Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide, for use in suppressing or treating osteoporosis, wherein the polypeptide comprises: a non-cytotoxic protease, which protease is capable of cleaving a SNARE protein in an enterochromaffin cell; a Targeting Moiety (TM) that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on an enterochromaffin cell, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the enterochromaffin cell, and wherein said enterochromaffin cell expresses said SNARE protein; and a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the enterochromaffin cell; with the proviso that the polypeptide is not a clostridial neurotoxin (holotoxin) molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the protein conjugates, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, which protease is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a galanin Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease and the galanin Targeting Moiety; a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent; a first spacer located between the non-cytotoxic protease and the protease cleavage site, wherein said first spacer comprises an amino acid sequence of from 4 to 25 amino acid residues; and a second sp

Abstract: Use of a therapeutic molecule, for the treatment of specific pain conditions, wherein the therapeutic molecule is a single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment can cleave a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that can bind to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site can undergo endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the Targeting Moiety; and a translation domain that can translocate the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a dynorphin Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the protein conjugates, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a dynorphin Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the dynorphin Targeting Moiety; and a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for suppressing neuroendocrine disease. The therapy employs use of a non-cytotoxic protease, which is targeted to a neuroendocrine tumour cell, preferably via a somatostatin or cortistatin receptor, a GHRH receptor, a ghrelin receptor, a bombesin receptor, a urotensin receptor a melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1; a KiSS-1 receptor or a prolactin-releasing peptide receptor. When so delivered, the protease is internalised and inhibits secretion from said tumour cell. The present invention also relates to polypeptides and nucleic acids for use in said methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell wherein the Targeting Moiety is selected from the group consisting of BAM, ?-endorphin, bradykinin, substance P, dynorphin and/or nociceptin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides for use in suppressing cancer and cancer disorders. The treatment employs use of a non-cytotoxic protease, which is targeted to the cancer cell, and, when so delivered, the protease is internalised and inhibits secretion from the cancer cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for suppressing or treating cancer, in particular to a method for suppressing or treating one or more of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and/or lung cancer. The therapy employs use of a non-cytotoxic protease, which is targeted to a growth hormone-secreting cell such as to a pituitary cell. When so delivered, the protease is internalised and inhibits secretion/transmission of growth hormone from said cell. The present invention also relates to polypeptides and nucleic acids for use in said methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for suppressing neuroendocrine disease. The therapy employs use of a non-cytotoxic protease, which is targeted to a neuroendocrine tumor cell, preferably via a somatostatin or cortistatin receptor, a GHRH receptor, a ghrelin receptor, a bombesin receptor, a urotensin receptor a melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1; a KiSS-1 receptor or a prolactin-releasing peptide receptor. When so delivered, the protease is internalized and inhibits secretion from said tumor cell. The present invention also relates to polypeptides and nucleic acids for use in said methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell wherein the Targeting Moiety is selected from the group consisting of BAM, ?-endorphin, bradykinin, substance P, dynorphin and/or nociceptin.

Abstract: A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, which cleaves a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a galanin Targeting Moiety that binds a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which can undergo endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome; a protease cleavage site where the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease located between the non-cytotoxic protease and the galanin Targeting Moiety; a translocation domain that translocates the protease from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent; a first spacer from 4 to 25 amino acids between the non-cytotoxic protease and protease cleavage site; and a second spacer comprising from 4 to 35 residues between the galanin Targeting Moiety and translocation domain. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide fusion proteins, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a galanin Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the protein conjugates, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a dynorphin Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the protein conjugates, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a dynorphin Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the protein conjugates, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for designing a re-targeted toxin conjugate for use in treating a medical condition or disease. Also provided, is the use of said conjugates in the manufacture of a medicament for treating medical conditions or diseases. The conjugates include a Targeting Moiety, which directs the conjugate to a desired target cell, and are characterised by a Targeting Moiety that increases exocytic fusion in the target cell. The present invention also provides methods for identifying agonists suitable for use as Targeting Moieties, and methods for preparing conjugates comprising said Targeting Moieties.

Abstract: A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the Targeting Moiety; a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent. Nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a dynorphin Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the dynorphin Targeting Moiety; and a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent.

Abstract: A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment can cleave a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that can bind to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site can undergo endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, which is located between the non-cytotoxic protease and the Targeting Moiety; and a translocation domain that can translocate the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent; wherein the Targeting Moiety is BAM, ?-endorphin, bradykinin, substance P, dynorphin and/or nociceptin. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the fusion proteins, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.