WO2024040237A1 - Dérivés peptidiques et leurs utilisations en tant qu'agonistes de l'orexine - Google Patents

Dérivés peptidiques et leurs utilisations en tant qu'agonistes de l'orexine Download PDF

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WO2024040237A1
WO2024040237A1 PCT/US2023/072499 US2023072499W WO2024040237A1 WO 2024040237 A1 WO2024040237 A1 WO 2024040237A1 US 2023072499 W US2023072499 W US 2023072499W WO 2024040237 A1 WO2024040237 A1 WO 2024040237A1
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alkyl
gly
derivative
amino acid
side chain
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PCT/US2023/072499
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Tomi K. Sawyer
Chris DE GRAAF
Noel Michael O'BOYLE
John Andrew Christopher
Miles Stuart Congreve
Conor SCULLY
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Centessa Pharmaceuticals (Orexia) Limited
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • C07K14/705—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
    • C07K14/70571—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants for neuromediators, e.g. serotonin receptor, dopamine receptor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to small peptide orexin receptor agonists designed for the treatment of narcolepsy or other disorders associated with orexin insufficiency and/or excessive sleepiness.
  • Narcolepsy afflicts 1 in 2000 individuals worldwide. Onset may occur during adolescence for a lifelong duration and debilitating impact on quality of life.
  • Narcolepsy Type 1 (NTl) is caused by the loss of neurons in the brain which produce orexin neuropeptides. There is no known cure, and currently approved treatments are symptomatic and do not address the underlying cause of the disorder. Thus, development of pharmacotherapeutics to restore lost orexin signaling is critically important for treatment of the root cause of NTl .
  • Narcolepsy Type 1 the sole population of neurons in the brain that produce orexin A and B (also known as hypocretin- 1 and 2) peptides are destroyed by an immune-mediated mechanism which causes arousal state boundary dysfunction.
  • Mouse models of narcolepsy type 1 recapitulate the orexin neurodegeneration and the two cardinal symptoms observed in NTl patients, specifically excessive sleepiness and cataplexy-like events.
  • Symptoms of narcolepsy type 1 and type 2 may include excessive daytime sleepiness, disturbed nighttime sleep, hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations, and inappropriately timed rapid-eye- movement (REM) sleep.
  • REM rapid-eye- movement
  • Cataplexy is the intrusion of sudden, reversible loss of muscle tone (the atonia of REM sleep) into wakefulness in response to emotional stimuli and is pathognomonic of NTL Metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance is also observed in individuals with narcolepsy, particularly NTL
  • narcolepsy type 1 The two predominant symptoms of narcolepsy type 1, excessive sleepiness and cataplexy, can be reduced by re-activation of orexin neurotransmission at 0X2R.
  • Reversal of cataplexy-like events and sleep/wake fragmentation has been achieved by genetic, focal restoration of 0X2R signaling in the dorsal raphe nucleus of the pons and the tuberomammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus, respectively, in mice that otherwise lack orexin receptors in those regions.
  • Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of orexin A (OXA) has been shown to increase time spent awake and decreases cataplexy -like behavior in orexin-neuron ablated mice.
  • the selective 0X2R agonist, YNT-185 administered intraperitoneally or ICV modestly increases wakefulness in wild type (WT) and orexin liganddeficient mice, and decreases sleep-onset REM periods and cataplexy-like events in an NT1 mouse model.
  • Subcutaneous administration of TAK-925 modestly increased wakefulness in WT mice, but not in OX2R-knockout mice.
  • Brain penetrant and stable 0X2R agonists that are bioavailable after alternative routes of administration (including but not limited to oral, intranasal, transmucosal, and transdermal) and that bind with high affinity for potent excitation of arousal-state regulating neurons will provide an improvement to current therapeutics for patients with NT1.
  • Orexin receptor agonists may also be useful in other indications marked by some degree of orexin neurodegeneration, decreased orexin levels (e.g., as measured in CSF), or decreased orexin signaling, and/or excessive daytime sleepiness, such as narcolepsy type 2, idiopathic hypersomnia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Prader-Willi syndrome, multiple sclerosis, depression (including atypical depression and major depressive disorder), and traumatic brain injury.
  • Orexin receptor agonists may also reduce excessive sleep, sleep paralysis, sleep inertia and sleep drunkenness in disorders such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Because stimulation of 0X2R promotes wakefulness in orexin-intact animals, orexin receptor agonists may treat or decrease excessive daytime sleepiness in patients (‘with normal’ or) without reduced levels of orexin, including narcolepsy type 2, idiopathic hypersomnia, sleep apnea and other underlying sleep disorders.
  • orexin receptor agonists may confer wake-promoting benefits in disorders of recurrent hypersomnia, such as Klein-Levin syndrome, or inappropriately timed sleep (i.e., circadian rhythm sleep disorders), such as delayed- or advanced-sleep phase disorder, shift work disorder and jet lag disorder, and excessive sleepiness caused by a disrupted sleep cycle.
  • disorders of recurrent hypersomnia such as Klein-Levin syndrome
  • inappropriately timed sleep i.e., circadian rhythm sleep disorders
  • circadian rhythm sleep disorders such as delayed- or advanced-sleep phase disorder, shift work disorder and jet lag disorder, and excessive sleepiness caused by a disrupted sleep cycle.
  • the abnormal daytime sleepiness, sleep onset REM periods, and cataplexy-like symptoms of some rare genetic disorders could be alleviated with orexin receptor agonists.
  • some rare genetic disorders e.g., ADCA-DN, Myotonic Dystrophy, Coffin-Lowry syndrome, Moebius syndrome, Norrie disease, Niemann-Pick disease type C, Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS), mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) disorders, and Prader-Willi syndrome
  • orexin receptor agonists include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cognitive dysfunction related to age, disease or medications, metabolic syndrome and obesity, depression, fatigue, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, and emergence from anesthesia.
  • the disclosure arises from a need to provide peptides for the modulation of orexin receptor activity in the brain, including activation of the orexin-2 receptor, with improved therapeutic potential.
  • peptides with improved physicochemical, pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties to existing compounds are desirable.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide having a sequence comprising: (SEQ ID NO: 1), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 2 is absent, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof; X 3 is absent, an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 4 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 5 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side
  • X9 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X10 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X11 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof;
  • X12 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X13 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof;
  • X14 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X15 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • Xi6 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; or an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof;
  • X17 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X18 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X19 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X20 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X21 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X22 an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof
  • X 23 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide having a sequence comprising: (SEQ ID NO: 2), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 2 is absent, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof; X 3 is absent, an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 4 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 5 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide having a sequence comprising: 3), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, - O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl,
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, or Gly; X 2 is absent, D-Ser, or Leu; X 3 is absent, CycloLys, D-Ser, Gln, Phe, or Pro; X 4 is AIB, D-Ser, or Gly; X 5 is Arg, D-Ser, or PipAla; X 6 is Ala, AIB, or D-Ser; X 7 is CycloGlu, CycloLys, D-Ser,
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide obtainable by, or obtained by, a method described herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide disclosed herein or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of modulating orexin-2 receptor activity, comprising contacting a cell with an effective amount of the peptide disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the peptide or pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide or pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein for use in modulating orexin-2 receptor activity; optionally, the activity is in vitro or in vivo. [0016] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a peptide or pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein for use in treating or preventing a disease or disorder. [0017] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a use of the peptide disclosed herein in the manufacture of a medicament for modulating orexin-2 receptor activity. [0018] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a use of the peptide disclosed herein in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease or disorder.
  • the present disclosure provides a method, use, or peptide or pharmaceutical composition for use of the peptide disclosed herein in combination with one or more additional therapy.
  • all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the specification, the singular forms also include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. The references cited herein are not admitted to be prior art to the claimed invention. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.
  • the present disclosure also relates to processes for the preparation of these peptides, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and to their use in the treatment of disorders in which the orexin receptor is implicated, such as narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anaesthesia.
  • disorders in which the orexin receptor is implicated such as narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anaesthesia.
  • the disclosure may be interpreted as excluding the non-operable embodiments caused by certain combinations of the options.
  • various options for variables X, L, and Y are described herein, the disclosure may be interpreted as excluding structures for non-operable peptides caused by certain combinations of variables X, L, and Y (e.g., when each of X, L, and Y is -O-).
  • alkyl As used herein, “alkyl”, “C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C 4 , C 5 or C 6 alkyl” or “C 1 -C 6 alkyl” is intended to include C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C 4 , C 5 or C 6 straight chain (linear) saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and C 3 , C 4 , C 5 or C 6 branched saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups.
  • C 1 -C 6 alkyl is intends to include C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C 4 , C 5 and C 6 alkyl groups.
  • alkyl examples include, moieties having from one to six carbon atoms, such as, but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, i-pentyl, or n-hexyl.
  • a straight chain or branched alkyl has six or fewer carbon atoms (e.g., C 1 -C 6 for straight chain, C3-C6 for branched chain), and in another embodiment, a straight chain or branched alkyl has four or fewer carbon atoms.
  • optionally substituted alkyl refers to unsubstituted alkyl or alkyl having designated substituents replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone.
  • substituents can include, for example, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino), acylamino (including alky
  • alkenyl includes unsaturated aliphatic groups analogous in length and possible substitution to the alkyls described above, but that contain at least one double bond.
  • alkenyl includes straight chain alkenyl groups (e.g., ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl), and branched alkenyl groups.
  • a straight chain or branched alkenyl group has six or fewer carbon atoms in its backbone (e.g., C 2 -C 6 for straight chain, C 3 -C 6 for branched chain).
  • C 2 -C 6 includes alkenyl groups containing two to six carbon atoms.
  • C 3 -C 6 includes alkenyl groups containing three to six carbon atoms.
  • optionally substituted alkenyl refers to unsubstituted alkenyl or alkenyl having designated substituents replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on one or more hydrocarbon backbone carbon atoms.
  • substituents can include, for example, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sul
  • alkynyl includes unsaturated aliphatic groups analogous in length and possible substitution to the alkyls described above, but which contain at least one triple bond.
  • alkynyl includes straight chain alkynyl groups (e.g., ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, octynyl, nonynyl, decynyl), and branched alkynyl groups.
  • a straight chain or branched alkynyl group has six or fewer carbon atoms in its backbone (e.g., C 2 -C 6 for straight chain, C 3 -C 6 for branched chain).
  • C 2 -C 6 includes alkynyl groups containing two to six carbon atoms.
  • C 3 - C 6 includes alkynyl groups containing three to six carbon atoms.
  • C 2 -C 6 alkenylene linker or “C 2 -C 6 alkynylene linker” is intended to include C 2 , C 3 , C 4 , C 5 or C 6 chain (linear or branched) divalent unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups.
  • C 2 - C 6 alkenylene linker is intended to include C 2 , C 3 , C 4 , C 5 and C 6 alkenylene linker groups.
  • optionalally substituted alkynyl refers to unsubstituted alkynyl or alkynyl having designated substituents replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on one or more hydrocarbon backbone carbon atoms.
  • substituents can include, for example, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sul
  • optionally substituted moieties include both the unsubstituted moieties and the moieties having one or more of the designated substituents.
  • substituted heterocycloalkyl includes those substituted with one or more alkyl groups, such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl- piperidinyl and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl.
  • cycloalkyl refers to a saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbon monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., fused, bridged, or spiro rings) system having 3 to 30 carbon atoms (e.g., C 3 -C 12 , C 3 -C 10 , or C 3 -C 8 ).
  • cycloalkyl examples include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenyl, and adamantyl.
  • cycloalkyl examples include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenyl, and adamantyl.
  • polycyclic cycloalkyl only one of the rings in the cycloalkyl needs to be non- aromatic.
  • heterocycloalkyl refers to a saturated or partially unsaturated 3-8 membered monocyclic, 7-12 membered bicyclic (fused, bridged, or spiro rings), or 11-14 membered tricyclic ring system (fused, bridged, or spiro rings) having one or more heteroatoms (such as O, N, S, P, or Se), e.g., 1 or 1-2 or 1-3 or 1-4 or 1-5 or 1-6 heteroatoms, or e.g. 1 ⁇ , 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 heteroatoms, independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, unless specified otherwise.
  • heteroatoms such as O, N, S, P, or Se
  • heterocycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, isoindolinyl, indolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, triazolidinyl, oxiranyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl, 1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, pyranyl, morpholinyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 1,4-diazepanyl, 1,4-oxazepanyl, 2-oxa-5-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, 2-
  • aryl includes groups with aromaticity, including “conjugated,” or multicyclic systems with one or more aromatic rings and do not contain any heteroatom in the ring structure.
  • aryl includes both monovalent species and divalent species. Examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl and the like.
