Abstract: The method of the invention relates to a modified OmCI polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding a modified OmCI polypeptide which lacks LK/E binding activity and the use of such polypeptides and polynucleotides for the treatment of a disease or condition mediated by complement.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF). For instance, a disease or condition mediated by PAF (particularly inflammation) can be treated or platelet aggregation can be inhibited. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting the production and/or release of interleukin 8 (IL-8) by cells. The effects of PAF and the production and/or release of IL-8 are inhibited according to the invention by a compound of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are defined in the application, or a physiologically-acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cyclic peptides, comprising alternating D- and L- amino acids and wherein the peptide possesses immunomodulatory activity. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the cyclic peptides and to methods for the treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide having a biological activity of the Chemotaxis Inhibitory Protein of Staphylococcus aureus (‘CHIPS’), the polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, or a fragment or variant thereof having a biological activity of CHIPS, wherein the fragment or variant retains amino acid substitutions K40E, D42V, N77H, K100R, K105R, N111 K and/or G112A relative to the wildtype CHIPS protein of SEQ ID NO:1. In one embodiment, polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. Related aspects of the invention provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polypeptide of the invention, together with methods or making and using the same.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating sepsis, including septic shock and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), comprising administering an effective amount of a HMG1 antagonist. There is further disclosed a diagnostic method for monitoring the severity or potential lethality of sepsis or septic shock, comprising measuring the serum concentration of HMG1 in a patient exhibiting or at risk of exhibiting sepsis or septic shock symptoms. Lastly, there is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for effecting weight loss or treating obesity, comprising administering an effective amount of HMG1 or a therapeutically active HMG1 fragment.

Abstract: The present invention application relates to a pharmaceutical preparation to be administered into respiratory organs for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases, comprising a peptide which acts on formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) or receptors analogous thereto, in an amount which is effective in suppressing respiratory inflammation. The present invention application also relates to a method for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases by using the preparation, and to a kit containing the preparation. As compared with systemic administration of the peptide by injection, direct administration of the peptide to respiratory organs remarkedly improves the effect in suppressing respiratory inflammation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting vascular hyperpermeability in an animal in need thereof. The method comprises administering an effective amount of a diketopiperazine, a prodrug of a diketopiperazine or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of either of them to the animal, wherein the diketopiperazine has the formula set forth in the specification. The invention also provides a method of modulating the cytoskeleton of an endothelial cell in an animal. The method comprises administering an effective amount of a diketopiperazine, a prodrug of a diketopiperazine or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of either of them to the animal, wherein the diketopiperazine has the formula set forth in the specification. The invention further provides a kit. The kit comprises a diketopiperazine, a prodrug of a diketopiperazine or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of either of them to the animal, wherein the diketopiperazine has the formula set forth in the specification.

Abstract: A method of treating tuberculosis comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon ?, interferon ? or interferon ? in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) are provided.

Abstract: A method of treating tuberculosis comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon ?, interferon ? or interferon ? in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Further, a method of reducing the infectivity of tuberculosis or reducing the number of infectious organisms present in the lungs of a patient suffering from tuberculosis comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon ?, interferon ? or interferon ? in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) are provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a pulmonary disease such as, for instance idiophathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), mixed connective tissue disease and asthma, comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon ? in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents are provided.

Abstract: We describe an rspd(n/CRD) polypeptide, fragment, homologue, variant or derivative thereof for use in a method of treatment or prophylaxis of a disease. A method of treating an individual suffering from a disease or preventing the occurrence of a disease in an individual is also described, in which the method comprises administering to the individual a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an rspd (n/CRD) polypeptide, fragment, homologue, variant or derivative thereof. Preferably, the rspd (n/CRD) polypeptide and nucleic acid comprise SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, respectively.

Abstract: A peptide is described, which consists of 7-17 adjacent amino acids and comprises the hexamer TX EX X E, wherein X, X and X can be any natural or non-natural amino acid, wherein the peptide has no TNF receptor binding activity and is cyclized, for the prevention and treatment of hyperpermeability of epithelial cells and endothelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Norrin or a functional fragment thereof in the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with an increased TGF-beta activity. In particular, the use of said Norrin or functional fragment thereof to treat fibrotic diseases/disorders or proliferative disorders, like cancers, is part of this invention.

Abstract: An antiviral/immunomodulatory response in an animal is induced by oral administration to an infected animal, including humans, of a human ?-interferon. Methods of conferring resistance or mitigating the effects of exposure to a virus including avian influenza are described.

Abstract: An antiviral/immunomodulatory response in an animal is induced by oral administration to an infected animal, including humans, of a human ?-interferon. Methods of conferring resistance or mitigating the effects of exposure to a virus including avian influenza are described.

