Abstract: The present invention provides spreading agents based on sequence-specific oligomers comprising a peptoid, a peptide-peptoid chimera, a retropeptoid or a retro(peptoid-peptide) chimera, and methods for using the same, including for the treatment of respiratory distress of the lungs. The spreading agents are sequence-specific oligomers, including retrosequence-specific oligomers, based on a peptide backbone, that are designed as analogs of surfactant protein-B or surfactant protein-C.

Abstract: Mono-pegylated arginase conjugate and method producing thereof. The mono-pegylated arginase is homogeneous in molecular weight and shows therapeutic effect for treating cancers and viral infections. The method of producing such arginase conjugate has a main step of genetically modifying the gene encoding an arginase so that the PEG moiety can attach to the enzyme at a predetermined, specific intended site. This is achieved by removing the PEG attaching amino acid residues at undesirable sites while keeping (or adding, if necessary) the one at the desirable site of the enzyme. Two exemplary mono-pegylated arginase conjugates so produced are human arginase I (HAI) where a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety is site-specific covalently bonded to Cys45 of the enzyme and Bacillus caldovelox arginase (BCA) where a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety is site-specific covalently bonded to Cys161 of the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides spreading agents based on sequence-specific oligomers comprising a peptoid, a peptide-peptoid chimera, a retropeptoid or a retro(peptoid-peptide) chimera, and methods for using the same, including for the treatment of respiratory distress of the lungs. The spreading agents are sequence-specific oligomers, including retrosequence-specific oligomers, based on a peptide backbone, that are designed as analogs of surfactant protein-B or surfactant protein-C.

Abstract: The present invention provides spreading agents based on sequence-specific oligomers comprising a peptoid, a peptide-peptoid chimera, a retropeptoid or a retro(peptoid-peptide) chimera, and methods for using the same, including for the treatment of respiratory distress of the lungs. The spreading agents are sequence-specific oligomers, including retrosequence-specific oligomers, based on a peptide backbone, that are designed as analogs of surfactant protein-B or surfactant protein-C.

Abstract: Novel pseudopeptide analogs of the insect kinin neuropeptide family which possess biological activity mimicking that of the naturally occurring neuropeptides are disclosed. By substituting a sterically hindered amino acid which is compatible with a turn conformation, for the Xaa.sup.2 amino acid of the insect kinin C-terminal pentapeptide (i.e. Ser, Pro, or Ala), analogs are produced which exhibit resistance to degradation by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) while still retaining biological activity. The analogs may be used for insect control by disrupting the diuretic and/or myotropic activity in insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pentapeptide of formulaXaa Glu Asp Ser Gly (SEQ ID NO: 1)wherein Xaa is pyro-alpha-aminoadipic acid, having specific inhibiting effect on epidermal cell proliferation, salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and a method for the treatment of mammals for inhibiting the epidermal cell proliferation by administering the novel pentapeptide. The invention also covers a process for the preparation of both the pentapeptide and the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are analogues of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), which are potent antagonists of LH-RH. These peptides inhibit the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary in mammals, including humans and possess antitumor activity.Formula I represents peptides which are within the scope of this invention:X--R.sup.1 --R.sup.2 --R.sup.3 --Ser--R.sup.5 --R.sup.6 (AY.sub.2)--Leu--Arg--Pro--D--Ala--NH.sub.2 Iand the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, whereinR.sup.1 is D-Phe, D-Phe(4Cl), D-Nal(1) or D-Nal(2),R.sup.2 is D-Phe or D-Phe(4HI),R.sup.3 is D-Trp, D-Phe, D-Phe(4HI), D-Nal(1), D-Nal(2) or D-Pal(3),R.sup.5 is Tyr or Arg,R.sup.6 is D-Lys or D-Orn,HI is fluoro, chloro or bromoX is a lower alkanoyl group of 2-5 carbon atoms,A is a diaminoacyl residue having the formula ##STR1## where m is 0 or 1,n is 0 or 1,Y is Y.sup.1 or Y.sup.2, whereinY.sup.