Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reversing maladaptations involving the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor subtype 2 (CRFR2). It is postulated that in functional somatic syndrome (FSS), a group of diseases with overlapping symptoms, including systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis), and several others, this receptor is up-regulated and relocated to the neuronal membranes of key regions of the brain including the raphe nuclei, the limbic system and the cortex. This configuration leads to a dysfunctional stress response. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for reversing CRFR2 maladaptations includes the sustained stimulation of the receptor over a period of time to bring about a persistent receptor endocytosis, resulting in measurable symptom improvement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Some embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. The device comprises a capsule sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract. The capsule can include at least one guide tube, one or more tissue penetrating members positioned in the guide tube, a delivery member, an actuating mechanism and a release element. The release element degrades upon exposure to various conditions in the intestine so as to release and actuate the actuating mechanism. 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: In one aspect, methods of treating hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia comprising administration of an effective amount of a derivative of an exendin-4 peptide are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises subcutaneously administering to a patient having hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia a therapeutically effective amount of exendin(5-39).

Abstract: The methods and formulations include, but are not limited to, methods and formulations for delivering effective concentrations of levocetirizine and montelukast to a patient in need. The methods and formulations can comprise conventional and/or modified-release elements, providing for drug delivery to the patient. The combination can be useful during and following radiation exposure to ameliorate the inflammatory response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of selective aquaporin inhibitors, e.g., of aquaporin-4 or aquaporin-2, e.g., certain phenylbenzamide compounds, for the prophylaxis, treatment and control of aquaporin-mediated conditions, e.g., diseases of water imbalance, for example edema (particularly edema of the brain and spinal cord, e.g., following trauma or ischemic stroke, as well as the edema associated with glioma, meningitis, acute mountain sickness, epileptic seizures, infections, metabolic disorders, hypoxia, water intoxication, hepatic failure, hepatic encephalopathy, diabetic ketoacidosis, abscess, eclampsia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and lupus cerebritis, as well as edema consequent to microgravity and/or radiation exposure, as well as edema consequent to invasive central nervous system procedures, e.g.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing tauopathies and/or A? amyloidosis by modulating CRF receptor signaling. Accumulation of hyperphosphorlyated tau protein in the CNS may be reduced by administration of CRF-R1 selective antagonists and/or CRF-R2 selective agonists. For example, in some aspects, methods for preventing the onset of Alzheimer's disease by administration of CRF-R1 selective antagonist are provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel and improved parenteral depot pharmaceutical compositions containing cosyntropin (tetracosactide), for the treatment of infantile spasm.

Abstract: A combination of compounds is described for the treatment and/or prevention of skin conditions linked to hypopigmentation. Also described, is a combination product that includes at least one prostaglandin receptor agonist and at least one MC1R receptor agonist, as a medicament for use simultaneously, separately or spread out over time for the treatment and/or prevention of skin conditions linked to hypopigmentation, such as vitiligo.

Abstract: This invention discloses bioerodible delivery compositions for delivering peptide therapeutic agents. The delivery compositions comprise a porous silicon-based carrier material loaded with the therapeutic agent. The delivery compositions may be used in vitro or in vivo to deliver the therapeutic agent, preferably in a controlled fashion over an intended period of time such as over multiple days, weeks or months. The delivery compositions may be used for treating or preventing conditions of a patient such as chronic diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for prophylactic treatment of renal disorders comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual suspected of having, predisposed to, or at risk of developing a renal disorder.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering a substance, preferably comprising oxytocin, non-peptide agonists thereof and antagonists thereof, preferably as one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder to the nasal airway of a subject, preferably the posterior region of the nasal airway, and preferably the upper posterior region of the nasal airway which includes the olfactory bulb and the trigeminal nerve, and preferably in the treatment of neurological conditions and disorders.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating osteoarthritis in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-human NGF antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein at least one symptom associated with osteoarthritis is prevented, ameliorated or improved.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for treating a cognitive disorder or memory disorder in animals that result from aging or other neurodegenerative condition. In particular, compounds of this invention can stimulate neural cell growth, increased amounts of cells containing a key enzyme needed for production of the cholinergic neurotransmitter, and can improve memory and cognitive function in animals who have experienced a loss of memory or cognitive function.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating overproduction of cortisol in a subject by administering to the subject a peptide that antagonizes adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) to block the activation of melanocortin 2 receptors.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds useful in the reduction of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of making and using them. In some embodiments, a compound disclosed herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating osteoarthritis in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-human NGF antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein at least one symptom associated with osteoarthritis is prevented, ameliorated or improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides geodate delivery vehicles and methods of manufacture and administration. A vehicle including a lipid monolayer disposed about a hydrophobic domain is disclosed, that can be part of an emulsion or other mixture, or further disposed in a lipid strata. A vehicle including a lipid strata disposed about a hydrophobic domain is also disclosed. The vehicle can be incorporated into a variety of medicinal, food preparations, and personal care products to deliver or stabilize a cargo moiety. Packaged delivery vehicles for to later addition of cargo moieties are also contemplated.

