Abstract: An azapeptide derivative of growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) of Formula I: A-(Xaa)a-N(RA)—N(RB)—C(O)-(Xaa?)b-B which binds to CD 36.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IL-23 receptor antagonists and agonists. The use of IL-23 receptor antagonists in treating autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, as well as methods of identifying IL-23 receptor antagonists and agonists.

Abstract: Peptides that are designed to inhibit the biological activity of the IL-1R type 1 receptor and inhibit IL-1R/IL-1RacP related cell signaling and biological activity are disclosed. Compositions comprising IL-1R antagonists of the present invention are useful in the treatment of IL-1 related diseases or conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease as well as other chronic or acute inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a non-competitive peptide, which inhibits the activity of a cytokine receptor. This method includes the steps of selecting a candidate peptide containing from about 7 to about 20 amino acids derived from a flexible region of a cytokine receptor, and determining the ability of the peptide to inhibit or promote the oligomerization and/or activation of the receptor by measuring an activity of the receptor in the absence or the presence of the candidate peptide, wherein the non-competitive peptide is selected when the activity of the receptor is measurably lower in the presence of the peptide as compared to in the absence of the peptide so identified. This invention also provides agonists of cytokine receptor activity. Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise the identified peptides are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions which are useful for inhibiting prostaglandin F2?receptor. The compositions include, but are not limited to, linear peptides, peptide analogs, and peptidomimetics. Methods of using the compositions of the invention to treat preterm labor and dysmenorrhea are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cytokine receptor-binding compounds, such as non-competitive VEGF receptor, IL-1 receptor, IL-4 receptor, or IGF-1 receptor-binding peptides and petidomimetic antagonists, and therapeutic uses of such compounds. The compounds of the present invention may be used in the treatment of cytokine-associated diseases such as proliferative disorders (for example, colon, breast, prostate, and lung cancer), abnormal neovascularization and angiogenesis, age-related macular degeneration, and proliferative and/or inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition of matter comprising novel prostaglandin E2 receptor antagonists, and their use in treatments for regulating the fluid filtration in the kidney, preventing bone mineral loss in osteoporosis and dental disease and additionally, closure of ductus arteriosus (DA) in premature infants or fetal animals. Additionally, the compositions include linear peptides, peptide analogs, and peptidomimetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a non-competitive peptide, which inhibits the activity of a cytokine receptor. This method includes the steps of selecting a candidate peptide containing from about 7 to about 20 amino acids derived from a flexible region of a cytokine receptor, and determining the ability of the peptide to inhibit or promote the oligomerization and/or activation of the receptor by measuring an activity of the receptor in the absence or the presence of the candidate peptide, wherein the non-competitive peptide is selected when the activity of the receptor is measurably lower in the presence of the peptide as compared to in the absence of the peptide so identified. This invention also provides agonists of cytokine receptor activity. Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise the identified peptides are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a non-competitive peptide, which inhibits the activity of a cytokine receptor. This method includes the steps of selecting a candidate peptide containing from about 7 to about 20 amino acids derived from a flexible region of a cytokine receptor, and determining the ability of the peptide to inhibit or promote the oligomerization and/or activation of the receptor by measuring an activity of the receptor in the absence or the presence of the candidate peptide, wherein the non-competitive peptide is selected when the activity of the receptor is measurably lower in the presence of the peptide as compared to in the absence of the peptide so identified. This invention also provides agonists of cytokine receptor activity. Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise the identified peptides are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions which are useful for inhibiting prostaglandin F2? receptor. The compositions include, but are not limited to, linear peptides, peptide analogs, and peptidomimetics. Methods of using the compositions of the invention to treat preterm labor and dysmenorrhea are disclosed.

Abstract: Peptides that are designed to inhibit the biological activity of the IL-1R type 1 receptor and inhibit IL-1R/IL-1RacP related cell signaling and biological activity are disclosed. Compositions comprising IL-1R antagonists of the present invention are useful in the treatment of IL-1 related diseases or conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease as well as other chronic or acute inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of G protein-coupled receptor agonist or antagonist, which specifically binds to the receptor protein structural elements, thus altering signal transmission and subsequent physiological effects. Described herein are peptide sequences derived from the G protein-coupled receptor protein, produced by chemical methods as selective inhibitors of signal transduction associated with stimulation of the receptor by its ligand. Such peptides or molecules derived from their primary, secondary or tertiary structures may be used as effective tocolytics for the prevention of premature labor or be used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the function of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) using peptide antagonists of the GPCR are provided. The peptide antagonists are derived from the sequence of a juxtamembrane extracellular structural element of the target GPCR and selectively modulate the function of the receptor from which they are derived. The GPCR peptide antagonists include peptides comprising naturally occurring amino acids as well as peptide analogues, peptide derivatives, peptidomimetics and peptide variants. Methods of selecting the peptide antagonists are also provided. The peptides have therapeutic application in the treatment, amelioration or prophylaxis of diseases or conditions associated with changes in GPCR activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition of matter comprising novel prostaglandin E2 receptor antagonists, and their use in treatments for regulating the fluid filtration in the kidney, preventing bone mineral loss in osteoporosis and dental disease and additionally, closure of ductus arteriosus (DA) in premature infants or fetal animals. Additionally, the compositions include linear peptides, peptide analogs, and peptidomimetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of G-protein-coupled receptor antagonists which bind to the intracellular molecular interface between the receptor and the G-protein, thus hampering signal transduction. The present invention describes peptide sequences derived from the prostaglandin receptor F2&agr; and the G-protein, G&agr;q protein. produced by molecular biology techniques or chemical synthesis, as selective inhibitors of signal transduction involved in the stimulation of this receptor. Such peptides or molecules derived from their primary, secondary and tertiary structures may be used as effective tocolytics for the prevention of premature labor or be utilized for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of G-protein-coupled receptor antagonists which bind to the intracellular molecular interface between the receptor and the G-protein, thus hampering signal transduction. The present invention describes peptide sequences derived from the prostaglandin receptor F.sub.2.alpha. and the G-protein, G.alpha.q protein, produced by molecular biology techniques or chemical synthesis, as selective inhibitors of signal transduction involved in the stimulation of this receptor. Such peptides or molecules derived from their primary, secondary and tertiary structures may be used as effective tocolytics for the prevention of premature labor or be utilized for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.