AU2007201615A1 - Peptide compositions and formulations and use of same - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: PEPTIDE COMPOSITIONS AND FORMULATIONS AND USE OF SAME The invention is described in the following statement: PEPTIDE COMPOSITIONS AND FORMULATIONS AND USE OF SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to compositions useful as therapeutics. Compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in treating a condition of mammalian tissue. The compositions of the present invention preferentially include a peptide or peptides which simulate the effect of elastin, and optionally increases the native production of elastin. Preferably, the basic amino acid sequence corresponds to or is homologous with a portion of mammalian elastin, more preferably with fragments ofelastin endogenous to the tissue of the mammal being treated. It is preferable that the peptide is a therapeutically effective concentration and/or is an active ingredient of a pharmaceutic or therapeutic composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Skin, in particular mammalian skin, consists of a number of overlapping layers of cells. The outermost layer of mammalian skin is called the stratum corneum. This layer protects mammalian skin from physical and atmospheric harm, acting as a barrier to external dangers. The degree of softness or texture of the stratum comeum is directly dependent on its moisture content. However, it has been found that, in the lower layers of the skin, degenerative changes which occur with age are not caused principally by a lack of moisture. Therefore, even though the texture and appearance of the skin is dependent on the moisture content of the skin, other factors have been shown to influence the overall appearance and texture of the skin. For example, it has been found that the loss of elasticity in the skin decreases the tone and turgor of the skin. It is speculated that the decrease in skin tone and turgor occurs through degradation of certain complex polypeptides which are present in the skin. These complex polypeptides include elastic and collagen, among others.

Elastin is a highly cross-linked complex polypeptide and is a major component of elastic fibers present in the skin and connective tissue of animals. Elastin appears to be primarily responsible for the physiological elasticity of tissue. In normal mammalian skin, specifically human skin, elastic tissue proteins represent a relatively small fraction of the total dermal proteins, but play a very important role in maintaining or improving the skin tone and structure. Elastin itself is the main protein substance present in elastic fibers and occurs in tendons, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When isolated from these sources, it is normally in the form of a brittle, fibrous, yellowish material which is insoluble in water, alcohol and ether but is somewhat soluble in concentrated aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solutions. The 2 dense cross-linked structure of elastin makes it very difficult to solubilize. There have been many attempts to solubilize elastin and create cosmetic agents from the solubilized elastin. Attempts to solubilize are described for example in a U.S. Patent No. 4,327,078. However, it has been found that elastin is only slightly absorbed by the skin and does not sufficiently penetrate the skin to produce substantial benefits to the skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention provides a non-cosmetic composition for treating a condition of mammalian tissue, said composition comprising an elastin peptide fragment or a biologically active equivalent thereof together with an acceptable diluent or excipient.

Preferably, the elastin peptide fragment is soluble in an aqueous solution. Preferably, the elastin peptide fagment is at a therapeutically effective concentration.

In a preferred form, the elastin peptide fri-agment is selected from the group consisting of Sequence No. 1 (Alanine-Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 2 (Valine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 3 (Isoleucine- Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 4 (Leucine-Glycine), Sequence No. 5 (Isoleucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 6 (Leucine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 7 (Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 8 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 9 (Leucine-Glycine-Alariine-Glycine), Sequence No. (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 11 (Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 12 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 13, (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine), Sequence No. 14 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Alanine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine-Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine- Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine-Isoleucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 21 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 22 (Alanine-Alanine-Alanine-Glutamine- Alanine), Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 24 (Valine- Tyrosine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 25 (Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine- Glycine), Sequence No. 26 (Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine-Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 27 (Leucine- Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 28 (Valine-Leucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 29 (Phenylalanine-Arginine-Alanine-Alanine-Alanine), Sequence No. 30 (Valine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine- Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 31 (Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 32 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 33 (Valine-Leucine-Proline-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 34 (Valine-Glycine-Leucine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 35 (Leucine-Glycine- Valine-Glycine-Alanine), Sequence No. 36 (Alanine-Phenylalanine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 37 (Alanine-Phenylalanine-Proline-Glycine-Alanine), Sequence No. 38 (Valine-Glycine-Isoleucine-Proline- Alanine), Sequence No. 39 (Valine-Glycine-Glycine-Isoleucine-Proline-Threonine), Sequence No. nVle-Glycine-Valne-Glycine-Vaine-Proline-Glycine), and Sequence No. 41 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline- Glycine-Valine-Glycine); and combinations thereof.

In another preferred form, the elastin peptide fragment is selected from the group consisting of Sequence No. 14 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Alanine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine-Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 19 (Leucine- Glycine-Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine-Isoleucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 21 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 22 (Alanine-Alanine- Alanine-Glutamine-Alanine), Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 24 (Valine-Tyrosine-Proline-Glysine-Glycine), Sequence*No. 25 (Isoleuci ne-Glycine- Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 26 (Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine-Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 27 (Leucine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 28 (Valine-Leucine-Proline- Glycine), Sequence No. 29 (Phenylalanine-Arginine-Alanine-Alanine-Alanine), Sequence No. 30 (Valine- Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), and Sequence No. 31 (Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine- Glycine), and combinations thereof.

In another preferred form, the elastin peptide fragment is selected from the group consisting of Sequence No. 14 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Alanine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No.. 18 (Valine-Alanine-Alanine-Argiine-Proline.Glycine), Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine- Alanie-Glycine-Glycine-.Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine-Isoleucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No.

21 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline- Glycine), and Sequence No. 24 (Valine-Tyrosine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the elastin peptide fr-agment is Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine); Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine); Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine); or Sequence No. 32 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Proline- Glycine).

