Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) are provided, wherein n is 1 or 2, Q1 and Q2 are each individually selected from the group consisting of O and S, X is H or halogen, and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and uncharged groups having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms. Methods of making such compounds are also described. Such compounds are useful as fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: Compounds wherein therapeutic peptides, including HIV protease inhibitors, are covalently linked to phospholipids, glycerides or other membrane-targeting and membrane-anchoring species, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, together with processes for their preparation. The invention also provides novel HIV protease inhibitors. The compounds of the present invention possess useful pharmacological properties such as antiviral activity towards viral infection and inhibitory activity towards viral proteases. Therefore, these compounds can be used in the prophylaxis or treatment of viral infections, in particular infections caused by HIV and other retroviruses. The targeting technology as described for the protease inhibitors is also applicable to a variety of inhibitors of other enzymes.

Abstract: Compounds wherein therapeutic peptides are covalently linked to phospholipids, glycerides or other membrane-targeting and membrane-anchoring species, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, together with processes for their preparation. The targeting technology is applicable to HIV protease inhibitors and a variety of other enzyme inhibitors.

Abstract: Disclosed are cationic lipids capable of facilitating transport of biologically active agents into cells, including the transfection of cells by therapeutic polynucleotides, the delivery of antiviral drugs, and the introduction of immunogenic peptides. The cationic lipids, comprising an ammonium group, have the general structure ##STR1## Also disclosed are adducts of these compounds comprising additional cationic sites that enhance the transfective or transport activity. Structure-activity correlations provide for the selection of preferred compounds to be synthesized for this purpose. Compositions disclosed for use of these cationic lipid include formulations for in vitro transfection and pharmaceutical formulations for parenteral and topical administration of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Synthetic hypocalcemic peptides which are superior in biological properties to native calcitonins as clinically useful agents. The peptides comprise analogues of native calcitonins having amino acid additions at the N-terminal position which, either alone or together with substitutions, and deletions at other residues, act to improve potency, prolong duration of the hormonal effect, and increase oral or nasal bioavailability. Methods are provided for the synthesis of these peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are cationic lipids capable of facilitating transport of biologically active agents into cells, including the transfection of cells by therapeutic polynucleotides, the delivery of antiviral drugs, and the introduction of immunogenic peptides. The cationic lipids, comprising an ammonium group, have the general structure ##STR1## Also disclosed are adducts of these compounds comprising additional cationic sites that enhance the transfective or transport activity. Structure-activity correlations provide for the selection of preferred compounds to be synthesized for this purpose. Compositions disclosed for use of these cationic lipid include formulations for in vitro transfection and pharmaceutical formulations for parenteral and topical administration of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Synthetic hypocalcemic peptides which are similar in biological properties to native calcitonins as clinically useful agents. The peptides comprise analogues of native calcitonins having amino acid substitutions and deletions which act to improve potency, prolong duration of the hormonal effect, enhance receptor binding, and increase oral or nasal bioavailability. The calcitonin peptide analogues are less expensive and more easily synthesized than native calcitonins, and have improved resistance to inactivation or degradation. Methods are provided for the synthesis of these peptides.Also, disclosed are novel cyclic peptides, including calcitonin, having increased stability with respect to proteolysis. Methods for the synthesis of these peptides are provided, comprising converting disulfide cyclic peptides and proteins to enzymatically and chemically stable cyclic peptide structures by the replacement of cysteine residues with dicarboxylic acids and diamino acids.