Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel molecular pathway involved in long-term hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, which, in higher animals, is associated with persistent pain. It is based on the discovery that, following injury to an axon of a neuron, an increase in nitric oxide synthase activity results in increased nitric oxide production, which, in turn, activates guanylyl cyclase, thereby increasing levels of cGMP. Increased cGMP results in activation of protein kinase G (“PKG”), which then is retrogradely transported along the axon to the neuron cell body, where it phosphorylates MAPKerk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-drug vaccines based on conjugates between the drug and a non-immunogenic carrier protein. In preferred embodiments, it provides for anti-cocaine vaccines and their use to diminish the effects and/or use of cocaine in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel molecular pathway involved in long-term hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, which, in higher animals, is associated with persistent pain. It is based on the discovery that, following injury to an axon of a neuron, an increase in nitric oxide synthase activity results in increased nitric oxide production, which, in turn, activates guanylyl cyclase, thereby increasing levels of cGMP. Increased cGMP results in activation of protein kinase G (“PKG”), which then is retrogradely transported along the axon to the neuron cell body, where it phosphorylates MAPKerk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds with activity as BACE1 and NF?B modulators, and methods for treating, preventing, or ameliorating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention is also directed to the treatment of diseases related to dysfunction of cell proliferation, the immune system and/or inflammation using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions containing such candidate compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that exhibit vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activity of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The present invention is also directed to methods of identifying such compounds, and use of such compounds for the treatment of diseases related to dysfunction of vasodilation, inflammation, and/or endothelial cells. In particular non-limiting embodiments, components of the invention may be used to treat hypertension.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and therapeutic agents for lowering or increasing serum serotonin levels in a patient in order to increase or decrease bone mass, respectively. In preferred embodiments, the patient is known to have, or to be at risk for, a low bone mass disease such as osteoporosis and the agents are TPH1 inhibitors or serotonin receptor antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds with activity as inhibitors of sAPP? and A? production, and methods for treating, preventing, or ameliorating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and pharmaceutical compositions containing such candidate compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating or ameliorating the effects of diabetes. In addition, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating or preventing hyperglycemia, as well as modulating monoamine levels, islet ?-cell insulin secretion, insulin and/or glucagon levels in a patient. In certain preferred embodiments, such methods include administering to a patient an effective amount of a vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) antagonist, such as tetrabenazine (TBZ), dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ), tetrahydroberberine (THB), reserpine, emetine, Compound 6, or enantiomers, optical isomers, diastereomers, N-oxides, crystalline forms, hydrates, metabolites or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel 1,4-benzothiazepine intermediates and derivatives, methods for synthesizing same, and methods for assaying same. The present invention also provides methods for using these novel compounds to limit or prevent a decrease in the level of RyR2-bound FKBP12.6 in a subject; to prevent exercise-induced sudden cardiac death in a subject; and to treat or prevent heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia in a subject. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that enhances binding of RyR2 and FKBP12.6, and agents identified by these methods. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for identifying agents for use in treating or preventing heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia, and in preventing exercise-induced sudden cardiac death. Also provided are agents identified by such methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein generally relate to anti-cocaine therapeutics. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention relate to highly efficient, thermostable, and long-lasting cocaine esterase (CocE) mutants that can protect against the toxic and reinforcing effects of cocaine in subjects. Provided herein are mutant CocE polypeptides displaying thermostable esterase activity. Also provided are methods of treating cocaine-induced conditions in a subject in need via administration of mutant CocE as well as methods for high-throughput screening of candidate esterase polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that may be used to inhibit activation of protein kinase G (“PKG”). It is based, at least in part, on the discovery of the tertiary structure of PKG and the identification of molecules that either bind to the active site of PKG and/or are analogs of balanol.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and peptides for the inactivation of organophosphorus-based insecticides and chemical warfare agents. The instant methods include peptide screening methods, peptides and peptide libraries, related compositions of matter, articles of manufacture, and methods for prophylaxis, treatment, decontamination and detection.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and peptides for the inactivation of organophosphorus-based insecticides and chemical warfare agents. The instant methods include peptide screening methods, peptides and peptide libraries, related compositions of matter, articles of manufacture, and methods for prophylaxis, treatment, decontamination and detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel molecular pathway involved in long-term hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, which, in higher animals, is associated with persistent pain. It is based on the discovery that, following injury to an axon of a neuron, an increase in nitric oxide synthase activity results in increased nitric oxide production, which, in turn, activates guanylyl cyclase, thereby increasing levels of cGMP. Increased cGMP results in activation of protein kinase G (“PKG”), which then is retrogradely transported along the axon to the neuron cell body, where it phosphorylates MAPKerk.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel 1,4-benzothiazepine intermediates and derivatives, methods for synthesizing same, and methods for assaying same. The present invention also provides methods for using these novel compounds to limit or prevent a decrease in the level of RyR2-bound FKBP12.6 in a subject; to prevent exercise-induced sudden cardiac death in a subject; and to treat or prevent heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia in a subject. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that enhances binding of RyR2 and FKBP12.6, and agents identified by these methods. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for identifying agents for use in treating or preventing heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia, and in preventing exercise-induced sudden cardiac death. Also provided are agents identified by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for limiting or preventing a decrease in the level of RyR2-bound FKBP12.6 in a subject, a method for treating or preventing exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia in a subject, and a method for preventing exercise-induced sudden cardiac death in a subject. Also provided are uses of JTV-519 in these methods. The present invention further provides methods for identifying agents for use in preventing exercise-induced sudden cardiac death, as well as agents identified by such methods. Also provided are methods for preventing exercise-induced sudden cardiac death by administering these agents. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for synthesizing JTV-519, radio-labeled JTV-519, and 1,4-benzothiazepine intermediates and derivatives.