Preferably, the elastin peptide fragment has a molecular mass of less than about 1,000 Da.

Prefer-ably, the elastin peptide fragment is formed by digestion of elastin with thermolysin.

Preferably, the therapeutically effective concentration is a r-ange of about 0.0002% to about 90% More preferably, the therapeutically effective concentration is in the range of 0.5% to 10% Preferably, the mammalian tissue being treated is a blood vessel. The composition can be used to treat a condition selected from the group consisting of hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, angina, coronary thrombosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restenosis post angioplasty.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a composition when used for improving tissue turgor, said composition being comprised of one or more peptides selected from the group consisting of Sequence No. I (Alanine-Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 2 (Valine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 3 (Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 4 (Leucine-Glycine), Sequence No. 5 (Isoleucine-Glycine- Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No..6 (Leucine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 7 (Valine-Alanine-Proline- Glycine), Sequence No.* 8 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 9 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine- Glycine), Sequence No. 10 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. I11 (Phenylalanine-Glycine- Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 12 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 13, (Leucine- Glycine-Alanine), Sequence No. 14 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Valine- Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Al'anine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine- Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine-Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No.

19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine7-Isoleucine- Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 21 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 22 (Alanine-Alanine-Alanine-Glutarnine-Alanine), Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine- Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 24 (Vahlne-Tyrosine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. (Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 26 (Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine- Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 27 (Leucine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 28 (Valine- Leucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 29 (Phenylalanine-Arginine-Alanine-Alanine-Alanine), Sequence No. 30 (Valine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 31 (Phenylalanine- Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 32 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 33 (Valine-Leucine-Proline-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 34 (Valine-Glycine-Leucine- Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 35 (Leucine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Alanine), Sequence No. 36 (Alanine-Phenylalanine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 37 (Alanine-Phenylalanine-Proline-Glycine- Alanine), Sequence No. 38 (Valine-Glycine-Isoleucine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 39 (Valine- Glycine-Glycine-Isoleucine-Proline-Threonine), Sequence No. 40 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Valine- Proline-Glycine), and Sequence No,. 41 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Valine-Glycine) together with an acceptable diluent or excipient.

In a preferred form, the peptide is selected from the group consisting of Sequence No. 14 (Valine- Glycine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Alanine-Valine- Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine- Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alane- Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine-Isoleucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 21 (Leucine-.Glycine-Proline- Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 22 (Alanine-Alanine-Alanine-Glutmine-Alanine), Sequence No. 23 (Valine- Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 24 (Valin-Tyrosine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 25 (Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 26 (Valine-Alanine- Proline-Glycine-Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 27 (Leucine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 28 (Valine-Leucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 29 (Phenylalanine-Arginine-Alanine-Alanine- Alanine), Sequence No. 30 (Valine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), and Sequence No. 31 '(Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine).

In another preferred form, the peptide is selected fromnthe group consisting of Sequence No.. 14 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Vaine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Alanine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine-Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine- Glycine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine-Isoleucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No.

21 (eucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-llydroxyproline- Glycine), and Sequence No. 24 (Valine-Tyrosine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine).

Preferably, the peptide is Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine); Sequence No. 18 (Valine- Alanine-Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine); Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine- Glycine-Alanine-Glycine); Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine); or Sequence No. 32 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine).

Preferably, the peptide is derived from elastin. A suitable source is animal tissue.

Preferably, the peptide is comprised of a polypeptide having a formula of R 1 Valyl-Valyl-Prolyl- Glutamine-R 2 wherein R, is an amino portion of the peptide and R 2 a carboxy portion of the peptide.

The composition can be delivered by a system selected from the group consisting of a topical delivery system and a subcutaneous delivery system. Preferably, the topical delivery system is selected from the group consisting of a powder, emulsion, lotion, spray, ointment aerosol, cream and foam.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more peptides selected from the group consisting of Sequence No. I (Alanine-Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 2 (Valine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 3 (Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 4 (Leucine- Glycine), Sequence No. 5 (Isoleucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 6 (Leucine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 7 (Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 8 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 9 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 10 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. I11 (Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 12 (Valine-Glycine-Proline- Glutamine), Sequence No. 13, (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine), Sequence No. 14 (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Alanine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine-Alanine- SArginine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alanine- Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine-Isoleucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 21 (Leucine-Glycine- S Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 22 (Alanine-Alanine-Alanine-Glutamine-Alanine), Sequence No.

23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 24 (Valine-Tyrosine-Proline- Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 25 (Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No.

S 26 (Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine-Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 27 (Leucine-Glycine-Valine- Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 28 (Valine-Leucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 29 (Phenylalanine- Arginine-Alanine-Alanine-Alanine), Sequence No. 30 (Valine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), S Sequence No. 31 (Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 32 (Valine-Glycine- Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 33 (Valine-Leucine-Proline-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 34 (Valine-Glycine-Leucine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 35 (Leucine-Glycine-Valine- Glycine-Alanine), Sequence No. 36 (Alanine-Phenylalanine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 37 (Alanine- Phenylalanine-Proline-Glycine-Alanine), Sequence No. 38 (Valine-Glycine-Isoleucine-Proline-Alanine), Sequence No. 39 (Valine-Glycine-Glycine-Isoleucine-Proline-Threonine), Sequence No. 40 (Valine- Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), and Sequence No. 41 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine- Valine-Glycine) thereof together with an acceptable diluent or excipient.

Preferably, the peptide is Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine); Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine); or Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine- Hydroxyproline-Glycine); Preferably, the peptide is derived from elastin.

In one form, application of the composition to a patient results in neovascularization.

