Abstract: The invention provides a labeling composition for an intraocular tissue of a living individual, which specifically labels the intraocular tissue without need of an invasive operation such as exposure of an ocular tissue or injection of a staining agent into the ocular tissue or a nerve tissue linking to the ocular tissue, a method of noninvasively labeling an intraocular tissue of a living individual, and a screening method using the labeling composition for the intraocular tissues. The composition contains a compound capable of labeling at least a photoreceptor cell layer of a retina, wherein the compound is a staining compound having a particular structure as a partial structure thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides hetero-multivalent ligand binging agents (traps) for members of the TGF-? superfamily, as well as methods for making and using such constructs. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a hetero-multivalent binding agent with affinity for a member of the TGF-? superfamily, said agent comprising the general structure (I): (<bd1>-linker1)k-[{<bd1>-linker2-<bd2>-linker3r-}n-(<bd3>)m-(linker4-<bd4>)d]h, where bd1, bd2, bd3 and bd4 are polypeptide binding domains having an affinity for different sites on the same member or for different members of the TGF-? superfamily, wherein at least two of bd1, bd2, bd3, and bd4 are different from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic agents, including biologically active vectors labelled with radionuclides. It further relates to methods and reagents labelling a vector such as a peptide comprising reaction of a compound of formula (I) with a compound of formula (II): or, a compound of formula (III) with a compound of formula (IV) in the presence of a Cu (I) catalyst. The resultant labelled conjugates are useful as diagnostic agents, for example, as radiopharmaceuticals more specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or for radiotherapy.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(?) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a class of linkable tetrasaccharide compounds that includes the amino phenyl glycoside of sialyl Lewis X (SLeX) and related analogs. These compounds have conjugatable nucleophilic groups, making them useful in preparing multimeric SLeX compositions. In particular, the disclosed SLeX compounds can be used to prepare selectin binding ligand con-jugatcs by linking them to a reporter moiety, such as a contrast agent, a radiodiagnostic agent, or a cytotoxic or chemotherapeutic agent. The SLeX compounds and conjugates of the invention exhibit binding to selectin that is similar to native Sialyl LeX, and are, therefore, useful for diagnosing and treating selectin-mediated disorders and related conditions.

Abstract: The present application provides for compositions and methods of creating and applying contrast agents that find use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In particular, contrast agents that comprise monodisperse, protein polymer backbones capable of chelating multiple paramagnetic ions resulting in high relaxivity for use in enhancing MRI signal intensity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns combination of an amount of a GPR119 agonist with an amount of a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor such that the combination provides an effect in lowering a blood glucose level or in increasing a blood GLP-1 level in a subject over that provided by the amount of the GPR119 agonist or the amount of the DPP-IV inhibitor alone and the use of such a combination for treating or preventing diabetes and conditions related thereto or conditions ameliorated by increasing a blood GLP-1 level. The present invention also relates to the use of a G protein-coupled receptor to screen for GLP-1 secretagogues.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor ligand carrying a therapeutic radionuclide for treatment of cancer is provided. A method of treating cancer using the IGF-1 receptor ligand carrying a therapeutic radionuclide is also provided. An anti-cancer therapeutic agent containing an IGF-1 receptor ligand linked to a toxin is also provided, as are methods of using the toxin conjugates for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A method of treating a disease characterized by aberrant cell migration and/or invasion includes administering to a subject an effective amount of the peptide of SEQ ID NO:3, an ?6 polypeptide, or an isolated polypeptide consisting essentially of the Link region of human CD44 as indicated in FIG. 17 to modulate a FAK signal transduction pathway for a sufficient period of time to treat the disease. A method of diagnosing a condition characterized by aberrant cell migration and/or invasion includes measuring the effect of these polypeptides on FAK signal transduction activity; wherein a change in FAK signal transduction activity is indicative of said aberrant cell migration or invasion. A method of diagnosing a condition characterized by aberrant cell migration and/or invasion includes imaging FAK signal transduction activity in the presence of these polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the responsiveness of an individual to mistletoe lectin or to (an) mistletoe lectin single chain(s), wherein the expression of a membrane-bound receptor for mistletoe lectin is characteristic of a corresponding responsiveness.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, a negatively charged substrate, a transition metal ion, and at least one bioactive agent for drug delivery. The nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge configured for promoting enhanced permeability for bioactive agent delivery.

