Abstract: Disclosed is a particular method of orally administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising calcitonin in combination with oral delivery agents, prior to the consumption of food in humans, and a method of treatment of disorders responsive to the action of calcitonin employing such method of administration; also oral calcitonin pharmaceutical compositions with particular ratios of the amount of oral delivery agent to the amount of calcitonin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing an intramolecularly bridged polypeptide comprising at least one intramolecular bridge. The present invention further provides a method of synthesizing an intramolecularly bridged polypeptide comprising two intramolecular bridges, wherein the two intramolecular bridges form two overlapping ring, two rings in series, or two embedded rings. The present invention also provides methods for synthesizing lantibiotics, including Nisin A. Additionally, the invention provides intramolecularly bridged polypeptides synthesized by the methods disclosed herein and differentially protected orthogonal lanthionines.

Abstract: An intracellular selection system allows screening for peptide bioactivity and stability. Randomized recombinant peptides are screened for bioactivity in a tightly regulated expression system, preferably derived from the wild-type lac operon. Bioactive peptides thus identified are inherently protease- and peptidase-resistant. Also provided are bioactive peptides stabilized by a stabilizing group at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or both. The stabilizing group can be a small stable protein, such as the Rop protein, glutathione sulfotransferase, thioredoxin, maltose binding protein, or glutathione reductase, an ?-helical moiety, or one or more proline residues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to obesity related polypeptides (ORPs), related nucleic acids, expression constructs, host cells, and processes production of the obesity related polypeptides. The ORPs of the invention include one or more amino acid sequence modifications. In addition, methods and compositions are disclosed to treat and prevent metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates of a polypeptide and an oligosaccharide, wherein the polypeptide is conjugated to at least one oligosaccharide-spacer residue, the oligosaccharide being a synthetic sulfated oligosaccharide comprising 4-18 monosaccharide units and per se having affinity to antithrombin III and the spacer being a bond or an essentially pharmacologically inactive flexible linking residue, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The conjugates of the invention have improved pharmacokinetic properties when compared to the original polypeptides (i.e. the corresponding non-conjugated polypeptides per se).

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: The invention relates to human procalcitonin and the preparation and use thereof. In particular, a process for preparing human procalcitonin is described wherein a gene coding for a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of human procalcitonin is inserted into a vector; a host organism is transformed with this gene-containing vector; and the polypeptide expressed by the host organism is isolated. Furthermore the use of the polypeptides according to the invention, in particular as medicaments and diagnostic agents is described.

Abstract: Nucleic acid encoding recombinant salmon calcitonin, expression vector thereof, and method for producing recombinant salmon calcitonin therewith. The nucleic acid encoding recombinant salmon calcitonin comprises the sequence of SEQ ID No. 2.

Abstract: A mixture of conjugates in which each conjugate in the mixture comprises a calcitonin drug coupled to an oligomer that includes a polyalkylene glycol moiety is disclosed. The mixture may lower serum calcium levels in a subject by 10, 15 or even 20 percent or more. Moreover, the mixture may be more effective at surviving an in vitro model of intestinal digestion than non-conjugated calcitonin. Furthermore, the mixture may exhibit a higher bioavailability than non-conjugated calcitonin.

Abstract: Muteins of the Ser-Cys-Asn-Thr-Ala-Thr-Cys sequence from the N-terminal 1-7 fragment of the CGRP peptide, possessing an enhancing action on the activation of neuronal nicotinic receptors, their pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and their use for the potential therapy of neurological diseases are described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of promoting neurogenesis by contacting neuronal tissue with neurogenesis increasing agents. Novel methods for treating neurological disorders using neurogenesis increasing agents are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conjugate which includes at least one vitamin D moiety thereof and at least one targeting molecule moiety to pharmaceutical compositions of the conjugate, and to methods for using the conjugate for target-specific delivery of vitamin D or analogs thereof to tissues in need thereof. When a particularly preferred form is administered to a patient, the targeting molecule component of the conjugate of this invention seeks out and binds to a tissue of interest, such as bone or tumor tissue, where the vitamin D has a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides represented by the following formula (A): wherein Q represents a physiologically active peptide moiety; X each represents the same or different ?-amino acid residue; M represents Gly or Cys; m represents an integer of from 5 to 8; and n represents an integer of from 0 to 3, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The peptides of the present invention have higher stability and/or higher activity than physiologically active linear peptides to which no cyclic peptide is bonded.

Abstract: Genetically-encodable, environmentally-responsive fusion proteins comprising ELP peptides. Such fusion proteins exhibit unique physico-chemical and functional properties that can be modulated as a function of solution environment. The invention also provides methods for purifying the FPs, which take advantage of these unique properties, including high-throughput purification methods that produce high yields (e.g., milligram levels) of purified proteins, thereby yielding sufficient purified product for multiple assays and analyses. The high throughput purification technique is simpler and less expensive than current commercial high throughput purification methods, since it requires only one transfer of purification intermediates to a new multiwell plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the preparation of polypeptides. The polypeptides are prepared in high purity of at least about 98.5%, and preferably at least about 99% by HPLC.