In another form, application of the composition to a patient results in angiogenesis.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a condition of mammalian tissue comprising administering to a mammal a non-cosmetic composition of the aspect, the present invention.

Preferably, the condition is selected from the group consisting of hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, angina, coronary thrombosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restenosis post angioplasty.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides use ofa non-cosmetic composition according to the first aspect, the present invention in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a condition of mammalian tissue. Preferably, the condition is selected from the group consisting of hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, angina, coronary thrombosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restenosis post angioplasty.

In a sixth aspect the present invention provides a method of treating a condition of mammalian tissue comprising administering to a mammal a pharmaceutical composition according to composition according to third aspect of the present invention. Preferably, the condition is selected from the group consisting of hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, angina, coronary thrombosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restenosis post angioplasty.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides use of a pharmaceutical composition according to -composition according to third aspect of the present invention in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a condition of mammalian tissue. Preferably, the condition is selected from the group consisting of hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, angina, coronary thrombosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restenosis post angioplasty.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia before the priority date of each claim of this application.

The present invention is directed to compositions which are pharmaceutic, therapeutic, and/or cosmetic to the tissue to which it is applied. The composition of the present invention preferably modifies or appears to modify the physical characteristics of the tissue to which it is applied, and the tissue being modified is preferably mammalian skin tissue. The composition generally includes a vehicle or carrier for therapeutic or cosmetic administration in which the peptides are formulated as therapeutically effective concentrations to increase the elasticity of the skin.

The peptides are preferably soluble in an aqueous solution, and more preferably are comprised of small peptides (usually less than about 10 amino acids in length). It is preferable that the peptide portion of the composition be comprised of peptides having molecular weights of less than 10,000 Da, even more preferably comprised.of 90% of peptides having a molecular weight of less than 10,000 Da. Even more preferably the peptide content of the composition is comprised of peptides having a molecular weight of less than about 3,000 Da, even more preferably the peptide content of the composition is comprised of peptides having a molecular weight of less than about 1,000 Da. In fact, it has been found that the preferred molecular weight range of peptides utilized in the present invention is in the range of about 100 1,000 Da; more preferred about 150 800 Da; even more preferred about 180 600 Da; and most preferably the therapeutic or cosmetic composition includes peptides having a molecular weight in the range of about 188 585 Da.

It has also been found that the peptides which best accomplish an increase in tissue elasticity and turgor are ones which correspond to or are substantially homologous with portions of elastin, (particularly elastin endogenous to the tissue being treated). Accordingly, it has been found that digestion of elastin, for example hydrolytic or site specific enzymatic cleavage of elastin results in peptides which are particularly suitable for use in the present invention. The peptides which result from digesting can be directly in the pharmaceutic, therapeutic, and/or cosmetic formulation of the present invention. The peptides of the present invention may also be synthesized by those methods known in the art solid state, liquid, and over expression). As used herein, the term "peptide" is not meant to convey any meaning regarding the precursor material or methods utilized to synthesize or make the peptides. Additionally, the term "elastin peptide fragment" in either singular or plural form refers to the fact that the peptide or amino acid sequence being discussed corresponds to, is the biological equivalenatof, or is substantially homologous with, a portion of elastin, more specifically to a portion or fragment of elastin endogenous to the animal being treated. However, the term "elastin peptide fragment" is not meant to convey any meaning regarding the source or starting material or method of arriving at the elastin peptide fragment. As stated above, peptides of the present invention are preferably formed by enzymatic cleavage of elastin and are even more preferably formed by cleavage of elastin with thermolysin to form hydrophilic elastin derived peptides. It is also preferable that the peptides of the present invention are at an effective concentration within the therapeutic or cosmetic composition, wherein the therapeutically effective concentration is in a range of about .0002% to about 90% by weight of peptide, more preferably in a range of about .05% to about 50% peptide, even more preferably in a range of about 0.5% to about 10% peptide, even more preferably about 1.5% peptide, and most preferably about 1.3% hydrolyzed elastin peptide. The therapeutic composition of the present invention can be formulated as a cosmetic preparation to be applied topically to a patient's skin, such as in an emulsion, lotion, spray, powder, ointment, cream, or foam or in other suitable pharmaceutical vehicles or carriers commonly known in the art for other types of administration subcutaneous).

The delivery system of the present invention is preferably a topical delivery system but also may be a subcutaneous, transcutaneous, oral, nasal, aerosol, or patch delivery system.

The present invention is further directed to a composition for improving tissue texture, wherein the composition is comprised of an elastin peptide which formed by selective cleavage of elastin. Preferably the composition includes a pharmaceutical delivery system and the elastin is derived from animal tissue. Ligamentum nuchea has been found to be a particularly useful source of elastin starting material. The elastin of the present invention is preferably selectively cleaved by enzymatic digestion of the elastin with thermolysin. This thermolytic cleavage preferably results in a elastin peptide fragment or fragments having a molecular weight of less than about 10,000 Da, more preferably less than about 3,000 Da, even more preferably less than about 1,000 Da.

The present invention is also directed to a method of enhancing the functionality, tone, turgor, and/or elasticity of the tissue to which it is administered by administrating effective amounts of a peptide to the tissue (particularity skin tissue).

When treating skin, the appearance of the skin is enhanced, it is believed as a consequence of improving the elasticity of the tissue to which the peptide is applied. It is preferable that the administration step be comprised of a number of separate

I

administration steps which are repeated most preferably twice daily over a predetermined time, wherein the predetermined time exceeds one week of daily administration of the peptide, more preferably two weeks, and most preferably at least a month of daily topical application (with twice daily of the peptide administration over the month being even more preferable.). As with the composition of the present invention, in the method of the present invention, it is preferable that the composition utilized include an elastin peptide fragment comprised of peptides having a molecular weight of less than about 1,000 Da.

