A mechanism whereby aberrant Shh signaling converges on the Akt1-mTOR pathway, conferring selective growth advantage and enhanced survival of tumor cells has been identified. Utilizing a mouse model of BCNS, a pivotal role has been discovered for Akt1 signaling in BCC tumorigenesis. Based on the results described here certain embodiments are directed to methods and pharmaceutical formulations for treating BCC/BCNS, other cancers that are Shh+ and Akt+, cancers that are Shh+ and mTOR plus and cancers that are Shh+ by administering therapeutically effective amounts of various combinations of Akt inhibitors, Shh pathway inhibitors such as SMO inhibitors, and mTOR inhibitors.

Pharmaceutical compositions that bind to a predicted FK506 Binding Protein 52 (FKBP52) interaction surface on the androgen receptor hormone binding domain, otherwise known as FKBP52 Targeting Agents (FTAs) are provided. These compositions of the present invention are found to specifically recognize the FKBP52 regulatory surface on the androgen receptor and inhibit FKBP52 from functionally interacting with the androgen receptor. Compositions comprising the pharmaceutical composition, as well as methods of use, treatment and screening are also provided.

Pharmaceutical compositions that bind to a predicted FK506 Binding Protein 52 (FKBP52) interaction surface on the androgen receptor hormone binding domain, otherwise known as FKBP52 Targeting Agents (FTAs) are provided. These compositions of the present invention are found to specifically recognize the FKBP52 regulatory surface on the androgen receptor and inhibit FKBP52 from functionally interacting with the androgen receptor. Compositions comprising the pharmaceutical composition, as well as methods of use, treatment and screening are also provided.

Pharmaceutical compositions that bind to a predicted FK506 Binding Protein 52 (FKBP52) interaction surface on the androgen receptor hormone binding domain, otherwise known as FKBP52 Targeting Agents (FTAs) are provided. These compositions of the present invention are found to specifically recognize the FKBP52 regulatory surface on the androgen receptor and inhibit FKBP52 from functionally interacting with the androgen receptor. Compositions comprising the pharmaceutical composition, as well as methods of use, treatment and screening are also provided.

In various implementations, berberine metabolites, such as dihydroberberine and/or tetrahydroberberine, may be administered to manage blood glucose levels, increase ketone levels (e.g., blood concentration of ketones), and/or for therapeutic purposes in humans. The administration of a pharmaceutically effective amount of berberine metabolites, such as dihydroberberine, may reduce fasting blood glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance, and/or improve blood ketone response. In some implementations, berberine metabolites may be administered with one or more other compounds.

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are inhibitors of the ROMK (Kir1.1) channel. The compounds may be used as diuretic and/or natriuretic agents and for the therapy and prophylaxis of medical conditions including cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart failure and chronic kidney disease and conditions associated with excessive salt and water retention.

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The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are inhibitors of the ROMK (Kir1.1) channel. The compounds may be used as diuretic and/or natriuretic agents and for the therapy and prophylaxis of medical conditions including cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart failure and chronic kidney disease and conditions associated with excessive salt and water retention.

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Positive allosteric modulators of melanocortin receptors, especially allosteric potentiators of the receptors MC3R and MC4R are described herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the positive allosteric modulators and methods of treating obesity or an obesity-related disorder such as type 2 diabetes, comprising administering an effective amount of the positive allosteric modulator.

Positive allosteric modulators of melanocortin receptors, especially allosteric potentiators of the receptors MC3R and MC4R are described herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the positive allosteric modulators and methods of treating obesity or an obesity-related disorder such as type 2 diabetes, comprising administering an effective amount of the positive allosteric modulator.

Described herein are carboxamide derivatives that are useful as inhibitors of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), pharmaceutical compositions comprising the derivatives, and methods of using the derivatives in treating diseases or conditions associated with RSK activity.