This invention relates to methods of screening for anti-PACAP antibodies, or anti-PACAP receptor antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof, for potential use in treating or preventing PACAP-associated photophobia or light aversion, and therapeutic compositions containing and methods of using anti-PACAP antibodies, or anti-PACAP receptor antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof.

The present invention is directed to antagonistic antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof having binding specificity for PACAP. These antibodies inhibit, block or neutralize at least one biological effect associated with PACAP, e.g., vasodilation. In exemplary embodiments these antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof may comprise specific V.sub.H, V.sub.L, and CDR polypeptides described herein. In some embodiments these antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof bind to and/or compete for binding to specific epitope(s) on human PACAP. The invention is further directed to using these antagonistic anti-PACAP antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with PACAP and conditions where antagonism of PACAP-related activities, such as vasodilation, mast cell degranulation, and/or neuronal activation, are therapeutically beneficial, e.g., headache and migraine indications.

This invention relates to novel compositions comprising analogs of naturally occurring polypeptides, wherein the analog comprises an α-amino acid and at least one β-amino acid. Administration of the compositions may be used for effecting treatment or prevention of a plurality of disease states caused by dysfunctional biochemical or biological pathways. The compositions and methods of this invention are particularly useful to identify novel therapeutic modulators of in-vivo receptor activity with extended half-lives and relevant bioactivity as compared to the naturally translated polypeptides upon which the analogs are derived.

The present invention is directed to antagonistic antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof having binding specificity for PACAP. These antibodies inhibit, block or neutralize at least one biological effect associated with PACAP, e.g., vasodilation. In exemplary embodiments these antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof may comprise specific V.sub.H, V.sub.L, and CDR polypeptides described herein. In some embodiments these antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof bind to and/or compete for binding to specific epitope(s) on human PACAP. The invention is further directed to using these antagonistic anti-PACAP antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with PACAP and conditions where antagonism of PACAP-related activities, such as vasodilation, mast cell degranulation, and/or neuronal activation, are therapeutically beneficial, e.g., headache and migraine indications.

A method for producing a dual function protein includes a biologically active protein and an FGF21 mutant protein. The method allows stable production of a target protein by effectively preventing decomposition of the target protein, and thus has a high potential for commercial usage.

In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to VIP and VIP agonists, optionally conjugated to nanoparticles, for use in methods of treating inflammatory T cell-mediated diseases or conditions, e.g., treating or preventing GvHD. In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to methods of pulmonary administration of VIP and VIP agonists, optionally conjugated to nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, this disclosure contemplates nanoparticles disclosed herein.

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a lysine side-chain modified peptide by solid phase peptide synthesis.

The invention relates to novel polypeptide analogs of GLP-1 and exendin-4. The polypeptide, in a preferred embodiment, is insulinotropic and long-acting. Preferably, the polypeptide's insulinotropic effect is comparable to or exceeds the effect of an equimolar amount of GLP-1 or exendin-4. The invention also relates to a method of treating a subject with diabetes, comprising administering to the subject the polypeptide of the invention in an amount that has an insulinotropic effect. The invention also relates to methods of using GLP-1, exendin-4, and polypeptide analogs thereof for neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects.

The present invention is based on the discovery that a VIP having a binding preference for VPAC2 can provide long-acting blood pressure control synergistically with concomitant anti-hypertensive therapies. Accordingly, methods and compositions useful for the treatment and/or amelioration of hypertension are provided.

This disclosure relates to compositions comprising an antagonist of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide signaling coupled to a nanoparticle and methods of use related thereto. In certain embodiments, the nanoparticle is a poloxamer-stabilized polypropylene sulfide nanoparticle.