  • heteroaryl is intended to include a stable 5-, 6-, or 7- membered monocyclic or 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11- or 12-membered bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic ring which consists of carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms, e.g., 1 or 1-2 or 1-3 or 1-4 or 1-5 or 1-6 heteroatoms, or e.g. ⁇ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 heteroatoms, independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur.
  • the nitrogen atom may be substituted or unsubstituted (i.e., N or NR wherein R is H or other substituents, as defined).
  • heteroaryl groups include pyrrole, furan, thiophene, thiazole, isothiazole, imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, pyrazole, oxazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, and the like.
  • Heteroaryl groups can also be fused or bridged with alicyclic or heterocyclic rings, which are not aromatic so as to form a multicyclic system (e.g., 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[c]isoxazolyl).
  • the heteroaryl is thiophenyl or benzothiophenyl.
  • the heteroaryl is thiophenyl.
  • the heteroaryl benzothiophenyl.
  • aryl and heteroaryl include multicyclic aryl and heteroaryl groups, e.g., tricyclic, bicyclic, e.g., naphthalene, benzoxazole, benzodioxazole, benzothiazole, benzoimidazole, benzothiophene, quinoline, isoquinoline, naphthrydine, indole, benzofuran, purine, benzofuran, deazapurine, indolizine.
  • the cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring can be substituted at one or more ring positions (e.g., the ring-forming carbon or heteroatom such as N) with such substituents as described above, for example, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, aralkylaminocarbonyl, alkenylaminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, alkenylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino
  • Aryl and heteroaryl groups can also be fused or bridged with alicyclic or heterocyclic rings, which are not aromatic so as to form a multicyclic system (e.g., tetralin, methylenedioxyphenyl such as benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-yl).
  • substituted means that any one or more hydrogen atoms on the designated atom is replaced with a selection from the indicated groups, provided that the designated atom’s normal valency is not exceeded, and that the substitution results in a stable peptide.
  • 2 hydrogen atoms on the atom are replaced.
  • Keto substituents are not present on aromatic moieties.
  • “Stable peptide” and “stable structure” are meant to indicate a peptide that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree of purity from a reaction mixture, and formulation into an efficacious therapeutic agent. [0039] When a bond to a substituent is shown to cross a bond connecting two atoms in a ring, then such substituent may be bonded to any atom in the ring.
  • hydroxy or “hydroxyl” includes groups with an -OH or -O- .
  • halo or “halogen” refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.
  • haloalkyl or “haloalkoxyl” refers to an alkyl or alkoxyl substituted with one or more halogen atoms.
  • optionally substituted haloalkyl refers to unsubstituted haloalkyl having designated substituents replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on one or more hydrocarbon backbone carbon atoms.
  • substituents can include, for example, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sul
  • alkoxy or “alkoxyl” includes substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups covalently linked to an oxygen atom.
  • alkoxy groups or alkoxyl radicals include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropyloxy, propoxy, butoxy and pentoxy groups.
  • substituted alkoxy groups include halogenated alkoxy groups.
  • the alkoxy groups can be substituted with groups such as alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, s
  • halogen substituted alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, chloromethoxy, dichloromethoxy and trichloromethoxy.
  • hArg(Et) 2 refers t .
  • hArg refers t .
  • hLys refers t .
  • 2-AOC refers t
  • 2-AHP refers t
  • NVA refers .
  • the term “Phe(3-Br)” refers t [0053] As used herein, the term “NLE” refers t [0054] As used herein, the term “alpha-Me-NLE” refers t [0055] As used herein, the term “Phg” refers t [0056] As used herein, the term “Phg(4-OH)” refers t [0057] As used herein, the term “Nag(1)” refers t [0058] As used herein, the term “Phg(4-OMe)” refers t [0059] As used herein, the term “Phg(3-OH)” refers t OH HN OH [0060] As used herein, the term “Hyp(4-OH)” refers to O .
  • N-Me-Asn refers t
  • N-Phenethyl-Gly refers t
  • N(naphthalen-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly refers t
  • N(naphthalen-1-yl-ethyl)-Gly refers t
  • N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly refers t
  • N-(3-EtNH 2 -Phenethyl)-Gly refers t .
  • the term “AIB” refers to .
  • the term “PipALA” refers t
  • “CycloLys” followed later in the sequence by “CycloGlu” refers to two residues connected by an amide bond, for example, .
  • polar uncharged side chain refers to a hydrophilic moiety that can hydrogen bond with another molecule at physiological pH.
  • electrically charged side chain refers to a charged moiety (e.g., negative or positive) at physiological pH.
  • polar charged side chain refers to a charged moiety that can hydrogen bond with another molecule at physiological pH.
  • hydrophobic side chain refers to a moiety with a small dipole moments that may be repelled from water.
  • amino acid substitutions can occur between amino acids with similar properties (i.e. classifications). For example, an amino acid classified as “hydrophobic” may be substituted with a different amino acid classified as “hydrophobic” when the hydrophobic property is desired at a position in an amino acid sequence.
  • amino acid substitutions such as charge classification (e.g. neutral, positive, or negative), hydrophobic, hydrophilic, polar, non-polar, acidic, basic, aliphatic, and aromatic amino acids. It is understood that amino acids can have one or more categorization. For example, an amino acid may be “polar charged” or “polar uncharged.” Substitution of one amino acid for another of the same classification is contemplated for the amino acid sequences described herein.
  • amino acid categorizations are summarized below: [0075] As used herein, the expressions “one or more of A, B, or C,” “one or more A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more A, B, and C,” “selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C”, “selected from A, B, and C”, and the like are used interchangeably and all refer to a selection from a group consisting of A, B, and/or C, i.e., one or more As, one or more Bs, one or more Cs, or any combination thereof, unless indicated otherwise.
  • compositions are described as having, including, or comprising specific components, it is contemplated that compositions also consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited components. Similarly, where methods or processes are described as having, including, or comprising specific process steps, the processes also consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited processing steps. Further, it should be understood that the order of steps order for performing certain actions is immaterial so long as the invention remains operable.
  • peptides of the present disclosure can be prepared in a variety of ways using commercially available starting materials, peptides known in the literature, or from readily prepared intermediates, by employing standard synthetic methods and procedures either known to those skilled in the art, or which will be apparent to the skilled artisan in light of the teachings herein.
  • Standard synthetic methods and procedures for the preparation of organic molecules and functional group transformations and manipulations can be obtained from the relevant scientific literature or from standard textbooks in the field. Although not limited to any one or several sources, classic texts such as Smith, M. B., March, J., March’s Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure, 5 th edition, John Wiley & Sons: New York, 2001; Greene, T.W., Wuts, P.G. M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3 rd edition, John Wiley & Sons: New York, 1999; R. Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers (1989); L. Fieser and M.
  • any description of a method of treatment or prevention includes use of the peptides to provide such treatment or prevention as is described herein. It is to be further understood, unless otherwise stated, any description of a method of treatment or prevention includes use of the peptides to prepare a medicament to treat or prevent such condition.
  • the treatment or prevention includes treatment or prevention of human or non-human animals including rodents and other disease models.
  • any description of a method of treatment includes use of the peptides to provide such treatment as is described herein. It is to be further understood, unless otherwise stated, any description of a method of treatment includes use of the peptides to prepare a medicament to treat such condition.
  • the treatment includes treatment of human or non-human animals including rodents and other disease models.
  • the term “subject” is interchangeable with the term “subject in need thereof”, both of which refer to a subject having a disease or having an increased risk of developing the disease. A “subject” includes a mammal.
  • the mammal can be e.g., a human or appropriate non-human mammal, such as primate, mouse, rat, dog, cat, cow, horse, goat, camel, sheep or a pig.
  • the subject can also be a bird or fowl.
  • the mammal is a human.
  • a subject in need thereof can be one who has been previously diagnosed or identified as having a disease or disorder disclosed herein.
  • a subject in need thereof can also be one who is suffering from a disease or disorder disclosed herein.
  • a subject in need thereof can be one who has an increased risk of developing such disease or disorder relative to the population at large (i.e., a subject who is predisposed to developing such disorder relative to the population at large).
  • a subject in need thereof can have a refractory or resistant a disease or disorder disclosed herein (i.e., a disease or disorder disclosed herein that does not respond or has not yet responded to treatment).
  • the subject may be resistant at start of treatment or may become resistant during treatment.
  • the subject in need thereof received and failed all known effective therapies for a disease or disorder disclosed herein.
  • the subject in need thereof received at least one prior therapy.
  • the term “treating” or “treat” describes the management and care of a patient for the purpose of combating a disease, condition, or disorder and includes the administration of a peptide of the present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, polymorph or solvate thereof, to alleviate the symptoms or complications of a disease, condition or disorder, or to eliminate the disease, condition or disorder.
  • the term “treat” can also include treatment of a cell in vitro or an animal model. It is to be appreciated that references to “treating” or “treatment” include the alleviation of established symptoms of a condition.
  • Treating” or “treatment” of a state, disorder or condition therefore includes: (1) preventing or delaying the appearance of clinical symptoms of the state, disorder or condition developing in a human that may be afflicted with or predisposed to the state, disorder or condition but does not yet experience or display clinical or subclinical symptoms of the state, disorder or condition, (2) inhibiting the state, disorder or condition, i.e., arresting, reducing or delaying the development of the disease or a relapse thereof (in case of maintenance treatment) or at least one clinical or subclinical symptom thereof, or (3) relieving or attenuating the disease, i.e., causing regression of the state, disorder or condition or at least one of its clinical or subclinical symptoms.
  • a peptide of the present disclosure can or may also be used to prevent a relevant disease, condition or disorder, or used to identify suitable candidates for such purposes.
  • the term “preventing,” “prevent,” or “protecting against” describes reducing or eliminating the onset of the symptoms or complications of such disease, condition or disorder.
  • one skilled in the art may refer to general reference texts for detailed descriptions of known techniques discussed herein or equivalent techniques. These texts include Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
  • the present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising any peptide described herein in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.
  • pharmaceutical composition is a formulation containing the peptides of the present disclosure in a form suitable for administration to a subject.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is in bulk or in unit dosage form.
  • the unit dosage form is any of a variety of forms, including, for example, a capsule, an IV bag, a tablet, a single pump on an aerosol inhaler or a vial.
  • the quantity of active ingredient (e.g., a formulation of the disclosed peptide or salt, hydrate, solvate or isomer thereof) in a unit dose of composition is an effective amount and is varied according to the particular treatment involved.
  • active ingredient e.g., a formulation of the disclosed peptide or salt, hydrate, solvate or isomer thereof
  • the dosage will also depend on the route of administration. A variety of routes are contemplated, including oral, pulmonary, rectal, parenteral, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, inhalational, buccal, sublingual, intrapleural, intrathecal, intranasal, and the like.
  • Dosage forms for the topical or transdermal administration of a peptide of this disclosure include powders, sprays, ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, solutions, patches and inhalants.
  • the active peptide is mixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and with any preservatives, buffers, or propellants that are required.
  • the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to those peptides, anions, cations, materials, compositions, carriers, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable excipient means an excipient that is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable, and includes excipient that is acceptable for veterinary use as well as human pharmaceutical use.
  • a “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” as used in the specification and claims includes both one and more than one such excipient.
  • routes of administration include parenteral, e.g., intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (e.g., ingestion), inhalation, transdermal (topical), and transmucosal administration.
  • Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates, and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose.
  • the pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
  • a peptide or pharmaceutical composition of the disclosure can be administered to a subject in many of the well-known methods currently used for chemotherapeutic treatment.
  • a peptide of the disclosure may be injected into the blood stream or body cavities or taken orally or applied through the skin with patches.
  • the dose chosen should be sufficient to constitute effective treatment but not so high as to cause unacceptable side effects.
  • the state of the disease condition e.g., a disease or disorder disclosed herein
  • the health of the patient should preferably be closely monitored during and for a reasonable period after treatment.
  • the term “therapeutically effective amount”, refers to an amount of a pharmaceutical agent to treat, ameliorate, or prevent an identified disease or condition, or to exhibit a detectable therapeutic or inhibitory effect.
  • the effect can be detected by any assay method known in the art.
  • the precise effective amount for a subject will depend upon the subject’s body weight, size, and health; the nature and extent of the condition; and the therapeutic or combination of therapeutics selected for administration.
  • Therapeutically effective amounts for a given situation can be determined by routine experimentation that is within the skill and judgment of the clinician.
  • the term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount of a pharmaceutical agent to treat or ameliorate an identified disease or condition, or to exhibit a detectable therapeutic or inhibitory effect.
  • the effect can be detected by any assay method known in the art.
  • the precise effective amount for a subject will depend upon the subject’s body weight, size, and health; the nature and extent of the condition; and the therapeutic or combination of therapeutics selected for administration.
  • Therapeutically effective amounts for a given situation can be determined by routine experimentation that is within the skill and judgment of the clinician.