Abstract: A mixture of conjugates in which each conjugate in the mixture comprises a calcitonin drug coupled to an oligomer that includes a polyalkylene glycol moiety is disclosed. The mixture may lower serum calcium levels in a subject by 10, 15 or even 20 percent or more. Moreover, the mixture may be more effective at surviving an in vitro model of intestinal digestion than non-conjugated calcitonin. Furthermore, the mixture may exhibit a higher bioavailability than non-conjugated calcitonin.

Abstract: Bioactive peptides are modified to have an increased solubility or reduced tendency to aggregate compared to the wild type modified peptide. In particular modified human calcitonin comprises a peptide having at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and being modified such that the tendency of the modified peptide to aggregate is reduced compared to unmodified human calcitonin.

Abstract: A method for oral administration of an active principle includes the steps of incorporating an active principle in multilamellar vesicles having a diameter of between 0.1 and 25 &mgr;m, and a lamellar liquid-crystal internal structure formed, from the center to the periphery of the vesicles, of a stack of concentric bilayers based on amphiphilic agents alternating with layers of water, aqueous solution or solution of a polar liquid, and orally administering a composition containing the active principle incorporated within the vesicles.

Abstract: Nucleic acid encoding recombinant salmon calcitonin, expression vector thereof, and method for producing recombinant salmon calcitonin therewith. The nucleic acid encoding recombinant salmon calcitonin comprises the sequence of SEQ ID No.

Abstract: Calcitonin drug-oligomer conjugates that include a calcitonin drug coupled to an oligomer including a single polyalkylene glycol moiety consisting of between 4 and 10 polyalkylene glycol subunits are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including such conjugates and methods of treating bone disorders by administering such conjugates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for purifying peptides and proteins by incorporating the peptide or protein into a diketopiperazine or competitive complexing agent to facilitate removal one or more impurities, i.e. undesirable components, from the peptide or protein. In a preferred embodiment, a peptide, such as insulin, containing one or more impurities, e.g., zinc ions, is entrapped in diketopiperazine to form a precipitate of peptide/diketopiperazine/impurity, which is then washed with a solvent for the impurity to be removed, which is a nonsolvent for the diketopiperazine and a nonsolvent for the peptide. Formulations and methods also are provided for the improved transport of active agents across biological membranes, resulting for example in a rapid increase in blood agent concentration.

Abstract: The hormone calcitonin promotes fertilizing ability in mammalian sperm and is useful for treatment of conditions of low fertility in humans and animals. Human, porcine or salmon calcitonin may be formulated in a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical application, e.g. as a cream or jelly containing up to 100 ng/ml or more of salmon calcitonin or up to 2 &mgr;g/ml or more of human calcitonin. Calcitonin may also be administered parenterally, orally, or nasally. For improving in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination methods calcitonin is added to sperm prior to use e.g. salmon calcitonin present at a concentration of from 5 to 50 ng/ml or human calcitonin at a concentration of from 20 to 200 ng/ml in the sperm preparation. Calcitonin levels in seminal plasma can also be used to diagnose infertility.

Abstract: A mixture of conjugates in which each conjugate in the mixture comprises a calcitonin drug coupled to an oligomer that includes a polyalkylene glycol moiety is disclosed. The mixture may lower serum calcium levels in a subject by 10, 15 or even 20 percent or more. Moreover, the mixture may be more effective at surviving an in vitro model of intestinal digestion than non-conjugated calcitonin. Furthermore, the mixture may exhibit a higher bioavailability than non-conjugated calcitonin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new polypeptide-calcitonin 11, the polynucleotide encoding it and a method producing the polypeptide by recombinant DNA technology. The present invention further discloses a method using the polypeptide to treat various disorders, e.g. malignant neoplasm, hematopathy, HIV infection and immunological disease and various inflammation etc. The present invention also discloses agonists of the polypeptide and their therapeutic uses. The present invention further discloses the use of the polynucleotide encoding the new calcitonin 11.

Abstract: Disclosed are lanthionine bridged peptides having the structure methods of their preparation and their use as pharmacologically active agents.

Abstract: Polysaccharides, which are widely used as an anticoagulation drugs, especially heparin, are clinically administered only by intravenous or subcutaneous injection because of their strong hydrophilicity and high negative charge. Amphiphilic heparin derivatives were synthesized by conjugation to bile acids, sterols, and alkanoic acids, respectively. These heparin derivatives were slightly hydrophobic, exhibited good solubility in water, and have high anticoagulation activity. These slightly hydrophobic heparin derivatives are efficiently absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and can be used in oral dosage forms. Methods of using these amphiphilic heparin derivatives and similarly modified macromolecules for oral administration are also disclosed.

