Abstract: In certain embodiments a dental strip for the prevention or reduction of dental caries is provided. In certain embodiments the dental strip is constructed to deliver effective amounts of specifically targeted antimicrobial peptides (or simple antimicrobial peptides) and comprises an orally compatible backing layer, a delivery layer disposed on one surface of the backing layer where the delivery layer comprises an orally compatible polymer, or combination of polymers, and a specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide (and/or simple antimicrobial peptide) capable of binding and killing Streptococcus mutans. In certain embodiments the dental strip additionally comprises a release liner.

Abstract: In various embodiments a dental varnish system having improved peptide release and fluoride release properties is provided. In various embodiments a dental varnish system that provides release of an antimicrobial peptide, or specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide (STAMP), e.g., the peptide C16G2, is provided, with or without a fluoride. In various embodiments, a dental varnish system that provides release of a fluoride, with or without an antimicrobial peptide or STAMP is provided. In certain embodiments the dental varnish system comprises a first component that is a dry powder, said first component comprising a an antimicrobial peptide, with or without a fluoride, and a bulking agent, and a second component that is a fluid, said second component comprising a varnish solution, where combination of said first component with said second component provides a varnish formulation for application to the surface of a tooth.

Abstract: In various embodiments a dental varnish system having improved peptide release and fluoride release properties is provided. In various embodiments a dental varnish system that provides release of an antimicrobial peptide, or specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide (STAMP), e.g., the peptide C16G2, is provided, with or without a fluoride. In various embodiments, a dental varnish system that provides release of a fluoride, with or without an antimicrobial peptide or STAMP is provided. In certain embodiments the dental varnish system comprises a first component that is a dry powder, said first component comprising a an antimicrobial peptide, with or without a fluoride, and a bulking agent, and a second component that is a fluid, said second component comprising a varnish solution, where combination of said first component with said second component provides a varnish formulation for application to the surface of a tooth.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a dental strip for the prevention or reduction of dental caries is provided. In certain embodiments the dental strip is constructed to deliver effective amounts of specifically targeted antimicrobial peptides (or simple antimicrobial peptides) and comprises an orally compatible backing layer, a delivery layer disposed on one surface of the backing layer where the delivery layer comprises an orally compatible polymer, or combination of polymers, and a specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide (and/or simple antimicrobial peptide) capable of binding and killing Streptococcus mutans. In certain embodiments the dental strip additionally comprises a release liner.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, constructs are provided that selectively/preferentially inhibit and/or kill Clostridium difficile. In certain embodiments the constructs comprise a peptide that binds C. difficile attached directly or through an amino acid or a linker to an antimicrobial peptide.

Abstract: Therapeutic formulations comprising an effective amount of IL-2 or other lymphokine and a biodegradable polymeric carrier having reverse gelation properties and the methods of use thereof for local or both local and systemic control of proliferative cell disorders is disclosed. The formulation can be administered intratumorally/peritumorally and forms an IL-2 containing depot. The IL-2-containing depot provides for continuous, prolonged release of IL-2 sufficient to stimulate the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes which function both locally and systemically, without causing unacceptable side effects.

Abstract: Therapeutic formulations comprising an effective amount of IL-2 or other lymphokine and a biodegradable polymeric carrier having reverse gelation properties and the methods of use thereof for local or both local and systemic control of proliferative cell disorders are disclosed. The formulation can be administered intratumorally/peritumorally and forms an IL-2 containing depot. The IL-2-containing depot provides for continuous, prolonged release of IL-2 sufficient to stimulate the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes which function both locally and systemically, without causing unacceptable side effects.

Abstract: Aldehyde derivatives of polyethylene glycols and methods of making thereof are disclosed. These aldehyde derivatives can be used to make polyethylene glycol-hydrazines, polyethylene glycol-thiols, polyethylene glycol amines, and branched polyethylene glycols. PEG aldehyde derivatives or other functional PEG derivatives prepared from PEG aldehydes are useful for protein conjugation and surface modification.

Abstract: A method for the “one-pot” synthesis of insulin derivatives wherein insulin is modified at the &agr;-amino group of the PheB1 residue is described. The method comprises protecting the &agr;-amino group of the GlyA1 residue and the &egr;-amino group of the LysB29 residue by reaction of insulin with a cyclic anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid in the presence of a tertiary amine. The protected insulin is then reacted with an activated hydrophilic compound, preferably an activated polyethylene glycol, resulting in a conjugate of the hydrophilic compound coupled to the PheB1 residue of insulin. The protecting groups are then removed from the conjugate under mild acidic conditions, and the resulting insulin derivative can be purified by conventional methods. Monosubstituted insulin derivatives wherein polyethylene glycol or derivatives thereof or glycosides are coupled to the PheB1 residue of insulin are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stabilization and oral delivery of human calcitonin are described. An aqueous liquid composition for stable storage of human calcitonin comprises an aqueous mixture of SDS and an organic acid. An nonaqueous liquid composition for stable storage of human calcitonin comprises about 90-100% by volume of a mixture of C.sub.8 /C.sub.10 mono- and di-glycerides and about 0-10% by volume of a polar, nonaqueous solvent. Both of these stabilized human calcitonin formulations provided significant intestinal absorption of calcitonin.