Preferably and conveniently, the peptide can be formed by enzymatic cleavage of the elastin (preferably derived from animal tissue). It is preferable that the enzymatic cleavage occurs via enzymatic treatment of purified elastin starting material with thermolysin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood in light of the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein: Fig. 1 is a bar graph illustrating increased elastin production as a result of application of the present invention to mammalian skin.

Fig. 2 is a micrograph illustrating the microvascular response of the skin tissue with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In order that the invention herein described may be more fully understood, the following detailed description is set forth. The present invention relates to compositions which are useful in increasing elasticity, turgor, and/or appearance of tissue.

The present invention is also directed to administering therapeutically effective concentrations of the compositions.

As used herein, the term "subject" or "patient" means any mammal, including humans, in which elastin is utilized for proper tissue function or appearance.

The methods herein for use contemplate prophylactic, cosmetic, and curative use.

As used herein, the term "about" means plus or minus 10% of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used. Therefore, about 50% means in the range of 45%-55%. As used herein, the term "Dalton" (or "Da" refers to the unit of mass which is equivalent to the mass of a hydrogen atom (1.66 x 10- 24 gram).

Generally speaking, the term "tissue" refers to any aggregation of similarly specialized cells which are united in the performance of a particular function. As used herein, "tissue", unless otherwise indicated, refers to tissue which includes elastin as part of its necessary structure and/or function. For example, connective tissue which is made up of, among other things, collagen fibrils and elastin fibrils satisfies the definition of "tissue" as used herein. Additionally, elastin appears to be involved in the proper function of blood vessels, veins, and arteries in their inherent visco-elasticity. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "skin" means that outer integument or covering of the body, including the dermis and the epidermis and resting upon subcutaneous tissue.

"Providing" when used in conjunction with a therapeutic means to administer a therapeutic directly into or onto a target tissue or to administer a therapeutic to a patient whereby the therapeutic positively impacts the tissue to which it is targeted (either in a prophylactic, curative or cosmetic manner. Thus, as used herein, the term "providing", when used in conjunction with elastin peptide fragment, can include, but is not limited to, providing an elastin peptide fragment into or onto the target tissue; providing an elastin peptide fragment systemically to a patient by, intravenous injection whereby the therapeutic reaches the target tissue; providing an elastin peptide fragment in the form of the encoding sequence thereof to the target tissue by socalled gene-therapy techniques) whereby the elastin peptide fragment is expressed within the target tissue.

Details on techniques for formulation and administration of pharmaceuticals may be found in the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Co, Easton Although local topical delivery is desirable, there are other means of delivery, for example; oral, parenteral, aerosol, intramuscular, subcutaneous, transcutaneous, intamedullary, intrathecal, intraventricular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intranasal administration.

As used herein, the term "therapeutic" means an agent utilized to treat, combat, ameliorate, prevent or improve a condition or disease of a patient. The condition being treated in the present invention is deficient elastin in tissue, that is, a need in the tissue for more elastin. As it applies to skin, it is measured by turgor, tone, appearance, degree of wrinkles, and youthfulness. As the term applies to blood vessels it may be measured by the degree of elasticity or proper vasomotor response (vasodilatation/vasoconstriction) of the vessel. Accordingly, therapeutic treatment of blood vessels may have implications in diseases associated with visco-elasticity, including hypertension, arteriosclerosis, angina, angiogenesis, myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis, restenosis post angioplasty, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Finally, the term "cosmetic," as used herein, refers to a beautifying substance or preparation which preserves, restores, bestows, simulates, or enhances the appearance of bodily beauty, specifically as it relates to the appearance of tissue or skin.

As stated above, the present invention is directed to an elastin peptide fragment which is useful as a therapeutic and or cosmetic composition or agent for modifying tissue, especially skin. The term "modify" is used to convey that the present invention changes either the appearance, form, characteristics and/or the physical attributes of the tissue to which it is being provided, applied or administered. The change in form can be reflected in any of the following alone or in combination: enhanced appearance of the skin; increased softness of the skin; increased -turgor of the skin; increased texture of the skin; increased elasticity of the skin; decreased wrinkle formation and increased endogenous elastin production in the skin.

The source of the starting elastin material can derive from a number of sources known in the art. It is known, for example, that the ligamentum nuchae is made up largely of elastin, with only a relatively small amount of collagen. More than 70% of the dry weight of this ligament is elastin. Due to the relatively high elastin content and relatively low collagen content, ligamentum nuchae is an ideal starting material to use in deriving the elastin peptide fragments of the present invention. The ligamentum nuchae may be cleaned first using a procedure similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No.