  • the therapeutically effective amount can be estimated initially either in cell culture assays, e.g., of neoplastic cells, or in animal models, usually rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, or pigs. The animal model may also be used to determine the appropriate concentration range and route of administration. Such information can then be used to determine useful doses and routes for administration in humans.
  • Therapeutic/prophylactic efficacy and toxicity may be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., ED 50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50 % of the population) and LD 50 (the dose lethal to 50 % of the population).
  • the dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index, and it can be expressed as the ratio, LD 50 /ED 50 .
  • Pharmaceutical compositions that exhibit large therapeutic indices are preferred.
  • the dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed, sensitivity of the patient, and the route of administration. [0097] Dosage and administration are adjusted to provide sufficient levels of the active agent(s) or to maintain the desired effect.
  • compositions containing active peptides of the present disclosure may be manufactured in a manner that is generally known, e.g., by means of conventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping, or lyophilising processes.
  • compositions may be formulated in a conventional manner using one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers comprising excipients and/or auxiliaries that facilitate processing of the active peptides into preparations that can be used pharmaceutically.
  • the appropriate formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion.
  • suitable carriers include physiological saline, bacteriostatic water, Cremophor EL ⁇ (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
  • the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • the proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol and sorbitol, and sodium chloride in the composition.
  • Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active peptide in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilisation.
  • dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active peptide into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.
  • methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying that yields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
  • Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an edible pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash, wherein the peptide in the fluid carrier is applied orally and swished and expectorated or swallowed.
  • Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition.
  • the tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or peptides of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, orange flavoring.
  • a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin
  • an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch
  • a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes
  • a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide
  • the peptides are delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from pressured container or dispenser, which contains a suitable propellant, e.g., a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebuliser.
  • a suitable propellant e.g., a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebuliser.
  • the peptides are delivered in solution or solid formulation. In some embodiments, the peptides are delivered in solution as a mist, a drip, or a swab. In some embodiments, the peptides are delivered as a powder. In some embodiments, the peptide is included in a kit which further includes an intranasal applicator.
  • Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
  • penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation.
  • penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, for example, for transmucosal administration, detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives.
  • Transmucosal administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays or suppositories.
  • the active peptides are formulated into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the art.
  • the active peptides can be prepared with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that will protect the peptide against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially from Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,522,811. [0106] It is especially advantageous to formulate oral or parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage.
  • Dosage unit form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the subject to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active peptide calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.
  • the specification for the dosage unit forms of the disclosure are dictated by and directly dependent on the unique characteristics of the active peptide and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved.
  • the dosages of the pharmaceutical compositions used in accordance with the disclosure vary depending on the agent, the age, weight, and clinical condition of the recipient patient, and the experience and judgment of the clinician or practitioner administering the therapy, among other factors affecting the selected dosage.
  • the dose should be sufficient to result in slowing, and preferably regressing, the symptoms of the disease or disorder disclosed herein and also preferably causing complete regression of the disease or disorder.
  • Dosages can range from about 0.01 mg/kg per day to about 5000 mg/kg per day.
  • An effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent is that which provides an objectively identifiable improvement as noted by the clinician or other qualified observer. Improvement in survival and growth indicates regression.
  • the term “dosage effective manner” refers to amount of an active peptide to produce the desired biological effect in a subject or cell.
  • the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refer to derivatives of the peptides of the present disclosure wherein the parent peptide is modified by making acid or base salts thereof.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines, alkali organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids, and the like.
  • the pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts of the parent peptide formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic organic acids.
  • such conventional non-toxic salts include, but are not limited to, those derived from inorganic and organic acids selected from 2-acetoxybenzoic, 2-hydroxyethane sulfonic, acetic, ascorbic, benzene sulfonic, benzoic, bicarbonic, carbonic, citric, edetic, ethane disulfonic, 1,2-ethane sulfonic, fumaric, glucoheptonic, gluconic, glutamic, glycolic, glycollyarsanilic, hexylresorcinic, hydrabamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, hydroiodic, hydroxymaleic, hydroxynaphthoic, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, lauryl sulfonic, maleic, malic,
  • the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a calcium salt, a magnesium salt, a diethylamine salt, a choline salt, a meglumine salt, a benzathine salt, a tromethamine salt, an ammonia salt, an arginine salt, or a lysine salt.
  • compositions include hexanoic acid, cyclopentane propionic acid, pyruvic acid, malonic acid, 3-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, 4-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 4-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, 4-methylbicyclo-[2.2.2]-oct-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid, 3- phenylpropionic acid, trimethylacetic acid, tertiary butylacetic acid, muconic acid, and the like.
  • the present disclosure also encompasses salts formed when an acidic proton present in the parent peptide either is replaced by a metal ion, e.g., an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth ion, or an aluminum ion; or coordinates with an organic base such as ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, N-methylglucamine, and the like.
  • a metal ion e.g., an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth ion, or an aluminum ion
  • an organic base such as ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, N-methylglucamine, and the like.
  • the ratio of the peptide to the cation or anion of the salt can be 1:1, or any ratio other than 1:1, e.g., 3:1, 2:1, 1:2, or 1:3.
  • peptides, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are administered orally, nasally, transdermally, pulmonary, inhalationally, buccally, sublingually, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intravenously, rectally, intrapleurally, intrathecally and parenterally. In some embodiments, the peptide is administered orally.
  • One skilled in the art will recognise the advantages of certain routes of administration.
  • the dosage regimen utilising the peptides is selected in accordance with a variety of factors including type, species, age, weight, sex and medical condition of the patient; the severity of the condition to be treated; the route of administration; the renal and hepatic function of the patient; and the particular peptide or salt thereof employed.
  • An ordinarily skilled physician or veterinarian can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the drug required to prevent, counter, or arrest the progress of the condition.
  • An ordinarily skilled physician or veterinarian can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the drug required to counter or arrest the progress of the condition.
  • the peptides described herein, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are used in pharmaceutical preparations in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
  • suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include inert solid fillers or diluents and sterile aqueous organic solutions.
  • the peptides will be present in such pharmaceutical compositions in amounts sufficient to provide the desired dosage amount in the range described herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 1), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 2 is absent, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof; X 3 is absent, an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 2 is absent, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof; X 3 is absent, an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, or Gly; X 2 is absent, D-Ser, or Leu; X 3 is absent, CycloLys, D-Ser, Gln, Phe, or Pro; X 4 is AIB, D-Ser, or Gly; X 5 is Arg, D-Ser, or PipAla; X 6 is Ala, AIB, or D-Ser; X 7 is CycloGlu, CycloLys, D-Ser,
  • variables X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4 , X 5 , X 6 , X 7 , X 8 , X 9 , X 10 , X 11 , X 12 , X 13 , X 14 , X 15 , X 16 , X 17 , X 18 , X 19 , X 20 , X 21 , X 22 , or X 23 can each be, where applicable, selected from the groups described herein, and any group described herein for any of variables X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4 , X 5 , X 6 , X 7 , X 8 , X 9 , X 10 , X 11 , X 12 , X 13 , X 14 , X 15 , X 16 , X 17 , X 18 , X 19 ,
  • X 1 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0127] In some embodiments, X 1 is absent. In some embodiments, X 1 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0128] In some embodiments, X 1 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0129] In some embodiments, X 1 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 1 is AIB.
  • X 1 is Ala.
  • X 1 is D-Ala.
  • X 1 is PipAla.
  • X 1 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 1 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 1 is N-Phenethyl-Gly. In some embodiments, X 1 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 1 is N-(4- OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 1 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 1 is Val. In some embodiments, X 1 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 1 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 1 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 1 is Met.
  • X 1 is Phe. In some embodiments, X 1 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 1 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 1 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 1 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 1 is D-Trp. [0135] In some embodiments, X 1 is Ala, D-Ala, or an Ala derivative. [0136] In some embodiments, X 1 is Ala, D-Ala, or PipAla. [0137] In some embodiments, X 1 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 1 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 1 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, Gly, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, or Gly.
  • X 2 is absent, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 2 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 2 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 2 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 2 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 2 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 2 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 2 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 2 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 2 is absent, D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4- OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl
  • X 2 is D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 2 is D-Ser.
  • X 2 is Ser.
  • X 2 is AIB.
  • X 2 is Ala.
  • X 2 is D-Ala. In some embodiments, X 2 is PipAla. In some embodiments, X 2 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 2 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 2 is N-Phenethyl-Gly. In some embodiments, X 2 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 2 is N-(4-OMe- Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 2 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 2 is Val. In some embodiments, X 2 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 2 is Leu.
  • X 2 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 2 is Met. In some embodiments, X 2 is Phe. In some embodiments, X 2 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 2 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 2 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 2 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 2 is D-Trp. [0175] In some embodiments, X 2 is Ala, D-Ala, or an Ala derivative. [0176] In some embodiments, X 2 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 2 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. [0180] In some embodiments, X 2 is a Gly derivative.
  • X 2 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 2 is absent, D-Ser, Leu, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 2 is absent, D-Ser, or Leu.
  • X 3 is absent, an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0201] In some embodiments, X 3 is absent. [0202] In some embodiments, X 3 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 3 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0204] In some embodiments, X 3 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain. [0205] In some embodiments, X 3 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain. [0206] In some embodiments, X 3 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0207] In some embodiments, X 3 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0208] In some embodiments, X 3 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 3 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0210] In some embodiments, X 3 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0211] In some embodiments, X 3 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 3 is absent, CycloLys, D-Ser, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1
  • X 3 is CycloLys, D-Ser, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)- Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -
  • X 3 is CycloLys, D-Ser, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)- Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , - NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6
  • X 3 is CycloLys, D-Ser, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)- Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp. [0216] In some embodiments, X 3 is CycloLys.
  • X 3 is D-Ser. In some embodiments, X 3 is Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, or Gln. [0217] In some embodiments, X 3 is Asn, D-Asn, or an Asn derivative. [0218] In some embodiments, X 3 is Asn or D-Asn. [0219] In some embodiments, X 3 is an Asn derivative. [0220] In some embodiments, X 3 is Asn. In some embodiments, X 3 is D-Asn. In some embodiments, X 3 is N-Me-Asn. In some embodiments, X 3 is Ser. In some embodiments, X 3 is Thr.
  • X 3 is Gln.
  • X 3 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 3 is AIB.
  • X 3 is Ala.
  • X 3 is D-Ala.
  • X 3 is PipAla.
  • X 3 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 3 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 3 is N-Phenethyl-Gly. In some embodiments, X 3 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 3 is N-(4- OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 3 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 3 is Val. In some embodiments, X 3 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 3 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 3 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 3 is Met.
  • X 3 is Phe. In some embodiments, X 3 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 3 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 3 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 3 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 3 is D-Trp. [0224] In some embodiments, X 3 is Ala, D-Ala, or an Ala derivative. [0225] In some embodiments, X 3 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 3 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 3 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 3 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 3 is absent, CycloLys, D-Ser, Gln, Phe, or Pro.
  • X 4 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof. [0249] In some embodiments, X 4 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof. [0250] In some embodiments, X 4 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0251] In some embodiments, X 4 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0252] In some embodiments, X 4 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 4 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 4 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 4 is D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C
  • X 4 is D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 4 is D-Ser.
  • X 4 is Ser.
  • X 4 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 4 is AIB.
  • X 4 is Ala.
  • X 4 is D-Ala.
  • X 4 is PipAla.
  • X 2 is Phg.
  • X 4 is Phg(4-OH).
  • X 4 is N-Phenethyl-Gly.
  • X 4 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly.
  • X 4 is N-(4- OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 4 is Gly.
  • X 4 is Val.
  • X 4 is Ile.
  • X 4 is Leu.
  • X 4 is D-Leu.
  • X 4 is Met.
  • X 4 is Phe. In some embodiments, X 4 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 4 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 4 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 4 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 4 is D-Trp. [0263] In some embodiments, X 4 is Ala, D-Ala, or an Ala derivative. [0264] In some embodiments, X 4 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 4 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 4 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 4 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 4 is AIB, D-Ser, or Gly.
  • X 5 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 5 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 5 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 5 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain.
  • X 5 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain.
  • X 5 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 5 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 5 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 5 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 5 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 5 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 5 is D-Ser, Ser, Arg, hArg, D-hArg, hArg(Et) 2 , Asp, Glu, His, Hyp(4-OH), Lys, hLys, Lys-palm, AIB, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha- 2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Ala, PipAla, D-Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -
  • X 5 is D-Ser. In some embodiments, X 5 is Ser. [0300] In some embodiments, X 5 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, hArg(Et) 2 , Asp, Glu, His, Lys, hLys, or Lys-palm. [0301] In some embodiments, X 5 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, or hArg(Et) 2 . [0302] In some embodiments, X 5 is Arg. [0303] In some embodiments, X 5 is Arg derivative. [0304] In some embodiments, X 5 is hArg, D-hArg, or hArg(Et) 2 .
