Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide compounds that are modulators (e.g., agonists and antagonists) of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. The compounds described herein are polypeptide of the following structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Values and preferred values of the variables in structural Formula (I) are described herein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder in a subject in need of such treatment are described. A therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising compound PG-20N in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is described. According to another embodiment, the subject disclosure features method of treating a depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder in a subject in need of such treatment. The method may comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising PG-20N.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds to image cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present compounds exhibit enhanced uptake in cancerous cells and tissue and decreased renal uptake in kidney, evidencing favorable pharmacokinetics of compounds of the present invention. The compounds according to the present invention represent an advance in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention are also useful for initiating therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients' response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptide analogues of ?-MSH and ?-MSH, comprising the amino acid sequence of human ?-MSH or ?-MSH, or variants thereof, and having a branched amino acid probe in the N-terminal part of the peptide.

Abstract: The invention describes peptide analogues of ?-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (?-MSH), which possess an increased efficacy compared to the native ?-MSH peptide. The ?-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to ?-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising an alpha-MSH analogue and a transdermal delivery system and methods for inducing melanogenesis and/or preventing UV radiation-induced skin damage in a subject by topical administration of these compositions.

Abstract: The invention describes peptide analogues of ?-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (?-MSH), which possess an increased efficacy compared to the native ?-MSH peptide. The ?-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to ?-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention describes peptide analogues of ?-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (?-MSH), which posses an increased efficacy compared to the native ?-MSH peptide. The ?-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to ?-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention describes peptide analogues of a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH), which posses an increased efficacy compared to the native ?-MSH peptide. The ?-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to ?-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds to image cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present compounds exhibit enhanced uptake in cancerous cells and tissue and decreased renal uptake in kidney, evidencing favorable pharmacokinetics of compounds of the present invention. The compounds according to the present invention represent an advance in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention are also useful for initiating therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients' response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.

Abstract: A melanocortin-4 receptor agonist cyclic peptide of the formula where R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b, R5, R6, R7a, R7b, x, y and z are as defined in the specification, and a method of treating sexual dysfunction, including male erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction, and other melanocortin 4 receptor responsive conditions and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tools/compounds comprising a hybride cyclic peptide which utilizes a cyclic peptide chelating group wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma.

Abstract: Provided is a factor capable of inducing enucleation, which is a final stage of erythrocyte differentiation, within a short time. More particularly, provided are a method of inducing enucleation, which is a final stage of erythrocyte differentiation, within a short time by adding a compound derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) to an undifferentiated (nucleated) erythrocyte, and an enucleation inducer including the compound.

Abstract: Stabilized radiopharmaceutical formulations are disclosed. Methods of making and using stabilized radiopharmaceutical formulations are also disclosed. The invention relates to stabilizers that improve the radiostability of radiotherapeutic and radiodiagnostic compounds and formulations containing them. In particular, it relates to stabilizers useful in the preparation and stabilization of targeted radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic compounds, and, in a preferred embodiment, to the preparation and stabilization of radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic compounds that are targeted to the Gastrin Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRP-Receptor).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pharmacologically active peptide conjugate having a reduced tendency towards enzymatic cleavage comprising a pharmacologically active peptide sequence (X) and a stabilising peptide sequence (Z) of 4-20 amino acid residues covalently bound to X.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer conjugated releasable lipids and nanoparticle compositions containing the same for the delivery of nucleic acids and methods of modulating gene expression using the same. In particular, this invention relates to releasable polymeric lipids containing an acid-labile linker based on a ketal or acetal-containing linker, or an imine-containing linker.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to branched macromolecules bearing functional moieties. In particular, the invention relates to dendrimers, derived from lysine or lysine analogues, bearing a plurality of functional moieties. The invention further relates to the use of such macromolecules, particularly in therapeutic applications, and compositions comprising them.

