Helix Biomedix Inc.

Osteoscreen, Inc.

Other

Zymogenetics, Inc.

Scott M Harris

Timothy John Falla

Lijuan Zhang

Gregory R Mundy

Nand Baindur

Charles R Petrie

Kirk G Robbins

Mark W Orme

Maria Kontoyianni

Laurence H Hurley

Sean Michael Kerwin

Mark V Craig

Timothy J Falla

Short biologically active tetrapeptides are disclosed that are comprised of the sequences GxxG and PxxP where G (glycine) and P (proline) are maintained and x is a variable amino acid. The peptides can be used singly or in combination to stimulate production of extracellular matrix proteins in skin. A rapid, low-cost method of producing heterogenous formulations of tetrapeptides is disclosed.

Peptide fragments for inducing synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins

The disclosed invention provides tetrapeptides with the amino acid sequence proline-glutamine-glutamate-X (P-Q-E-X), where X can be either lysine (K) or isoleucine (I). These tetrapeptides inhibit ultraviolet light (UV)-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) by skin epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Furthermore, the tetrapeptides repress the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) by skin fibroblasts induced by either direct exposure to UV rays or treatment with media conditioned by UV-treated keratinocytes. The small size and bio-activity of the tetrapeptides render them suitable for use in therapies directed to inflammatory skin disorders and as active ingredients in skin care products.

Protective skin care peptides

Peptides having four to fourteen residues are disclosed that possess biological activity. These peptides constitute short fragments of the peptide HB-107 (SEQ ID NO:1), which itself is a fragment of the antimicrobial protein cecropin B, and exhibit cell stimulatory, migratory and anti-inflammatory properties. As keratinocytes are especially sensitive to these effects, the disclosed peptides comprise a useful agent for the medical treatment of injury to the skin, such as from diabetic ulcers. The peptides also are effective in preventing and reversing skin surface damage resulting from various environmental insults. Importantly, the therapeutic effects of the peptides manifest at concentrations equal to or greater than those of peptide HB-107, and thus represent a less expensive, more versatile means for developing effective therapies. Methods for the production and use of these peptides are also disclosed.

Short bio-active peptides for cellular and immunological modulation

The invention encompasses hexapeptides consisting of alternating hydrophobic residues (B) at positions 2, 4, and 6, hydrophilic, charged residues (X) at positions 1 and 3, and a naphthylalanine (Nal), an aliphatic or aromatic residue (O) at position five, represented generally by the formula XBXBOB, which exhibit antimicrobial activity against infections caused by a variety of pathogens. These pathogens may include gram positive or negative bacteria, acid-fast bacteria such as mycobacteria, parasites, dermatophytes, or fungal pathogens. Typical fungal pathogens includeand typical dermatophytes includeand. The hexapeptides of the present invention exhibit antifungal activity, antibacterial activity, desirable stability, and lack toxicity to the mammal receiving treatment.

Antimicrobial hexapeptides

Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or &ldquo;linker&rdquo; defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 &angst;, are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Compositions and methods for treating bone deficit conditions

Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or 'linker' defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

A femoral compression device for preventing post-catheterization wound bleeding includes a rigid restraining member strapped in fixed position to a patient to prevent hip flexion. A compression strap connected to the restraining member urges a discrete compression element toward the wound site. The compression strap cooperates with the discrete compression element to form a general ball and socket joint therebetween, whereby slight movement of the compression strap relative to the compression element will not cause a corresponding movement of the compression element.

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Scott M Harris