Abstract: The invention features a method of administering one or more therapeutic agents to a patient and delivering said agent or agents continuously over an extended period of time, said method comprising: obtaining a pharmaceutical composition including a peptide carrier, one or more therapeutic agents, and up to 30 percent, by weight, of a pharmaceutically acceptable, soluble, monomeric carrier; and parenterally administering said pharmaceutical composition to a subject by injection, wherein said composition automatically forms a gel after interaction with the patient's bodily fluids and releases said peptide carrier and said agent or agents continuously within the patient over an extended period.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a diagnostic test, treatment, and monitoring of treatment for growth hormone abnormalities including Growth Hormone Deficiency (“GHD”) as well as a kit comprising the necessary components of the present invention. G-protein expression and levels of mRNA are evaluated to determine if a patient has GHD or if treatment for GHD is effective. A G-protein agonist or antagonist is used to treat GHD by bringing G-protein expression and levels of mRNA into the normal range.

Abstract: A method of making and using a monolithic alginate implant is described. The implant is formed by providing an uncrosslinked, highly pure and high molecular weight alginate solution and injecting the alginate solution into a patient at a predetermined site to form a gel body comprising the monolithic alginate implant. Spontaneous crosslinking of the monolithic alginate implant occurs at the predetermined site without the addition of an exogenous crosslinker. The implant may be used for treating medical conditions requiring support of sphincter musculature, reconstructive surgery, or cosmetic reconstruction, for the treatment of wrinkles on the hand, face, or décolleté, or for increasing volume, for example in the case of (HIV-induced) lipoatrophy of the breasts, and for the treatment of selected diseases, including gastrooesophageal reflux disease, urinary incontinence or vesicoureteral reflux disease.

Abstract: Growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs having the amino acid sequence of the formula: Dat-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr10-R11-R12-VAL-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-R20-R21-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Nle-Asp-R29-NH2 (I), wherein R11 is hArg, Gab or Gap; R12 is hArg, Orn, Gab or Gap; R20 is hArg, hArg, Gab or Gap; R21 is hArg, Orn, Gab or Gap; R29 is D-Arg, hArg, Gab or Gap; and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Said peptides are potent and selective stimulators of GH release and they are highly resistant to enzymatic degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for using growth hormone releasing factor analogs of the formula (A), X-GRF Peptide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for increasing muscle function in a subject. Also disclosed herein are corresponding methods, packages and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to renoprotection by growth hormone-releasing hormone and agonists. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for protecting a mammal against oxidative renal damage, of promoting regeneration of kidney cells in a mammal in need thereof and/or of preventing the death of kidney cells due to oxidative stress. The present invention also relates to the identification of rat and human renal GHRH-R sequences.

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: A sustained-release drug composition consisting essentially of microparticles of hyaluronic acid having a high molecular weight or an inorganic salt thereof and a protein or peptide drug encased in said microparticles, wherein the average size of said microparticles ranges from 0.1 to 40 ?m.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for alleviating the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome are provided. The compositions are based on use of a transdermal gel formulation delivery system for androgens, either alone or in combination with other hormones.