Abstract: Disclosed are chelating agent-conjugated ?-MSH peptide derivatives, preparation methods thereof, and compositions for use in a diagnosis or treatment of a melanoma tumor containing the same as an active ingredient. The novel ?-MSH peptide derivatives conjugated with chelating agent according to the present invention are highly selective to the melanocortin-1 receptor which is ?-MSH receptor expressing in melanoma tumor and their labeling rate of a radioactive isotope is high. Also, they remain in kidney shortly and have high taking rate of the melanoma tumor. Therefore, with the aforesaid reasons, they may be effectively used for early diagnosis or treatment of melanoma tumor.

Abstract: Novel cyclic and linear peptides of the formula R1—X—X1—X2—X3—X4—X5—X6—X7—X8—X9—X10—X11—R2 are useful in the treatment of obesity are provided.

Abstract: A cyclic peptide of the structural formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, m, n and p are as defined. Further provided are compositions for treatment of sexual dysfunction in mammals, including male sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, and female sexual dysfunction, by administration of a cyclic peptide including a C-terminus —OH group. Routes of administration include injection, oral, urethral, vaginal, nasal and mucosal administration.

Abstract: A highly selective melanocortin-4 receptor antagonist cyclic hexapeptide of the formula where R1, R2, R3a, R3b, R4, R5, x, y and z are as defined in the specification, and a method of treating body weight disorders, including cachexia, sarcopenia and wasting syndrome or disease, and treating inflammation and immune disorders.

Abstract: A highly selective melanocortin-4 receptor antagonist cyclic peptide of the formula where R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b, R5, R6, R7, x, y and z are as defined in the specification, and a method of treating body weight disorders, including cachexia, sarcopenia and wasting syndrome or disease, and treating inflammation and immune disorders.

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: Multiple agent therapy for treatment of sexual dysfunction, including male erectile dysfunction, with sequential administration a type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE-5), such as sildenafil, preferably wherein the PDE-5 inhibitor is administered by oral dose means, and a melanocortin 3 and/or 4 receptor agonist, such as Ac-Nle-cyclo(-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys)-OH (PT-141) preferably wherein the PT-141 is formulated for and administered by intranasal means, and further preferably wherein the PDE-5 inhibitor is administered prior to PT-141.

Abstract: A cyclic peptide with a C-terminus —OH group. Further provided are compositions and methods for treatment of sexual dysfunction in mammals, including male sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, and female sexual dysfunction, by administration of a cyclic peptide including a C-terminus —OH group. Methods of administration include injection, oral, urethral, vaginal, nasal and mucosal administration.

Abstract: Novel peptides with antimicrobial activity are disclosed. The novel peptides are octomeric peptides modified from ?-MSH. The modified ?-MSH antimicrobial peptides disclosed herein may have enhanced activity against microbes over ?-MSH due to modifications in peptide sequence and chirality of amino acids. Due an identified mechanism of action for antimicrobial activity in which cAMP accumulates in the microbial cell, it may be that microbes will not generate resistance to these modified ?-MSH antimicrobial peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a region on human chromosome 1 that provides a genetic basis for absorptive hypercalciuria. The genes, proteins, and other biological materials provided are envisioned for use in diagnostic and therapeutic methods related to absorptive hypercalciuria and osteoporosis with hypercalciuria.

Abstract: Metallopeptides and metallopeptide combinatorial libraries specific for melanocortin receptors are provided, for use in biological, pharmaceutical and related applications. The metallopeptides and combinatorial libraries are made of peptides, peptidomimetics and peptide-like constructs, in which the peptide, peptidomimetic or construct is conformationally fixed on complexation of a metal ion-binding portion thereof with a metal ion.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treatment of sexual dysfunction in mammals, including male sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, and female sexual dysfunction. In one embodiment, a peptide-based composition including the peptide sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo(-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys)-OH is administered. Methods of administration include injection, oral, nasal and mucosal administration.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for regulating body weight and/or regulating the rate of weight gain or loss, and particularly, for treating or preventing obesity. Specifically, methods of administering varying levels of circulating proopiomelanocortin peptides or analogs thereof to an animal, alone or in combination with leptin or other body weight regulating agents are disclosed. Methods and compositions for treating a variety of disorders associated with or caused by undesirable body weight are also described.

