Abstract: Tetrapeptides consisting of (I or V)-X1-K-X2, where X1 can be selected from E, Q or K, and X2 can be selected from M, F, I, W, or V, exhibit diverse bioactivities. They are multi-functional effector molecules to stimulate keratinocytes migration; neutralize the proinflammatory effect of bacterial cell wall components such as lipoteichoic acids of the Gram-positive S. aureus; and induce angiogenesis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The downregulation of pro-inflammatory condition was also demonstrated using SOR-300-FT psoriasis skin model for representative peptide. The bioactivity was also supported by gene profiling study upon treatment of normal skin tissues using EPIDERM™ skin substitutes.

Abstract: Tetrapeptides consisting of (I or V)—X1-K—X2, where X1 can be selected from E, Q or K, and X2 can be selected from M, F, I, W, or V, exhibit diverse bioactivities. They are multi-functional effector molecules to stimulate keratinocytes migration; neutralize the proinflammatory effect of bacterial cell wall components such as lipoteichoic acids of the Gram-positive S. aureus; and induce angiogenesis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The downregulation of pro-inflammatory condition was also demonstrated using SOR-300-FT psoriasis skin model for representative peptide. The bioactivity was also supported by gene profiling study upon treatment of normal skin tissues using EPIDERM™ skin substitutes.

Abstract: Peptides having four to six amino acid residues are disclosed that possess biological activity. These peptides constitute short fragments of the peptide HB-107 (MPKEKVFLKIEKMGRNIRN) (SEQ ID NO: 10), which itself is a fragment of the antimicrobial protein cecropin B, and exhibit cell stimulatory and migratory properties. The inventive peptides comprise four to six contiguous amino acid residues located between position 11 and 16 of HB107 (MPKEKVFLKIEKMGRNIRN) (SEQ ID NO: 10), namely EKMGRN (SEQ ID NO: 1). The disclosed peptides comprise a useful agent for the medical treatment of injury to the skin, such as from diabetic ulcers. The peptides also are effective in preventing and reversing skin surface damage resulting from various environmental insults. Importantly, the therapeutic effects of the peptides manifest at concentrations equal to or greater than those of peptide HB-107 (SEQ ID NO: 10), and thus represent a less expensive, more versatile means for developing effective therapies.

Abstract: Peptides having four to six amino acid residues are disclosed that possess biological activity. These peptides constitute short fragments of the peptide HB-107 (MPKEKVFLKIEKMGRNIRN) (SEQ ID NO: 10), which itself is a fragment of the antimicrobial protein cecropin B, and exhibit cell stimulatory and migratory properties. The inventive peptides comprise four to six contiguous amino acid residues located between position 11 and 16 of HB107 (MPKEKVFLKIEKMGRNIRN) (SEQ ID NO: 10), namely EKMGRN (SEQ ID NO: 1). The disclosed peptides comprise a useful agent for the medical treatment of injury to the skin, such as from diabetic ulcers. The peptides also are effective in preventing and reversing skin surface damage resulting from various environmental insults. Importantly, the therapeutic effects of the peptides manifest at concentrations equal to or greater than those of peptide HB-107 (SEQ ID NO: 10), and thus represent a less expensive, more versatile means for developing effective therapies.

Abstract: Tetrapeptides consisting of (I or V)-X1-K-X2, where X1 can be selected from E, Q or K, and X2 can be selected from M, F, I, W, or V, exhibit diverse bioactivities. They are multi-functional effector molecules to stimulate keratinocytes migration; neutralize the proinflammatory effect of bacterial cell wall components such as lipoteichoic acids of the Gram-positive S. aureus; and induce angiogenesis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The downregulation of pro-inflammatory condition was also demonstrated using SOR-300-FT psoriasis skin model for representative peptide. The bioactivity was also supported by gene profiling study upon treatment of normal skin tissues using EPIDERM™ skin substitutes.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides having biological and therapeutic activity. Particularly disclosed are lipidated di- or tri-peptides analogs of KPV or KdPT that exhibit antimicrobial activity. In particular, the peptides of this invention provide enhanced anti-microbial activity over the base tri-peptides, lysine-proline-valine and lysine-d-proline-tyrosine. The disclosed peptides have the general formula of C12-18 lipid-KXZ-NH2i wherein K is lysine; X is proline, d-proline, histidine or arginine; Z is optional and if present Z is valine, threonine, alanine or leucine; and the terminal COOH is NH2 amidated. The C12-18 lipid is preferably the lipid moiety of lauric acid (C12), myristic acid (C14), pentadecanoic acid (C15), palmitic acid (C16), or stearic acid (C18). The invention is further related to methods of using of these peptides to treat various insults, inflammations or bacterial infections affecting the skin and other related mucosal body surfaces such as the oral cavity.

Abstract: Peptides having four to six amino acid residues are disclosed that possess biological activity. These peptides constitute short fragments of the peptide HB-107 (MPKEKVFLKIEKMGRNIRN), which itself is a fragment of the antimicrobial protein cecropin B, and exhibit cell stimulatory and migratory properties. The inventive peptides comprise four to six contiguous amino acid residues located between position 11 and 16 of HB107 (MPKEKVFLKIEKMGRNIRN), namely EKMGRN. The disclosed peptides comprise a useful agent for the medical treatment of injury to the skin, such as from diabetic ulcers. The peptides also are effective in preventing and reversing skin surface damage resulting from various environmental insults Importantly, the therapeutic effects of the peptides manifest at concentrations equal to or greater than those of peptide HB-107, and thus represent a less expensive, more versatile means for developing effective therapies. Methods for the production and use of these peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides having biological and therapeutic activity. Particularly disclosed are lipidated di- or tri-peptides analogs of KPV or KdPT that exhibit antimicrobial activity. In particular, the peptides of this invention provide enhanced anti-microbial activity over the base tri-peptides, lysine-proline-valine and lysine-d-proline-tyrosine. The disclosed peptides have the general formula of C12-18 lipid-KXZ-NH2i wherein K is lysine; X is proline, d-proline, histidine or arginine; Z is optional and if present Z is valine, threonine, alanine or leucine; and the terminal COOH is NH2 amidated. The C12-18 lipid is preferably the lipid moiety of lauric acid (C12), myristic acid (C14), pentadecanoic acid (C15), palmitic acid (C16), or stearic acid (C18). The invention is further related to methods of using of these peptides to treat various insults, inflammations or bacterial infections affecting the skin and other related mucosal body surfaces such as the oral cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides an inflammation-responsive implantable device for the in situ delivery of one or more pharmaceutically active agents to a human or animal. The device comprises two differential release bioresponsive polymeric matrices (BPMs): an outer polymetric matrix and an inner polymeric matrix, both of which contain at least one pharmaceutically active agent or drug, typically an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory agent, respectively. The therapeutically effective agent may be embedded in nanoparticles or nanobubbles. In response to inflammation, the pharmaceutically active agents are released, but at different rates: the rate of drug release from the inner polymeric matrix is lower than the rate of drug release from the outer polymeric matrix. Suitable polymers for forming the outer and inner polymeric matrices are hyaluronic acid and chitosan, respectively. A method of making the device and a method of treatment are also described.

Abstract: Methods for treating hyperpigmentation of skin employ topical application of compositions to skin in need thereof, where the compositions comprise at least one peptide copper complex, or at least one peptide copper complex in combination with retinol, at least one retinol derivative, or a mixture thereof. Also disclosed are methods that use such compositions further comprising active agents selected from active drug substances, emollients, sunscreen agents, skin-lightening agents, skin protectants, skin conditioning agents, and humectants.