  • X 5 is hArg. In some embodiments, X 5 is D-hArg. In some embodiments, X 5 is hArg(Et) 2 . [0306] In some embodiments, X 5 is Asp. In some embodiments, X 5 is Glu. In some embodiments, X 5 is His. [0307] In some embodiments, X 5 is Lys, hLys, or Lys-palm. [0308] In some embodiments, X 5 is Lys. [0309] In some embodiments, X 5 is hLys. In some embodiments, X 5 is Lys-palm.
  • X 5 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is AIB, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 5 is AIB.
  • X 5 is Ala.
  • X 5 is D-Ala.
  • X 5 is PipAla.
  • X 5 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 5 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 5 is N-Phenethyl-Gly. In some embodiments, X 5 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 5 is N-(4- OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 5 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 5 is Val. In some embodiments, X 5 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 5 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 5 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 5 is Met.
  • X 5 is Phe. In some embodiments, X 5 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 5 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 5 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 5 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 5 is D-Trp. [0314] In some embodiments, X 5 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 5 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 5 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 5 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 5 is Arg, D-Ser, or PipAla.
  • X 6 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof. [0338] In some embodiments, X 6 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof. [0339] In some embodiments, X 6 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0340] In some embodiments, X 6 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0341] In some embodiments, X 6 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 6 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0343] In some embodiments, X 6 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0344] In some embodiments, X 6 is absent, D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl),
  • X 6 is D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is D-Ser, Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is D-Ser, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 6 is D-Ser.
  • X 6 is Ser.
  • X 6 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 6 is AIB.
  • X 6 is Ala.
  • X 6 is D-Ala.
  • X 6 is PipAla.
  • X 2 is Phg.
  • X 6 is Phg(4-OH).
  • X 6 is N-Phenethyl-Gly.
  • X 6 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly.
  • X 6 is N-(4- OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 6 is Gly.
  • X 6 is Val.
  • X 6 is Ile.
  • X 6 is Leu.
  • X 6 is D-Leu.
  • X 6 is Met.
  • X 6 is Phe. In some embodiments, X 6 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 6 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 6 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 6 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 6 is D-Trp. [0353] In some embodiments, X 6 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 6 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 6 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 6 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 6 is Ala, AIB, or D-Ser.
  • X 7 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side group, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0377] In some embodiments, X 7 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side group, or a derivative thereof. [0378] In some embodiments, X 7 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side group. [0379] In some embodiments, X 7 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side group. [0380] In some embodiments, X 7 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 7 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0382] In some embodiments, X 7 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0383] In some embodiments, X 7 is CycloGlu, CycloLys, D-Ser, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe- Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, AIB, Ala, PipAla, D-Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 7 is optionally substituted with hal
  • X 7 is CycloGlu or CycloLys. [0385] In some embodiments, X 7 is CycloGlu. [0386] In some embodiments, X 7 is CycloLys. [0387] In some embodiments, X 7 is D-Ser. In some embodiments, X 7 is Ser. [0388] In some embodiments, X 7 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, hArg(Et) 2 , Asp, Glu, His, Lys, hLys, or Lys-palm. [0389] In some embodiments, X 7 is Arg or an Arg derivative.
  • X 7 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, or hArg(Et) 2 .
  • X 7 is Arg.
  • X 7 is Arg derivative.
  • X 7 is hArg.
  • X 7 is D-hArg.
  • X 7 is hArg(Et) 2 .
  • X 7 is Asp.
  • X 7 is Glu.
  • X 7 is His.
  • X 7 is Lys or a Lys derivative.
  • X 7 is Lys, hLys, or Lys-palm. [0396] In some embodiments, X 7 is Lys. In some embodiments, X 7 is hLys. In some embodiments, X 7 is Lys-palm. [0397] In some embodiments, X 7 is Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln. [0398] In some embodiments, X 7 is Asn, D-Asn, or an Asn derivative. [0399] In some embodiments, X 7 is Asn or D-Asn. [0400] In some embodiments, X 7 is Asn.
  • X 7 is D-Asn. [0401] In some embodiments, X 7 is an Asn derivative. [0402] In some embodiments, X 7 is N-Me-Asn. [0403] In some embodiments, X 7 is Thr. In some embodiments, X 7 is Gln.
  • X 7 is Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 7 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 - C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 7 is Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 7 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 7 is Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 7 is CycloGlu, CycloLys, D-Ser, or Gln.
  • X 8 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 8 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 8 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 8 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain.
  • X 8 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain. [0413] In some embodiments, X 8 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0414] In some embodiments, X 8 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0415] In some embodiments, X 8 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0416] In some embodiments, X 8 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0417] In some embodiments, X 8 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 8 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 8 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, hArg(Et) 2 , Asp, Glu, His, Hyp(4- OH), Lys, hLys, Lys-palm, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, D-Ser, Thr, Gln, AIB, Ala, PipAla, D-Ala, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe- Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is
  • X 8 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, hArg(Et) 2 , Asp, Glu, His, Hyp(4- OH), Lys, hLys, or Lys-palm. [0421] In some embodiments, X 8 is Arg or an Arg derivative. [0422] In some embodiments, X 8 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, or hArg(Et) 2 . [0423] In some embodiments, X 8 is Arg. In some embodiments, X 8 is hArg. In some embodiments, X 8 is D-hArg. In some embodiments, X 8 is hArg(Et)2.
  • X 8 is Asp. In some embodiments, X 8 is Glu. In some embodiments, X 8 is His. In some embodiments, X 8 is Lys or a Lys derivative. In some embodiments, X 8 is Lys. In some embodiments, X 8 is hLys. In some embodiments, X 8 is Lys-palm. [0424] In some embodiments, X 8 is Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, or Gln. [0425] In some embodiments, X 8 is Asn. In some embodiments, X 8 is D-Asn. In some embodiments, X 8 is N-Me-Asn.
  • X 8 is Ser. In some embodiments, X 8 is D-Ser. [0427] In some embodiments, X 8 is Thr. In some embodiments, X 8 is Gln. [0428] In some embodiments, X 8 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -
  • X 8 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 8 is AIB.
  • X 8 is Ala.
  • X 8 is D-Ala.
  • X 8 is PipAla.
  • X 8 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 8 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 8 is N-Phenethyl-Gly. In some embodiments, X 8 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 8 is N-(4- OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 8 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 8 is Val. In some embodiments, X 8 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 8 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 8 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 8 is Met.
  • X 8 is Phe. In some embodiments, X 8 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 8 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 8 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 8 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 8 is D-Trp. [0432] In some embodiments, X 8 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 8 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 8 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl
  • X 8 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 8 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 8 is Arg, hArg, hLys, Gln, or PipAla.
  • X 9 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0455] In some embodiments, X 9 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0456] In some embodiments, X 9 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 9 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 9 is AIB.
  • X 9 is Ala.
  • X 9 is D-Ala.
  • X 9 is PipAla.
  • X 9 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 9 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 9 is N-Phenethyl-Gly. In some embodiments, X 9 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 9 is N-(4- OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 9 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 9 is Val. In some embodiments, X 9 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 9 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 9 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 9 is Met.
  • X 9 is Phe. In some embodiments, X 9 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 9 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 9 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 9 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 9 is D-Trp. [0461] In some embodiments, X 9 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 9 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 9 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl,
  • X 9 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, - OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 9 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 9 is Leu or Phe;
  • X 10 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 10 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0485] In some embodiments, X 10 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0486] In some embodiments, X 10 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -
  • X 10 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 10 is AIB.
  • X 10 is Ala.
  • X 10 is D-Ala.
  • X 10 is PipAla.
  • X 10 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 10 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 10 is N-Phenethyl- Gly. In some embodiments, X 10 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 10 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 10 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 10 is Val. In some embodiments, X 10 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 10 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 10 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 10 is Met. In some embodiments, X 10 is Phe.
  • X 10 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 10 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 10 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 10 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 10 is D- Trp. [0490] In some embodiments, X 10 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 10 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 10 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 10 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 10 is D-Leu or Leu.
  • X 11 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 11 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 11 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 11 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 11 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0518] In some embodiments, X 11 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain. [0519] In some embodiments, X 11 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain. [0520] In some embodiments, X 11 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0521] In some embodiments, X 11 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0522] In some embodiments, X 11 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 11 is CycloGlu, D-Phe, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)- Gly, Gly, AIB, Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , - NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6
  • X 11 is CycloGlu, D-Phe, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)- Gly, Gly, AIB, Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 2 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkeny
  • X 11 is CycloGlu, D-Phe, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Ser, Thr, Gln, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)- Gly, Gly, AIB, Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 11 is Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, AIB, Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, - O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, AIB, Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl- ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, AIB, Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp. [0529] In some embodiments, X 11 is AIB. In some embodiments, X 11 is Ala. In some embodiments, X 11 is PipAla. In some embodiments, X 11 is Phg.
  • X 11 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 11 is N-Phenethyl-Gly. In some embodiments, X 11 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 11 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 11 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 11 is Val. In some embodiments, X 11 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 11 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 11 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 11 is Met. In some embodiments, X 11 is Phe.
  • X 11 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 11 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 11 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 11 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 11 is D-Trp. [0530] In some embodiments, X 11 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 11 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 11 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 11 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 11 is CycloGlu, D-Phe, Gln, D-Trp, or Trp.
  • X 12 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0554] In some embodiments, X 12 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0555] In some embodiments, X 12 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 12 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 12 is AIB.
  • X 12 is Ala.
  • X 12 is D-Ala.
  • X 12 is PipAla.
  • X 12 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 12 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 12 is N-Phenethyl- Gly. In some embodiments, X 12 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 12 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 12 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 12 is Val. In some embodiments, X 12 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 12 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 12 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 12 is Met. In some embodiments, X 12 is Phe.
  • X 12 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 12 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 12 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 12 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 12 is D- Trp. [0560] In some embodiments, X 12 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 12 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 12 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 12 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 12 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, or Gly.
  • X 13 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising an electrically side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 13 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 13 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 13 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 13 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically side chain, or derivative thereof.
  • X 13 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically side chain. [0589] In some embodiments, X 13 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising an electrically side chain. [0590] In some embodiments, X 13 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, hArg(Et) 2 , Asp, Glu, His, Hyp(4- OH), Lys, Lys-palm, Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Gln, Ser, or Thr. [0591] In some embodiments, X 13 is Arg. In some embodiments, X 13 is hArg. In some embodiments, X 13 is D-hArg.
  • X 13 is hArg(Et) 2 . In some embodiments, X 13 is Asp. In some embodiments, X 13 is Glu. In some embodiments, X 13 is His. In some embodiments, X 13 is Hyp(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 13 is Lys. In some embodiments, X 13 is Lys-palm. In some embodiments, X 13 is Asn. In some embodiments, X 13 is D-Asn. In some embodiments, X 13 is N-Me-Asn. In some embodiments, X 13 is Gln. In some embodiments, X 13 is Ser. In some embodiments, X 13 is Thr.
  • X 13 is Arg, hArg(Et) 2 , or Ser.
  • X 14 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 14 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 14 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 14 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 14 is AIB.
  • X 14 is Ala.
  • X 14 is D-Ala.
  • X 14 is PipAla.
  • X 14 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 14 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 14 is N-Phenethyl- Gly. In some embodiments, X 14 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 14 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 14 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 14 is Val. In some embodiments, X 14 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 14 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 14 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 14 is Met. In some embodiments, X 14 is Phe.
  • X 14 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 14 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 14 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 14 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 14 is D- Trp. [0599] In some embodiments, X 14 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 14 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 14 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 14 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 14 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, or Gly.
  • X 15 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0623] In some embodiments, X 15 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0624] In some embodiments, X 15 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0625] In some embodiments, X 15 is Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Gln, Ser, or Thr. [0626] In some embodiments, X 15 is Asn. In some embodiments, X 15 is D-Asn. In some embodiments, X 15 is N-Me-Asn.
  • X 15 is Gln. In some embodiments, X 15 is Ser. In some embodiments, X 15 is Thr. [0627] In some embodiments, X 15 is Asn or D-Asn. In some embodiments, X 16 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0628] In some embodiments, X 16 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0629] In some embodiments, X 16 is an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain.
  • X 16 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain.
  • X 16 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 16 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 16 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain.
  • X 16 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 16 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 16 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 16 is Arg, hArg, D-hArg, hArg(Et)2, Asp, Glu, His, Hyp(4- OH), Lys, hLys, or Lys-palm.
  • X 16 is Arg.
  • X 16 is hArg.
  • X 16 is D-Arg.
  • X 16 is hArg(Et) 2 .
  • X 16 is Asp.
  • X 16 is Glu.
  • X 16 is His.
  • X 16 is Hyp(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 16 is Lys. In some embodiments, X 16 is hLys. In some embodiments, X 16 is Lys-palm. [0639] In some embodiments, X 16 is His or Hyp(4-OH). [0640] In some embodiments, X 17 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0641] In some embodiments, X 17 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0642] In some embodiments, X 17 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 17 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 17 is AIB.
