Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to methods of modifying peptide compositions to increase stability and delivery efficiency. Specifically, the disclosed invention relates to methods to increase the stability and delivery efficiency of protein kinase C (PKC) modulatory peptide compositions. A “therapeutic peptide composition” comprises a “carrier peptide” and a “cargo peptide.” A “carrier peptide” is a peptide or amino acid sequence within a peptide that facilitates the cellular uptake of the therapeutic peptide composition. The “cargo peptide” is a PKC modulatory peptide. Peptide modifications to either the carrier peptide, the cargo peptide, or both, which are described herein increase the stability and delivery efficiency of therapeutic peptide compositions by reducing disulfide bond exchange, physical stability, reducing proteolytic degradation, and increasing efficiency of cellular uptake.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of ADNF polypeptides in the treatment of laser-induced retinal damage and related conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel peptide sequence named PIMAP39 (herein referred to as SEQ ID NO.: 1) and methods of use of the novel sequence and functional variants thereof. The present invention also relates to methods for reducing and/or modulating inflammatory responses by administration of the peptide of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the modulation of the expression of cytokines effected as part of an inflammatory response by administration of the peptide of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provide isolated peptides, protides and conjugates having novel peptide sequences which are able to induce antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative or programmed cell death activity. The invention also provides a method of inducing programmed cell death in a cell by contacting the cell with an isolated peptide, protide or conjugate described herein. In some aspects, the method can be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease, such as an infection, cancer, autoimmune disease, or inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low molecular weight peptide (or suite of related peptides) isolated from the submaxiliary saliva glands of shrews of the species Blarina as a paralytic agent. This novel paralytic agent is useful as a neuromuscular blocker and analgesic or as an insecticide.

Abstract: The present invention features a compound having the formula A-X-B, where A is peptide vector capable of enhancing transport of the compound across the blood-brain barrier or into particular cell types, X is a linker, and B is a peptide therapeutic. The compounds of the invention can be used to treat any disease for which the peptide therapeutic is useful.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment, management, or prevention of multiple myeloma and/or renal dysfunction in mammals. The methods of the invention comprise the administration of an effective amount of one or more pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (“PACAP”) compounds, which includes PACAP, vasoactive intestinal peptide (“VIP”), their agonists, analogs, fragments, or derivatives, having one or more PACAP activities. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more PACAP compounds of the invention either alone or in combination with one or more other prophylactic/therapeutic agents useful in therapy for the treatment, management, or prevention of multiple myeloma and/or renal dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high affinity T cell receptor (TCR) against a tumor-associated antigen, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding same, a T cell expressing said TCR, and a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of diseases involving malignant cells expressing said tumor-associated antigen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses proteinaceous compounds that comprise at least a biologically active portion of a taipan natriuretic peptide (TNP) or a variant or derivative thereof. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in methods for stimulating vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, renin-suppression, bactericidal activity, weight-loss or bone growth in a mammalian host. In specific embodiments, the compounds are useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Abstract: A protein scaffold based on a consensus sequence of fibronectin type III (FN3) proteins, such as the tenth FN3 repeat from human fibronectin (human Tenascin), including isolated nucleic acids that encode a protein scaffold, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using thereof, exhibit enhanced thermal and chemical stability while presenting six modifiable loop domains which can be engineered to form a binding partner capable of binding to a target for applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is used as a method to deliver a direct infusion of therapeutic agents to the central nervous centre thus circumventing the blood-blood barrier. A non-PEGylated liposomal composition comprising at least one saturated neutral phospholipid and at least one saturated anionic phospholipid and a therapeutic or diagnostic agent encapsulated therein is used to overcome toxicity associated with high peak drug concentration delivered locally CED as well as to increase tissue distribution volume for an improved sustained drug release.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment, management or prevention of injuries to one or more of the organs of the body, such as the brain, heart, lung, kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, of humans or other mammals caused by one or more anticancer agents. The methods of this invention consist of the administration of an effective amount of one or more pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-like compounds, which includes native human PACAP38, native human PACAP27, native human vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), their agonists, analogs, fragments, and derivatives, with activities toward one or more of the PACAP/VIP receptors, including all of their various isoforms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bifunctional molecules which inactivate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) even before the virus attacks the target cell and inhibits HIV entry into the target cell. Also disclosed are novel anti-HIV therapeutics for treatment of patients infected by HIV. Further disclosed are methods for prophylaxis against HIV and treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: This invention provides novel active agents (e.g. peptides, small organic molecules, amino acid pairs, etc.) peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis and/or other pathologies characterized by an inflammatory response. In certain embodiment, the peptides resemble a G* amphipathic helix of apolipoprotein J. The agents are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of the IL-2 common gamma (c?c) and related molecules for the modulation of signal activities controlled by NIK, and some new such molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds for targeting endothelial cells, tumor cells or other cells that express the NP-1 receptor, compositions containing the same and methods for their use. Additionally, the present invention includes diagnostic, therapeutic and radiotherapeutic compositions useful for visualization, therapy or radiotherapy.

