Abstract: The invention provides ultra-small peptide inhibitors that are capable of preventing amyloid formation/amyloidosis.

Abstract: Provided is a compound represented by the general formula (1) (where: G represents a hexose-6-phosphate residue; and L represents a divalent linker group).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating one or more complications of diabetes in a mammal. The method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide having at least one net positive charge; a minimum of four amino acids; a maximum of about twenty amino acids; a relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges (pm) and the total number of amino acid residues (r) wherein 3 pm is the largest number that is less than or equal to r+1; and a relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges (pt) wherein 2a is the largest number that is less than or equal to pt+1, except that when a is 1, pt may also be 1.

Abstract: Compounds are provided having inter alia good duration of action, high potency and/or convenient dosing regimens including once weekly administration. The compounds are engineered polypeptides which incorporate an albumin binding domain in combination with one or more biologically active polypeptides. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment for diseases and disorders including lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, overweight, obesity, hypothalamic amenorrhea, Alzheimer's disease, leptin deficiency, fatty liver disease or diabetes (including type I and type II). Additional diseases and disorders which can be treated by the compounds and methods described herein include nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic syndrome X and Huntington's Disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences of the MAP kinase-interacting kinase (Mnk) gene family and amino acid sequences encoded thereby, and to using these sequences or effectors of Mnk nucleic acids or polypeptides, particularly Mnk kinase inhibitors and activators, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders related to body-weight regulation and thermogenesis. One aspect of the disclosure encompasses methods of identifying an animal or human having an elevated probability of having or developing a pancreatic malfunction, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a biological sample from an animal or human subject; and (b) determining from the biological sample whether the subject has a genetic variant of an Mnk2 and/or Mnk1 gene or a homolog thereof, or an expression product of said Mnk2 and/or Mnk1 gene or homolog thereof, wherein said genetic variant is associated with an elevated probability of having or developing a pancreatic malfunction.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising a complement factor B analog. The invention also provides various complement factor B analogs including complement factor B analogs comprising a mutation of a free cysteine amino acid and related methods, nucleic acids and vectors. These complement factor B analogs and related methods, nucleic acids and vectors can be used to modulate a complement pathway or for the study and/or treatment of various conditions or diseases related to a complement pathway.

Abstract: Provided herein are amylin-calcitonin peptide conjugates having enhanced duration of biological activity, and methods of use thereof. The amylin-calcitonin peptide conjugates include duration enhancing moieties, such as water soluble polymers and long chain aliphatic groups, bound to the amylin-calcitonin peptide. Methods of use are provided for treatment of an eating disorder, insulin resistance, obesity, overweight, abnormal postprandial hyperglycemia, Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes, gestational diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dumping syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, cancer, pulmonary hypertension, cholescystitis or osteoarthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amylin peptide-carrying nanoparticles, particularly for use in medicine, and includes methods for treatment of disorders, e.g., of blood glucose regulation. Nanoparticle composition comprise a nanoparticle comprising a core comprising a metal and/or a semiconductor; and a corona comprising a plurality of ligands covalently linked to the core, wherein said ligands comprise glutathione; and at least one amylin peptide that is non-covalently bound to the corona.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods of preparation of phospholipid gels.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating one or more complications of diabetes in a mammal. The method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide having at least one net positive charge; a minimum of four amino acids; a maximum of about twenty amino acids; a relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges (pm) and the total number of amino acid residues (r) wherein 3 pm is the largest number that is less than or equal to r+1; and a relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges (pt) wherein 2a is the largest number that is less than or equal to pt+1, except that when a is 1, pt may also be 1.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing diabetes resolution in a diabetic patient having undergone gastric restrictive surgery, entailing use of active agent that produces an incretin-like effect in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated chimeric protein. The isolated chimeric protein includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes an N-terminal portion from a fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) 23 molecule and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion from an FGF19 molecule. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition including an isolated chimeric protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The isolated chimeric protein includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes an N-terminal portion from a fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) 23 molecule and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion from an FGF19 molecule, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a subject suffering from a disorder.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are presented for use in diagnostic, imaging or targeting of therapeutic agents to treat obesity/adiposity-associated disorders, where such as compositions and methods identify and use peptides to selectively target adipose tissue stromal cells in mammals, both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of treatment of diabetes and relates to peptides that exhibit activity for both glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor (GIP-R) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1-R) and are selective over glucagon receptor (Gluc-R). Specifically provided are GIP analogs with amino acid substitutions introduced to modulate activity for both GIP-R and GLP-1-R and maintain selectivity over Gluc-R.

