flower colors: Ray florets from RHS 71A red-purple with stripes of RHS 59A purple to RHS 67A red-purple with stripes of RHS 72A; dense and bushy plant form, mainly due to more upright stems; and compact plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit, but less need for chemical growth retardation; and fewer and smaller flowers per plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Elizabeth’, characterized by its large upright purple flower heads; flower colors: rays have stripes of RHS 155A white, and RHS 68A red-purple, with base and tip RHS 67A; dense and bushy plant form, mainly due to more upright and stronger stems, and compact plant habit; and moderately vigorous growth habit, but less need for chemical growth retardation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of non-maltogenic exoamylases of retarding the detrimental retrogradation of starch. Furthermore, the invention relates to a novel non-maltogenic exoamylase from Bacillus Clausii.