  • X 17 is Ala.
  • X 17 is D-Ala.
  • X 17 is PipAla.
  • X 17 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 17 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 17 is N-Phenethyl- Gly. In some embodiments, X 17 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 17 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 17 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 17 is Val. In some embodiments, X 17 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 17 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 17 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 17 is Met. In some embodiments, X 17 is Phe.
  • X 17 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 17 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 17 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 17 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 17 is D- Trp. [0647] In some embodiments, X 17 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 17 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 17 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 17 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 17 is Ala or Gly.
  • X 18 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 18 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 18 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 18 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -
  • X 18 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 18 is AIB.
  • X 18 is Ala.
  • X 18 is D-Ala.
  • X 18 is PipAla.
  • X 18 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 18 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 18 is N-Phenethyl- Gly. In some embodiments, X 18 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 18 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 18 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 18 is Val. In some embodiments, X 18 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 18 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 18 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 18 is Met. In some embodiments, X 18 is Phe.
  • X 18 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 18 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 18 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 18 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 18 is D- Trp. [0677] In some embodiments, X 18 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 18 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 18 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 18 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 18 is Ala or Phg.
  • X 19 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 19 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 19 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 19 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -
  • X 19 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 19 is AIB.
  • X 19 is Ala.
  • X 19 is D-Ala.
  • X 19 is PipAla.
  • X 19 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 19 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 19 is N-Phenethyl- Gly. In some embodiments, X 19 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 19 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 19 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 19 is Val. In some embodiments, X 19 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 19 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 19 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 19 is Met. In some embodiments, X 19 is Phe.
  • X 19 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 19 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 19 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 19 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 19 is D- Trp. [0707] In some embodiments, X 19 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 19 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 19 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 19 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 19 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 20 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 20 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 20 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2
  • X 20 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 20 is AIB.
  • X 20 is Ala.
  • X 20 is D-Ala.
  • X 20 is PipAla.
  • X 20 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 20 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 20 is N-Phenethyl- Gly. In some embodiments, X 20 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 20 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 20 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 20 is Val. In some embodiments, X 20 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 20 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 20 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 20 is Met. In some embodiments, X 20 is Phe.
  • X 20 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 20 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 20 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 20 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 20 is D- Trp. [0736] In some embodiments, X 20 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 20 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 20 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 20 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 20 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 21 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 21 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 21 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2
  • X 21 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N- Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, D- Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp.
  • X 21 is AIB.
  • X 21 is Ala.
  • X 21 is D-Ala.
  • X 21 is PipAla.
  • X 21 is Phg. In some embodiments, X 21 is Phg(4-OH). In some embodiments, X 21 is N-Phenethyl- Gly. In some embodiments, X 21 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 21 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly. In some embodiments, X 21 is Gly. In some embodiments, X 21 is Val. In some embodiments, X 21 is Ile. In some embodiments, X 21 is Leu. In some embodiments, X 21 is D-Leu. In some embodiments, X 21 is Met. In some embodiments, X 21 is Phe.
  • X 21 is hPhe. In some embodiments, X 21 is Pro. In some embodiments, X 21 is Tyr. In some embodiments, X 21 is Trp. In some embodiments, X 21 is D- Trp. [0765] In some embodiments, X 21 is Gly or a Gly derivative.
  • X 21 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Gly, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2- yl-ethyl)-Gly, or N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly.
  • X 21 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Phg, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Phg(4-OH), wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 - C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is N-Phenethyl-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), - N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is hPhe, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 21 is D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 21 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 22 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof.
  • X 22 is an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0789] In some embodiments, X 22 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain. [0790] In some embodiments, X 22 is Asn, D-Asn, N-Me-Asn, Gln, Ser, or Thr. [0791] In some embodiments, X 22 is Asn. In some embodiments, X 22 is D-Asn. In some embodiments, X 22 is N-Me-Asn. In some embodiments, X 22 is Gln. In some embodiments, X 22 is Ser. In some embodiments, X 22 is Thr.
  • X 23 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof. [0793] In some embodiments, X 23 is an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain. [0794] In some embodiments, X 23 is a derivative of an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain.
  • X 23 is 2-AOC, 2-AHP, ⁇ -Me-NLE, NLE, NVA, Phe, or Phe(3-Br), wherein the phenyl of X 23 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 23 is 2-AOC.
  • X 23 is 2-AHP.
  • X 23 is ⁇ -Me-NLE. In some embodiments, X 23 is NLE. [0797] In some embodiments, X 23 is NVA. [0798] In some embodiments, X 23 is Phe or a Phe derivative. [0799] In some embodiments, X 23 is Phe.
  • X 23 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 23 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 23 is Phe, wherein the phenyl of X 23 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 23 is a Phe derivative.
  • X 23 is Phe(3-Br).
  • X 23 is Phe(3-Br), wherein the phenyl of X 23 is optionally substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • X 23 is Phe(3-Br), wherein the phenyl of X 23 is substituted with halo, -OH, -O(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -CN, -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 -C 6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 , C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • the peptide is of SEQ ID NO: 5: (SEQ ID NO: 5), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof.
  • the peptide is selected from the peptides described in Table 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. [0808] In some embodiments, the peptide is selected from the peptides described in Table 1. In some embodiments, the peptide is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any one of the peptides described in Table 1.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide being an isotopic derivative (e.g., isotopically labeled peptide) of any one of the peptides of the Formulae disclosed herein.
  • the peptide is an isotopic derivative of any one of the peptides described in Table 1 and prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
  • the peptide is an isotopic derivative of any one of the peptides described in Table 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
  • the peptide is an isotopic derivative of any one of prodrugs of the peptides described in Table 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
  • the peptide is an isotopic derivative of any one of the peptide described in Table 1.
  • the isotopic derivative can be prepared using any of a variety of art-recognised techniques.
  • the isotopic derivative can generally be prepared by carrying out the procedures disclosed in the Examples described herein, by substituting an isotopically labeled reagent for a non-isotopically labeled reagent.
  • the isotopic derivative is a deuterium labeled peptide.
  • the isotopic derivative is a deuterium labeled peptide of any one of the peptides of the Formulae disclosed herein.
  • isotopic derivative refers to a derivative of a peptide in which one or more atoms are isotopically enriched or labelled.
  • an isotopic derivative of a peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 is isotopically enriched with regard to, or labelled with, one or more isotopes as compared to the corresponding peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.
  • the isotopic derivative is enriched with regard to, or labelled with, one or more atoms selected from 2 H, 13 C, 14 C, 15 N, 18 O, 29 Si, 31 P, and 34 S.
  • the isotopic derivative is a deuterium labeled peptide (i.e., being enriched with 2 H with regard to one or more atoms thereof).
  • the peptide is a 18 F labeled peptide.
  • the peptide is a 123 I labeled peptide, a 124 I labeled peptide, a 125 I labeled peptide, a 129 I labeled peptide, a 131 I labeled peptide, a 135 I labeled peptide, or any combination thereof.
  • the peptide is a 33 S labeled peptide, a 34 S labeled peptide, a 35 S labeled peptide, a 36 S labeled peptide, or any combination thereof.
  • the 18 F, 123 I, 124 I, 125 I, 129 I, 131 I, 135 I, 32 S, 34 S, 35 S, and/or 36 S labeled peptide can be prepared using any of a variety of art-recognised techniques.
  • the deuterium labeled peptide can generally be prepared by carrying out the procedures disclosed in the Examples described herein, by substituting a 18 F, 123 I, 124 I, 125 I, 129 I, 131 I, 135 I, 3 S, 34 S, 35 S, and/or 36 S labeled reagent for a non-isotope labeled reagent.
  • a peptide of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof that contains one or more of the aforementioned 18 F, 123 I, 124 I, 125 I, 129 I, 131 I, 135 I, 32 S, 34 S, 35 S, and 36 S atom(s) is within the scope of the invention.
  • substitution with isotope may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, e.g., increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements.
  • the various functional groups and substituents making up the peptides of the SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 are typically chosen such that the molecular weight of the peptide does not exceed 1000 daltons. More usually, the molecular weight of the peptide will be less than 900, for example less than 800, or less than 750, or less than 700, or less than 650 daltons. More conveniently, the molecular weight is less than 600 and, for example, is 550 daltons or less.
  • a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a peptide of the disclosure is, for example, an acid-addition salt of a peptide of the disclosure which is sufficiently basic, for example, an acid-addition salt with, for example, an inorganic organic acid, for example hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, trifluoroacetic, formic, citric methane sulfonate or maleic acid.
  • an inorganic organic acid for example hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, trifluoroacetic, formic, citric methane sulfonate or maleic acid.
  • a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a peptide of the disclosure which is sufficiently acidic is an alkali metal salt, for example a sodium or potassium salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, for example a calcium or magnesium salt, an ammonium salt or a salt with an organic base which affords a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, for example a salt with methylamine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, trimethylamine, piperidine, morpholine or tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine.
  • an alkali metal salt for example a sodium or potassium salt
  • an alkaline earth metal salt for example a calcium or magnesium salt
  • an ammonium salt or a salt with an organic base which affords a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, for example a salt with methylamine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, trimethylamine, piperidine, morpholine or tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine.
  • peptides disclosed herein may be presented in one particular configuration. Such particular configuration is not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to one or another isomer, tautomer, regioisomer or stereoisomer, nor does it exclude mixtures of isomers, tautomers, regioisomers or stereoisomers.
  • the presentation of a peptide herein in a particular configuration intends to encompass, and to refer to, each of the available isomers, tautomers, regioisomers, and stereoisomers of the peptide, or any mixture thereof; while the presentation further intends to refer to the specific configuration of the peptide.
  • peptides disclosed herein may be presented without specified configuration (e.g., without specified stereochemistry). Such presentation intends to encompass all available isomers, tautomers, regioisomers, and stereoisomers of the peptide. In some embodiments, the presentation of a peptide herein without specified configuration intends to refer to each of the available isomers, tautomers, regioisomers, and stereoisomers of the peptide, or any mixture thereof.
  • the term “isomerism” means peptides that have identical molecular formulae but differ in the sequence of bonding of their atoms or in the arrangement of their atoms in space.
  • stereoisomers that differ in the arrangement of their atoms in space are termed “stereoisomers.” Stereoisomers that are not mirror images of one another are termed “diastereoisomers,” and stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other are termed “enantiomers” or sometimes optical isomers. A mixture containing equal amounts of individual enantiomeric forms of opposite chirality is termed a “racemic mixture.” [0827] As used herein, the term “chiral centre” refers to a carbon atom bonded to four nonidentical substituents. [0828] As used herein, the term “chiral isomer” means a peptide with at least one chiral centre.
  • Peptides with more than one chiral centre may exist either as an individual diastereomer or as a mixture of diastereomers, termed “diastereomeric mixture.”
  • a stereoisomer may be characterised by the absolute configuration (R or S) of that chiral centre.
  • Absolute configuration refers to the arrangement in space of the substituents attached to the chiral centre.
  • the substituents attached to the chiral centre under consideration are ranked in accordance with the Sequence Rule of Cahn, Ingold and Prelog. (Cahn et al., Angew. Chem. Inter. Edit.1966, 5, 385; errata 511; Cahn et al., Angew.
  • the term “geometric isomer” means the diastereomers that owe their existence to hindered rotation about double bonds or a cycloalkyl linker (e.g., 1,3-cyclobutyl).
  • atropic isomers are a type of stereoisomer in which the atoms of two isomers are arranged differently in space. Atropic isomers owe their existence to a restricted rotation caused by hindrance of rotation of large groups about a central bond. Such atropic isomers typically exist as a mixture, however as a result of recent advances in chromatography techniques, it has been possible to separate mixtures of two atropic isomers in select cases.
  • tautomer is one of two or more structural isomers that exist in equilibrium and is readily converted from one isomeric form to another. This conversion results in the formal migration of a hydrogen atom accompanied by a switch of adjacent conjugated double bonds. Tautomers exist as a mixture of a tautomeric set in solution. In solutions where tautomerisation is possible, a chemical equilibrium of the tautomers will be reached. The exact ratio of the tautomers depends on several factors, including temperature, solvent and pH. The concept of tautomers that are interconvertible by tautomerisations is called tautomerism. Of the various types of tautomerism that are possible, two are commonly observed.
  • An enantiomer can be characterised by the absolute configuration of its asymmetric centre and is described by the R- and S-sequencing rules of Cahn and Prelog, or by the manner in which the molecule rotates the plane of polarised light and designated as dextrorotatory or levorotatory (i.e., as (+) or (-)-isomers respectively).
  • a chiral peptide can exist as either individual enantiomer or as a mixture thereof. A mixture containing equal proportions of the enantiomers is called a “racemic mixture”.
