Abstract: The present invention provides a system for transdermal delivery of dried or lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions and methods using thereof. The system comprises an apparatus for facilitating transdermal delivery of an agent that generates hydrophilic micro-channels, and a patch comprising a therapeutically active agent. The present invention is useful for transdermal delivery of hydrophilic agents, particularly of high molecular weight proteins.

Abstract: Crystalline IGF-1 is provided along with a method for production thereof. Crystallizing IGF-1 comprises the steps of mixing an aqueous solution comprising IGF-1 with a reservoir solution comprising a precipitant to form a mixture; and crystallizing the mixture, optionally also recrystallizing and isolating the crystalline IGF-1. In addition, a method for identifying IGF-1 indirect agonists is provided using a detergent as a standard for the level of inhibition of binding of IGFBP-1 or IGFBP-3 to IGF-1 and/or using the coordinates of the binding pockets of IGF-l to which a candidate indirect agonist binds for structure-based drug design.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences, expression systems, host cells, polypeptides and methods of producing mature insulin-like growth factor (IGF) using a fusion construct which yields high levels of fusion proteins that are easily processed to provide IGF with a proper N-terminus.

Abstract: The invention relates to colloidal aqueous solutions of complexes between a charged peptide and a bilayer-forming galactolipid. The colloidal solutions can be used as a drug delivery system for the charged peptide in the treatment of infections, in wound healing and in other diseases.

Abstract: A highly concentrated, low salt-containing, biologically active syrup form of IGF-I or variant thereof and methods for its preparation are provided. This novel syrup form of IGF-I has an IGF-I concentration of at least about 250 mg/ml, a density of about 1.0 g/ml to about 1.2 g/ml, and a viscosity of about 13,000 centipoise (cps) to about 19,000 cps, as measured at ambient temperature (23° C.). The IGF-I syrup is prepared by precipitating or partitioning IGF-I from solution, preferably by adjusting the solution pH or by use of a solubility enhancer to concentrate IGF-I in solution followed by removal of the solubility enhancer. The precipitated syrup is useful as a means of storing IGF-I in a stable form and as a means of preparing compositions comprising biologically active IGF-I. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising this concentrated IGF-I syrup are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for transdermal delivery of dried or lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions and methods using thereof. The system comprises an apparatus for facilitating transdermal delivery of an agent that generates hydrophilic micro-channels, and a patch comprising a therapeutically active agent. The present invention is useful for transdermal delivery of hydrophilic agents, particularly of high molecular weight proteins.

Abstract: A combined rapid acting-long acting insulin formulation has been developed wherein the pH of the rapid acting insulin is adjusted so that the long acting glargine remains soluble when they are mixed together. In the preferred embodiment, this injectable basal bolus insulin is administered before breakfast, provides adequate bolus insulin levels to cover the meal, does not produce hypoglycemia after the meal and provides adequate basal insulin for 24 hours. Lunch and dinner can be covered by two bolus injections of a fast acting, or a rapid acting or a very rapid acting insulin. As a result, a patient using intensive insulin therapy should only inject three, rather than four, times a day. Experiments have been performed to demonstrate, the importance of the addition of specific acids to hexameric insulin to enhance speed and amount of absorption and preserve bioactivity following dissociation into the monomeric form by addition of a chelator such as EDTA.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes at least two of agents I)-iii), wherein agent i) is selected from the group consisting of an insulin, an insulin analog, a physiologically active fragment of said insulin and a physiologically active fragment of said insulin analog, agent ii) is selected from the group consisting of an insulin-related peptide, an insulin-related peptide analog, a physiologically active insulin-related peptide fragment and a physiologically active insulin-related peptide analog fragment, and agent iii) is an insulin sensitizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to insulin derivatives having a built-in glucose sensor and a polyol moiety, capable to deliver insulin from an injected depot of an insulin derivative according to the invention as a function of the glucose concentration in the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Insulin derivatives having a built-in glucose sensor, capable of delivering insulin from a depot as a function of the glucose concentration in the surrounding medium (e.g. tissue), such that the rate of insulin release from the depot increases with an increased glucose concentration and decreases with a decreased glucose concentration.

