The disclosure relates to nucleic acids that contain modifications at the 5′-end, 3′-end or 5′-end and 3′-ends, and compounds that can be used to make the modified nucleic acids are disclosed. The modified nucleic acids have improved expression, lower immunogenicity and improved stability compared to unmodified nucleic acids.

Provided herein are compositions and methods for treating dry eye or an ocular disease associated with inflammation in a subject in need thereof. The therapeutic compositions comprise an adiponectin peptidomimetic compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided are methods for alleviating one or more symptoms or clinical signs of dry eye or an ocular disease associated with inflammation in a subject in need thereof.

This document provides butyrylcholinesterases having an enhanced ability to hydrolyze acyl ghrelin as well as nucleic acids encoding such butyrylcholinesterases. This document also provides methods and materials for treating obesity and/or aggression. For example, methods for administering a nucleic acid encoding a wild-type or mutant butyrylcholinesterase having the ability to hydrolyze acyl ghrelin to a mammal under conditions wherein the level of acyl ghrelin within the mammal is reduced, under conditions wherein the rate of body weight gain of the mammal is reduced, under conditions wherein the mammal’s level of aggression is reduced, and/or under conditions wherein the mammal’s rate of developing stress-induced tissue damage are provided.

The disclosure relates to nucleic acids that contain modifications at the 5′-end, 3′-end or 5′-end and 3′-ends, and compounds that can be used to make the modified nucleic acids are disclosed. The modified nucleic acids have improved expression, lower immunogenicity and improved stability compared to unmodified nucleic acids.

Disclosed herein are immunoglobulin fusion proteins comprising a first antibody region, a first therapeutic agent, and a first connecting peptide; wherein the first therapeutic agent is attached to the first antibody region by the connecting peptide; and wherein the connecting peptide does not comprise a region having beta strand secondary structure. The connecting peptide may comprise an extender peptide. The extender peptide may have an alpha helical secondary structure. The connecting peptide may comprise a linker peptide. The linker peptide may not comprise any secondary structure. Also disclosed herein are compositions comprising the immunoglobulin fusion proteins and methods for using the immunoglobulin fusion proteins for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition in a subject.

The present invention provides a plant expressing a target protein, a method of preparing the same and a method of preparing a composition for oral administration of a biopharmaceutical using the same. A target protein expression system using plant cells according to the present invention solves conventional problems in plant cell culture, provides a method of producing a large quantity of target proteins including a biopharmaceutical protein and allowing a target protein to have a resistance to a protease present in a digestive organ, and therefore is very effective to enable commercialization of plant-derived biopharmaceuticals.

Aspects of the invention provide methods for harnessing the potential of proteins that occur naturally (e.g., in humans) and that have serious but finite toxicity. Aspects of the invention relate to a quantitative systems-biological and structural approach to design a class of chimeric proteins that avoid the toxicity of protein drugs while retaining their desired activities. In particular, chimeric proteins containing a variant form of a natural protein fused to a targeting moiety may be administered to a subject to target a signal (e.g., induction of apoptosis) to particular cells without having a generalized toxic effect in the subject.

Obesity and/or diabetes are treated by partially inhibiting circulating leptin in a person in need thereof.

The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising at least two cytokines, of which at least one is a modified cytokine with a strongly reduced binding affinity to its receptor, or to one of its receptors. Preferably, both cytokines are connected by a linker, preferably a GGS linker. The invention relates further to said fusion protein for use in treatment of diseases.

Aspects of the invention provide methods for harnessing the potential of proteins that occur naturally (e.g., in humans) and that have serious but finite toxicity. Aspects of the invention relate to a quantitative systems-biological and structural approach to design a class of chimeric proteins that avoid the toxicity of protein drugs while retaining their desired activities. In particular, chimeric proteins containing a variant form of a natural protein fused to a targeting moiety may be administered to a subject to target a signal (e.g., induction of apoptosis) to particular cells without having a generalized toxic effect in the subject.