Abstract: Described are methods of improving glycemic control/improving insulin sensitivity by administering an inhibitor of Striated Muscle Activator of Rho Signaling (STARS) activity, and methods of identifying new compounds for use in the described methods of treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to stabilized polypeptides having an IGF-1 or IGF-2 sequence and an E-peptide sequence, where the natural physiological cleavage of the E-peptide from the IGF is prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides formulations and methods for ameliorating symptoms associated with metabolic disorders, such as cachexia, hypoglycemia, obesity, diabetes, and the like by administering Zn-?2-glycoproteins or a functional fragment thereof, alone or in combination with additional agents, such as ? adrenergin receptor agonists, ? adrenergin receptor antagonists, and/or glycemic control agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using PILR? agonists, or PILR? antagonists, to treat immune disorders, such as autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including CNS, joint and gut inflammation.

Abstract: To date, no immune tolerance agent or combination of immune tolerance agents has been able to sustain insulin-independence among type 1 diabetes patients. This patent provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for providing insulin independence among newly diagnosed and existing type 1 diabetes. Methods include utilization of PPIs, which increase gastrin resulting in the transformation of human ductal tissue into insulin-secreting new beta cells, used in combination with an immune tolerance agent to protect the new insulin-producing beta cells generated by the PPI from immune destruction. Compositions and methods are provided for beta cell generation therapy comprising at least one member from a group of PPIs with formulations selected from immune tolerance agents, when used in combination result in insulin-independence among new and existing type 1 patients whom currently require insulin to sustain life.

Abstract: Methods of treating metabolic diseases and disorders using a Clec-2 extracellular domain are provided. In various embodiments the metabolic disease or disorder is type 2 diabetes, elevated glucose levels, elevated insulin levels and elevated triglyceride levels.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods related to proteins that are physically associated with ceramide-like glycolipids for use as activators of NKT cells. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Abstract: This present invention relates to pharmacologically potent and stable human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 proteins, and methods for treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and/or metabolic syndrome using such proteins.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating diseases or conditions such as incontinence, primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), nocturia, and central diabetes insipidus, by administering desmopressin acetate in an orodispersiblc solid dosage form that disintegrates in the mouth within 10 seconds and includes an amount of desmopressin acetate, measured as the free base, of from 10 to 600 ?g.

Abstract: Potent compounds having combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation and metal chelating properties are described. Short peptides having these properties, and methods and uses of such short peptides in clinical and cosmetic applications are described.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the treatment of disease and promotion of healing that include providing a therapeutically effective amount of a mammalian antimicrobial peptide (AMP) or analog thereof, in particular a cathelicidin or cathelicidin fragment or cathelicidin analog, thereby treating the disease in the subject in need thereof. Also provided are specific analogs or fragments of cathelicidin that function as agonists, as do endogenous cathelicidins, or as either dominant negatives or as inhibitors to endogenous cathelicidin or to other endogenous AMPs or that compete with pro-inflammatory agents or fragments of AMPs on cognate receptors without inducing disease.

Abstract: There are provided polypeptide conjugates having enhanced duration of biological activity, and methods of use thereof. The polypeptide conjugates include duration enhancing moieties, including water soluble polymers, bound to the polypeptide components of defined sequence. Methods of use are provided for treatment of metabolic disorders. Methods of use are provided for treatment of an eating disorder, insulin resistance, obesity, overweight, abnormal postprandial hyperglycemia, Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes, gestational diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dumping syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, hyper lipidemia, sleep apnea, cancer, pulmonary hypertension, cholescystitis, osteoarthritis, or short bowel syndrome.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions having the sequence Arg-Ser-Cys-Ile-Asp-Thr-Ile-Pro-Lys-Ser-Arg-Cys-Thr-Ala-Phe-Gln-Cys-Lys-His-Ser-Xaa-Lys-Tyr-Arg-Leu-Ser-Phe-Cys-Arg-Lys-Thr-Cys-Gly-Thr-Cys (SEQ ID NO: 1). The disclosed compositions can include an acid or amide at the C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the polypeptide can be attached to an organic or inorganic chemical entity that has an anionic charge. The polypeptide can be detectably labeled for diagnostic purposes. Methods of manufacturing and using the pharmaceutical compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel human insulin derivatives are described which are soluble at physiological pH values and have a prolonged profile of action.

Abstract: Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder and/or a body weight disorder, and compositions associated therewith, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the protein pleitrophin secreted by the developing pancreas, and polynucleotides, which identify and encode this protein. The invention also relates to the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, study, prevention, and treatment of pancreatic diseases (e.g. diabetes), obesity, and/or metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: Nanoparticles having a core and a corona of ligands covalently linked to the core, wherein differing species of peptides are bound to the nanoparticles and incorporated into various dosage forms.

