Compositions comprising 10% to 50% (w/w) of at least one probiotic bacteria in the form of biofilm, and lipophilic carriers are provided. Further, process for making such compositions and methods of use are provided.

Examples may include a method of making a protein-PEG conjugate salt with increased hydrophobicity. The method may include providing an aqueous protein solution. This aqueous protein solution may include a protein and a pH buffer. The method may also include reacting a polyethylene glycol with the protein to form a protein-PEG conjugate. The method may further include protonating an amino group on the protein-PEG conjugate with a hydrophobic organic acid in an organic phase. The protonation may form the protein-PEG conjugate salt having a hydrophobic anion that increases the hydrophobicity-PEG conjugate salt.

The invention provides methods and compositions for inducing brown fat cell differentiation through modulation of both Prdm16 and C/EBP activity and/or expression. Also provided are methods for preventing or treating obesity or an obesity related disorder in a subject through stimulation of both Prdm16 and C/EBP expression and/or activity. Further provided are methods for identifying compounds that are capable of modulating both Prdm16 and C/EBP expression and/or activity.

The present invention relates to sustained release formulations comprising as active ingredient octreotide or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof and two or more different polylactide-coglycolide polymers (PLGAs).

The present invention is directed to the controlled delivery of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, preferably from a polymeric material that is implanted in the body. More specifically, the present invention relates to compositions comprised of a GnRH agonist, preferably histrelin, in a polymeric material that results in a desired and controlled delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of GnRH agonist over an extended period of time in order to treat central precocious puberty (CPP).

The teachings provide methods of delivering active agents that are conjugated with delivery systems that increase the half-life, and reduce the immunogenicity, of the active agents. Delivery systems and methods of making and using the delivery systems are also provided. The delivery systems have (i) a ligand that is selective for an endogeneous plasma protein in the serum of a subject; and, (ii) a linker configured for operatively attaching the ligand covalently to an active agent to increase the half-life of the active agent in the serum.

A method of introducing a physiologically-active agent into the circulatory system of a mammal is disclosed herein. The method utilizes a rapid drug delivery system which prevents deactivation or degradation of the active agent being administered to a patient in need of treatment. In particular, the drug delivery system is designed for pulmonary drug delivery such as by inhalation, for delivery of the active agents such as proteins and peptides to the pulmonary circulation in a therapeutically effective manner avoiding degradation of the active agents in peripheral and vascular tissue before reaching the target site.

Provided herein are compounds, preferably thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR beta) agonist compounds, compositions thereof, methods of their preparation, and methods of agonizing THR beta and methods for treating disorders mediated by THR beta.

The present invention provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that bind to leptin receptor (LEPR), and methods of using the same. According to certain embodiments, the invention includes antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that bind LEPR and activate LEPR signaling. In other embodiments, the invention includes antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that bind to LEPR and enhance sensitization of LEPR to an antigen. In certain embodiments, the invention includes antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that bind LEPR in the presence and absence of leptin. In certain embodiments, the invention includes antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that induce signaling in cells expressing LEPR mutants that otherwise exhibit defective or impaired signaling in the presence of leptin. The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention are useful for the treatment of lipodystrophies and other diseases and disorders associated with or caused by leptin deficiency or leptin resistance.

GnRH receptor antagonists are disclosed which have utility in the treatment of a variety of sex-hormone related conditions in both men and women. The compounds of this invention have the structure:

##STR00001##

wherein R.sub.1a, R.sub.1b, R.sub.1c, R.sub.1d, R.sub.2, R.sub.2a, and A are as defined herein, including stereoisomers, esters, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use thereof for antagonizing gonadotropin-releasing hormone in a subject in need thereof.