  • the peptides of this disclosure may possess one or more asymmetric centres; such peptides can therefore be produced as individual (R)- or (S)-stereoisomers or as mixtures thereof. Unless indicated otherwise, the description or naming of a particular peptide in the specification and claims is intended to include both individual enantiomers and mixtures, racemic or otherwise, thereof.
  • the methods for the determination of stereochemistry and the separation of stereoisomers are well-known in the art (see discussion in Chapter 4 of “Advanced Organic Chemistry”, 4th edition J. March, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 2001), for example by synthesis from optically active starting materials or by resolution of a racemic form.
  • peptides of the disclosure may have geometric isomeric centres (E- and Z- isomers). It is to be understood that the present disclosure encompasses all optical, diastereoisomers and geometric isomers and mixtures thereof that possess inflammasome inhibitory activity. [0837] The present disclosure also encompasses peptides of the disclosure as defined herein which comprise one or more isotopic substitutions. [0838] It is to be understood that the peptides of any sequences described herein include the peptides themselves, as well as their salts, and their solvates, if applicable. A salt, for example, can be formed between an anion and a positively charged group (e.g., amino) on a substituted peptide disclosed herein.
  • a salt for example, can be formed between an anion and a positively charged group (e.g., amino) on a substituted peptide disclosed herein.
  • Suitable anions include chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, sulfamate, nitrate, phosphate, citrate, methanesulfonate, trifluoroacetate, glutamate, glucuronate, glutarate, malate, maleate, succinate, fumarate, tartrate, tosylate, salicylate, lactate, naphthalenesulfonate, and acetate (e.g., trifluoroacetate).
  • pharmaceutically acceptable anion refers to an anion suitable for forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
  • a salt can also be formed between a cation and a negatively charged group (e.g., carboxylate) on a substituted peptide disclosed herein.
  • Suitable cations include sodium ion, potassium ion, magnesium ion, calcium ion, and an ammonium cation such as tetramethylammonium ion or diethylamine ion.
  • the substituted peptides disclosed herein also include those salts containing quaternary nitrogen atoms.
  • the peptides of the present disclosure for example, the salts of the peptides, can exist in either hydrated or unhydrated (the anhydrous) form or as solvates with other solvent molecules.
  • Nonlimiting examples of hydrates include monohydrates, dihydrates, etc.
  • Nonlimiting examples of solvates include ethanol solvates, acetone solvates, etc.
  • the term “solvate” means solvent addition forms that contain either stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric amounts of solvent. Some peptides have a tendency to trap a fixed molar ratio of solvent molecules in the crystalline solid state, thus forming a solvate. If the solvent is water the solvate formed is a hydrate; and if the solvent is alcohol, the solvate formed is an alcoholate. Hydrates are formed by the combination of one or more molecules of water with one molecule of the substance in which the water retains its molecular state as H 2 O.
  • analog refers to a chemical peptide that is structurally similar to another but differs slightly in composition (as in the replacement of one atom by an atom of a different element or in the presence of a particular functional group, or the replacement of one functional group by another functional group). Thus, an analog is a peptide that is similar or comparable in function and appearance, but not in structure origin to the reference peptide.
  • derivative refers to peptides that have a common core structure and are substituted with various groups as described herein.
  • bioisostere refers to a peptide resulting from the exchange of an atom or of a group of atoms with another, broadly similar, atom or group of atoms.
  • the objective of a bioisosteric replacement is to create a new peptide with similar biological properties to the parent peptide.
  • the bioisosteric replacement may be physicochemically or topologically based.
  • Examples of carboxylic acid bioisosteres include, but are not limited to, acyl sulfonamides, tetrazoles, sulfonates and phosphonates. See, e.g., Patani and LaVoie, Chem.
  • certain peptides of any one of the sequences disclosed herein may exist in solvated as well as unsolvated forms such as, for example, hydrated forms.
  • a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable solvate is, for example, a hydrate such as hemi-hydrate, a mono-hydrate, a di-hydrate or a tri-hydrate. It is to be understood that the disclosure encompasses all such solvated forms that possess inflammasome inhibitory activity.
  • certain peptides of any one of the sequences disclosed herein may exhibit polymorphism, and that the disclosure encompasses all such forms, or mixtures thereof, which possess inflammasome inhibitory activity.
  • crystalline materials may be analysed using conventional techniques such as X-Ray Powder Diffraction analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, solution and/or solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
  • DRIFT Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform
  • NIR Near Infrared
  • solution and/or solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy The water content of such crystalline materials may be determined by Karl Fischer analysis.
  • Peptides of any one of the sequences disclosed herein may exist in a number of different tautomeric forms and references to peptides of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 include all such forms.
  • tautomeric forms include keto-, enol-, and enolate-forms, as in, for example, the following tautomeric pairs: keto/enol (illustrated below), imine/enamine, amide/imino alcohol, amidine/amidine, nitroso/oxime, thioketone/enethiol, and nitro/aci-nitro.
  • keto enol enolate Peptides of any one of the sequences disclosed herein containing an amine function may also form N-oxides.
  • a reference herein to a peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 that contains an amine function also includes the N-oxide.
  • one or more than one nitrogen atom may be oxidised to form an N-oxide.
  • Particular examples of N-oxides are the N-oxides of a tertiary amine or a nitrogen atom of a nitrogen-containing heterocycle.
  • N-oxides can be formed by treatment of the corresponding amine with an oxidising agent such as hydrogen peroxide or a peracid (e.g. a peroxycarboxylic acid), see for example Advanced Organic Chemistry, by Jerry March, 4th Edition, Wiley Interscience, pages. More particularly, N-oxides can be made by the procedure of L. W. Deady (Syn. Comm. 1977, 7, 509-514) in which the amine peptide is reacted with meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA), for example, in an inert solvent such as dichloromethane.
  • mCPBA meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid
  • the peptides of any one of the sequences disclosed herein may be administered in the form of a prodrug which is broken down in the human or animal body to release a peptide of the disclosure.
  • a prodrug may be used to alter the physical properties and/or the pharmacokinetic properties of a peptide of the disclosure.
  • a prodrug can be formed when the peptide of the disclosure contains a suitable group or substituent to which a property-modifying group can be attached.
  • Examples of prodrugs include derivatives containing in vivo cleavable alkyl or acyl substituents at the ester or amide group in any one of the Formulae disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure includes those peptides of any one of the sequences disclosed herein as defined hereinbefore when made available by organic synthesis and when made available within the human or animal body by way of cleavage of a prodrug thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure includes those peptides of any one of the sequences disclosed herein that are produced by organic synthetic means and also such peptides that are produced in the human or animal body by way of metabolism of a precursor peptide, that is a peptide of any one of the sequences disclosed herein may be a synthetically-produced peptide or a metabolically-produced peptide.
  • a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug of a peptide of any one of the sequences disclosed herein is one that is based on reasonable medical judgment as being suitable for administration to the human or animal body without undesirable pharmacological activities and without undue toxicity.
  • Various forms of prodrug have been described, for example in the following documents: a) Methods in Enzymology, Vol.42, p.309-396, edited by K. Widder, et al. (Academic Press, 1985); b) Design of Pro-drugs, edited by H. Bundgaard, (Elsevier, 1985); c) A Textbook of Drug Design and Development, edited by Krogsgaard- Larsen and H.
  • Bundgaard Chapter 5 “Design and Application of Pro-drugs”, by H. Bundgaard p.113-191 (1991); d) H. Bundgaard, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 8, 1-38 (1992); e) H. Bundgaard, et al., Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 77, 285 (1988); f) N. Kakeya, et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 32, 692 (1984); g) T. Higuchi and V. Stella, “Pro-Drugs as Novel Delivery Systems”, A.C.S. Symposium Series, Volume 14; and h) E. Roche (editor), “Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design”, Pergamon Press, 1987.
  • a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug of a peptide of any one of the sequences disclosed herein that possesses a hydroxy group is, for example, an in vivo cleavable ester or ether thereof.
  • An in vivo cleavable ester or ether of a peptide of any one of the sequences disclosed herein containing a hydroxy group is, for example, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester or ether which is cleaved in the human or animal body to produce the parent hydroxy peptide.
  • Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable ester forming groups for a hydroxy group include inorganic esters such as phosphate esters (including phosphoramidic cyclic esters).
  • ester forming groups for a hydroxy group include C 1 -C 10 alkanoyl groups such as acetyl, benzoyl, phenylacetyl and substituted benzoyl and phenylacetyl groups, C 1 -C 10 alkoxycarbonyl groups such as ethoxycarbonyl, N,N-(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, 2-dialkylaminoacetyl and 2-carboxyacetyl groups.
  • C 1 -C 10 alkanoyl groups such as acetyl, benzoyl, phenylacetyl and substituted benzoyl and phenylacetyl groups
  • C 1 -C 10 alkoxycarbonyl groups such as ethoxycarbonyl, N,N-(C 1 -C 6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, 2-dialkylaminoacetyl and 2-carboxyacetyl groups.
  • Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable ether forming groups for a hydroxy group include ⁇ -acyloxyalkyl groups such as acetoxymethyl and pivaloyloxymethyl groups.
  • a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug of a peptide of any one of the sequences disclosed herein that possesses a carboxy group is, for example, an in vivo cleavable amide thereof, for example an amide formed with an amine such as ammonia, a C 1-4 alkylamine such as methylamine, a (C1-C4 alkyl)2amine such as dimethylamine, N-ethyl-N-methylamine or diethylamine, a C 1 -C 4 alkoxy-C 2 -C 4 alkylamine such as 2-methoxyethylamine, a phenyl-C 1 - C 4 alkylamine such as benzylamine and amino acids such as glycine or an ester thereof.
  • an amine such as ammonia
  • a C 1-4 alkylamine such as methylamine
  • a (C1-C4 alkyl)2amine such as dimethylamine, N-ethyl-N-methylamine or die
  • a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug of a peptide of any one of the sequences disclosed herein that possesses an amino group is, for example, an in vivo cleavable amide derivative thereof.
  • Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable amides from an amino group include, for example an amide formed with C 1 -C 10 alkanoyl groups such as an acetyl, benzoyl, phenylacetyl and substituted benzoyl and phenylacetyl groups.
  • ring substituents on the phenylacetyl and benzoyl groups include aminomethyl, N-alkylaminomethyl, N,N- dialkylaminomethyl,morpholinomethyl,piperazin-1-ylmethyl and 4-(C 1 -C 4 alkyl)piperazin-1- ylmethyl.
  • the in vivo effects of a peptide of any one of the sequences disclosed herein may also be exerted by way of metabolism of a precursor peptide (a prodrug).
  • the present disclosure excludes any individual peptides not possessing the biological activity defined herein.
  • Methods of Synthesis [0857] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing a peptide of the present disclosure. [0858] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing a peptide, comprising one or more steps as described herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide obtainable by, or obtained by, or directly obtained by a method for preparing a peptide as described herein.
  • the present disclosure provides an intermediate as described herein, being suitable for use in a method for preparing a peptide as described herein.
  • the peptides of the present disclosure can be prepared by any suitable technique known in the art. Particular processes for the preparation of these peptides are described further in the accompanying examples.
  • protecting groups see one of the many general texts on the subject, for example, ‘Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis’ by Theodora Green (publisher: John Wiley & Sons).
  • Protecting groups may be removed by any convenient method described in the literature or known to the skilled chemist as appropriate for the removal of the protecting group in question, such methods being chosen so as to effect removal of the protecting group with the minimum disturbance of groups elsewhere in the molecule.
  • reactants include, for example, groups such as amino, carboxy or hydroxy it may be desirable to protect the group in some of the reactions mentioned herein.
  • a suitable protecting group for an amino or alkylamino group is, for example, an acyl group, for example an alkanoyl group such as acetyl, an alkoxycarbonyl group, for example a methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, or t-butoxycarbonyl group, an arylmethoxycarbonyl group, for example benzyloxycarbonyl, or an aroyl group, for example benzoyl.
  • the deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group.
  • an acyl group such as an alkanoyl or alkoxycarbonyl group or an aroyl group may be removed by, for example, hydrolysis with a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example lithium or sodium hydroxide.
  • a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example lithium or sodium hydroxide.
  • an acyl group such as a tert-butoxycarbonyl group may be removed, for example, by treatment with a suitable acid as hydrochloric, sulfuric or phosphoric acid or trifluoroacetic acid and an arylmethoxycarbonyl group such as a benzyloxycarbonyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium on carbon, or by treatment with a Lewis acid for example boron tris(trifluoroacetate).
  • a suitable alternative protecting group for a primary amino group is, for example, a phthaloyl group which may be removed by treatment with an alkylamine, for example dimethylaminopropylamine, or with hydrazine.
  • a suitable protecting group for a hydroxy group is, for example, an acyl group, for example an alkanoyl group such as acetyl, an aroyl group, for example benzoyl, or an arylmethyl group, for example benzyl.
