Novel peptide compositions

Abstract

The present invention provides, among other things, novel peptides and compositions for treating disease.

1 . A peptide comprising an amino acid sequence according to formula I: 
       
         
           
                 
                 
               
                     
                   (SEQ ID NO: 1) 
                 
                     
                   Ala 1 -Xaa 2 -Xaa 3 -Ser 4 -Xaa 5 -Xaa 6 -Cys 7   
                 
             
                
                
               
            
           
         
         wherein
 Xaa 2  is selected from Arg, Lys, Ala, Cit (citrulline), Orn (ornithine), acetylated Ser, Sar, D-Arg and D-Lys; 
 Xaa 3  is selected from Val, Ala, Leu, Nle, Ile, Gly, Lys, Pro, Aib (2-aminoisobutyric acid), Acpc (1-aminocyclopentane carboxylic acid) and Tyr; 
 
         Xaa 5  is selected from Ile, Ala, Leu, norLeu, Val and Gly; and 
         Xaa 6  is selected from His, Arg and 6-NH2-Phe (6-aminophenylalanine). 
       
     
     
         2 . The peptide of  claim 1 , wherein the peptide contains between 7 and 25 amino acids, inclusive. 
     
     
         3 . The peptide of  claim 1 , wherein the peptide comprises one or more chemical modifications to increase protease resistance, serum stability, and/or bioavailability. 
     
     
         4 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide according to  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         5 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 4 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral, intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, topical, transdermal, rectal, vaginal, pulmonary, intranasal, intrabuccal, or sublingual administration. 
     
     
         6 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 4 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises one or more pharmacologically acceptable excipients selected from a polymer carrier, a disintegration agent, a lubricant, a solvent, or a swelling agent. 
     
     
         7 . The pharmaceutical composition of any one of  claims 4 - 6 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated as a tablet, pill, capsule, granules, a syrup, a spray, an aerosol, a liposomal composition, an ointment, a suppository, an implant, a plaster, or a slow release formulation. 
     
     
         8 . A method of treating a disease, condition, or disorder comprising:
 administering to a subject in need thereof a peptide or composition according to any one of  claims 1 - 7 .   
     
     
         9 - 18 . (canceled)