5,028,695, this portion of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Although the preferred source of the starting material of the present invention is ligamentum nuchae, other ligaments, tendons, connective tissue, tissue, and synthetic sources may also be used. For example, the arteries and lungs, and other animal tissue, especially those which have significant amounts of elastin, can be used. Also, elastin from different sources, or elastin and collagen from the same or different sources could be mixed together to produce a particular advantageous mix suitable for an intended use. For example, rat, sheep, and porcine aorta can be used as a source of elastin as described in L.B. Sandberg, Connective Tissue Research, 1990, Vol. 25, pp. 139-148, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

In the present invention, the ligament extraction is comprised of taking dissected ligamentum nuchae ligaments and removing as much fat and excess connective tissue as possible. These "clean" ligaments are then chopped into about one centimeter square (1 cm 2 pieces and washed with doubly distilled water The clean ligaments are then placed on a metal mortar, pre-chilled to -20°F and liquid nitrogen is added to freeze the tissue. The ligaments are then minced or pulverized with the appropriate tool and re-suspended in 1% aqueous NaCI at a ratio of about 100 grams of tissue to about three liters of 1% aqueous NaCI and homogenized in a Waring blender at high speed for 30-60 seconds. The homogenized ligament is transferred to a four-liter beaker and stirred overnight at 4 0 C on a magnetic stirrer, after which it is centrifuged at 32,500 x G and the supernatant is checked for protein content using the Biuret method for protein determination. The Biuret reaction is done by mixing 2 milliliters of extract with 3 milliliters of reagent and reading immediately either by simple visual inspection or at 540 nanometers on a spectrophotometer to determine the protein concentration of the supernatant. The supernatant is then discarded. The pellet (referred to hereinafter as the elastin pellet) is resuspended in 1% aqueous NaCI and homogenized. The process of homogenizing in a Waring blender, stirring overnight and centrifuging are repeated three to four times until the supernatant is Biuret negative. After centrifugation, the elastin pellet is resuspended in DDW and autoclaved 30 psi for six hours. The resuspended elastin pellet is centrifuged again and the supernatant is tested for protein content via the Biuret method. The elastin is washed with boiling DDW and then with DDW at room temperature and the washes are tested for protein content via the Biuret method. If the washes are Biuret negative, the elastin pellet is dried with chloroform/methanol solution at a ratio of 2 parts chloroform to 1 part methanol. If the Biuret test is positive, the six hour autoclave procedure with wash step is repeated until the Biuret test is negative.

Finally, the elastin residue is washed with five volumes of pure methanol and air-dried at room temperature. The elastin residue is transferred to a desiccator and dried over P 2 0 for 24 hours until the weight of the elastin residue is stable. The elastin residue is then milled in a Willey mill through a 40-mesh screen followed by a 60-mesh screen.

For the thermolysin digestion, three times re-crystallized thermolysin product from CalBiochem (10394 Pacific Center Court, San Diego, CA 92121) was used.

The thermolysin preparation contains sufficient calcium to ensure maximal activity of the enzyme. The thermolysin digestion is done as follows: a waterbath is brought to a 550 C temperature with a rotary shaker and five grams of the finely milled largely insoluble elastin residue is hydrated with one liter of DDW for fifteen minutes at room temperature.

After hydration, the one liter DDW which contains the five grams of elastin is placed in the 550 C bath and the pH of the elastin/water mixture is brought to a pH between 7-8 with 10% methylamine. Fifty milligrams of thermolysin (bacillus thermoproteolyticus) is added directly to the elastin water mixture. The thermolysin contains about 60% protein about 13% sodium acetate, and about 25% calcium acetate, with a specific activity of about 8,720 I.U./mg dry weight. The pH of the elastin water mixture is monitored with a pH meter or pH stat and adjusted with 10% methylamine to keep the pH between 6.8 and 7.5. The digestion is allowed to continue for 75 minutes and then concentrated hydrochloric acid is added to adjust the pH to 3.0 to terminate the digestion.

After digestion is terminated, the digested product is preferably filtered through a PM 10 Diaflow 10,000 molecular weight cut-off ultra-filtration membrane to filter out any protein or peptides exceeding about 10,000 Da molecular weight. The resulting supernatant is a derived composition comprised of peptides having a molecular weight of less than about 10,000 Da. As it turns out, the most preferred composition is comprised of an elastin peptide fragment with a molecular weight of less than about 1,000 Da. Table 1 is a list of peptide sequences isolated from the thermolytic cleavage of elastin. These isolated fractions, either alone or in combination, when applied to tissue, result in the tissue, specifically mammalian skin, exhibiting characteristics of increased skin elasticity, including skin softness and increased turgor as well as an overall increase in the attractiveness of the skin. As can be seen from Table 1 below, it is preferable that the composition of the present invention be comprised of elastin peptide fragments having an amino acid chain length of less than about 10 amino acids or having a molecular weight in the range of about 150 800 Da, even more preferably about 180 Da to about 600 Da, and most preferably from about 188 Da to about 585 Da. It is also preferable that the peptide or peptides used in formulating the composition of the present invention are comprised substantially of amino acids having an apolar and/or an uncharged side group alanine, valine, proline, glycine), more preferably comprised of peptides which include valine or proline, and even more preferably comprised of peptides containing valine and proline in each amino acid sequence.

The elastin peptide fragments which have been identified in the present invention have the following amino acid sequences:

SEQ

2.

3.

4.

,6.

.7.

8.

9.

11.

12.

13.

14.

16.

17.

18.

19.

21.

22.

23.

24.

PEPTIDE

AVG

VGAG

IGG

LG-

IGAG

LGG

VAPG

LGPG

LGAG

VGPG

FGPG

VGPQ

LGA',

VGPA

VVPG

AVPG

VVPQ

VAARPG

LGAG43AG

MPG

LGPGG

AAAQA

VGVHypG

VYPGG

GV G MOL NAME to C-terminal) c-DNA Copies

WT

245 302 302 188 316 245 342 342 316 328 376 399 259 342 370 342 441 569 501 356 399 430 444 491 458 Alanine-Valine-Glycine Valine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine Leucine-Glycine Isoleucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine Leucine-Glycine-Glycine Vaaie-Alanine-Proline-Glycine L-eucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine Valine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine Valine-Glycine-Proline-Glutamine Leucine-Glycine-Alanine Valine-Glycine-Proline-Alanine Valine-Valine-Proline-Glycine Alanine-Valine-Proline-Glycine Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutami~ne Valine-Alanine-Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alalife- Glycine Alanine-lsoleucine-Proline-Glycine Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine Alanine-Alanine-Alanine-Glutamine-Alanine Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine Valine-Tyrosine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine

SEQ

26.

