Modified corticotropin releasing factor peptides and uses thereof

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. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment and prevention of a disease or disorder comprising the administration of one or more of the compounds or conjugates of the invention to a subject in need of such treatment or prevention.