Abstract: The invention is a method for treating prostate hyperplasia by contacting a patient with insulin-6 in an amount effective to prevent or reduce prostate hyperplasia. The invention includes transgenic insulin-6 knockout mice that exhibit prostate hyperplasia and that can be used in screening agents for anti-prostate hyperplasia activity.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing proinsulin polypeptides are described that include contacting a proinsulin polypeptide including an insulin polypeptide coupled to one or more peptides by peptide bond(s) capable of being cleaved to yield the insulin polypeptide with an oligomer under conditions sufficient to couple the oligomer to the insulin polypeptide portion of the proinsulin polypeptide and provide a proinsulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugate, and cleaving the one or more peptides from the proinsulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugate to provide the insulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugate. Methods of synthesizing proinsulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugates are also provided as are proinsulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugates. Methods of synthesizing C-peptide polypeptide-oligomer conjugates and other pro-polypeptide-oligomer conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake are disclosed which comprise administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist, alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that affect satiety. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders, including obesity, Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. The methods are also useful for lowering the plasma glucose level, lowering the plasma lipid level, reducing the cardiac risk, reducing the appetite, and reducing the weight of subjects. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed toward a dermal delivery system composition comprising an aqueous base vehicle including Emu oil, at least one fatty acid alkyl ester, polyethylene glycol, and a gelling agent, in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one species of insulin, and to processes for the manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: New methods for the treatment of cancer are provided. Null IGF (IGF variants with reduced receptor binding) is administered to subjects having cancer, thereby alleviating the symptoms of the cancer.

Abstract: Drug formulations for systemic drug delivery with improved stability and rapid onset of action are described herein. The formulations may be administered via buccal administration, sublingual administration, pulmonary delivery, nasal administration, subcutaneous administration, rectal administration, vaginal administration, or ocular administration. In the preferred embodiments, the formulations are administered sublingually or via subcutaneous injection. The formulations contain an active agent and one or more excipients, selected to increase the rate of dissolution. In the preferred embodiment, the drug is insulin, and the excipients include a metal chelator such as EDTA and an acid such as citric acid. Following administration, these formulations are rapidly absorbed by the oral mucosa when administered sublingually and are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream when administered by subcutaneous injection. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a dry powder.

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: The present invention provides a method for acylating one or more amino groups of a peptide where the acylation reaction is to be performed in an aqueous mixture containing less than 10% w/w aprotic polar solvent.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) including a compound which binds to a receptor for glucagon-like peptide-1, and a pharmaceutical carrier. The amount of the compound present is an effective amount to improve pancreatic ?-cell sensitivity to blood glucose levels in a human with IGT. Also, a method for improving the pattern of insulin secretory responses in a human with IGT by administering to the human a composition comprising a compound which binds to a receptor for glucagon-like peptide-1 and a pharmaceutical carrier.

Abstract: Novel IGF-I compositions are described. The compositions include a solubilizing compound comprising a guanidinium group that provides for IGF-I compositions in which IGF-I is highly soluble at pHs of about 5.5 or greater and at refrigerated temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the growth rates, alleviating the symptoms, or improving the metabolism of human patients having insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency (IGFD). The invention relates to methods comprising administering insulin-like growth factor-I to a patient having a height which, at the time of treatment or prior to initial treatment with IGF-1, is at least about 2 standard deviations below normal for a subject of the same age and gender, a blood level of insulin-like growth factor-I that, and at the time of treatment or prior to initial treatment with IGF-1, is below normal mean levels, usually at least about 1 standard deviations below normal mean levels, for age and gender.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents and methods for delivering insulin, insulinomimetic agents, and the like to a vertebrate eye via subconjunctival routes, sub-Tenon's routes, or intravitreal routes for treatment of nerve-related vision disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, and formulations useful in the practice of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods used to modulate a NH2-terminal Jun Kinase activity. These compositions and methods can be employed to regulate metabolic disorders associated with, for example, insulin such as diabetes. The reduction in NH2-terminal Jun Kinase activity can lead to the reduction in weight and improve insulin sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to insulin derivatives in which a lipophilic group having from 12 to 40 carbon atoms is attached to the ?-amino group of the N-terminal amino acid in the B-chain or to the carboxy group of the C-terminal amino acid in the B-chain have a protracted profile of action.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least one Y2 receptor-binding peptide, such as peptide YY(PYY), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) or Pancreatic Peptide (PP) and one or more mucosal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of the peptide YY, for treating a variety of diseases and conditions in mammalian subjects, including obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel derivatives of exendin-4 or exendin-4 fragments, wherein the derivatives have a lipophilic substituent attached, optionally via a spacer, to an amino acid residue, which is not the N-terminal or C-terminal amino acid residue of the derivative.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions that include insulin, an insulin drug-oligomer conjugate, a fatty acid component, and a bile salt component or a bile salt component without a fatty acid component are described. The insulin drug is covalently coupled to an oligomeric moiety. The fatty acid component and the bile salt component, when together, can be present in a weight-to-weight ratio of between 1:15 and 15:1. Methods of treating an insulin deficiency in a subject in need of such treatment using such pharmaceutical compositions are also provided, as are methods of providing such pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Methods for purifying authentic, properly folded IGF polypeptides from yeast transformants are disclosed. The methods include a refolding step and provide for high yields of authentic IGF from a variety of yeast strains.