Abstract: The present invention provides spherical microcapsules comprising at least one surface coating and a core, wherein the at least one surface coating comprises cross-linked polymers, and wherein the core comprises cross-linked polymers and cells capable of expressing and secreting a GLP-1 peptide, a fragment or variant thereof or a fusion peptide comprising GLP-1 or a fragment or variant thereof. The present application is furthermore directed to methods for production of these spherical microcapsules and to the use of these microcapsules e.g. in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, weight disorders and diseases or conditions associated thereto, neurodegenerative disorders and diseases or conditions associated thereto, or for the treatment of disorders and diseases or conditions associated to apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for treating diseases and conditions associated with impaired pancreatic function. The present invention further provides methods of stimulating islet cell neogenesis and stimulating islet cell differentiation from progenitor cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying a genetic variant in a person determined to have or be predisposed having a fatty liver by determining whether the person has PNPLA3-I148M. Also disclosed are methods of identifying a genetic variant in a person by determining whether the person has PNPLA3-I148M; and prescribing to the person a treatment to reduce liver fat or associated inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for treating or ameliorating tissue damage using intravenous administration of compositions that include stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) peptides or mutant SDF-1 peptides that have been mutated to make them resistant to protease digestion, but which retain chemoattractant activity. Systemic delivery, and specifically intravenous (“IV”) delivery, of SDF-1 and protease resistant SDF-1 mutants is very effective for the treatment of tissue damage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for treating and/or preventing nephrotic syndrome, such as but not limited to minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy, and conditions related to nephrotic syndrome, such as but not limited to, proteinuria and edema, as well as diabetic nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, lupus nephritis or primary glomerular disease. The present disclosure further provides methods for reducing proteinuria and other disease states as discussed herein. Such methods comprise the therapeutic delivery of an Angptl4 polypeptide or Angptl4 polypeptide derivative to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treatment, screening, diagnosis and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer or pancreatic cancer, for monitoring the effectiveness of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer or pancreatic cancer treatment, and for drug development. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for depletion of immune cells to treat inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and/or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and variants or fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and/or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) proteins and peptide sequences (and peptidomimetics), having one or more activities, such as glucose lowering activity, and methods for and uses in treatment of hyperglycemia and other disorders.

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: The invention relates to the use of specifically designed lipid component with optimal fatty acid profile, an enhanced portion of the palmitic acid residues in the sn-2 position and present as lipid globules with a phospholipid coating for an early in life diet for improving the development of a healthy body composition, in particular prevention of obesity, later in life.

Abstract: A therapeutic formulation containing mucin glycans derived from one or a number of nutritionally appropriate sources is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing C-terminal amidated dibasic or polybasic peptides, consisting in reacting two peptides in the presence of trypsin biologically active enzymes and, if necessary, in purifying the thus obtainable compounds of formula (I) by means of protein chemistry.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modification and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, generally to reduce insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperlipoprotein-emia (such as chylomicrons, VLDL and LDL), and to regulate body fat and more generally lipid stores, and, more generally, for the improvement of metabolism disorders, especially those associated with diabetes, obesity and/or atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the enteral treatment of autoimmune disease such a multiple sclerosis with polypeptide therapeutics. Enteral therapeutics comprise monomeric alpha-MSH polypeptides such as ACTH. Therapeutic formulations of the invention may be used to reduce the incidence or severity of autoimmune disease. For instance methods for the oral treatment of multiple sclerosis with alpha-MSH and ACTH are described.

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 within the wall to release the drug to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be coupled to an actuator 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: The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and fatty liver.

Abstract: Provided is a modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or a fragment thereof that binds to a tumor necrosis factor in vivo or ex vivo. The modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or fragment exhibits improved ability to bind tumor necrosis factor and resistance to proteases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide binding to a chymase (EC 3, 4, 21,39), wherein the polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) GVTLFVALYDY(X1)A(X2)(X3)(X4)(X5) (X6)LSFHKGEKFQIL(X7 (X8)(X9)(X10) (X11)(X12)G(X13)(X14)WEARSLTTGETGYIPSNYVAPVDSIQ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein (X1) is R, N, Q, E, K, H, S, T, C, or D; (X2) is E, T, D, Q, L, P, A, S, C, M, N, E, G, A, V or I; (X3) is R, T, H, N, K, S, C, N or Q; (X4) is S, W, T, C, N, Q, For Y; (X5) is T, H, L, F, C, S, M, N, Q, R, K, G, A, V, I, P, Y or W; (X6) is D, Q, H, E, S, T, C, N, R or K; (X7) is D, N, R, E, Q, S, T, C, K or D; (X8) is M, W, G, F, A, S, T, C, S, N, Q, Y, V, L, I or P; (X9) is T, H, S, D, C, N, Q, R, K, E or absent; (X10) is V, T, Q, G, A, L, I, P, S, C, M, N or absent; (X11) is P, A, D, G, K, V, L, I, E, R, M, H or absent; (X12) is N, V, P, I, E, T, S, A, G, L, C, M, Q or D; (X13) is D, E, T, P, G, A, V, L, I, S, C, M, N or Q, and (X14) is W, Y, L, G, A, V, I, P, M, or F; (b)

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations with protein growth factors, particularly neurturin as active ingredients and low molecular weight polyanionic excipients having increased bioavailability.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one polypeptide having GLP-1 activity wherein an effective dose of said pharmaceutical composition comprises 15 mg, 30 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg of said polypeptide having GLP-1 activity. Also provided are methods of administering the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.