Abstract: Chimeric therapeutics are disclosed that include a modified viral core protein and a nucleic acid bound to the modified viral core protein. The nucleic acid may be substantially homologous to a specific gene target. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid bound to the modified viral core protein is substantially non-immunogenic. Also disclosed are particles and compositions that include disclosec chimeric therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention features polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences based on the 134R sequence. In some embodiments, these sequences include a heterologous signal sequence, such as the myxoma virus T7 signal sequence. The invention also features methods for treating immunological disorders and neoplasms (e.g., cancer) using the polypeptides and nucleotides described herein. Finally, the invention features fusion proteins including the myxoma virus T7 signal sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a method for treating an MIF-mediated disorder. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering an active agent that inhibits (i) MIF binding to CXCR2 and CXCR4 and/or (ii) MIF-activation of CXCR2 and CXCR4; (iii) the ability of MIF to form a homomultimer; or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for inhibiting vascular permeability and pathologic angiogenesis are described herein. Methods for producing and screening compounds and compositions capable of inhibiting vascular permeability and pathologic angiogenesis are also described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions are included in the compositions described herein. The compositions described herein are useful in, for example, methods of inhibiting vascular permeability and pathologic angiogenesis, including methods of inhibiting vascular permeability and pathologic angiogenesis induced by specific angiogenic, permeability and inflammatory factors, such as, for example VEGF, bFGF and thrombin. Methods for treating specific diseases and conditions are also provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are methods and compositions for treating inflammatory disorders. In some embodiments, the methods comprise co-administering synergistic combinations of modulators of inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polypeptide sequences, methods for production thereof and uses thereof for novel ELR-CXC chemokine receptor agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of novel compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of inter alia conditions associated with critical care as well as to a method for treatment of said conditions, wherein said compounds are administered. The compounds utilised are represented by the general formula (I), as further defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structural studies of dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) proteins, modified dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) proteins and DPPI co-complexes. Included in the present invention is a crystal of a dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) and corresponding structural information obtained by X-ray crystallography from rat and human DPPI. In addition, this invention relates to methods for using structure co-ordinates of DDPI, mutants hereof and co-complexes, to design compounds that bind to the active site or accessory binding sites of DPPI and to design improved inhibitors of DPPI or homologues of the enzyme.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same are provided. Also provided methods and pharmaceutical compositions which can be used to treat various disorders such as cancer, immunological-related, blood-related and skin-related disorders using the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the present invention. Also provided are methods and kits for diagnosing, determining predisposition and/or prognosis of various disorders using as diagnostic markers the novel polypeptides and polynucleotides of the present invention.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a radical scavenger, an active oxygen-scavenging agent and the like, which are highly efficacious clinically and novel, and so as to attain the object, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine derivatives such as N-?-alanyl-5-S-glutathionyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (5-S-GAD) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are contained as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a CD200 protein or a nucleic acid encoding a CD200 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits CD200. Such methods are useful in treating cancer.

Abstract: The present application provides compositions and methods for treating acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The methods include administering one or more tight junction antagonists to the lung of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The peptides according to the present invention have a high surfactant activity, but no or little hemolytic activity and comprises D-amino acid and acids at a rate of approximately 5% to 40% of the structuring amino acids. The pulmonary surfactant composition of the present invention comprises a mixture of the peptide with a natural lecithin such as soy lecithin and so on Therefore, the pulmonary surfactant composition can be expected to be developed as a pulmonary surfactant without using any animal-derived substance, which has a high surfactant activity and can be produced at reasonable costs and on a large scale.

Abstract: The invention features methods of using serum factors such as Apolipoprotein A2 and Apolipoprotein C3 for reducing or preventing a chronic or acute inflammatory response (e.g., an inflammatory response due to an autoimmune disease or an injury).

Abstract: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a 43-kDa member of the collectin family of collagenous lectin domain-containing proteins that is expressed in epithelial cells of the lung. Described herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of disorders associated with lung injury, including methods and compositions for the treatment of bronchopulmonary disorder (BPD) using recombinant human surfactant protein D and surfactant formulations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds according to formula, (R2R3)-A1-c(A2-A3-A4-A5-A6-A7-A8-A9)-A10-R1, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof that act as ligands for one or more of the melanocortin receptors, to methods of using such compounds to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of protein kinase inhibitors and more specifically to the use of inhibitors of the protein kinase c-Jun amino terminal kinase, JNK inhibitor sequences, chimeric peptides, or of nucleic acids encoding same as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same, for the treatment of various diseases or disorders strongly related to JNK signaling, wherein these diseases or disorders are selected from autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancerous diseases, diabetes, including diabetes type 1 or type 2, inflammatory diseases, hair loss, including Alopecia areata, diseases of the lung, neuronal or neurodegenerative diseases, diseases of the liver, diseases of the spine, diseases of the uterus, viral infectious diseases and depressive disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of recombinant human CC10 (rhCC10), also known as recombinant human uteroglobin, for use as a therapeutic in the treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), chronic lung disease and/or pulmonary fibrosis, Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). More particularly, the invention provides methods, including broadly the critical dosage ranges of rhCC10, which may be administered to safely and effectively treat the aforementioned conditions. The invention further provides a composition useful in administering rhCC10 to humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of exacerbation periods of pulmonary diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, by administering alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) to a subject in need thereof. Particularly, the present invention discloses the efficient treatment of exacerbation periods of pulmonary diseases by administering AAT via inhalation.

Abstract: The invention relates to histamine binding proteins. The invention also relates to the use of such histamine binding proteins in the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating a mammal afflicted with an inflammatory disease, such as peritonitis, peritoneal adhesions or endometriosis, comprising the administration, intraperitoneal or otherwise, of a therapeutically effective amount of a SPARC polypeptide or a SPARC polypeptide-encoding isolated polynucleotide and a pharmacologic carrier.

Abstract: Methods for treating and/or alleviating acute respiratory distress syndrome in an individual diagnosed with or at risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome are disclosed. The methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a complement inhibitor or a TNF-alpha inhibitor to the individual, wherein the complement inhibitor or the TNF-alpha inhibitor reduces or prevents tissue factor production in alveolar neutrophils, thereby treating the ARDS, or delaying or preventing onset of ARDS.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and the use of said compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and the use of said compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Abstract: The subject invention features methods for predicting whether a subject at risk of developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) will develop ARDS by determining the amount of elafin present in a subject sample, or by determining the ration of elafin:neutrophil elastase in a subject sample. The invention also features methods for monitoring the efficacy of a treatment regimen for ARDS as well as methods of treatment for ARDS. The invention also features methods to determine a subject's predisposition for developing ARDS by determining whether certain genomic polymorphisms are present in the subject's DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptides that inhibit and/or reduce the opening of mammalian tight junctions, i.e. peptide tight junction antagonists. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment of excessive or undesirable permeability of a tissue by administering to a subject suffering from such a condition a composition comprising a peptide tight junction antagonist of the invention.

Abstract: Polypeptides are identified through an assay based on inhibiting AP-I signalling activity and others to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and clinical disorders associated with the development of ARDS.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions involving inhibitors of Pre-B Cell Colony Enhancing Factor (PBEF) for inflammatory conditions and diseases, including acute lung injury (ALI), ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The present invention also concerns biomarkers for inflammation as well as methods for screening for PBEF inhibitors.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to methods of using peptide-based antagonists of TGF-beta to facilitate the healing of cutaneous wounds that includes burns, lacerations and scrapes. The administration of peptide TGF-beta antagonists to wounds results in reduced scarring, wound contraction and deposition of extracellular matrix components, and increased rates of reepithelialization during wound healing.

Abstract: Reconstituted pulmonary surfactants comprising a lipid carrier, a combination of polypeptide analog of the native surfactant protein SP-C with a particular polypeptide analog of the native surfactant protein SP-B may be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of RDS and other respiratory disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel cyclic compounds which have the ability to modulate the activity of G protein-coupled receptors. The compounds preferably act as antagonists. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides cyclic peptidic and peptidomimetic antagonists of C5a receptors, which are active against C5a receptors on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. The compounds of the invention are both potent and selective, and are useful in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel peptides, which can be used for the production of pharmaceutical compositions. These pharmaceutical compositions can be used for the treatment of edema, in particular pulmonary edema.

Abstract: The combination of vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists and vasopressin receptor agonists (selective or non-selective) is described, including pharmaceutical compositions, including kits, for administering, and methods and uses of such a combination, e.g. for treatment of critical care diseases and conditions requiring control of arterial blood pressure or for treatment of hypotension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of the peptide compound His-Asp-Glu-Phe-Glu-Arg-His-Ala-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gln-Ala-Ala-Lys-Glu-Phe-Ile-Ala-Trp-Leu-Val-Lys-Gly-Arg-Gly-OH as a therapeutic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, lung diseases, heart and vascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Moreover the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions preferably in form of a lyophilisate or liquid buffer solution or artificial mother milk formulation or mother milk substitute containing the peptide His-Asp-Glu-Phe-Glu-Arg-His-Ala-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gln-Ala-Ala-Lys-Glu-Phe-Ile-Ala-Trp-Leu-Val-Lys-Gly-Arg-Gly-OH optionally together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, cryoprotectant, lyoprotectant, excipient and/or diluent.

Abstract: The invention provides a dry powder microparticle for pulmonary delivery, which comprises at least one nanoparticle in the form of liposome or micelle wherein the nanopaparticle encapsulates one or more therapeutic agent therein, and a diluent layer surrounding the nanaparticles.