Abstract: The invention relates to crystals of an insulin analog in which asparagine (Asn) in position B3 of the B chain is replaced by a naturally occurring basic amino acid residue and at least one amino acid residue in the positions B27, B28 or B29 of the B chain is replaced by another naturally occurring neutral or acidic amino acid residue, where phenylalanine (Phe) in position B1 of the B chain can optionally be absent, the crystals being present in the space group R3 (No. 146) with the cell axes A=81.5 ?±1 ? and C=33.3 ?±1 ?, their preparation and use, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising these crystals.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least one Y2 receptor-binding peptide, such as peptide YY(PYY), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) or Pancreatic Peptide (PP) and one or more mucosal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of the peptide YY, for treating a variety of diseases and conditions in mammalian subjects, including obesity.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that comprises a mixture of polypeptides of opposite charge and an excipient selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, glutamic acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate, beta-hydroxy cyclodextrin, and beta-cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least one Y2 receptor-binding peptide, such as peptide YY(PYY), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) or Pancreatic Peptide (PP) and one or more mucosal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of the peptide YY, for treating a variety of diseases and conditions in mammalian subjects, including obesity.

Abstract: Provided is a method of isolating a bio-molecule from a water-borne mixture, the method comprising: contacting the water-borne mixture with dimethyl ether to form solid particles of the bio-molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for synthesizing compounds wherein the compounds exhibit extended circulating half-life in the blood. The increase in circulating half-life is achieved by conjugating polypeptides to binding groups that exhibit high affinity for human serum albumin.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses pharmaceutical formulations comprising a biphasic mixture which comprises a glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) compound in a solid phase and an insulin in a solution phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydrolyzable drug-oligomer conjugates, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such conjugates, and to methods for making and using such conjugates and pharmaceutical compositions. For example, a conjugate of insulin, PEG, and oleic acid can be orally administered.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing proinsulin polypeptides are described that include contacting a proinsulin polypeptide including an insulin polypeptide coupled to one or more peptides by peptide bond(s) capable of being cleaved to yield the insulin polypeptide with an oligomer under conditions sufficient to couple the oligomer to the insulin polypeptide portion of the proinsulin polypeptide and provide a proinsulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugate, and cleaving the one or more peptides from the proinsulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugate to provide the insulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugate. Methods of synthesizing proinsulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugates are also provided as are proinsulin polypeptide-oligomer conjugates. Methods of synthesizing C-peptide polypeptide-oligomer conjugates and other pro-polypeptide-oligomer conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least one peptide YY compound and one or more intranasal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of the peptide YY, for treating a variety of diseases and conditions in mammalian subjects, including obesity. In one aspect, the intranasal delivery formulations and methods provide enhanced delivery of peptide YY to the blood plasma or central nervous system (CNS) tissue or fluid, for example, by yielding a peak concentration (Cmax) of the peptide YY in the blood plasma or CNS tissue or fluid of the subject that is 20% or greater compared to a peak concentration of the peptide YY in the blood plasma or CNS tissue or fluid of the subject following administration to the subject of a same concentration or dose of the peptide YY to the subject by subcutaneous injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improving and/or increasing the bioavailability of a biologically active substance, such as a peptide. In particular, the present invention relates to the conjugation of the biologically active substance to a bile acid. The conjugated biologically active substance is suitable particularly for oral or parental administration.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for determining the risk of developing a complication of preterm birth in a patient born before 40 weeks of gestation or weighing 10% less than the average for the patient's gestational age. The method involves measuring serum IGF-I and/or IGF-I binding protein levels after birth of the patient to obtain an IGF-I or IGF-I binding protein level; and correlating said IGF-I or IGF-I binding protein level with an in utero baseline level of IGF-I or IGF-I binding protein based on gestational age matched mean levels in utero, wherein an IGF-I or IGF-I binding protein level below the mean gestational age in utero level indicates the patient is at an increased risk of developing a complication of preterm birth. The complications of preterm birth include retinopathy of prematurity, developmental delay, mental retardation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Abstract: Derivatives of glucagon-like peptide I (GLP-1) and especially GLP-1 (7-37) have been found to have insulinotropic activity. The invention pertains to a composition comprising an acid addition salt of GLP-I (7-37) and to a composition comprising a carboxylate salt of GLP-I (7-37). The invention also pertains to method of treating type II diabetes mellitus by providing derivatives of GLP-I (7-37) to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adipocyte Insulin adpInsl with Insulin A and B chains of SEQ ID Nos. 1 and 2, a effective method of treating type 2 diabetes in a subject using adipocyte insulin, said method comprising steps of administering the insulin to a diabetic intraperitoneally, an Insulin gene of SEQ ID No. 3, a process of isolating protein Insulin from the adipocytes of the Carp, said method comprising steps of reverse transcripting RNA of adipocytes to obtain cDNA, using oligonucleotide primers of SEQ ID Nos. 5 and 6 to identify AdpInsl gene from cDNA, and deducing amino acid sequence from cDNA to obtain protein Insulin, and an adipocyte of Catla Catla useful for producing the said Insulin.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient having Metabolic Syndrome comprising Primary Insulin Resistance and exhibiting lipoprotein aberrations or hypertension comprises administering to said patient human growth hormone or a functional analog thereof in an amount effective for decreasing lipoprotein aberrations or hypertension of said patient.