  • the deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups will necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group.
  • an acyl group such as an alkanoyl or an aroyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example lithium, sodium hydroxide or ammonia.
  • an arylmethyl group such as a benzyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium on carbon.
  • a suitable protecting group for a carboxy group is, for example, an esterifying group, for example a methyl or an ethyl group which may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with a base such as sodium hydroxide, or for example a tert-butyl group which may be removed, for example, by treatment with an acid, for example an organic acid such as trifluoroacetic acid, or for example a benzyl group which may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium on carbon.
  • the processes may then further comprise the additional steps of: (i) removing any protecting groups present; (ii) converting the peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 into another peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3; (iii) forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate or solvate thereof; and/or (iv) forming a prodrug thereof.
  • the resultant peptides of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 can be isolated and purified using techniques well known in the art. [0870] Conveniently, the reaction of the peptides is carried out in the presence of a suitable solvent, which is preferably inert under the respective reaction conditions.
  • suitable solvents comprise but are not limited to hydrocarbons, such as hexane, petroleum ether, benzene, toluene or xylene; chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as trichlorethylene, 1,2- dichloroethane, tetrachloromethane, chloroform or dichloromethane; alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, n-butanol or tert-butanol; ethers, such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, cyclopentylmethyl ether (CPME), methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or dioxane; glycol ethers, such as ethylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether or ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme); ketones, such as acetone,
  • reaction temperature is suitably between about -100 °C and 300 °C, depending on the reaction step and the conditions used.
  • Reaction times are generally in the range between a fraction of a minute and several days, depending on the reactivity of the respective peptides and the respective reaction conditions. Suitable reaction times are readily determinable by methods known in the art, for example reaction monitoring. Based on the reaction temperatures given above, suitable reaction times generally lie in the range between 10 minutes and 48 hours.
  • additional peptides of the present disclosure can be readily prepared.
  • peptides of the present disclosure are readily accessible by various synthetic routes, some of which are exemplified in the accompanying examples.
  • the synthetic route is solid phase peptide synthesis.
  • the skilled person will easily recognise which kind of reagents and reactions conditions are to be used and how they are to be applied and adapted in any particular instance – wherever necessary or useful – in order to obtain the peptides of the present disclosure.
  • peptides of the present disclosure can readily be synthesised by reacting other peptides of the present disclosure under suitable conditions, for instance, by converting one particular functional group being present in a peptide of the present disclosure, or a suitable precursor molecule thereof, into another one by applying standard synthetic methods, like reduction, oxidation, addition or substitution reactions; those methods are well known to the skilled person.
  • suitable protecting groups as well as methods for introducing and removing them are well-known to the person skilled in the art of chemical synthesis and are described, in more detail, in, e.g., P.G.M. Wuts, T.W.
  • peptide stapling is utilized in the synthesis of the peptides of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, stapling is carried out by covalently linking the side-chains of two amino acids, thereby forming a peptide macrocycle.
  • Biological Assays Peptides designed, selected and/or optimised by methods described above, once produced, can be characterised using a variety of assays known to those skilled in the art to determine whether the peptides have biological activity.
  • the molecules can be characterised by conventional assays, including but not limited to those assays described below, to determine whether they have a predicted activity, binding activity and/or binding specificity.
  • high-throughput screening can be used to speed up analysis using such assays. As a result, it can be possible to rapidly screen the molecules described herein for activity, using techniques known in the art. General methodologies for performing high- throughput screening are described, for example, in Devlin (1998) High Throughput Screening, Marcel Dekker; and U.S. Patent No.5,763,263. High-throughput assays can use one or more different assay techniques including, but not limited to, those described below.
  • in vitro or in vivo biological assays are may be suitable for detecting the effect of the peptides of the present disclosure.
  • These in vitro or in vivo biological assays can include, but are not limited to, enzymatic activity assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, reporter gene assays, in vitro cell viability assays, and the assays described herein.
  • enzymatic activity assays can include, but are not limited to, enzymatic activity assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, reporter gene assays, in vitro cell viability assays, and the assays described herein.
  • the orexin peptides A and B may be cleaved from a single precursor molecule (prepro-orexin) that is produced exclusively in the lateral hypothalamus. Both orexin peptides bind with similar high affinity to OX2R, but the orexin-1 receptor (OX1R) may be preferentially bound by OXA. Postsynaptic excitation of these G-protein coupled orexin receptors may stimulate the release of monoaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmitters that promote wakefulness and inhibitory neurotransmitters that suppress REM sleep atonia.
  • Assays to detect compound interaction or modulation of the human orexin-2 receptor may comprise ligand binding assays, competitive binding/inhibition assays, and/or functional assays that measure the receptor response to the ligand.
  • the term “agonist” refers to any molecule that partially or fully initiates, promotes, induces, increases, and/or activates a biological activity of a native polypeptide disclosed herein (e.g., OXR1 or OXR2). Suitable agonist molecules specifically include agonist peptides or peptide fragments, fragments or amino acid sequence variants of native polypeptides, peptides, small organic molecules, etc.
  • the measured signal (e.g., fluorescence) is at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% higher than the signal measured with a negative control under comparable conditions.
  • the measured signal (e.g., fluorescence) is at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% higher than the signal measured with orexin B under comparable conditions.
  • the measured signal e.g., fluorescence
  • the measured signal is at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%
  • these methods include, but are not limited to, binding assays such as competitive inhibition assays and calcium release assays. These assays determine the ability of an agonist to bind the polypeptide of interest (e.g., a receptor or ligand, e.g., OXR2) and therefore indicate the ability of the agonist to promote, increase or activate the activity of the polypeptide or receptor.
  • Efficacy of an agonist can also be determined using functional assays, such as the ability of an agonist to activate or promote the function of the polypeptide.
  • a functional assay may comprise contacting a polypeptide with a candidate agonist molecule and measuring a detectable change in one or more biological activities normally associated with the polypeptide.
  • the assays use cells stably expressing either human orexin type 2 or human orexin type 1 receptor.
  • the cells are obtained by inserting the Orexin receptor cDNA into pcDNA3.1(+) plasmid vector, identifying clones by G418 drug resistance selection, and/or growing a single clone for OX2R-CHO and OX1R- CHO in bulk.
  • the assay is detected using Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader TETRA (FLIPR TETRA: manufactured by Molecular Devices).
  • the agonist activity of the test peptide is calculated assuming that the fluorescence value of the well containing only the dilution buffer is 0 % and the fluorescence value of the well containing 10 nM human orexin B (Tocris) buffer is 100 %.
  • the biological assay is described in the Examples herein.
  • Pharmaceutical Compositions [0886] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide of the present disclosure as an active ingredient.
  • the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one peptide of each of the formulae described herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.
  • the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one peptide selected from Table 1. [0887]
  • the term “composition” is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.
  • the peptides of present disclosure can be formulated for oral administration in forms such as tablets, capsules (each of which includes sustained release or timed release formulations), pills, powders, granules, elixirs, tinctures, suspensions, syrups and emulsions.
  • the peptides of present disclosure can also be formulated for intravenous (bolus or in- fusion), intraperitoneal, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular or transdermal (e.g., patch) administration, all using forms well known to those of ordinary skill in the pharmaceutical arts.
  • the formulation of the present disclosure may be in the form of an aqueous solution comprising an aqueous vehicle.
  • the aqueous vehicle component may comprise water and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • suitable acceptable excipients include those selected from the group consisting of a solubility enhancing agent, chelating agent, preservative, tonicity agent, viscosity/suspending agent, buffer, and pH modifying agent, and a mixture thereof. [0890] Any suitable solubility enhancing agent can be used.
  • solubility enhancing agent examples include cyclodextrin, such as those selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, methyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, randomly methylated- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, ethylated- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, triacetyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, peracetylated- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, carboxymethyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxy-3- (trimethylammonio)propyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, glucosyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, sulfated ⁇ -cyclodextrin (S- ⁇ -CD), maltosyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, ⁇ -cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether, branched- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, hydroxy
  • Any suitable chelating agent can be used.
  • a suitable chelating agent include those selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and metal salts thereof, disodium edetate, trisodium edetate, and tetrasodium edetate, and mixtures thereof.
  • Any suitable preservative can be used.
  • Examples of a preservative include those selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts such as benzalkonium halides (preferably benzalkonium chloride), chlorhexidine gluconate, benzethonium chloride, cetyl pyridinium chloride, benzyl bromide, phenylmercury nitrate, phenylmercury acetate, phenylmercury neodecanoate, merthiolate, methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propylaminopropyl biguanide, and butyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, and sorbic acid, and mixtures thereof.
  • quaternary ammonium salts such as benzalkonium halides (preferably benzalkonium chloride), chlorhexidine gluconate, benzethon
  • the aqueous vehicle may also include a tonicity agent to adjust the tonicity (osmotic pressure).
  • the tonicity agent can be selected from the group consisting of a glycol (such as propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol), glycerol, dextrose, glycerin, mannitol, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride, and a mixture thereof.
  • the aqueous vehicle may also contain a viscosity/suspending agent.
  • Suitable viscosity/suspending agents include those selected from the group consisting of cellulose derivatives, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethylene glycols (such as polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400), carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, and cross-linked acrylic acid polymers (carbomers), such as polymers of acrylic acid cross-linked with polyalkenyl ethers or divinyl glycol (Carbopols - such as Carbopol 934, Carbopol 934P, Carbopol 971, Carbopol 974 and Carbopol 974P), and a mixture thereof.
  • cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose
  • polyethylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400
  • carboxymethyl cellulose such as polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400
  • carboxymethyl cellulose such as polyethylene
  • the formulation may contain a pH modifying agent.
  • the pH modifying agent is typically a mineral acid or metal hydroxide base, selected from the group of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid, and mixtures thereof, and preferably sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid.
  • the aqueous vehicle may also contain a buffering agent to stabilise the pH.
  • the buffer is selected from the group consisting of a phosphate buffer (such as sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate), a borate buffer (such as boric acid, or salts thereof including disodium tetraborate), a citrate buffer (such as citric acid, or salts thereof including sodium citrate), and ⁇ -aminocaproic acid, and mixtures thereof.
  • the formulation may further comprise a wetting agent.
  • Suitable classes of wetting agents include those selected from the group consisting of polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymers (poloxamers), polyethoxylated ethers of castor oils, polyoxyethylenated sorbitan esters (polysorbates), polymers of oxyethylated octyl phenol (Tyloxapol), polyoxyl 40 stearate, fatty acid glycol esters, fatty acid glyceryl esters, sucrose fatty esters, and polyoxyethylene fatty esters, and mixtures thereof.
  • Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an edible pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets.
  • the active peptide can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules.
  • Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash, wherein the peptide in the fluid carrier is applied orally and swished and expectorated or swallowed.
  • Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition.
  • the tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or peptides of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavouring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, orange flavoring.
  • a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin
  • an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch
  • a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes
  • a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide
  • composition which comprises a peptide of the disclosure as defined hereinbefore, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate or solvate thereof, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.
  • compositions of the disclosure may be in a form suitable for oral use (for example as tablets, lozenges, hard or soft capsules, aqueous or oily suspensions, emulsions, dispersible powders or granules, syrups or elixirs), for topical use (for example as creams, ointments, gels, or aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions), for administration by inhalation (for example as a finely divided powder or a liquid aerosol), for administration by insufflation (for example as a finely divided powder) or for parenteral administration (for example as a sterile aqueous or oily solution for intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intramuscular dosing or as a suppository for rectal dosing).
  • oral use for example as tablets, lozenges, hard or soft capsules, aqueous or oily suspensions, emulsions, dispersible powders or granules, syrups or
  • compositions of the disclosure may be obtained by conventional procedures using conventional pharmaceutical excipients, well known in the art.
  • compositions intended for oral use may contain, for example, one or more colouring, sweetening, flavouring and/or preservative agents.
  • An effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure for use in therapy is an amount sufficient to treat or prevent an inflammasome related condition referred to herein, slow its progression and/or reduce the symptoms associated with the condition.
  • An effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure for use in therapy is an amount sufficient to treat an inflammasome related condition referred to herein, slow its progression and/or reduce the symptoms associated with the condition.
  • the size of the dose for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes of a peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 will naturally vary according to the nature and severity of the conditions, the age and sex of the animal or patient and the route of administration, according to well-known principles of medicine.
  • Methods of Use [0905]
  • the present disclosure provides a method of modulating orexin receptor activity (e.g., in vitro or in vivo), comprising contacting a cell with an effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of modulating orexin-2 receptor activity (e.g., in vitro or in vivo), comprising contacting a cell with an effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder disclosed herein in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a disease or disorder disclosed herein in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the disease or disorder is associated with an implicated orexin receptor activity.
