Abstract: The present invention provides immune stimulating peptides (immunorhelins) capable of activating GnRH receptors when administered to animal or human patients or cells. These immunorhelins have utility in treating intracellular bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections.

Abstract: Transgenic microalgae expressing at least one exogenous biologically active protein. The protein-expressing microalgae are used for the oral delivery of the biologically active protein to the target organism in its intact and functional form. The exogenous protein, expressed in algae, is characterized by being biologically active, exerting at least one specific activity having a beneficial effect on the subject consuming the algae. The transgenic microalgae are used as animal food for aquatic or land animals welfare or as food supplement for human healthcare.

Abstract: Disclosed are microparticles containing physiologically active peptides, a method for preparing the same, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for synchronizing the time of insemination in swine are described. More particularly, methods are described for synchronizing the time of insemination by administration of a composition comprising a hormone, wherein the swine is inseminated only one time after administration of the hormone, and wherein there is no heat detection.

Abstract: The use of degarelix in the treatment of endometriosis, in particular in the treatment of endometriotic ovarian cysts and recurrent endometriotic lesions following surgery and in the treatment of endometriosis and/or endometriotic ovarian cysts in patients who plan to undergo assisted reproduction, is described, wherein this treatment is performed before the patients are subjected to assisted reproduction; degarelix is administered for this purpose as a single dose of 80-120 mg, preferably 80 mg, subcutaneously.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptide formulations comprising polymers as stabilizing agents. The peptide formulations can be more stable for prolonged periods of time at temperatures higher than room temperature when formulated with the polymers. The polymers used in the present invention can decrease the degradation of the constituent peptides of the peptide formulations.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an azo-crosslinked fluoropolymer with perfluoroether pendant groups. The polymer so formed is highly useful in the form of shaped articles with excellent chemical and thermal stability, including photoimaged coatings. The azo-crosslinked fluoropolymer hereof is advantageously formed by exposure to UV radiation of a fluorinated polymer having dichloroamino-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups. In one embodiment, a fluorinated polymer having dichloroamino-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups is formed into a shaped article that is then UV-treated in situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with endometriosis and risk of developing endometriosis, and methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis and the use of such risk information in selectively administering a treatment that at least partially prevents or compensates for an endometriosis related symptom.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts without heat detection by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred without heat detection at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition using natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and/or some of its mimetic peptides, indistinctly bound by its amino or carboxyl extremes to a carrier molecule; in one case by its carboxyl extreme and in the other case by the amino terminal extreme, thus eliciting a faster and more potent immunological response against the endogenous GnRH hormone. This finally leads to the ablation of the GnRH and consequently of the rest of the involved hormones in the stream GnRH/LH-FSH/Testosterone-(estrogens). An advantage of this formulation consists on facilitating the exposition to the immune system of a greater number of epitopes of the GnRH or its mimetics, minimizing thus the steric hindrance produced by the carriers.

Abstract: A polypeptide and polynucleotides comprising at least two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a non-human peptide-of-interest are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the non-human polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using both human and non-human polypeptides and polynucleotides are also discarded.

Abstract: A method for recognizing and evaluating the presence and function of GnRH receptors on tumor cells including those originating in the brain and/or nervous system and/or the meninges and/or reactive neuroglia cells and/or primitive neuroectodermal tumor cells and/or on Kaposi sarcoma is provided. Furthermore, a method for reducing degenerate GnRH-positive tumor cells and/or for decreasing cellular replication of the above GnRH-positive tumor cells comprising administering to a cell or to a subject a replication decreasing amount of a GnRH agonist and/or GnRH antagonist and/or an erythropoietin agonist, and/or a thrombopoietin agonist, and/or a endothelin antagonist and/or a gonadotropin inhibiting hormone agonist is also provided. Furthermore, a diagnostic kit for detecting GnRH receptors on tumor cells according to the present methods is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing an ovary-related syndrome associated with infertility in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient consisting of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, thereby treating or preventing the ovary-related syndrome associated with infertility in the subject.