Abstract: Novel insulin precursors comprising a connecting peptide (mini C-peptide) of preferably up to 6 amino acid residues and comprising at least one Pro are provided. The precursors can be converted into human insulin or desB30 human insulin.

Abstract: IGF-I variants having an alanine, glycine, or serine amino acid residue at position 16, 25, 49 or at positions 3 and 49 of native-sequence IGF-I are provided that are useful to treat a disorder characterized by dysregulation of the GH/IGF axis in a mammal, such as a renal disorder.

Abstract: Novel insulin precursors and insulin precursor analogs having a mini C-peptide comprising at least one aromatic amino acid residue have an increased folding stability. The novel insulin precursors and insulin precursor analogs can be expressed in yeast in high yields and are preferably not more 15 amino acid residues in length. Also provided are polynucleotide sequences encoding the claimed precursors or precursor analogs, and vectors and cell lines containing such polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: A mixture of conjugates in which each conjugate in the mixture comprises an insulin drug coupled to an oligomer that includes a polyalkylene glycol moiety is disclosed. The mixture may exhibit higher in vivo activity than a polydispersed mixture of similar conjugates. The mixture may also be more effective at surviving an in vitro model of intestinal digestion than polydispersed mixtures of similar conjugates. The mixture may also result in less inter-subject variability than polydispersed mixtures of similar conjugates.

Abstract: A highly concentrated, low salt-containing, biologically active syrup form of IGF-I or variant thereof and methods for its preparation are provided. This novel syrup form of IGF-I has an IGF-I concentration of at least about 250 mg/ml, a density of about 1.0 g/ml to about 1.2 g/ml, and a viscosity of about 13,000 centipoise (cps) to about 19,000 cps, as measured at ambient temperature (23° C.). The IGF-I syrup is prepared by precipitating or partitioning IGF-I from solution, preferably by adjusting the solution pH or by use of a solubility enhancer to concentrate IGF-I in solution followed by removal of the solubility enhancer. The precipitated syrup is useful as a means of storing IGF-I in a stable form and as a means of preparing compositions comprising biologically active IGF-I. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising this concentrated IGF-I syrup are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical preparation comprising a compound which can be obtained by reacting a compound having a free amino group with a sugar having the reducing power. The preparation is capable of improving the in vivo durability of various compounds and releasing the compounds in response to changes in pH, and thus is useful for causing the compounds to act specifically on target parts.

Abstract: Methods of treating diabetes mellitus in a patient in need of such treatment include administering an effective amount of an insulin drug to the patient in order to treat diabetes mellitus in the patient. Methods according to the present invention may “activate” the liver, potentially restoring normal glucose homeostasis to individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus.