In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: ##STR00001## where R.sup.1-R.sup.6, a, b, and Z are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: ##STR00001## where R.sup.1-R.sup.6, a, b, and Z are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

The present invention relates to novel disulfur bridge linkers containing hydrazine used for the specific conjugation of compounds/cytotoxic agents to a cell-binding molecule, through bridge linking a pair of thiols on the cell-binding molecule. The invention also relates to methods of making such linkers, and of using such linkers in making homogeneous conjugates, as well as of application of the conjugates in treatment of cancers, infections and autoimmune disorders.

The present invention relates to novel disulfur bridge linkers containing hydrazine used for the specific conjugation of compounds/cytotoxic agents to a cell-binding molecule, through bridge linking a pair of thiols on the cell-binding molecule. The invention also relates to methods of making such linkers, and of using such linkers in making homogeneous conjugates, as well as of application of the conjugates in treatment of cancers, infections and autoimmune disorders.

The invention provides a compound of Formula I: ##STR00001##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as described herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula I, processes for preparing compounds of Formula I, therapeutic methods for treating the proliferation of the HIV virus, treating AIDS or delaying the onset of AIDS symptoms in a mammal using compounds of Formula I.

The invention provides a compound of Formula I: ##STR00001##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as described herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula I, processes for preparing compounds of Formula I, therapeutic methods for treating the proliferation of the HIV virus, treating AIDS or delaying the onset of AIDS symptoms in a mammal using compounds of Formula I.

A high through-put screening method for identifying agents effective for inhibiting biofilm formation and/or killing established biofilm are disclosed. The method includes three tiers, and each tier includes three specific biological process assays. The tier levels are a primary screen, a confirmation screen, and a dose-response screen, and the biological process assays include assays for total bacterial growth, bacterial metabolic activity, and biofilm formation. The series of assays may be run once or more than once at each tier. A library of compounds is subject to tier A and only compounds meeting a primary parameter advance to tier B, and only tier B compounds meeting a confirmation parameter advance to tier C, and only tier C compounds meeting a dose-response parameter are identified as putative agents effective for inhibiting and/or eradicating a biofilm, further wherein the assays are conducted for each compound subject to the respective tier. The method is effective and validated for identifying agents which inhibit and/or kill Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms. Agents identified according to the high through-put screen and validated in follow-up experiments as effective for inhibiting and/or killing bacterial biofilms are also disclosed.

A high through-put screening method for identifying agents effective for inhibiting biofilm formation and/or killing established biofilm are disclosed. The method includes three tiers, and each tier includes three specific biological process assays. The tier levels are a primary screen, a confirmation screen, and a dose-response screen, and the biological process assays include assays for total bacterial growth, bacterial metabolic activity, and biofilm formation. The series of assays may be run once or more than once at each tier. A library of compounds is subject to tier A and only compounds meeting a primary parameter advance to tier B, and only tier B compounds meeting a confirmation parameter advance to tier C, and only tier C compounds meeting a dose-response parameter are identified as putative agents effective for inhibiting and/or eradicating a biofilm, further wherein the assays are conducted for each compound subject to the respective tier. The method is effective and validated for identifying agents which inhibit and/or kill Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms. Agents identified according to the high through-put screen and validated in follow-up experiments as effective for inhibiting and/or killing bacterial biofilms are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to novel disulfur bridge linkers containing hydrazine used for the specific conjugation of compounds/cytotoxic agents to a cell-binding molecule, through bridge linking a pair of thiols on the cell-binding molecule. The invention also relates to methods of making such linkers, and of using such linkers in making homogeneous conjugates, as well as of application of the conjugates in treatment of cancers, infections and autoimmune disorders.

The present invention relates to novel disulfur bridge linkers containing hydrazine used for the specific conjugation of compounds/cytotoxic agents to a cell-binding molecule, through bridge linking a pair of thiols on the cell-binding molecule. The invention also relates to methods of making such linkers, and of using such linkers in making homogeneous conjugates, as well as of application of the conjugates in treatment of cancers, infections and autoimmune disorders.