Abstract: The invention relates to methods for obtaining liposomes externally modified with a targeting peptide able to selectively drive liposomal doxorubicin on membrane receptors over expressed in tumours. The invention is based on a kit containing a first vial filled with a sterile, translucent, red dispersion of the liposomal doxorubicin drug; a second vial filled with a modified phospholipid with a reactive function such as DSPE—Peg—maleimide in lyophilized form; and a third vial filled with a peptide modified with an appropriate reactive function, in a 1:1 stoichiometric amount respect to modified phospholipid and in lyophilized form. The kit could also contain an additional fourth vial with the targeting peptide modified with a chelating agent able to complex radioactive metal ions for diagnostic and imaging purposes. The patients to be treated with the peptide modified liposomal doxorubicin could be selected on the basis of the over expression of the targeting receptors.

Abstract: Delivery systems based on liposomes functionalized with peptides and chelating agents, for therapy and imaging by selective targeting of tumour cells expressing the receptors GRP, BB1, BB2, BB3 e BB4 and any other receptor which recognizes the bombesin peptide or analogues thereof are described. In particular, the liposomes contain within them cytotoxic drugs, such as for example doxorubicin, for target-selective antitumour therapy, and, through the presence of the chelating agent, can contain radioactive or paramagnetic ions for the real time visualization of the tumour cells. The liposomes described in this invention thus act as a selective delivery system for drugs and/or contrast agents onto tumour cells expressing the receptors for the class of known peptides such as bombesin (endogenous sequence, analogous or peptidomimetic peptides, agonists or non agonists).

Abstract: Peptides having a structure characterized by the presence of two loops constrained in cyclic structure by the presence of covalent bonds between amino acid side chains, the amino acid sequences of the first and the second loop being substantially homologues to that of loop 1 (residues 29-38) and of loop 4 (residues 92-97) of NGF, respectively, displaying nerve growth factor (NGF) agonist or partial agonist activity.

Abstract: Peptides having a structure characterized by the presence of two loops constrained in cyclic structure by the presence of covalent bonds between amino acid side chains, the amino acid sequences of the first and the second loop being substantially homologues to that of loop 1 (residues 29-38) and of loop 4 (residues 92-97) of NGF, respectively, displaying nerve growth factor (NGF) agonist or partial agonist activity.

Abstract: This patent application describes the preparation of cyclic and branched peptides of general formula (I) and their conjugated derivatives labelled with a paramagnetic or radioactive metal. The compounds of the present invention are used as diagnostic agents to identify and locate primary tumours and their metastases which over-express type A and/or B cholecystokinin receptors, and as therapeutic agents and cholecystokinin agonists or antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of contrast agents for use in nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI), to identify and locate primary human tumours and their metastases which over-express type CCK A and/or type B cholecystokinin receptors, and/or type SSTR 1-5 somatostatin receptors.

Abstract: This patent application describes the preparation of cyclic and branched peptides of general formula (I) and their conjugated derivatives labelled with a paramagnetic or radioactive metal. The compounds of the present invention are used as diagnostic agents to identify and locate primary tumours and their metastases which over-express type A and/or B cholecystokinin receptors, and as therapeutic agents and cholecystokinin agonists or antagonists.