27.

28 29.

31.

32.

33.

34.

36.

37, 38.

39.

41.

PEPTIDE MOL

WT

VAPGVG

LGVGG

VLPG

FRAAA

VGGVPG

FGPGG

VGVPG

VLPGAG

VGLHypG

LGVGA

AFPG

AFPGA

VGIPA

VGGIPT

,VGVGVPG

LGPGVG

498 401 384 534 484 433 427 512 458 415 390 461 455 542 583 498 NAME to C-terminal) Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine-Valine-Glycine Leucine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine Valine-Leucine-Proline-Glycine Phenylalanine-Arginine-Alanine-Alalie-AalIe Valine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine Valine-Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine Valine-Leucine-Proline-Glycine-Alanine-Glycifle Valine-Glycine-Leucine-Hydroxyproline-Glycifle Leucine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Alanine Alanine-Phenylalanine-Proline-Glycine Alanine-Phenylalanine-Prolile-Glycifle-Alaninfe Valine-Glycine-Isoleucine-Proline-Alanile Valine-Glycine-Glycine-Isoleucine-Proine-ThreofliC Valine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Vaile-Proline-Glycifle Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Valine-Glycifle c-DNA Copies 1 3 3 1 14* 1 Sequence Nos. 23 and 32 appear to be a common sequence because Proline hydroxylation is a post-translational event.

*as VGLPG.

The above sequences account for about 40% of all the elastin sequences with the rest of the sequences being reduced to free amino acids or desmosine crosslinks (these amino acids are not being accounted for with sequencing).

The elastin peptide fragment/water mixture which is obtained upon digestion with thermolysin described is preferably flash evaporated to dryness and redissolved in a small volume of DDW and if desired is diluted sufficiently with DDW for lyophilization to dryness. In the alternative, rather than redissolving the elastin peptide(s), the filtered product is freeze dried twice, resulting in a powder which contains weight chemically-bound water and very little salt (NaCI). Preferably the powder for therapeutic use is dissolved to a concentration of about .0002% to about 90% by weight of elastin peptide fragment, more preferably in a range of about .05% to about 50% even more preferably in a range of about .05% to about 10% elastin peptide fragment, and more preferably about 1.5% elastin peptide fragment, and most preferably about 1.3% peptide fragment or fragments in a vehicle which is suitable for topical or subcutaneous administration.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the topical treatment with a composition which included peptide fragments at a concentration of about 1.3% when applied to the skin of a Sprague-Dawley male rat over a one month period illustrates a doubling of the elastin content of the skin, as compared to both control samples and similar applications and concentration of DHEA. In Figure 1, S CONTR represents the Shaven Control and US CONTR represents the Unshaven Control. Figure 1 illustrates that the present invention has the advantageous qualities of enhancing the softness or elasticity of the skin by increasing the endogenous production of elastin in the skin. The peptides and formulations of the present invention also appear to improve the texture of skin, specifically the physical appearance of the skin by improving the endogenous production of elastin.

The method of administering peptides and formulations of the present invention employs any of a number of known administrative routes such as oral, IV, subcutaneous, transcutaneous, and topical administration. A preferred method of the present invention employs a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition which enhances the physical appearance of and/or the elasticity of tissue. It is believed that the limit for skin penetration of elastin peptide fragment is a molecular weight of about 20,000 Da.

Advantageously, the present invention uses peptides derived from elastin through thermolytic cleavage which have a molecular weight of less than about 10,000 Da, more preferably less than about 3,000 Da, even more preferably less than 1,000 Da. Thus, the Speptides of the present invention would appear to meet the criteria be absorbed by the skin upon application. Beyond the increased absorption due to the relative small size of the active peptides of the present invention, the peptides themselves which preferably correspond to those formed through thermolytic cleavage of elastin with thermolysin, appear to have increased activity. It is thought that this activity is at least in part due to the production of endogenous elastin on skin to which the administration or the composition is applied.

The present invention can be formulated in a number of carrier vehicles, for example, in a spray; an aerosol; a water and an oil-type emulsion; an oil and watertype emulsion; a face cream or body cream; a sun lotion or after-sun lotion; or other topical administration vehicle. U.S. Patent No. 4,327,078, which was referenced earlier, is illustrative of the different types of topical administrations which may be employed to administer a soluble elastin-based derivative. In each of the examples provided, the concentration of the elastin peptide fragment of the present invention would be preferably about 1.5% and the concentration of water would be increased to make up the difference.

It is preferable that the topical administration of the composition of the, present invention occur repeatedly over a predetermined time period, preferably in the range of about one week to about one month. In the Sprague-Dawley rats used to generate Fig. 1, the rats were treated topically with a 1.3% concentration of the hydrophilic elastin peptide formulated by the method disclosed herein for a period of days. Testing illustrated that the endogenous elastin (measured by microgram (pg) Elastin per milligram (mg) Skin Fat Free Dry weight) of each of the rats to which the administration was applied doubled over that of a control sample and to a sample which was treated with a 5% concentration of DHEA over a similar time period. Three animals each were used to generate the data for S CONTR, US CONT, and DHEA and eleven animals were used for HEP. Three skin samples from the treated areas of each animal were taken for study, and the three results from each animal were averaged. The mean of these results were: S CONTR (1.408); US CONTR (2.291); DHEA (1.753); HEP (3.175). The elastin content of the skin was determined by a precise assay for rat elastin developed by Sandberg, et al. ("Quantitation of Elastin in Tissues and Culture: problems related to the accurate measurement of small amounts of elastin with special emphasis on the rat" Connective Tissue Research. 25: 139-48, 1990) the assay portion of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto. An alpha level less than 0.001 for the data of Fig. 1 as determined by analysis of variance; is significant because there is less than one chance in a thousand that the findings occur by chance.

The data of Fig. 1 further supports the use of the cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation over an extended period preferably in the range of one week to one month, more preferably in the range of seven days to about fourteen days and most preferably about fourteen days of daily administration at about 1.5% concentration of elastin peptide or peptides having a molecular weight lower than about 10,000 Da, more preferably less than 1,000 Da and most preferably in the range of about 180 Da to about 600 Da.

Figs. 2A-2D are micrographs illustrating an increased appearance and beneficial cosmetic implication of the present invention. From Figs. 2A-2D, skin treated with an elastin peptide fragment appears to be healthier than untreated skin. This is evidenced under a microscope by an increase in vascular response. In Figs. 2A-2D, fixed tissue sections of rat skin were labeled with fluorescein conjugated antifibronectin antibodies. Fig. 2A is a representative sample from the unshaven control tissue; Fig. 2B is a representative sample from the shaven control sample; and Fig. 2C is a representative sample of the tissue which received DHEA topical treatment. Finally, Fig. 2D received treatment with the present invention in a topical treatment in accordance with the samples discussed above with regard to Fig. 1. The dermal layer in the control panels (Figs. 2A and 2B) is relatively uniform and thin compared to the thickness of both Fig. 2C and Fig.

2D. For convenience, in each of Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, the dermal layer is bracketed.

Surprisingly and illustrative of some of the benefits obtained utilizing the present invention, Fig. 2D illustrates an increased concentration of capillary venules in the subderrnal region. The capillary venules are shown in this figure as brightly stained oval bodies that lie beneath the dermal layer. The increase in the concentration of endothelial cells in the subdermal region indicate an increase in capillary density and therefore illustrate the potential for the peptides and formulations of the present invention to be used for the formation of blood vessels or capillary venules (neovascularization or angiogenesis).

It appears that the elastin peptide fragment of the present invention would preferably include sequences of Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine or Valine-Glycine- Valine-HydroxyProline (possibly Proline)-Glycine. It would also appear that sequences which contain Valine and/or Proline are also preferred, and that peptides which include either or both of these amino acids in a larger concentration (relative to other amino acids present) are most preferred.

As can be seen from Table II below, it would appear that certain groups of the peptides described herein Sequence No. 1-Sequence No. 41 inclusive) have preferred characteristics as they relate to cosmetic or therapeutic application to the skin.

The elastin peptide mixture isolated from thermolysin digestion of elastin Sequence No. 1-Sequence No. 41 inclusive) was collected as they came off of a HPLC column.

Instead of isolating each of the thermolysin peptide fragments individually, 5 fractions or cluster of peptides were collected in the 5-50 minute range and were tested for activity utilizing a bromodeoxyuridine Triphosphate (BrdUTP) incorporation assay. The assay measures production of mRNA involved in proteinr synthesis. Table II measures the green fluorescence intensity as a measure of increased mRNA in RFL-6 cells in response to the pooled elastin fragment.

Table H Approximate Change Fraction Approximate Elution time w/Control Subtracted Out 1 5.3 min 11.8 min 1% 2 11.8 min 23.0 min 4% 3 23.0 min 44.1 min 41% 4 44.1 min 45.8 min 45.8 min 50.0 min 2% 6 unfractionalized mixture 52% (Seq. No 1-41) Each of the fractions show an increase in mRNA in RFL-6 cells over the control group. From the test, however, it appeared that Fraction #3 alone and/or in combination with other fractions as seen with Fraction has good potential as a composition or formulation to increase elasticity, turgor, and/or appearance of tissue, specifically skin. Fraction 3 includes Sequence Nos. 14-31. It should be noted that in light of the case in obtaining the unfractionalized mixture (as described above) it may be more preferable to use the unfractionalized mixture than isolating the most active ingredient.

The composition used to generate Figure 1 contains all of the peptides of the invention, that is, SEQ ID Nos. 1 41. The elastin peptide mixture isolated from thermolysin digestion of elastin SEQ ID Nos 1 41) was collected as it came off a HPLC column. Instead of isolating each fragment individually, five fractions or clusters were collected. Fraction 3 was further divided because, in part, that fraction exhibited the greatest percentage change of fluorescence intensity. From Fraction 3, further measurements were made and some peptides were found to contribute more to the fluorescence than others. It was surmised that the less fluorescent peptides may not be as useful and any one or combination of these fractions while lowering the green fluorescence intensity of the fractioned sample may in fact add a desirable characteristic to the intended use of the overall mixture or when combined with another peptide (any of SEQ ID NOs 1 41). Therefore, the invention relates to the use of all peptides.

Fraction or Cluster 3 was sub-fractioned into 10 fractions corresponding to the ten major peaks identified on the HPLC (at 215 nm). Table m below illustrates the green fluorescence intensity as a measure of increased mRNA in RLF-6 cells in response to sub-fractionated portions of Fraction No. 3 shown in Table II above.

Table Il Fractionated 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 Blank Patent Seq. No.

Contained Therein Sequence No. 14 Sequence No. 15, 16 Sequence No. 17 Sequence Nos. 18, 19 Sequence Nos. 20, 21 Sequence No. 22 Sequence No. 23 Sequence No. 24 Sequence Nos. 25, 26, 27,28,29 Sequence Nos. 30, 31 Abbreviated Peptide Sequence

VGPA

VVPG, AVPG

VVPQ

VAARPG, LGAGGAG AIPG, LGPGG

AAAQA

VGVHypG

VYPGG

IGGVGG, VAPGVG, LGVGG, VLPG, FRAAA VGGVPG, FGPGG Change of Green Fluorescence Intensity 39 44 42 57 38 23 As can be clearly seen from Table III, Sequence No. 17 (VVPQ) has the greatest activity, followed by Sequence No. 23 (VGVHypG) and then Sequence Nos. 18 (VAARPG) and 19 (LGAGGAG). It would appear that Sequence Nos. 22 and 25-31 actually adversely impact the overall therapeutic or cosmetic value of Fraction 3.

However, applicant does not wish to be bound by this speculation in that any one or combination of these fractions while lowering the green fluorescence intensity of the fractionated sample may in fact add a desirable characteristic to the intended use of the overall mixture or when combined with another peptide any of Seq. No. 1-41 respectively).

While the foregoing has been set forth in considerable detail, the sequences are presented for elucidation, and not limitation. Modifications and improvements, including equivalents, of the technology disclosed above which are within the purview and abilities of those in the art are included within the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications, alterations and changes can be made with respect to the specifics of the above description without departing from the inventive concept described herein. For example, the peptides and formulations can be administered via many alternative drug delivery vehicles known in the art and the peptides can be derived from digestion of elastin or by amino acid sequencing (either solid state or liquid), as well as from overexpression in a bacterial system. Modification (either chemical or enzymatic) of the basic sequences described herein are also within the purview of the present invention. For example, it appears that a reoccurring pattern in the elastin sequence is the presence of a glycine-alanine residue. Therefore the Seq. No. 1-41 may be modified to include this residue at either the amino or carboxy ends of the peptides. The sequences may also be chemically modified to increase their activity amidation of the carboxy terminus portion of a sequence). Accordingly, all such variances should be viewed as being within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims (19)

1. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said elastin peptide is soluble in an aqueous solution.
2. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein said elastin peptide is at a therapeutically effective concentration.
3. 4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastin peptide is selected from the group consisting of Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Alanine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine- Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine- Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine- Isoleucine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 21 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline- Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 22 (Alanine-Alanine-Alanine-Glutamine- Alanine), Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 24 (Valine-Tyrosine-Proline-Glysine-Glycine), Sequence No. (Isoleucine-Glycine-Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 26 (Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine-Valine-Glycine), Sequence No. 27 (Leucine- Glycine-Valine-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 28 (Valine-Leucine-Proline- Glycine), Sequence No. 29 (Phenylalanine-Arginine-Alanine-Alanine-Alanine), Sequence No. 30 (ValineGlycine-Glydcine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 31 (Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), and combinations thereof. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastin peptide is selected from the group consisting of Sequence No. 15 (Valine-Valine-Proline- Glycine), Sequence No. 16, (Alanine-Valine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine), Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine- Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine), Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine- Glycine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine), Sequence No. 20 (Alanine-Isoleucine-Proline- Glycine), Sequence No. 21 (Leucine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine), Sequence No. 24 (Valine-Tyrosine-Proline-Glycine-Glycine), and combinations thereof.
4. 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein said elastin peptide is Sequence No. 17 (Valine-Valine-Proline-Glutamine).
5. 7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastin peptide is Sequence No. 19 (Leucine-Glycine-Alanine-Glycine-Glycine-Alanine- Glycine).
6. 8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastin peptide is Sequence No. 23 (Valine-Glycine-Valine-Hydroxyproline-Glycine).
7. 9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastin peptide is Sequence No. 18 (Valine-Alanine-Alanine-Arginine-Proline-Glycine). The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said elastin peptide is derived from elastin.
8. 11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastin peptide is derived from animal tissue.
9. 12. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastin peptide has a molecular mass of less than about 1,000 Da.
10. 13. The composition of claim 10, wherein said elastin peptide is formed by digestion of elastin with thermolysin.
11. 14. The composition of any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein said therapeutically effective concentration is a range of 0.0002% to 90% The composition of claim 14, wherein said therapeutically effective concentration is in the range of 0.5% to 10%
12. 16. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, when used to treat a mammalian tissue.
13. 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the mammalian tissue being treated is a blood vessel.
14. 18. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the composition is used to treat a condition selected from the group consisting of hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, angina, coronary thrombosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restenosis post angioplasty.
15. 19. The composition of claim 16 delivered by a system selected from the group consisting of a topical delivery system and a subcutaneous delivery system. The composition of claim 19, wherein said topical delivery system is selected from the group consisting of a powder, emulsion, lotion, spray, ointment, aerosol, cream and foam.
16. 21. The composition of claim 16, further comprising Sequence No. 7 (Valine- Alanine-Proline-Glycine).
17. 22. The composition of claim 16, further comprising Sequence No. 11 (Phenylalanine-Glycine-Proline-Glycine).
18. 23. The composition of claim 16, further comprising Sequence No. 14 (Valine- Glycine-Proline-Alanine).
19. 24. The composition of claim 16, further comprising Sequence No. 32 (Valine- Glycine-Valine-Proline-Glycine). Dated this 4 th day of April 2007. Connective Tissue Imagineering LLC Patent Attorneys for the Applicant ALLENS ARTHUR ROBINSON PATENT TRADE MARKS ATTORNEYS