Abstract: The invention relates to methods of use of synthetic peptide amides that are ligands of the kappa opioid receptor in the treatment and prevention of kappa opioid receptor-associated diseases and conditions; and particularly to uses of these agonists in the prophylaxis, inhibition and treatment of pain, inflammation and pruritis associated with a variety of diseases, disorders and conditions. Inflammatory conditions preventable or treatable by the methods of the invention include diseases and conditions associated with elevated levels of a proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-?, IL-?, IL-6, MMP-1 and MMP-3.

Abstract: Compounds are provided having the general structure of formula I: In formula I, one member of the group (W, X, Y and Z) is a nitrogen atom and the remaining three members of the group are each independently a carbon atom covalently bonded to a radical, R4. The radicals, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each defined herein, and n is an integer from 1 to 4. Also provided are stereoisomers, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, salt hydrates, acid salt hydrates, and polymorphs of the compounds having the structure of formula I. The compounds bind the prostaglandin D2 receptor and are useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of prostaglandin D2-mediated diseases and conditions, including pain and inflammation, as well as asthma and allergic diseases and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides substituted pyrazolo-heterocycles having the general structure of formula I Also provided are pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acid salts, hydrates, solvates and stereoisomers of the compounds of formula I. The compounds are useful as modulators of cannabinoid receptors and for the prophylaxis and treatment of cannabinoid receptor-associated diseases and conditions, such as pain, inflammation and pruritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of prevention and treatment of cannabinoid receptor-associated diseases and conditions, wherein the method includes administering a substituted imidazoheterocyclic compounds having the structure of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid salt, hydrate, solvate or stereoisomer of a compound having the structure of formula I. The cannabinoid receptor-associated diseases and conditions preventable or treatable by the methods of the present invention include pain, inflammation and pruritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides substituted pyrazolo-heterocycles having the general structure of formula I Also provided are pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acid salts, hydrates, solvates and stereoisomers of the compounds of formula I. The compounds are useful as modulators of cannabinoid receptors and for the prophylaxis and treatment of cannabinoid receptor-associated diseases and conditions, such as pain, inflammation and pruritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides substituted imidazoheterocyclic compounds having the structure of formula I Also provided are pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acid salts, hydrates, solvates and stereoisomers of the compounds of formula I. The compounds are useful as modulators of cannabinoid receptors and for the prophylaxis and treatment of cannabinoid receptor-associated diseases and conditions, such as pain, inflammation and pruritis.