Abstract: A compound for use as a diagnostic or therapeutic pharmaceutical and method of using the same where the compound consists essentially of an alpha-melanotropin stimulating hormone analog which has integrally located a radionuclide. The radionuclide is administered to the body in an amount sufficient to allow uptake and retention by the tumor cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treatment of sexual dysfunction in mammals, including male sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, and female sexual dysfunction. In one embodiment, a peptide-based composition including the peptide sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo(-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys)-OH is administered. Methods of administration include injection, oral, nasal and mucosal administration.

Abstract: Biologically active heteropolymeric protein composed of a plurality of subunits, both subunits being synthesized in a single cell having an expression vector comprising heterologous DNA encoding the subunits. Preferably the protein is similar to the human or ungulate fertility hormones, LH and FSH.

Abstract: Bivalent agonists having affinity for one or more G-protein coupled receptors, comprising two agonist or two antagonist ligand domains, wherein the distance between the ligand domains can range from about 40 to about 250 Å, and further comprising a backbone, wherein the backbone is covalently bonded to the two ligand domains, are provided. Additionally, bivalent agonists are provided that comprise one agonist and one antagonist ligand domain. In a specific embodiment, the bivalent agonists are peptide dimers, wherein the backbone comprises two spacer regions, two polylysine regions, and a disulfide bond region, such that the order in which the ligand domains, spacer regions, polylysine regions and disulfide bond region are covalently bonded together is: (ligand domain)-(spacer region)-(polylysine region)-(disulfide bond region)-(polylysine region)-(spacer region)-(ligand domain). Such peptide dimers are prepared from oxidative dimerization of their corresponding monomers.

Abstract: Novel DNA fragments encoding novel polypeptides having properties of melanotropic hormone receptors, especially DNA molecules encoding melanocyte stimulating hormone receptors (MSH receptors), as well as polypeptides which are MSH receptors, are disclosed. The use and engineering of melanotropic hormone receptor DNA and polypeptides for production of monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as well as the engineering of drugs, cell lines, vectors, and DNA for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides ligands for melanocortin receptors. For example, the invention provides the melanocortin receptor peptide ligand Ac-Nlc-Gln-His-(p(I)-D-Phe)-Arg-(D-Trp)-Cly-NH2, (SEQ ID NO: 1), where the iodo group is unlabeled or radioactively labeled. The invention additionally provides methods of assaying for melanocortin receptors in a cell or tissue such as brain. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a melanocortin receptor ligand and to methods of administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject. The invention further provides tetrapeptide ligands for melanocortin receptors and methods of altering melanocortin receptor activity.

Abstract: A compound for use as a diagnostic or therapeutic pharmaceutical and method of using the same where the compound consists essentially of an alpha-melanotropin stimulating hormone analog which has integrally located a radionuclide. The radionuclide is administered to the body in an amount sufficient to allow uptake and retention by the tumor cells.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and reagents for developing naturally-occurring and synthetic agonists and antagonists specific for a mammalian melanocortin receptor, and the use of such agonists and antagonists for treatment and alleviation of dysfunction and disease. The invention specifically provides reagents and methods for developing naturally-occurring and synthetic agonists and antagonists specific for a mammalian melanocortin receptor termed MC5-R. The naturally-occurring and synthetic agonists and antagonists specific for the MC5-R receptor are provided by the invention for the treatment, control, amelioration and alleviation of diseases, and dysfunctional and abnormal states related to thermoregulatory disorders, as well as other diseases relating to exocrine gland disorders, including lacrimal gland dysfunction and sebaceous gland disorders including acne and other skin problems.

Abstract: Conjugates of chlorophyll (Chl) and bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) derivatives with amino acids, peptides and proteins are provided by the invention. The amino acid, peptide or protein residue is linked to the 17-propionic acid group of a Chl or Bchl residue directly or through a chain. The conjugates are for use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy and in diagnostics of tumors. Conjugation with cell-specific ligands, such as hormones, growth factors or tumor-specific antibodies, will target the Chl or Bchl moiety to the tumor site. Thus, conjugates with melanocyte stimulating hormones are suitable for photodynamic therapy of melanoma tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant expression constructs comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian melanocortin receptors, and mammalian cells into which said recombinant expression constructs have been introduced that express functional mammalian melanocortin receptors. The invention provides a panel of such transformed mammalian cells expressing melanocortin receptors for screening compounds for receptor agonist and antagonist activity. The invention also provides methods for using such panels of melanocortin receptor-expressing mammalian cells to specifically detect and identify agonists and antagonists for each melanocortin receptor, as well as patterns of agonist and antagonist activity of said compounds for the class of melanocortin receptors. Such screening methods provide a means for identifying compounds with patterns of melanocortin agonist and antagonist activity which are associated with the capacity to influence or modify metabolism and behavior, particularly feeding behavior.

Abstract: Cyclic lactam peptides are disclosed which inhibit at various levels of antagonism the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R), melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), and Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC5R).

Abstract: Retinal dystrophies are treated by melanotropin peptides or analogs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mammalian alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor, the gene corresponding to this receptor, a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct capable of expressing a mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor in cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells and such cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells that synthesize mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor. The invention also provides methods for screening MSH-R agonists and antagonists in vitro using preparations of receptor from such cultures of eukaryotic cells transformed with a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct comprising the MSH-R receptor gene. The invention specifically provides human and mouse MSH-R genes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing food intake, suppressing appetite and controlling body weight are provided. Such compositions may include an amylin agonist and a CCK agonist or a hybrid peptide.

Abstract: Cyclic lactam peptides, seven amino acids in length, having D-2'-naphthylalanine (D-2'-Nal) or D-para-iodo-phenylalanine D-(p-I)Phe at position 4 of the peptide provided potent and specific antagonists of the two neural melanocortin receptors and of the peripheral receptor. In particular, the peptide ##STR1## was found to be a potent antagonist of the MC3 and MC4 receptors with partial agonist activity, and a full agonist of the MC1 and MC5 receptors; the peptide ##STR2## was found to be a potent antagonist of the MC3 and MC4 receptors with partial agonist activity. Both peptides have antagonist activities in the classical frog skin bioassay for pigmentation at the MC1 receptor.

Abstract: Linear and Cyclic Alpha-MSH fragment analogues of Ac-Nle.sup.4 -Glu.sup.5 -His.sup.6 -D-Phe.sup.7 -Arg.sup.8 -Try.sup.9 -Gly.sup.10 -NH.sub.2. The method of stimulating melanocytes by the transdermal application of these biologically-active analogues and compositions comprising these analogues for use in the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel class of cyclic bridged analogs of .alpha.-MSH are described herein. With the described analogs, when administered in pharmaceutical compositions, it is now possible to achieve normalization of hypopigmentation dysfunctions and to achieve darkening of the skin in the total absence of sun or UV light irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a group of linear and cyclic peptides having the structures: ##STR1## These peptides, when systemically administered to animals will bring about a sexual response and are thus useful for the diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic sexual dysfunction in the male.

Abstract: Peptide derivatives containing one or more substituents separately linked by an amide, amino or sulfonamide bond to an amino group on either the N-terminal end or side chain of a biologically active peptide moiety. The peptide derivatives have relatively enhanced biological activity when compared to the corresponding peptide alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor, the gene corresponding to this receptor, a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct capable of expressing a mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor in cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells and such cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells that synthesize mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor. The invention also provides methods for screening MSH.sup.R agonists and antagonists in vitro using preparations of receptor from such cultures of eukaryotic cells transformed with a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct comprising the MSH.sup.R receptor gene. The invention specifically provides human and mouse MSH.sup.R genes.