Abstract: Calcitonins and calcitonin derivatives such as are employed for therapy for, for example, osteoporosis. Paget's disease or hypercalcemia. The calcitonins and calcitonin derivatives are distinguished by a bridging of the amino acids present in the positions 17 and 21. In this case, by means of a suitable choice of the amino acids present in these positions an 18- or 19-membered ring is produced. This ring leads to an increased conformational stability and to an increased activity of the modified calcitonin. A particularly suitable hCt (human Ct) analog is the cyclo17,21-[Asp17, Orn21]-hCt according to the invention having a 19-membered ring structure between the lactam-bridged Asp17 and Orn21.

Abstract: A method of treating an individual to increase the individual's bone mineral density (BMD) is disclosed. The method includes co-administering a calcitonin-like agent and a DHEA-like agent. Also disclosed are methods for potentiating the effect of treatment with a calcitonin-like agent on BMD and for increasing BMD in an individual being treated with DHEA, e.g., for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Abstract: This invention provides methods of bone healing and fracture repair comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a polypeptide analog of parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) and salts thereof, wherein amino acid residues 22-31 form an amphipathic &agr;-helix. Systemic administration is a preferred mode of delivery.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for reducing the impairment respiratory tract mucosal immunity associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. Also described are methods for reducing the rate of infection of the respiratory tract by pathogenic microorganisms associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. In addition, a method of reducing the atrophy or dysfunction of the GALT comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide is described. The specification further describes compositions for reducing or preventing the impairment of intestinal or respiratory tract mucosal immunity comprising a neuropeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the nasal transmucosal delivery of a biocompatible polymer-biologically active peptide conjugate. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention increases the water solubility of peptide, which is sparingly soluble in water, improves its stability by protecting it from being degraded by proteases. As a result, the number of administrations of the drug and the side-effects induced by drug abuse are decreased. In addition, since the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is delivered through the nasal cavity, it allows drug activity to be expressed in a short period of time and improves a bioavailability.

Abstract: There are provided a method to screen agonist or antagonist of the maxadilan receptor participating in vasodilating action, wherein a receptor of maxadilan is used, compounds which specifically bind to the receptor, and a tissue preparation having the receptor. The compounds are variants of maxadilan from the salivary glands of the sand fly.

Abstract: Solid pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the oral delivery of pharmacologically active agents, e.g. peptides, comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of a pharmacologically active agent; a crospovidone or povidone; and a delivery agent for said pharmacologically active agent are disclosed. The compositions provide excellent oral bioavailability of pharmacologically active agents, particularly calcitonin.

Abstract: A process for the recombinant preparation of a calcitonin fragment and the use of the fragment in the preparation of calcitonin and related analogs is provided. The process includes recombinantly forming a fusion protein which includes the calcitonin fragment linked to a carbonic anhydrase. The recombinantly formed fusion protein is subsequently cleaved to produce a polypeptide which includes the calcitonin fragment. A method for producing a calcitonin carba analog which includes condensing a desaminononapeptide with the recombinantly formed calcitonin fragment is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of bone healing and fracture repair comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a polypeptide analog of parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) and salts thereof, wherein amino acid residues 22-31 form an amphipathic &agr;-helix. Systemic administration is a preferred mode of delivery.

Abstract: Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with novel vectors, a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special vectors are provided which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides are disclosed. The modulators of the invention can promote amyloid aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural amyloid aggregation. In a preferred embodiment, the compounds modulate the aggregation of natural &bgr; amyloid peptides (&bgr;-AP). In a preferred embodiment, the &bgr; amyloid modulator compounds of the invention are comprised of an A&bgr; aggregation core domain and a modifying group coupled thereto such that the compound alters the aggregation or inhibits the neurotoxicity of natural &bgr; amyloid peptides when contacted with the peptides. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural &bgr;-AP aggregation when the natural &bgr;-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the recombinant preparation of a calcitonin fragment and the use of the fragment in the preparation of calcitonin and related analogs is provided. The process includes recombinantly forming a fusion protein which includes the calcitonin fragment linked to a carbonic anhydrase. The recombinantly formed fusion protein is subsequently cleaved to produce a polypeptide which includes the calcitonin fragment. A method for producing a calcitonin carba analog which includes condensing a desaminononapeptide with the recombinantly formed calcitonin fragment is also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid-imaging compositions and methods for noninvasive imaging of a nucleic acid introduced into somatic tissues of an animal or human are disclosed. The noninvasive imaging enables quantitative assessment of the biodistribution of the introduced nucleic acid. The disclosed imaging compounds include a base-binding moiety, a phosphate-binding moiety, and a metal-binding moiety. A chelated metal is non-invasively detected for imaging by radioactivity or magnetic resonance.