Abstract: Stabilized radiopharmaceutical formulations are disclosed. Methods of making and using stabilized radiopharmaceutical formulations are also disclosed. The invention relates to stabilizers that improve the radiostability of radiotherapeutic and radiodiagnostic compounds, and formulations containing them. In particular, it relates to stabilizers useful in the preparation and stabilization of targeted radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic compounds, and, in a preferred embodiment, to the preparation and stabilization of radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic compounds that are targeted to the Gastrin Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRP-Receptor).

Abstract: A molecular probe for use in imaging of pancreatic islets is provided. The molecular probe comprises a polypeptide represented by the following formula (1), (2), or (3), or a polypeptide having homology with the foregoing polypeptide, (SEQ?ID?NO.?1) Z-HGEGTFTSDLSXQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2?(1) (SEQ?ID?NO.?2) Z-HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLXNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2?(2) (SEQ?ID?NO.?3) B-HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2?(3) where, in the formulae (1) and (2), “X” represents a lysine residue, an amino group of a side chain of the lysine residue being labeled with a radioactive nuclide, and “Z—” indicates that an ?-amino group at an N-terminus is not modified, or is modified with a modifying group having no electric charge; in the formula (3), “B—” indicates that an ?-amino group at an N-terminus is labeled with a radioactive nuclide; and in the formulae (1), (2), and (3), “—NH2” indicates that a carboxyl group at a C-terminus is amidated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for treating neoplasias in an animal or human comprised of a carrier and therapeutically effective amounts of at least one chemotherapeutic agent along with the biotherapeutic endogenous pentapeptide Met-enkephalin, referred to as opioid growth factor. Also provided are methods of treating neoplasias in an animal or human in need of such treatment, comprising the administration to the animal or human therapeutically effective amounts of a pharmaceutical composition comprised of a carrier and therapeutically effective amounts of at least one neoplasia-treating agent, such as a chemotherapeutic agent or radiation, along with opioid growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns combination of an amount of a GPR119 agonist with an amount of a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor such that the combination provides an effect in lowering a blood glucose level or in increasing a blood GLP-1 level in a subject over that provided by the amount of the GPR119 agonist or the amount of the DPP-IV inhibitor alone and the use of such a combination for treating or preventing diabetes and conditions related thereto or conditions ameliorated by increasing a blood GLP-1 level. The present invention also relates to the use of a G protein-coupled receptor to screen for GLP-1 secretagogues.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated, purified peptides, biologically active fragments and analogs of the peptides having anti-tumor activity in mammals, pharmaceutical formulations comprising the peptides, fragments and analogs and methods of treating mammals suffering from tumors using such materials.

Abstract: P-selectin targeting ligand molecules are provided as well as compositions, including kits, which comprise such P-selectin targeting ligand molecules, such composition being useful for use as pharmaceutical formulations which can be administered safely and effectively and as diagnostic formulations.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.

Abstract: Novel peptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are disclosed. Conjugated compositions peptides linked to detectable agents and/or cytotoxic agents are disclosed. Method of detecting tumors that have p185 on tumor cell surfaces are disclosed. Methods of preventing transformation of a normal cell into a tumor cell in an individual at risk of developing a tumor having tumor cells which have p185 on their surfaces are disclosed. Methods of treating an individual who has cancer characterized by tumor cells that have a p185 on their cell surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: Particles are bioactivated by attaching bioactivation peptides to the particle surface. The bioactivation peptides are peptide-based compounds that impart one or more biologically important functions to the particles. Each bioactivation peptide includes a molecular or surface recognition part that binds with the surface of the particle and one or more functional parts. The surface recognition part includes an amino-end and a carboxy-end and is composed of one or more hydrophobic spacers and one or more binding clusters. The functional part(s) is attached to the surface recognition part at the amino-end and/or said carboxy-end.

Abstract: The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one anti-hemophilic factor or bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability in oral drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention discloses a useful and novel factor (polypeptide) which plays an important role for morbid vascular smooth muscle in restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and arterial sclerosis in the field of cardiovascular system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for making and using bioactive assemblies of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. In particular embodiments, the bioactive assembly is formed using dock-and-lock (DNL) methodology, which takes advantage of the specific binding interaction between dimerization and docking domains (DDD) and anchoring domains (AD) to form the assembly. In various embodiments, one or more effectors may be attached to a DDD or AD sequence. Complementary AD or DDD sequences may be attached to an adaptor module that forms the core of the bioactive assembly, allowing formation of the assembly through the specific DDD/AD binding interactions. Such assemblies may be attached to a wide variety of effector moieties for treatment, detection and/or diagnosis of a disease, pathogen infection or other medical or veterinary condition.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a pegylated bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention discloses nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge. The bioactive agent is hydrophobic or lipophilic in nature and is associated with micelles before being encapsulated in nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of F-18 labeled molecules of use, for example, in PET imaging techniques. The labeled molecules may be peptides or proteins, although other types of molecules may be labeled by the described methods. Preferably, the F-18 may be conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a metal complex and binding of the F-18-metal complex to a chelating moiety. Alternatively, the metal may first be conjugated to the chelating group and subsequently the F-18 bound to the metal. In other embodiments, the F-18 labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific or multispecific antibody to target F-18 to a disease-associated antigen, such as a tumor-associated antigen. The F-18 labeled targetable construct peptides are stable in serum at 37° C. for a sufficient time to perform PET imaging analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blood products, and more particularly to compositions comprising a modified oxygenated hemoglobin having a high affinity for oxygen and methods for making such compositions. Such compositions according to the present invention have better stability to autooxidation and superior oxygen carrying characteristics.

Abstract: Compounds comprising peptides and peptidomimetics capable of binding the C3 protein and inhibiting complement activation are disclosed. These compounds display improved complement activation-inhibitory activity as compared with currently available compounds. Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Human proIslet Peptides (HIP) and HIP analogs and derivatives thereof, derived from or homologous in sequence to the human REG3A protein, chromosome 2p12, are able to induce islet neogenesis from endogenous pancreatic progenitor cells. Human proIslet Peptides are used either alone or in combination with other pharmaceuticals in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and other pathologies related to aberrant glucose, carbohydrate, and/or lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, overweight, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, eating disorders and the metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one antibiotics or equivalent bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability in oral drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences encoding a modulator of NF-?B, and to the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences. In particular, the invention relates to nucleotide sequences and the polypeptides encoded thereby, wherein the polypeptides are involved in the response to NF-?B-activating stimuli, including HTLV-1 Tax, LPS, PMA and IL-1. The invention also relates to antibodies to the modulator of NF-?B, methods of detecting modulator of NF-?B using the antibodies, methods of treatment associated with NF-?B activation and to methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of the modulator of NF-?B.

Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides and methods of identifying the same are provided.

Abstract: A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. X may be cleaved extracellularly or intracellularly. The molecules of the present invention may be linear, cyclic, branched, or have a mixed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method to make porous materials which are useful in pharmaceutical, medicine, industry, and agriculture. The most advantage of the porous materials is to provide extremely large surface area for further modification and to incorporate a bioactive reagent in a mild condition to make the porous materials bioactive, biocompatible and biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention provides zinc complexes for use in methods of providing zinc to subjects in need of treatment. The invention further provides improved dietary supplement formulations for improving and maintaining ocular nutrition. In particular, the improved dietary supplement formulations comprise the zinc complexes described herein, antioxidant vitamins, minerals and excipients.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a target agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two target agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the target agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one target agent. In more preferred embodiments, the target agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: A precursor of a molecular probe for imaging of pancreatic islets is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the field of drug delivery. More particularly, the invention relates to polypeptides derived from aprotinin and from aprotinin analogs as well as conjugates and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides or conjugates. The present invention also relates to the use of these polypeptides for transporting a compound or drug across the blood-brain barrier of a mammal and in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a family of agents that target integrins, which can be used as imaging agents and/or therapeutic agents. The agents can be used to image angiogenesis, inflammation or other physiological processes in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic agents, including biologically active vectors labelled with radionuclides. It further relates to methods and reagents labelling a vector such as a peptide comprising reaction of a compound of formula (I) with a compound of formula (II): R*-L2-N3 (II) or, a compound of formula (III) with a compound of formula (IV) in the presence of a Cu (I) catalyst. The resultant labelled conjugates are useful as diagnostic agents, for example, as radiopharmaceuticals more specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or for radiotherapy.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with a form of multiple sclerosis comprising periodically administering to the subject an amount of glatiramer acetate and an amount of mitoxantrone, wherein the amounts when taken together are effective to alleviate a symptom of the form of multiple sclerosis in the subject so as to thereby treat the subject. The subject invention also provides a package comprising glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone and instructions for use of the together to alleviate a symptom of a form of multiple sclerosis in a subject. Additionally, the subject invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of glatiramer acetate and an amount of mitoxantrone, wherein the amounts when taken together are effective to alleviate a symptom of a form of multiple sclerosis in a subject.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic and diagnostic somatostatin analogs including radiotherapeutic and radiodiagnostic reagents, and methods of making and use thereof.

Abstract: A peptide for diagnosing, preventing and treating atherosclerosis, and a use thereof, comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, and a use thereof. The peptide effectively targets atherosclerotic plaques, and binds to IL-4R to thereby exhibit antagonistic effects on IL-4-mediated signaling of cellular inflammatory reaction and survival reaction. The peptide of the present invention can be used for diagnosis of atherosclerosis, prevention and treatment of IL-4-induced inflammatory reaction and prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis which is primarily caused by the inflammatory reaction, as well as for prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis via conjugation with an anti-atherosclerotic drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stroke-targeting peptides and use thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stroke-targeting peptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 4 and use thereof. The peptide of the present invention can be specifically bound to stroke cells in the subject, and thus can be effectively used in diagnostic markers and kits for stroke, and compositions for drug delivery specific to stroke and pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for imaging stroke.

Abstract: Antimicrobial agent including an artificially synthesized antimicrobial peptide that does not occur naturally is provided by present invention. The peptide included in the antimicrobial agent includes 1 unit, 2 units or more units of sequence(s) or sequence(s) with partial modification, the sequence(s) composed of at least 6 contiguous amino acid residues selected from any one of amino acid sequences: (a) KVQIINKK; (b) SVQIVYKP; (c) QVEVKSEK; (d) KKVAVVRT; (e) KKVAIIRT; (f) KKPTSAK, and the total number of amino acid residues included in 1 unit, 2 units or more units of sequence(s) is 30% or more of the total number of amino acid residues constituting the peptide chain.

Abstract: A method of causing cardiomyocyte growth and/or differentiation, the method comprising exposing a cardiomyocyte to neuregulin (NRG) thereby activating the MAP kinase pathway in the cardiomyocyte and causing growth and/or differentiation of the cardiomyocyte. Use of neuregulin, neuregulin polypeptide, neuregulin derivatives, or compounds which mimic the activities of neuregulins in the treatment or management of heart disease and heart failure in a mammal.

Abstract: Ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6a, R6b, R7, and y are as defined in the specification, methods for synthesizing ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I, methods of use of ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I, including use in linear or cyclic compounds which include a plurality of amino acid residues and one or more ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I and linear or cyclic compounds which include a plurality of amino acid residues and one or more ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of ADNF III polypeptides in the treatment of mental diseases or disorders, including schizophrenia. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for treating mental disorders, including schizophrenia, in a subject by administering a NAP, an 8-amino-acid peptide derived from Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor (ADNF III), in an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate symptoms. The ADNF III polypeptides include polypeptides, analogs, subsequences, and D-amino acid versions (either wholly D-amino acid peptides or mixed D- and L-amino acid peptides), and combinations thereof which contain the active core sites and provide neuroprotective and anti-schizophrenic functions.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing and treating a human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumor in a subject is disclosed. The method includes administering to the subject, an effective amount of composition having a peptide 12-20 amino acid residues in length and selected for its ability to bind preferentially to a subtype of human GBM cells identified as brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) or highly invasive glioma cells (HIGCs). Also disclosed are a phage-display screening method for identifying such therapeutic peptides, and peptides that hind specifically to BTICs or HIGCs.

Abstract: Stereochemically defined dipeptide esters of nucleoside-analogous antiviral agents including acyclovir and ganciclovir are provided. Certain of these stereochemically defined dipeptide esters are found to have unexpectedly enhanced delivery to and uptake by ocular tissues, crossing the blood-ocular barrier more effectively than other stereochemically defined dipeptide esters. For example, (L-Val)-(D-Val)-acyclovir was found to be taken up more effectively into corneal tissue than were underivatized acyclovir, monoesters (L-Val)-acyclovir or (D-Val)-acyclovir, or diester (L-Val)-(L-Val)-acyclovir.