A bone biospecific agent comprises a contrast material core, which is visible using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT). The contrast material core is surrounded by a polymeric shell, which is functionalised with a bone-targeting peptide. In use, the peptide targets the biospecific agent to bone. The bone biospecific agent can be used in diagnostic imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT, and in imaging bone remodelling activities, detecting and treating pathological bone conditions and/or bone repair processes. The invention extends to the diagnosis and/or treatment of bone disease and bone pathologies using the biospecific agents.

Mini nanodrugs that include a polymalic-based molecular scaffold with one or more peptides capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, one or more plaque-binding peptides and one or more therapeutic agents attached to the scaffold are provided. Methods of treating brain diseases or abnormal conditions, and imaging of the same in a subject by administering the mini nanodrugs are described. Methods for reducing formation of amyloid plaques in the brain of a subject are disclosed.

Mini nanodrugs that include a polymalic-based molecular scaffold with one or more peptides capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, one or more plaque-binding peptides and one or more therapeutic agents attached to the scaffold are provided. Methods of treating brain diseases or abnormal conditions, and imaging of the same in a subject by administering the mini nanodrugs are described. Methods for reducing formation of amyloid plaques in the brain of a subject are disclosed.

The present invention provides a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of any of the formulas (I)-(III) below: (I) an amino acid sequence of (X1)[D]P[D](X2)[D] wherein X1 is W or F, X2 is S or T, and each amino acid symbol immediately followed by symbol [D] is a D form of the amino acid, (II) an amino acid sequence of P[D]T[D](X).sub.n F[D] wherein (X).sub.n is any amino acid in the number of n selected independently of each other, n is an integer of 0-4, and the symbol [D] is as defined above, (III) an amino acid sequence that is a Retro-inverso of the amino acid sequence of any of the aforementioned (I) and the aforementioned (II);
and a conjugate containing the peptide and a functional part.

The present invention provides a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of any of the formulas (I)-(III) below: (I) an amino acid sequence of (X1)[D]P[D](X2)[D] wherein X1 is W or F, X2 is S or T, and each amino acid symbol immediately followed by symbol [D] is a D form of the amino acid, (II) an amino acid sequence of P[D]T[D](X).sub.n F[D] wherein (X).sub.n is any amino acid in the number of n selected independently of each other, n is an integer of 0-4, and the symbol [D] is as defined above, (III) an amino acid sequence that is a Retro-inverso of the amino acid sequence of any of the aforementioned (I) and the aforementioned (II);
and a conjugate containing the peptide and a functional part.

Compounds used as labels with properties comparable to known fluorescent compounds. The compounds can be conjugated to proteins and nucleic acids for biological imaging and analysis. Synthesis of the compounds, formation and use of the conjugated compounds, and specific non-limiting examples of each are provided.

The invention provides a novel class of clearable, tumor-targeting and human protein-based MRI nanoprobes and contrast agents and their compositions, and methods of preparation and use thereof.

The invention provides a novel class of clearable, tumor-targeting and human protein-based MRI nanoprobes and contrast agents and their compositions, and methods of preparation and use thereof.

Salicylic acid-based polymeric CEST contrast agents targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen, pharmaceutical composition comprising the same and methods of use thereof are disclosed.

The present invention is directed to a composition comprising at least one fibronectin binding polypeptide (FnBP) linked to at least one diagnostic or therapeutic agent, a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising at least one fibronectin binding polypeptide (FnBP) linked to at least one diagnostic or therapeutic polypeptide agent as well as a corresponding recombinant vector and host cell comprising such a nucleic acid and preferably expressing said fusion polypeptide. The invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising at least one fibronectin binding polypeptide (FnBP), at least one diagnostic or therapeutic agent, and optionally one or more chemical agents for linking the fibronectin binding polypeptide (FnBP) to the diagnostic or therapeutic agent. In addition, the present invention intends said composition, nucleic acid, vector, host cell and kit for use in the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a disease, preferably a disease associated with abnormal fibronectin accumulation such as cancer, fibrosis or immune diseases.