Abstract: Disclosed are lanthionine bridged peptides having the structure methods of their preparation and their use as pharmacologically active agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to antagonists of calcitonin gene related peptide and in particular the invention relates to amino terminal modifications to peptides to improve their ability to bind to a member of the CGRP-receptor superfamily.

Abstract: Superpotent calcitonin analogs have greatly increased hypocalcemic action in vivo. These calcitonins and calcitonin derivatives are employed for the therapy of, for example, osteoporosis, Paget's disease or hypercalcemia. The calcitonins and calcitonin derivatives are distinguished by a bridging of the amino acids present in the positions 17 and 21. By means of suitable choice of the amino acids present in these positions an 18-membered or 19-membered ring is produced. This ring leads to an increased conformational stability and to an increased activity of the modified calcitonin. A particularly suitable hCt (human calcitonin analog) is a cyclo17,21-[Asp17, Orn21]-hCt having a 19-membered ring structure between the lactam-bridged Asp17 and Orn21.

Abstract: A process for the recombinant preparation of a calcitonin fragment and the use of the fragment in the preparation of calcitonin and related analogs is provided. The process includes recombinantly forming a fusion protein which includes the calcitonin fragment linked to a carbonic anhydrase. The recombinantly formed fusion protein is subsequently cleaved to produce a polypeptide which includes the calcitonin fragment. A method for producing a calcitonin carba analog which includes condensing a desaminononapeptide with the recombinantly formed calcitonin fragment is also provided.

Abstract: A cyclodextrin derivative, wherein at least 60 percent of the free hydroxy groups of said cyclodextrin are acylated with acyl groups where at least one of said acyl groups comprise a free carboxylic group.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of osteoporosis in mammals are disclosed. The compositions are suitable for parenteral administration and comprise Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The compositions for use in the methods may also include bone antiresorptive compounds.

Abstract: Peptides useful in the regulation of calcium metabolism are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions of matter containing such peptides as well as a method for the regulation of calcium metabolism in a patient in need of such treatment. The peptides contain modified or unmodified portions of an amino acid sequence at the 8- to 32-positions of native calcination.

Abstract: Salcatonin (i.e. salmon calcitonin) analogues of formula R1-Ser-Asn-Leu-Ser-Thr-Cys(SR2)-Val-Leu-Gly-Lys-Leu-Ser-Gln-Glu-Leu-His-Ly s-Leu-Gln-Thr-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Thr-Asn-Thr-Gly-Ser-Gly-Thr-Pro-NH2 (I) are disclosed, in which R1=-Cys-S--H, -Cys--OH, -Cys-S-ether or -Cys-S-ester (where the ether or ester residue has 2-5C) or a corresponding salt or isomer; R2=H, OH, ester or ether residue of 2-5C or acetamidomethyl, or a corresponding salt or isomer.

Abstract: Fatty acid derivatives of disulfide-containing compounds (for example, disulfide-containing peptides or proteins) comprising fatty acid-conjugated products with a disulfide linkage are employed for delivery of the compounds to mammalian cells. This modification markedly increases the absorption of the compounds by mammalian cells relative to the rate of absorption of the unconjugated compounds, as well as prolonging blood and tissue retention of the compounds. Moreover, the disulfide linkage in the conjugate is quite labile in vivo and thus facilitates intracellular or extracellular release of the intact compounds from the fatty acid moieties.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the invention are pharmaceutical non inorganic saline solutions for endonasal administration containing: (a) a calcitonin, preferably salmon or alternatively carbacalcitonin (elcatonin), or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; characterized in that it further contains the organic excipients; (b) N-(methyl)-glucamine or glucamine; (c) tromethamine; (d) citric acid; and (e) polyvinylpyrrolidone ranging from K15 to K120. These are odorless and tasteless and thus have improved patient's compliance not having the undesirable secondary effects of known compositions as well as permit a complete and accurate analysis of the active principle and develop less degradation products during storage.

Abstract: This invention relates to radiotherapeutic reagents and peptides, radiodiagnostic reagents and peptides, and methods for producing labeled radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic agents. Specifically, the invention relates to calcitonin receptor binding compounds, preferably peptides, derivatives and analogues of calcitonin, and embodiments of such compounds radiolabeled with a radioisotope, as well as methods and kits for making, radiolabeling and using such compounds, particularly peptides for radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic purposes. The invention specifically relates to calcitonin receptor binding peptide derivatives and analogues of calcitonin radiolabeled with technetium-99m and uses thereof as scintigraphic imaging agents. The invention also specifically relates to calcitonin receptor binding peptide derivatives and analogues of calcitonin radiolabeled with cytotoxic radioisotopes such as rhenium-186 (.sup.186 Re) and rhenium-188 (.sup.188 Re) for use as radiotherapeutic agents.