Abstract: Fusion protein for immunocastration (Sequences la and Ib) that comprises the primary amino acid sequence of the gonadotrophin-liberating protein fused to a theoretical sequence: Sequence la NH2-QHWSYGLRPGGPPFSGGGGPPFSA-COOH (SEQ ID NO: 1) Sequence Ib NH2-GPPFSGGGGPPFSAQHWSYGLRPG-COOH (SEQ ID NO: 2); DNA sequences coding for said fusion protein; vaccine comprising said fusion protein; use of the fusion protein for mammal immunocastration; process for producing the vaccine; process for preparing the fusion protein that comprises fusing the amino acid sequence of the gonadotrophin-liberating hormone (GnRH-I) to a theoretical glycosilable sequence having immunogenic activity that does not include pathogen or “carrier” protein sequences in its structure.

Abstract: A method, for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogs, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: Adrenocortical disease (ACD) in ferrets develops as a result of the effect of increased concentration of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) on adrenal LH receptors. This increase in LH often results from the neutering of male or female ferrets. Neutered ferrets have no negative feedback of the ovarian or testicular hormone and as a result LH is elevated 3 to 10 times normal. Elevated LH may be prevented and/or treated by injection of GnRH vaccine. Administration of GnRH produces antibodies to endogenous GnRH. The GnRH-anti-GnRH immune-complex is ineffective in stimulating the release of LH and FSH in the anterior pituitary resulting drop in concentration of LH in the systemic circulation. This reduction in LH significantly reduces the occurrence or clinical symptoms of ACD therein. Moreover, treatment of ferrets with the GnRH provides long term relief from ACD for a period of a year or more.

Abstract: LHRH analogs and LHRH antagonists for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of hormone-dependent cancers, in particular prostate cancer, prostate carcinoma and/or advanced prostate carcinoma, by administering an initial dose of an LHRH analog over a first period sufficient to effect hormonal castration, then administering a maintenance dose of an LHRH antagonist over a second period, the dose being insufficient to achieve and/or maintain hormonal castration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an antagonist of kisspeptin in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a condition induced and/or worsened by kisspeptin activity in an individual. The invention also provides certain defined peptide molecules, which may act as an antagonist of kisspeptin, which are of use in treating a condition induced and/or worsened by kisspeptin activity in an individual. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying and/or using antagonists of kisspeptin and/or the defined peptides, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for synchronizing the time of insemination in swine are described. More particularly, methods are described for synchronizing the time of insemination by administration of a composition comprising a hormone, wherein the swine is inseminated only one time after administration of the hormone, and wherein there is no heat detection.

Abstract: Sustained release formulations of triptorelin are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a constant release copolymer composition adapted for use in a controlled release formulation for a bioactive agent, such as a formulation adapted for implantation within a patient's body tissues as a depot to release the agent over a period of time, wherein the copolymer provides a substantially constant rate of release of the bioactive agent over the time period for which the depot persists in the body tissues. The copolymer includes a PLG copolymer and a PLG oligomer of about 5-10 kDa average molecular weight, which can lack free carboxylic acid groups. When the PLG copolymer is a low burst copolymer, the constant release copolymer composition is a low burst, constant release copolymer composition adapted for implantation in the body tissues of a mammal, wherein a substantially constant rate of release of the bioactive agent is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, treatment of skin, and improving the appearance of skin, e.g., medically or cosmetically. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. The composition can also be applied to a mucosal surface in some instances. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion constructs, methods of using fusion constructs and methods of treating undesirable or aberrant cell proliferation or hyperproliferative disorders, such as tumors, cancers, neoplasia and malignancies.

Abstract: In a step-wise synthesis of degarelix comprising 0.3% by weight or less of 4-([2-(5-hydantoyl)]acetylamino)-phenylalanine analog on (solid support)-NH2 a step comprises providing a solution of an amino acid or peptide of which the ?-amino group is protected by Fmoc; contacting the support with the solution in the presence of reagent for forming a peptide bond between a carboxyl group of the amino acid or peptide and (solid support)-NH2; removing Fmoc by contacting the support with an organic base, in particular piperidine, in an organic solvent. Also disclosed is degarelix of high purity prepared by the method of the invention and the use of Fmoc in the synthesis of degarelix.

Abstract: A controlled release composition containing a physiologically active substance in high content, suppressing the initial excess release, and achieving a stable release speed over a long period of time is provided. A controlled release composition comprising (1) a physiologically active substance or salt thereof in an amount of about 14% (w/w) to about 24% (w/w) based on the total composition weight, (2) hydroxynaphthoic acid selected from the group consisting of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid or salt thereof, and (3) a lactic acid polymer or salt thereof having a weight-average molecular weight of 15000 to 50000 in which the content of polymers having molecular weights of 5000 or less is about 5% by weight or less, wherein the molar ratio of said hydroxynaphthoic acid or salt thereof to said physiologically active substance or salt thereof is from 3:4 to 4:3.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts without heat detection by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred without heat detection at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, and methods are provided directed to the treatment of prostate cancer using a maintenance dose of degarelix or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an excipient, and a solvent.

Abstract: Novel iron chelators exhibiting neuroprotective and good transport properties are useful in iron chelation therapy for treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with iron overload and oxidative stress, e.g., a neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular disease or disorder, a neoplastic disease, hemochromatosis, thalassemia, a cardiovascular disease, diabetes, an inflammatory disorder, anthracycline cardiotoxicity, a viral infection, a protozoal infection, a yeast infection, retarding aging, and prevention and/or treatment of skin aging and skin protection against sunlight and/or UV light. The iron chelator function is provided by a 8-hydroxyquinoline, a hydroxypyridinone or a hydroxamate moiety. The neuroprotective function is imparted to the compound, e.g., by a neuroprotective peptide. A combined antiapoptotic and neuroprotective function is provided by a propargyl group.

Abstract: A formulation of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) for promoting weight loss comprising reconstituted HCG in an amount sufficient to promote weight loss; at least one vitamin selected from the group consisting of: vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and at least one dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid, inositol, choline chloride, and L-carnitine.

Abstract: This invention is related to the use of polyurethane-based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active histrelin at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of histrelin to tissues or organs.

Abstract: Compositions for nasal administration, which comprise a pharmaceutical, a physiologically active peptide, or a peptide-related compound, and as the carrier thereof, crystalline cellulose with a specific particle diameter and/or partially pregelatinized starch are provided. Such compositions improve the in vivo absorption efficiency of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Disclosed are microparticles containing physiologically active peptides, a method for preparing the same, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERM) and methods of production thereof, use thereof for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and use thereof for the production of medicinal products for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular of bleeding disorders, osteoporosis, endometriosis, myomata, hormone-dependent tumours, for hormone replacement therapy and for contraception.

Abstract: An artificial decapeptide for inducing vitellogenesis in fish, being an analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone of chicken is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. The artificial decapeptide can be further developed and manufactured into a preparation, which is capable of inducing vitellogenesis in fish. With the implantation of the preparation into body cavity or body wall of bony fish, the induction of vitellogenesis and ovum maturation in bony fish can be successfully achieved.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are naphthoquinone analogs, such as plumbagin, pharmaceutical compositions that include naphthoquinone analogs, such as plumbagin, and methods of treating diseases and/or conditions such as cancer with naphthoquinone analogs, such as plumbagin. Also included are combination therapies wherein a naphthoquinone analog, such as plumbagin, and a hormone therapy agent are provided to a subject suffering from a condition such as cancer.

Abstract: Described herein are CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, therapeutic delivery systems comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, compositions comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, dosage forms comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, and kits comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates. Also disclosed are methods of using (e.g., to treat a disorder) the CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, therapeutic delivery systems comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, compositions comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, dosage forms comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates, and kits comprising CDP-therapeutic peptide conjugates.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods and compositions for treatment of pain via craniofacial mucosal administration of an analgesic compound (e.g. a non-opioid analgesic peptide, an NOP agonist or N/OFQ). Intranasal administration of certain analgesic peptides such as N/OFQ results in global analgesic effects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Polymer and drug containing compositions and method of preparing such compositions are disclosed. The dispersed phase formulation has a polymer, a pharmaceutically or biologically active agent and a small fraction of low pKa acid additive. Stable, filter sterilizable, non-gelling solutions containing GnRH analogues at least at levels typically used in sustained release formulations and a method of increasing solubility of a high level of a GnRH analogue or a freeze-dried antgonist of GnRH in a polymer containing solution are also disclosed. The amount of the acid additive in the polymer solution is such that it is sufficient to increase the solubility of the high level of the GnRH analogue in the polymer solution without affecting the release characteristics of the microspheres prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition capable of forming in-situ implant comprising goserelin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, biodegradable polymer and a biocompatible organic solvent wherein the biocompatible organic solvent is miscible to dispersible in aqueous medium or body fluid. The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of pharmaceutical composition capable of forming in-situ implant. A kit containing composition for in-situ implant is provided comprising a first vial comprising a composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and a biocompatible organic solvent; wherein the biocompatible organic solvent is miscible to dispersible in aqueous medium or body fluid; and a second vial comprising goserelin acetate.

Abstract: Lytic peptides, including fusion peptides of lytic peptides conjugated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone or modified versions thereof to target luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptors, are disclosed. The lytic peptides show anti-proliferative activity against human prostate cancer cell lines, but are nontoxic to normal primary human prostate epithelial cells or to bone marrow stromal cells in co-culture. The lytic peptides have specificity for and anti-proliferative activity against prostate cancer tumor cells, and low toxicity for normal prostate cells, making the peptides useful in therapies for prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using a pheromone, a luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from or suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases or conditions.

Abstract: A fluid, milky microcrystalline aqueous suspension of a peptide or peptidomimetic and a counter-ion of a strong proton donor in water, wherein the peptide or peptidomimetic and counter-ion are present in amounts and at a molar ratio sufficient to form the suspension upon mixing and without formation of a gel. Also, lyophilized compositions that include a dried suspension, methods of making the lyophilized composition, methods of preparing the suspension, and sustained release formulations prepared by the methods.

Abstract: The transdermal delivery system for treating infertility in a patient comprises an apparatus (10) for facilitating transdermal delivery of a drug (5a) through an area of the apparatus (10) comprises an ablator that is configured to generate a microporation in the area of the skin of the patient, and comprises a drug (5a), wherein the drug effects at least one of the biological regulation of at least one oocyte containing follicle, stimulation of follicle growth, induction of ovulation, promotion of gestational status, maintenance of conceptus, maintenance of pregnancy.

Abstract: Lytic peptides, including fusion peptides of lytic peptides conjugated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone or modified versions thereof to target luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptors, are disclosed. The lytic peptides show anti-proliferative activity against human prostate cancer cell lines, but are nontoxic to normal primary human prostate epithelial cells or to bone marrow stromal cells in co-culture. The lytic peptides have specificity for and anti-proliferative activity against prostate cancer tumor cells, and low toxicity for normal prostate cells, making the peptides useful in therapies for prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inducing and enhancing apoptosis in pathogenic cells. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of GnRH II antagonists for inducing and enhancing apoptosis of specific types of tumor cells, i.e. breast cancer and malignant melanoma as well as gynaecological cancers like endometrial or ovarian cancer, expressing the GnRH II receptor as well as to methods relating thereto. In addition, new GnRH II antagonists are provided.

Abstract: Antagonistic peptides of GnRH having improved water solubility are disclosed. These peptides are capable of suppressing serum testosterone levels in vivo to chemical castration levels of ?0.5 ng/ml. Stable, filter sterilizable, non-gelling solutions containing the GnRH antagonists at least at levels typically used in sustained release formulations also are disclosed, as is a method of increasing the solubility of GnRH antagonist in a polymer containing dispersed phase, which method comprises addition of an acid to the dispersed phase.