Abstract: Multi-ligand capture agents comprising two or more ligands are described, and related compositions, methods and systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogs that have tissue protective activities while having little or no potentially undesirable hematopoietic effects. The peptides and peptide analogs are useful in preventing and treating a variety of diseases and disorders associated with tissue damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of compounds, especially peptides or polypeptides, that have thrombopoietic activity. The peptides and polypeptides of the invention may be used to increase platelets or platelet precursors (e.g., megakaryocytes) in a mammal.

Abstract: A human urocortin-related peptide with significant sequence homology to the CRF neuropeptide family was identified. A mouse cDNA was isolated from whole brain poly (A+) RNA that encodes a predicted 38 amino acid peptide protein designated herein as urocortin II. Both human URP and mouse Ucn II are structurally related to the other known mammalian family members, CRF and urocortin (Ucn). These peptides are involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under basal and stress conditions, suggesting a similar role for URP and Ucn IL Synthesized Ucn-II and URP peptide binds with higher affinity to CRF-R2 than to CRF-R1 Ucn II and human URP appear to be involved in the regulation of body temperature and appetite and may play a role in other stress related phenomenon. These findings identify Ucn II and human URP as a new members of the CRF family of neuropeptides, which are expressed centrally and bind to CRF-R2.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polypeptides comprising heat shock protein 20 (HSP20)-derived polypeptides to treat or inhibit smooth muscle vasospasm, as well to treat and inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration.

Abstract: Disclosed are exendin-3 or exendin-4 derivatives modified with biotin, a preparation method thereof and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same. More specifically, disclosed are exendin-3 or exendin-4 derivatives in which the lysine residue of exedin is modified with biotin. The disclosed exendin-3 or exendin-4 derivatives modified with biotin show biological activity similar to that of native exendin and at the same time, have increased in vivo stability and are easily absorbed through the mucosa. Thus, biotin-modified exendin-3 or exendin-4 derivatives are useful for treating diseases, which can be caused by the excessive secretion of insulin, the lowering of plasma glucose, the inhibition of gastric or intestinal motility, the inhibition of gastric or intestinal emptying or the inhibition of food intake. Particularly, the biotin-modified exendin-3 or exendin-4 derivatives are useful for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and irritable bowel syndromes.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of ghrelin O-acyltransferase, and methods of making and using them. In some embodiments, the invention provides bisubstrate analog inhibitors of ghrelin O-acyltransferase, which can be effective in treating, for example, obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: Fusion proteins which act on the TWEAK and TRAIL signaling axes are provided. The proteins are useful in the treatment or amelioration of autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, as well as other diseases such as alloimmune diseases and cancer.

Abstract: A stent is provided with a drug-eluting layer disposed on at least a portion of its surface, wherein the drug-eluting layer comprises an endosome-disrupting agent and a pharmaceutical agent. In an embodiment, the endosome-disrupting agent, when taken up through endocytosis into living cells, causes lysis of endosomes containing the endosome-disrupting agent. The pharmaceutical agent can accompany the endosome-disrupting agent into the living cells.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases with mammal beta defensins.

