Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Robert W Newcomb

George P Miljanich

Stephen S Bowersox

Laszlo Nadasdi

Laszlo Urge

Balazs G Szoke

William F Hopkins

Andrew L Palma

Ruth L Cong

Katalin Tarczy-Hornoch

Robin Dean

A novel class of peptides selectively block class E voltage-gated calcium channels. The class is exemplified by HG peptides such as HG-1, which is isolated from the venom-producing cells of the tarantula Hysterocrates gigas. Also disclosed are methods of producing blocking class E channels using the peptides. HG peptides have utility, for example, in inhibiting oxytocin release and for use as anticonvulsants.

Voltage-gated calcium channel antagonist and method

Selective inhibition of glutaminase by bis-thiadiazoles

Disclosed is a method for preventing neuronal cell death subsequent to an injury to neuronal tissue, particularly central nervous tissue exposed to an ischemic or hypoxic event, to trauma or to a chronic neurodegenerative disorder. The method includes exposing the cells to a glutaminase inhibitor that is relatively impermeant to healthy, intact cell membranes, and which is preferably a specific inhibitor of the form of glutaminase that is widely present in brain tissue.

Method of preventing neuronal death

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Palo-Alto, CA, United States of America

Robert W Newcomb