The University of Queensland

Nicholas E Shepherd

David P Fairlie

Rosemary Sharon Harrison

The present invention relates to nociceptin peptide mimetics that have &#x3b1;-helical structures and bind to and modulate the opioid receptor-like-1 (ORL-1) receptor. The peptide mimetics are constrained cyclic nociceptin analogs which have either agonist or antagonist activity. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nociceptin peptide mimetics and methods of treating or preventing a disease or condition ameliorated by modulating the ORL-1 receptor are also described.

Nociceptin mimetics

Disclosed are short chain peptides that are constrained to adopt an alpha helicial conformation and their use as alpha helical scaffolds for directing amino acid side chains into positions analogous to those found in longer chain alpha helical peptides. Also disclosed is the use of these peptides for attaching peptidic or non-peptidic appendages in order to mimic side chains of longer alpha helical peptides. The peptides find use in mimicking naturally occurring peptides or proteins or in preparing new materials.

Alpha helical mimics, their uses and methods for their production

Disclosed are short chain peptides that are constrained to adopt an alpha helical conformation and their use as alpha helical scaffolds for directing amino acid side chains into positions analogous to those found in longer chain alpha helical peptides. Also disclosed is the use of these peptides for attaching peptidic or non-peptidic appendages in order to mimic side chains of longer alpha helical peptides. The peptides find use in mimicking naturally occurring peptides or proteins or in preparing new materials.

Growing community of inventors

St. Lucia, Australia

Nicholas E Shepherd