Abstract: Y4 receptor agonists which are selective for the Y4 receptor over the Y1 and Y2 receptors, are useful in the prevention and/or treatment of damage to bowel function caused by radiation therapy, radiation exposure, cytotoxic chemotherapy, inflammation, or ischemia-reperfusion of intestinal mucosa.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming cytokine-antibody complexes using dock-and-lock technology. In preferred embodiments, the cytokine-MAb DNL complex comprises an IgG antibody attached to two AD (anchor domain) moieties and four cytokines, each attached to a DDD (docking and dimerization domain) moiety. The DDD moieties form dimers that bind to the AD moieties, resulting in a 2:1 ratio of DDD to AD. The cytokine-MAb complex exhibits improved pharmacokinetics, with a significantly longer serum half-life than either naked cytokine or PEGylated cytokine. The cytokine-MAb complex also exhibits significantly improved in vitro and in vivo efficacy compared to cytokine alone, antibody alone, unconjugated cytokine plus antibody or cytokine-MAb DNL complexes incorporating an irrelevant antibody. In more preferred embodiment the cytokine is G-CSF, erythropoietin or INF-?2b.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide includes an amino acid sequence consisting of about 10 to 80 amino acids, the amino acid sequence having a sequence identity at least 90% homologous to a portion of SEQ ID NO:1. The polypeptide inhibits binding of Bcl-2 to IP3 receptors of cells that express IP3R and Bcl-2 and induces apoptosis in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide which selectively adsorbs an anti-?1 adrenoreceptor antibody being one of the contributing factors in dilated cardiomyopathy. The peptide of the invention can be immobilized on a carrier in a short period of time with rarely inducing side reactions, and adsorbent for adsorbing an anti-?1 adrenoreceptor antibody can be produced with good efficiency by using the peptide. In addition, the present invention provides an adsorbent comprising such peptide immobilized on a carrier, an adsorber wherein such adsorbent is used, and a method for adsorbing an anti-?1 adrenoreceptor antibody. The adsorbent and adsorber according to the invention can efficiently deprive an anti-?1 adrenoreceptor antibody-containing liquid, in particular body fluid, of the antibody.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: Compositions, articles, devices and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of adhesions in humans and non-human animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide compounds that are agonists of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R). The invention also relates to therapeutic methods using such peptide compounds to treat disorders associated with insufficient or defective red blood cell production. Pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise the peptide compounds of the invention, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbable coating for an implantable device and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Novel protracted exendin-4 compounds and therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for male erectile function potentiating by means of toxin Tx2-6 from the spider Phoneufria nigriventer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active agent with contraceptive properties. Said active agent corresponds to a molecular fraction of the venom from the spider Latrodectus mirabilis. The active agent is a peptide with a sequence according to SEQ ID NO 1 or sequences that are at least 85% similar, obtained by chemical synthesis or through recombinant DNA technologies. In a preferred embodiment, the active agent with contraceptive properties is a peptide with 10 to 30 amino acids, preferably 20 amino acids. Said embodiment is exemplified by the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO 2 or sequences that are at least 85% similar, obtained by chemical synthesis or through recombinant DNA technologies. Furthermore, a method to obtain the contraceptive peptide is disclosed, said method comprising cloning the nucleotide sequence in a microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method for treatment, diagnosis and prevention of diseases related to fetal growth and placental insufficiency and comprises methods including inhibiting or increasing relaxin synthesis, relaxin receptor synthesis, relaxin binding to the relaxin receptor, and relaxin receptor activity. The invention also relates to screening assays to identify compounds that modulate relaxin and/or relaxin receptor activity. The invention further relates to gene therapy methods utilizing relaxin and relaxin-related sequences for the treatment and prevention of diseases related to fetal growth and placental insufficiency.

