Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating (promoting or inhibiting) growth of a tissue, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and/or neuronal tissue. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of an ActRIIB protein and/or an ActRIIB ligand. The compositions and methods provided herein are useful in treating diseases associated with abnormal activity of an ActRIIB protein and/or an ActRIIB ligand.

Abstract: The present invention regards an insulin derivative comprising at least 2 albumin binding moieties, wherein said albumin binding moieties comprise fatty diacid substitutions and a method for preparing such an insulin derivative by acylation and/or reductive alkylation. The present invention also concern a pharmaceutical comprising such an insulin derivative.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods, kits and compositions for preventing or treating age-related conditions or metabolic disorders. The fusion polypeptides of the disclosure include FGF23 or an active fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises (a) a polypeptide comprising fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), or a functionally active variant or derivative thereof, wherein FGF23 has a mutation at one or more of the positions Q156, C206 and C244; and (b) either a modified Fe fragment having decreased affinity for Fc-gamma-receptor and/or increased serum half-life, or a polypeptide comprising at least one extracellular subdomain of a Klotho protein, or a functionally active variant or derivative thereof; and, optionally (c) a linker. In another embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a FGF (such as FGF23), or a functionally active variant or derivative thereof; and a modified Fe fragment, or a functionally active variant or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Dipeptide analogs comprising a tryptophan (Trp) moiety coupled to a beta-sheet breaker moiety derived from alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) are disclosed. The dipeptide analogs exhibit an improved performance in inhibiting amyloid fibril formation, as compared to previously described dipeptides. Compositions containing the dipeptide analogs and uses thereof in treating amyloid-associated diseases and disorders are also disclosed.

Abstract: This present invention relates to pharmacologically potent and stable human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) variants, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 variants, and methods for treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and/or metabolic syndrome using such variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration, the formation of CE networks and angiogenesis, and uses thereof for the purpose of treating angiogenesis-related diseases and disorders, particularly when the diseases or disorders are directly related aberrant angiogenesis. Inhibition is achieved by inhibiting TRPV4 activity, such as the levels of TRPV4 expression, calcium influx through TRPV4, and/or the intracellular signaling from TRPV4 via ?1 integrin activation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are presented for use in diagnostic, imaging or targeting of therapeutic agents to treat obesity/adiposity-associated disorders, where such as compositions and methods identify and use peptides to selectively target adipose tissue stromal cells in mammals, both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Formulations and methods for weight loss and body contouring are disclosed. An illustrative formulation comprises human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and resveratrol. An illustrative method for weight loss and body contouring comprises administering hCG and resveratrol sublingually.

Abstract: The invention provides diagnostic and prognostic methods and methods of evaluating treatment protocols for disorders such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer and vascular disease by detecting the levels of a novel isoform of ChREBP, termed ChREBP ?. The invention also provides nucleic acids, proteins, reporter constructs based on ChREBP ? and methods of identifying one or more agents that modulate the expression of a ChREBP ? target gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence which is an analog of human amylin, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and these polypeptides for use as medicaments.

Abstract: A composition which includes oxyntomodulin and polyethylene glycol polymer (PEG polymer) linked via a reversible linker such as 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) or 2-sulfo-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (FMS) is disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the reverse pegylated oxyntomodulin and methods of using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides pladin (plasma anti-diabetic nucb2 peptide) polypeptide and functional equivalent thereof that are useful for treating diabetes. The present invention provides a method of treating diabetes by administering to a subject nesfatin-1, pladin, or a functional equivalent thereof. The present invention also provides a method of treating diabetes by administering to subject plasmin inhibitors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treatment of obesity and/or Type II diabetes and related metabolic disorders are provided wherein the methods and treatments comprise an effective amount of an isolated and/or purified C1q/TNF-related Protein-9 (CTRP9) or a functional portion thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of screening for molecules which elevate levels of CTRP9 in vivo are also provided. The present inventors provide the first in vivo evidence linking CTRP9 to regulation of fat metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle via AMPK signaling pathway, and highlight its protective metabolic function in the context of HFD-mediated metabolic insults.

Abstract: A nutritional composition for infants comprises a protein source, a lipid source and a carbohydrate source wherein the lipid source includes at least 16 wt % linoleic acid and at least 2 wt % ?-linolenic acid expressed as a percentage of total fatty acid content in each case and in amounts such that the ratio of linoleic acid:?-linolenic acid is in the range from 1 to 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating visceral adiposity and/or to alter body fat distribution by administering a certain nutritional composition to a human subject with the age between 0 and 48 months, and preventing the occurrence of diseases later in life.

Abstract: Derivatives of purine, 3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyrimidine and 1H-imidazo[4,5-d]pyrazine of Formula I that inhibit the activity of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) and their uses in the treatment of diseases linked thereto in animals are described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating obesity in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of catestatin (CST) or its equivalent to a subject afflicted with obesity so as to maintain an effective amount of circulating catestatin in the subject to promote lipolysis and oxidation of released fatty acids in both liver and adipose tissue, thereby, reducing adipose tissue weight and hence treating obesity in the afflicted subject.

Abstract: Peptides are provided having leptin receptor agonist activity. The peptides are useful for treating obesity, type II diabetes, appetite control after bariatric surgery, insulin resistance, lipodystrophy and hypothalamic amenorrhea, obesity-related infertility, among other diseases and conditions related to leptin deficiency and/or leptin resistance.

Abstract: The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and fatty liver.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences of the MAP kinase-interacting kinase (Mnk) gene family and amino acid sequences encoded thereby, and to using these sequences or effectors of Mnk nucleic acids or polypeptides, particularly Mnk kinase inhibitors and activators, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders related to body-weight regulation and thermogenesis. One aspect of the disclosure encompasses methods of identifying an animal or human having an elevated probability of having or developing obesity, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a biological sample from an animal or human subject; and (b) determining from the biological sample whether the animal or human subject has a genetic variant of an Mnk2 and/or Mnk1 gene or a homolog thereof, or an expression product of said Mnk2 and/or Mnk1 gene or homolog thereof, wherein said genetic variant is associated with an elevated probability of having or developing obesity.

Abstract: The present application provides novel compounds of the Formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods for using such compounds as tools for biological studies or as agents or drugs for modulating Protease Activated Receptor-2 (PAR2) and for treating a subject at risk of—or susceptible to—a disease or disorder, or having a disease or disorder associated with undesirable PAR2 activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel macrocyclic compounds (e.g., those delineated in the formulae herein), pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compounds and compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering inhibitors of the protease elastase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of modulating appetite and/or body weight in a subject, said method comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a MIC-1-modulating agent, wherein said agent increases or decreases the amount of MIC-1 present in said subject, or inhibits or enhances the biological activity of MIC-1 present in said subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a myostatin inhibitor comprising extracellular water-soluble domains of delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) as active ingredients. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for inhibiting myostatin activity, comprising, as active ingredients, extracellular water-soluble domains of DLK1 or a deletion mutant of extracellular water-soluble domains of DLK1. The myostatin inhibitor of the present invention is bonded to the myostatin or activin receptor type IIB so as to inhibit the action mechanism of the myostatin, to thereby promote myogenesis and prevent differentiation into fat cells. Therefore, the myostatin inhibitor of the present invention may be used in preventing and treating diseases such as muscular dysplasia that requires differentiation to muscular cells, or metabolic diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a bioconjugates comprising a synthetic polypeptide of Formula I? (SEQ ID NO: 1): or an amide, an ester or a salt thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, X12 and X13 are defined herein and a half-life extending moiety wherein the peptide and the half-life extending moiety are covalently linked or fuse, optionally via a linker. The polypeptides are agonist of the APJ receptor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treatment, prevention or management of obesity, obesity related disorders, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome in a subject by administering a ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) inhibitor and/or a ghrelin receptor antagonist to the subject. The invention also provides ghrelin receptor antagonists of formula (VII): A11-A12-A13-Gly-Ser-A14-Phe-Leu-A15-A16-A17-A18, wherein each of A11, A12, and A13 is independently absent, an amino acid, or an amino protecting group; each of A15, A16, A17, and A18 is independently absent or an amino acid; and A14 is a serine conjugated with a —C(O)C1-C20alky or a diaminopropionic acid conjugated with a —C(O)C1-C20alkyl group, provided that at least one of A11, A12, or A13 is present.

Abstract: The invention provides a cyclic polypeptide of Formula I (SEQ ID NO: 1): X1-R-X3-X4-L-S-X7-X8-X9-X10-X11-X12-X13??I or an amide, an ester or a salt thereof, or a bioconjugate thereof, wherein X1, X3, X4, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, X12 and X13 are defined herein. The polypeptides are agonist of the APJ receptor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a weight-loss composition including protein and fat and methods of use. The weight loss composition is substantially free of carbohydrates. The composition induces body weight loss when administered to a subject as the only source of nutrition for at least 12 hours.

Abstract: Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder and/or a body weight disorder, and compositions associated therewith, are provided.

Abstract: Casein compositions for increasing the rate of gastric emptying following ingestion of the composition, increasing the digestibility of a protein composition, or increasing the rate of delivery of amino acids to the blood, or for increasing the blood serum concentration of free leucine in a subject, preferably to substantially the same level as whey protein, the casein being about 10 to about 100% calcium depleted, having a degree of hydrolysis less than about 1% and having an unmodified phosphorylation pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for treating diseases and conditions associated with impaired pancreatic function. The present invention further provides methods of stimulating islet cell neogenesis and stimulating islet cell differentiation from progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compounds which are allosteric modulators (e.g., negative and positive allosteric modulators, allosteric agonists, and ago-allosteric modulators) of the G protein coupled receptor apelin, also known as the APJ receptor. The APJ receptor compounds are derived from the it intracellular loop and domain of the APJ receptor. The invention also relates to the use of these APJ receptor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the APJ receptor compounds in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with APJ receptor modulation, such as cardiovascular diseases, (e.g., hypertension and heart failure, such as congestive heart failure), cancer, diabetes, stem cell trafficking, fluid homeostasis, cell proliferation, immune function, obesity, metastatic disease, and HIV infection.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a lipophilic derivative of a hydrophilic drug and an amphiphile compound for use in therapy of the human or animal body are provided. Methods of medical treatment, wherein a composition according to the invention is administered to a human or animal body also form part of the invention. It is preferred that the drug is delivered to the brain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for improving lipid metabolism, a food/drink, and a feed, containing ?s-casein as an active ingredient thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to an agent for suppressing body weight gain, an agent for reducing body fat, and an agent for reducing blood lipid, containing the agent for improving lipid metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel Pancreatic Polypeptide Family (“PPF”) polypeptides and methods for their use.

Abstract: Methods for reducing body weight, altering body composition, treating diabetes, reducing HbA1c and reducing average daily blood glucose by the use of exendins, exendin agonists or exendin analog agonists are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating lower gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, colon cancer, an inflammatory disorder, obesity, congestive heart failure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), pain, salt retention or fluid retention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-? superfamily. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7 The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the site of intravascular delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treatment, prevention or management of obesity, obesity related disorders, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome in a subject by administering a ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) inhibitor and/or a ghrelin receptor antagonist to the subject. The invention also provides ghrelin receptor antagonists of formula (VII): A11-A12-A13-Gly-Ser-A14-Phe-Leu-A15-A16-A17-A18 (SEQ ID NO: 93), wherein each of A11, A12, and A13 is independently absent, an amino acid, or an amino protecting group; each of A15, A16, A17, and A18 is independently absent or an amino acid; and A14 is a serine conjugated with a —(O)C1-C20alky or a diaminopropionic acid conjugated with a —C(O)C1-C20alkyl group, provided that at least one of A11, A12, or A13 is present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide inhibiting a matrix metalloproteanases activity and use thereof. The peptide inhibiting a matrix metalloproteanases activity exhibits an excellent efficacy of improving the condition of skin by directly inhibiting the matrix metalloproteanases activity. In addition, a composition containing the peptide of the invention has excellent bioactivities of inhibiting the activity of hyaluronic acid degrading enzymes, adipogenesis in fat cells, angiogenesis, and the like, thereby being useful for the treatment of various disease such as anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, and the like, and skin permeability is excellent due to the small size of the peptide, thereby being useful in various fields. The peptide of the invention having excellent activity and safety can be advantageously applied to drugs, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics.

Abstract: The present application includes a method for improving human and animal health comprising administering an effective amount of a linus cyclopeptide (LCP) extract from flaxseed to a subject in need thereof. Also included are feeds, foodstuffs, functional food compositions, natural product compositions nutraceuticals and food additive compositions comprising an LCP extract from flaxseed.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating or preventing diseases, disorders or conditions related to diabetes mellitus using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to reduce or inhibit weight gain by administering inhibitors of the SirT1 protein to a subject. Methods to identify such inhibitors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Therapeutic peptides having guanylyl cyclase C agonist activity are disclosed. The therapeutic peptides are analogues of the E. coli STa peptide with non-natural amino acid, isosteric or D-amino acid substituents. The therapeutic peptides are useful in the treatment of chronic ideopathic constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and other diseases. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the therapeutic peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds of the Formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods for using such compounds as tools for biological studies or as agents or drugs for therapies such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, type II diabetes, fibrosis and cardiovascular diseases, whether they are used alone or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Abstract: The invention provides a conjugate comprising (i) a nucleic acid which is complementary to a target nucleic acid sequence and which expression prevents or reduces expression of the target nucleic acid and (ii) a selectivity agent which is capable of binding with high affinity to a receptor which can be internalised by the cell in response to the binding of said selectivity agent. The conjugates of the present invention are useful for the delivery of the nucleic acid to a cell of interest and thus, for the treatment of diseases which require a down-regulation of the protein encoded by the target nucleic acid as well as for the delivery of contrast agents to the cells for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified or polymer conjugated MetAP2 inhibitors. The present invention also relates to methods of preventing, inducing, causing or increasing weight loss, treating obesity and/or treating metabolic syndrome utilizing the modified or polymer conjugated MetAP2 inhibitors. The present invention also relates to methods of improving insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, reducing insulin levels and/or improving leptin sensitivity utilizing the modified or polymer conjugated MetAP2 inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising biologically active proteins linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of using such compositions in treatment of glucose-related diseases, metabolic diseases, coagulation disorders, and growth hormone-related disorders and conditions.

Abstract: Methods of spray drying are described.

Abstract: The present invention describes administering a GLP-1 agonist to treat obesity caused by the administration of an obesity-inducing drug.