Abstract: Provided herein is are methods of treating cancer in a human by administering CRF, optionally in combination with a second agent, such as an angiogenesis inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of inclusion bodies as vehicles for therapeutic protein delivery. This method is applicable to the delivery of therapeutic proteins to intracellular locations. In addition, the invention also relates to the administration of a cell or a pharmaceutical composition comprising inclusion bodies formed by therapeutic proteins. These inclusion bodies formed by therapeutic proteins could be used for the treatment of different diseases.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds useful in the reduction of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of making and using them. In some embodiments, a compound disclosed herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds useful in the reduction of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of making and using them. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a patient having demyelinating optic neuritis (DON) comprising the sequential or simultaneous administration of a steroid compound and an interferon-beta protein. It is found that early, aggressive treatment of IFN-b is beneficial in such a treatment regimen, for example where the interferon-beta protein is administered at a cumulative weekly dose of more than 12 MIL). The method according to the invention is particularly suitable and beneficial for treatment of patients having early stage DON. In particular, the DON that will benefit from being treated according to the present invention may be in subclinical stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic regimens or protocols designed for the treatment, management or prevention of edema. In particular, the invention pertains to methods of treating or managing edema associated with brain tumors involving the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of corticorelin acetate that achieves a steroid-sparing effect.

Abstract: Sustained delivery formulations comprising a water-insoluble complex of a peptide and a plurality of ligands are disclosed. The formulations of the invention allow for loading of high concentrations of peptide in a small volume and for delivery of a pharmaceutically active peptide for prolonged periods, e.g., one month, after administration of the complex. The complexes of the invention can be milled or crushed to a fine powder. In powdered form, the complexes form stable aqueous suspensions and dispersions, suitable for injection. Methods of making the complexes of the invention, and methods of these complexes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A human urocortin-related peptide with significant sequence homology to the CRF neuropeptide family was identified. A mouse cDNA was isolated from whole brain poly (A+) RNA that encodes a predicted 38 amino acid peptide protein designated herein as urocortin II. Both human URP and mouse Ucn II are structurally related to the other known mammalian family members, CRF and urocortin (Ucn). These peptides are involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under basal and stress conditions, suggesting a similar role for URP and Ucn IL Synthesized Ucn-II and URP peptide binds with higher affinity to CRF-R2 than to CRF-R1 Ucn II and human URP appear to be involved in the regulation of body temperature and appetite and may play a role in other stress related phenomenon. These findings identify Ucn II and human URP as a new members of the CRF family of neuropeptides, which are expressed centrally and bind to CRF-R2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds comprising modified corticotrophin releasing factor peptide and specifically urocortin and urocortin-related peptides, modified derivatives thereof, and conjugates of such modified peptides and derivatives to serum components, preferably serum proteins or peptides. The compounds and conjugates of the invention comprise a reactive group, which is covalently attached to a modified peptide or derivative, optionally through a linking group. The present invention also provides methods for the covalent attachment of a modified peptide or derivative to a serum protein or peptide to form a conjugate of the invention. The conjugates of the invention preferably exhibit a longer in vivo circulating half-life compared to the corresponding unconjugated peptides. The conjugates of the invention also retain at least some of the biological activity of the unconjugated peptides, and preferably exhibit increased biological activity compared to the unconjugated peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for suppressing neuroendocrine disease. The therapy employs use of a non-cytotoxic protease, which is targeted to a neuroendocrine tumour cell, preferably via a somatostatin or cortistatin receptor, a GHRH receptor, a ghrelin receptor, a bombesin receptor, a urotensin receptor a melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1; a KiSS-1 receptor or a prolactin-releasing peptide receptor. When so delivered, the protease is internalised and inhibits secretion from said tumour cell. The present invention also relates to polypeptides and nucleic acids for use in said methods.

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 this invention provide methods for therapeutic use of cyclic G-2-allylProline (cG-2-allylP) to treat peripheral neuropathies, including toxin-induced peripheral neuropathy and diabetic as well as manufacture of medicaments including tablets, capsules, and other orally active compositions containing cG-2-allylP, as well as injectable solutions that are useful for treatment of such conditions.

Abstract: ACTH analog compounds of the present invention include compounds comprising an ACTH peptide sequence with one or more structural modifications that can have one or more of the following preferred ACTH analog biological functions: (1) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of the ACTH analog compared to unmodified ACTH, (2) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of endogenous ACTH and (3) increased MC-2R binding affinity with reduced activation of the MC-2R receptor compared to unmodified ACTH binding to the MC-2R melanocortin. The ACTH analog compounds of the present invention are therefore useful for treatment or prevention of diseases and disorders related to ACTH, ACTH receptors or corticosteroid secretion, such as premature labor and Cushing's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates of CRF that have been modified to include a moiety that protects CRF from degradation and prolongs the half-life of CRF.