Abstract: Nano-sized particles are provided comprising at least one multi-headed amphiphilic compound, in which at least one headgroup of said multi-headed amphiphilic compound is selectively cleavable or contains a selectively cleavable group, and at least one biologically active agent, which is both encapsulated within the nano-particle and non-covalently associated thereto.

Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can provide effective protection against sunburns, and can give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned. Oral ingestion of dosages of zeaxanthin after a noticeable darkening of the skin has been achieved further enhances a tanned appearance and/or protects against sun damage.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of using compounds that act to increase oxytocin release, including certain melanocortin receptor agonists, for treating or reducing the severity of psychotherapeutic or social disorders such as autism, and in particular the use of these compounds as an adjunct to psychotherapeutic counseling or behavioral therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tools/compounds comprising a hybride cyclic peptide which utilizes a cyclic peptide chelating group wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma.

Abstract: Novel MCH-1 receptor antagonists are disclosed. These compounds are used in the treatment of various disorders, including obesity, anxiety, depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and psychiatric disorders. Methods of making these compounds are also described in the present invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a nutritional composition for the treatment of disorders which are associated with malfunctioning in the uptake and use of food-derived energy in the human body. In particular, the invention concerns the use of a nutritional composition for the treatment of a disorder, which is mediated by a postprandial endocrine or neurological response in a human body, wherein the nutritional composition comprises one or more of a specific protein fraction, a specific carbohydrate fraction and a specific nutritional fiber fraction.

Abstract: Disclosed are chelating agent-conjugated ?-MSH peptide derivatives, preparation methods thereof, and compositions for use in a diagnosis or treatment of a melanoma tumor containing the same as an active ingredient. The novel ?-MSH peptide derivatives conjugated with chelating agent according to the present invention are highly selective to the melanocortin-1 receptor which is ?-MSH receptor expressing in melanoma tumor and their labeling rate of a radioactive isotope is high. Also, they remain in kidney shortly and have high taking rate of the melanoma tumor. Therefore, with the aforesaid reasons, they may be effectively used for early diagnosis or treatment of melanoma tumor.

Abstract: Novel MCH-1 receptor antagonists are disclosed. These compounds are used in the treatment of various disorders, including obesity, anxiety, depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and psychiatric disorders. Methods of making these compounds are also described in the present invention.

Abstract: Sustained delivery formulations comprising a water-insoluble complex of a peptide and a plurality of ligands are disclosed. The formulations of the invention allow for loading of high concentrations of peptide in a small volume and for delivery of a pharmaceutically active peptide for prolonged periods, e.g., one month, after administration of the complex. The complexes of the invention can be milled or crushed to a fine powder. In powdered form, the complexes form stable aqueous suspensions and dispersions, suitable for injection. Methods of making the complexes of the invention, and methods of these complexes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel ligands based on an AGRP template that can rescue endogenous melanocortin agonist and/or antagonist dysfunction at MCR polymorphisms. In particular, the present invention provides novel synthetic ligands based on AGRP templates that can rescue endogenous melanocortin agonist dysfunction at MC4R polymorphisms to treat children and adults with these mutations and increase their quality of life.

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: Anti-inflammatory effect of ?-MSH-like compounds can be employed for curtailing sequelae of obesity and overweight. Importantly, molecular compounds that stimulate melanin biosynthesis by mimicking the effects of ?-MSH are readily available for trials aimed at control of metabolic syndrome components. Synthetic agonists of ?-MSH receptors, melanotan II and bremelanotide, have already been proven safe in human trials for therapeutic tanning and some non-obesity-related diseases. The abatement of the non-communicable age-related diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes and chronic lower respiratory diseases is a global challenge assigned high priority by The World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. Tobacco smoking, physical inactivity and the resulting obesity are established risk factors for many NCDs. The pathogenesis of NCDs is complex. Moreover, each chronic illness of NCD type cannot be considered in isolation as they share common, usually related risk factors [2].

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound of the formula Lys-X where X is a hydroxyl group, an amino group, alkoxy, Pro or Pro-Thr, or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the treatment of inflammations. The invention also relates to the use of ?MSH for inducing tolerance.

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 relates to a solid or semi-solid pharmaceutical composition that includes a polypeptide drug, at least one polar organic solvent, at least one surfactant, at least one hydrophilic component and which composition is spontaneously dispersible.

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: Novel MCH-1 receptor antagonists are disclosed. These compounds are used in the treatment of various disorders, including obesity, anxiety, depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and psychiatric disorders. Methods of making these compounds are also described in the present invention.

Abstract: Novel MCH-1 receptor antagonists are disclosed. These compounds are used in the treatment of various disorders, including obesity, anxiety, depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and psychiatric disorders. Methods of making these compounds are also described in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide ligands of the melanocortin receptors, in particular the melanocortin-4 receptor, and as such, are useful in the treatment of disorders responsive to the activation of this receptor, such as insulin resistance.

Abstract: Novel biodegradable compositions are disclosed. The biodegradable compositions include at least one hydroxyl-terminated component and at least one bioactive peptide in a linear chain. The compositions may be utilized as medical devices including drug delivery devices, tissue adhesives and/or sealants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to branched macromolecules bearing functional moieties. In particular, the invention relates to dendrimers, derived from lysine or lysine analogues, bearing a plurality of functional moieties. The invention further relates to the use of such macromolecules, particularly in therapeutic applications, and compositions comprising them.

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 provides methods and compositions for modulating skin pigmentation.