Abstract: This invention discloses drug-delivery compositions, methods of making prodrugs, and methods of drug delivery using a self-assembled gelator. The backbone of the gelator can contain a drug or prodrug, such as acetaminophen or salicin. Additional drugs or agents can be encapsulated in the gelator. Enzymatic or hydrolytic cleavage can be used to release the drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain neuregulin peptides useful in, for example, methods and compositions comprising preventing, treating or delaying various diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunotherapeutic peptides and their use in immunotherapy, in particular the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention discloses tumor-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions which stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In particular, the composition of the peptides of the present invention can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses against gastric cancers (GC).

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-assembling peptide comprising: (a) a first amino acid domain that mediates self-assembly, wherein the domain comprises alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids that are complementary and structurally compatible and self-assemble into a macroscopic structure when present in unmodified form; and (b) a second amino acid domain that does not mediate self-assembly in isolated form, wherein the second amino acid domain comprises at least one minimal biologically active sequence. Such self-assembling peptides are described herein as “modified self-assemblingpeptides.” The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits and matrices comprising a modified self-assembling peptide, and methods of using and making such compositions, kits and matrices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new arginine substituted peptides designed based on the sequence of human lactoferrin and to use thereof, in particular for treatment and/or prevention of infections, inflammations, tumours, pain, wounds and/or scars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a (poly)peptide or a peptidomimetic thereof having the biological activity of Conkunitzin-S1, wherein said (poly)peptide is selected from (a) a polypeptide comprising or having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a polypeptide having at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1; or (c) a fragment of a) or b); wherein said (poly)peptide or peptidomimetic specifically modulates the activity of a channel having the activity of a Kv1.7 containing channel, for the treatment or prevention of metabolic diseases or conditions, or secondary diseases or conditions related to said metabolic diseases or conditions. The present invention furthermore relates to a method of screening for (poly)peptides derived from Conkunitzin-S1 suitable for specifically modulating the activity of a channel having the activity of a Kv1.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of synaptic vessel glycoprotein SV2 as the BoNT/A receptor and the further identification of various BoNT/A-binding fragments of SV2. The disclosure here provides new tools for diagnosing and treating botulism.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of treating diabetes, abnormal adipocyte activity, and insulin resistance using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1. Methods of causing the secretion of insulin in healthy and diabetic patients using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1 are also disclosed. In addition, methods are disclosed of increasing the insulin levels in healthy patients using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1. In addition, methods of treating abnormal adipocyte activity, treating metabolic syndrome, causing insulin secretion, increasing insulin levels, inhibiting insulin degradation enzyme, treating Alzheimer's disease, treating cardiovascular disease associated with adiponectin levels, inhibiting ADAM-17 enzyme, treating a condition associated with TNF-alpha, and treating a condition associated with HER2-neu are disclosed. Compositions, dosage forms, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecules such as peptides, polypeptides and proteins which interact immunologically with T lymphocytes in subjects having Bermuda grass allergy and genetic sequences encoding same. These molecules are preferentially immunointeractive with T cells in subjects having a Bermuda grass pollen allergy. The molecules of the present invention are useful in the development of diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic agents for conditions characterised by an aberrant, inappropriate or otherwise unwanted immune response to Bermuda grass pollen or derivative or homologue thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polypeptides (e.g., fragments) derived from P-glycoprotein and caveolin-1 which are capable of inhibiting the interaction between these two proteins. Inhibition of this interaction leads to increase of efflux of compounds that are transported by P-gp. The invention further includes methods of treating patients having diseases that benefit from increased P-gp-mediated efflux. Such diseases include neoplasms such as cancer and neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating and preventing Alzheimer's Disease or other tauopathies in a subject by administering a tau protein, its immunogenic epitopes, or antibodies recognizing the tau protein or its immunogenic epitopes under conditions effective to treat or prevent Alzheimer's Disease of other tauopathies. Also disclosed are methods of promoting clearance of aggregates from the brain of the subject and of slowing progression of tangle-related behavioral phenotype in a subject.