Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of use for a variety of therapeutically valuable uses including, but not limited to, treating obesity by inhibiting the activity of Glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT).

Abstract: Compounds having the following general formula, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of treating cancer, obesity, and microbial infections using such compositions: wherein: R1=H, C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, cyanomethyl, —OCH3, OC(O)CH3 or OC(O)CF3 R2=-OCH2C(O)NHNH—R5, where R5 is (a) phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halogen, C1-C8 alkyl, optionally substituted with halogen, —OH, —OR6, where R6 is C1-C8 alkyl, optionally substituted with halogen, or (b) 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, optionally substituted with halogen, —OH, —OR6, where R6 is C1-C8 alkyl, optionally substituted with halogen, or (c) a heterocycle selected from the group consisting of imidazole, thiazole, benzimidazole, benzoxazole, benzthiazole, tetrazole, triazole, and aminothiazole; or (d) —C(O)R7, where R7 is a C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, or a heterocycle selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, imidazole, thiazole, benzimi

Abstract: This invention provides a method for inducing weight loss in an animal by administering to the animal a compound which reduces the expression and/or secretion of neuropeptide Y (NPY). The effect may be accomplished directly, indirectly, or humorally. Preferably, administration of this compound has the effect of increasing malonyl CoA levels in the animal. Compounds administered according to this invention may be inhibitors of fatty acid synthase (FAS), including substituted ?-methylene-?-carboxyl-?-butyrolactones, or inhibitors of malonyl Coenzyme A decarboxylase (MCD). Preferably, the compound is administered in an amount sufficient to reduce the amount and/or duration of expression and/or secretion of NPY to levels at or below those observed for lean animals. In another preferred embodiment, the administration will reduce expression and/or secretion to levels observed for fed or satiated animals; more preferably, administration will reduce the level of NPY below that of fed animals.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or preventing cancer development by the administration of fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitors. In particular, the present invention prohibits or delays the development of invasive cancer from pre-malignant (non-invasive) lesions that express FAS. Compositions containing FAS inhibitors also are provided, as well as methods for administering the FAS inhibitors and compositions to patients in need thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for inducing weight loss and maintaining optimum weight comprising administering an agent that stimulates carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) activity to the patient in need, including human patients. These methods do not require inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. In particular, this invention provides methods for development of therapeutics that selectively enhance fatty acid oxidation, increase energy production, and reduce adiposity while preserving lean mass, through the pharmacological stimulation of CPT-1 activity. In a preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase fatty acid oxidation. In another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to antagonize malonyl CoA inhibition of CPT-1. In yet another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase malonyl CoA level.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a phamaceurtical diluent and a compound of formula IV wherein R21?H, C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, —CH2OR25, —C(O)R25, —CO(O)R25, —C(O)NR25R26, —CH2C(O)R25, or —CH2C(O)NHR25, where R25 and R26 are each independently H, C1-C10 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, optionally containing one or more halogen atoms. R22 ?—OH, —OR27, —OCH2C(O)R27, —OCH2C(O)NHR27, —OC(O)R27, —OC(O)OR27, —OC(O)NHNH—R5, or —OC(O)NR27R28, where R27 and R28 are each independently H, C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, and where R27 and R28 can each optionally contain halogen atoms; R23 and R24, the same or different from each other, are C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl. Methods of using such formulations for the treatment of cancer, to effect weight loss, to treat microbially-based infections, to inhibit neuropeptide-Y and/or fatty acid synthase, and to stimulate CPT-1.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for inducing weight loss and maintaining optimum weight comprising administering an agent that stimulates carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) activity to the patient in need, including human patients. These methods do not require inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. In particular, this invention provides methods for development of therapeutics that selectively enhance fatty acid oxidation, increase energy production, and reduce adiposity while preserving lean mass, through the pharmacological stimulation of CPT-1 activity. In a preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase fatty acid oxidation. In another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to antagonize malonyl CoA inhibition of CPT-1. In yet another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase malonyl CoA level.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for inducing weight loss and maintaining optimum weight comprising administering an agent that stimulates carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) activity to the patient in need, including human patients. These methods do not require inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. In particular, this invention provides methods for development of therapeutics that selectively enhance fatty acid oxidation, increase energy production, and reduce adiposity while preserving lean mass, through the pharmacological stimulation of CPT-1 activity. In a preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase fatty acid oxidation. In another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to antagonize malonyl CoA inhibition of CPT-1. In yet another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase malonyl CoA level.