  • the disease or disorder is a disease or disorder in which orexin receptor activity is implicated.
  • the disease or disorder is associated with an implicated orexin- 2 receptor activity.
  • the disease or disorder is a disease or disorder in which orexin-2 receptor activity is implicated.
  • the disease or disorder is narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing narcolepsy in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a hypersomnia disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a symptom of a rare genetic disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a mental health disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a metabolic syndrome in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing osteoporosis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing cardiac failure in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing coma in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating narcolepsy in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a hypersomnia disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a symptom of a rare genetic disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a mental health disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a metabolic syndrome in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating osteoporosis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating cardiac failure in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating coma in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a method, use, or peptide or pharmaceutical composition for use of the peptide disclosed herein in combination with one or more additional therapy.
  • the one or more additional therapy is oral birth control.
  • the one or more additional therapy is administered for the treatment of excessive sleepiness.
  • the one or more additional therapy is administered for the treatment of comorbid indications.
  • the comorbid indication is depression.
  • the comorbid indication is a psychiatric disorder.
  • the comorbid indication is hypertension.
  • the comorbid indication is a metabolic disorder.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in modulating orexin receptor activity (e.g., in vitro or in vivo).
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in modulating orexin-2 receptor activity (e.g., in vitro or in vivo).
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing a disease or disorder disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating a disease or disorder disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing narcolepsy in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing a hypersomnia disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing a symptom of a rare genetic disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing a mental health disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing a metabolic syndrome in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing osteoporosis in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing cardiac failure in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing coma in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating or preventing a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating narcolepsy in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating a hypersomnia disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating a symptom of a rare genetic disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating a mental health disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating a metabolic syndrome in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating osteoporosis in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating cardiac failure in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating coma in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof for use in treating a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for modulating orexin activity (e.g., in vitro or in vivo).
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for modulating orexin-2 activity (e.g., in vitro or in vivo).
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease or disorder disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a disease or disorder disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing narcolepsy in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a hypersomnia disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom of a rare genetic disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a mental health disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a metabolic syndrome in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing osteoporosis in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing cardiac failure in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing coma in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating narcolepsy in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a hypersomnia disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a symptom of a rare genetic disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a mental health disorder in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a metabolic syndrome in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating osteoporosis in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating cardiac failure in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating coma in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a peptide of the present disclosure or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a complication in emergence from anesthesia in a subject in need thereof.
  • the present disclosure provides peptides that function as modulators of orexin receptor activity.
  • the peptides of the present disclosure are agonists of the orexin receptor.
  • the present disclosure provides peptides that function as modulators of orexin-2 receptor activity.
  • the peptides of the present disclosure are agonists of the orexin- 2 receptor.
  • the modulation of the orexin receptor is activation of the orexin receptor.
  • Effectiveness of peptides of the disclosure can be determined by industry-accepted assays/ disease models according to standard practices of elucidating the same as described in the art and are found in the current general knowledge.
  • the present disclosure also provides a method of treating a disease or disorder in which orexin receptor activity is implicated in a patient in need of such treatment, said method comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide, or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition as defined herein.
  • the present disclosure also provides a method of treating a disease or disorder in which orexin-2 receptor activity is implicated in a patient in need of such treatment, said method comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide, or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition as defined herein.
  • the present disclosure also provides a method for treating a disease or disorder by decreasing excessive sleepiness and/or excessive daytime sleepiness. [1003] In some embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a method for treating a disease or disorder by decreasing excessive sleepiness. [1004] In some embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a method for treating a disease or disorder by decreasing excessive daytime sleepiness. [1005] In some embodiments, the disease or disorder is associated with excessive sleepiness and/or excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • the disease or disorder is a primary hypersomnia disorder, neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a hypersomnia/neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or emergence from anesthesia.
  • the disease or disorder is a primary hypersomnia disorder, neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a hypersomnia/neurodegenerative disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a mental health disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia.
  • the excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with a neurodegenerative disorder.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder associated with excessive daytime sleepiness is Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.
  • the disease or disorder is a recurrence of hypersomnia.
  • the recurrence of hypersomnia is narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, or idiopathic hypersomnia.
  • the disease or disorder is sleep apnea, traumatic brain injury, age-related cognitive dysfunction, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • excessive daytime sleepingess is associated with sleep apnea, traumatic brain injury, or age-related cognitive dysfunction.
  • the disorder is narcolepsy.
  • narcolepsy is narcolepsy type 1.
  • the narcolepsy is narcolepsy type 2.
  • the hypersomnia is a symptom of narcolepsy.
  • the disease or disorder is a symptom of narcolepsy.
  • a symptom of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnopompic and hynogogic hallucinations, disturbed nighttime sleep, or inappropriately timed rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep.
  • a symptom of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • the symptom of narcolepsy is cataplexy.
  • cataplexy is pathognomonic of narcolepsy (e.g., narcolepsy type 1)
  • a symptom of narcolepsy is sleep paralysis.
  • a symptom of narcolepsy is hypnopompic and hynogogic hallucinations.
  • a symptom of narcolepsy is disturbed nighttime sleep.
  • a symptom of narcolepsy is inappropriately timed rapid-eye- movement (REM) sleep.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by cataplexy.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is Parkinson’s disease.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is Alzheimer’s disease.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is Huntington’s disease.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is multiple sclerosis.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is a traumatic brain injury.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is sleep apnea.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is age-related cognitive dysfunction.
  • the neurodegenerative disorder is a disorder of recurrent hypersomnia.
  • a disorder of recurrent hypersomnia is Klein-Levin syndrome, inappropriately timed sleep, (e.g., delayed- or advanced-sleep phase disorder), shift work disorder, or jet lag disorder.
  • the disease or disorder is a symptom of a rare genetic disorder.
  • a symptom of a rare genetic disorder is abnormal daytime sleepiness.
  • a symptom of a rare genetic disorder is excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • a symptom of a rare genetic disorder is sleep onset REM periods.
  • a symptom of a rare genetic disorder is characterized by cataplexy-like symptoms.
  • a rare genetic disorder is Myotonic Dystrophy, ADCA-DN, Coffin-Lowry syndrome, Moebius syndrome, Norrie disease, Niemann-Pick disease type C, or Prader-Willi syndrome.
  • the disease or disorder is a mental health disorder.
  • the mental health disorder is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  • the mental health disorder is attention deficit disorder.
  • the disease or disorder is a metabolic syndrome.
  • the metabolic syndrome is obesity.
  • the disease or disorder is osteoporosis.
  • the disease or disorder is cardiac failure.
  • the disease or disorder is a coma.
  • the disease or disorder is emergence from anesthesia.
  • the disease or disorder is a complication in emergence from anesthesia.
  • the disease or disorder is narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a neurological disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a psychiatric disorder, a mental health disorder, a circadian rhythm disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia.
  • the disease or disorder is narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, or sleep apnea.
  • Peptides of the present disclosure, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be administered alone as a sole therapy or can be administered in addition with one or more other substances and/or treatments. Such conjoint treatment may be achieved by way of the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of the individual components of the treatment.
  • therapeutic effectiveness may be enhanced by administration of an adjuvant (i.e. by itself the adjuvant may only have minimal therapeutic benefit, but in combination with another therapeutic agent, the overall therapeutic benefit to the individual is enhanced).
  • the benefit experienced by an individual may be increased by administering the peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 with another therapeutic agent (which also includes a therapeutic regimen) that also has therapeutic benefit.
  • another therapeutic agent which also includes a therapeutic regimen
  • the peptide of the present disclosure need not be administered via the same route as other therapeutic agents, and may, because of different physical and chemical characteristics, be administered by a different route.
  • the peptide of the disclosure may be administered orally to generate and maintain good blood levels thereof, while the other therapeutic agent may be administered intravenously.
  • the initial administration may be made according to established protocols known in the art, and then, based upon the observed effects, the dosage, modes of administration and times of administration can be modified by the skilled clinician.
  • the particular choice of other therapeutic agent will depend upon the diagnosis of the attending physicians and their judgment of the condition of the individual and the appropriate treatment protocol. According to this aspect of the disclosure there is provided a combination for use in the treatment of a disease in which orexin activity is implicated comprising a peptide of the disclosure as defined hereinbefore, or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, and another suitable agent.
  • a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a peptide of the disclosure, or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, in combination with a suitable, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.
  • peptides of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are also useful as pharmacological tools in the development and standardisation of in vitro and in vivo test systems for the evaluation of the effects of modulators of orexin receptor activity in laboratory animals such as dogs, rabbits, monkeys, rats and mice, as part of the search for new therapeutic agents.
  • peptides of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are also useful as pharmacological tools in the development and standardisation of in vitro and in vivo test systems for the evaluation of the effects of modulators of orexin-2 receptor activity in laboratory animals such as dogs, rabbits, monkeys, rats and mice, as part of the search for new therapeutic agents.
  • the peptides with a 20 amino acid sequence have sufficient potency.
  • the peptides with a 21 amino acid sequence have sufficient potency.
  • the peptides with a 22 amino acid sequence have sufficient potency.
  • the peptides with a 23 amino acid sequence have sufficient potency.
  • the peptides with a 26 amino acid sequence do not have sufficient potency.
  • any of the alternate embodiments of molecules of the present disclosure described herein also apply.
  • the peptides of the disclosure or pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides may be administered to a subject by any convenient route of administration, whether systemically, peripherally, or topically (i.e., at the site of desired action).
  • Routes of administration include, but are not limited to, oral (e.g.
  • transdermal including, e.g., by a patch, plaster, etc.
  • transmucosal including, e.g., by a patch, plaster, etc.
  • intranasal e.g., by nasal spray or powder
  • ocular e.g., by eye drops
  • pulmonary e.g., by inhalation or insufflation therapy using, e.g., via an aerosol, e.g., through the mouth or nose
  • rectal e.g., by suppository or enema
  • vaginal e.g., by pessary
  • parenteral for example, by injection, including subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, intra-arterial, intracardiac, intrathecal, intraspinal, intracapsular, subcapsular, intraorbital, intraperitoneal, intratracheal, subcuticular, intraarticular, subarachnoid, and intrasternal; by implant
  • Exemplary Embodiments [1068] Exemplary Embodiment 1.
  • a peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 1), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 2 is absent, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof; X 3 is absent, an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising
  • Exemplary Embodiment 2 A peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or a derivative thereof; X 2 is absent, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or derivative thereof; X 3 is absent, an amino acid group comprising an electrically charged side chain, or a derivative thereof, an amino acid group comprising a polar uncharged side chain, or a derivative thereof, or an amino acid group comprising a hydrophobic side chain, or
  • Exemplary Embodiment 3 A peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, PipAla, Phg, Phg(4-OH), N-Phenethyl-Gly, N(naphtha-2-yl-ethyl)-Gly, N-(4-OMe-Phenethyl)-Gly, Gly, Val, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, hPhe, Pro, Tyr, Trp, or D-Trp, wherein the phenyl of X 1 is optionally
  • Exemplary Embodiment 4 A peptide having a sequence comprising: X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X 18 X 19 X 20 X 21 X 22 X 23 NH 2 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, wherein X 1 is absent, AIB, Ala, D-Ala, or Gly; X 2 is absent, D-Ser, or Leu; X 3 is absent, CycloLys, D-Ser, Gln, Phe, or Pro; X 4 is AIB, D-Ser, or Gly; X 5 is Arg, D-Ser, or PipAla; X 6 is Ala, AIB, or D-Ser; X 7 is CycloGlu, CycloLys, D-Ser, or G
  • Exemplary Embodiment 5 The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein X 1 is absent.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 6. The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein X 2 is absent.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 7. The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein X 3 is absent.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 8. The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the peptide is an agonist of human orexin type 2 receptor and human orexin type 1 receptor.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 14 The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the peptide comprises a molecular weight of about 2.1 kDa to 2.6 kDa.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 15 The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein X 3 and X 7 form an amide bond.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 20 The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the peptide has a E max for hOX2 that ranges from 94.0 to 105.0.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 21 The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the peptide has a pEC 50 for hOX1 that ranges from 7.0 to 11.0.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 22 The peptide of any one of the preceeding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the peptide has a pEC 50 for hOX1 that ranges from 7.0 to 11.0.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 23 The peptide of any one of the preceding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the peptide is selected from the peptides described in Table 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 24 A peptide obtainable by, or obtained by, a method described herein.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 25 A peptide obtainable by, or obtained by, a method described herein.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide of any one of the preceding Exemplary Embodiments or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 26 The pharmaceutical composition of any one of the preceding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the peptide is selected from the peptides described in Table 1.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 27 A method of modulating orexin receptor activity, comprising contacting a cell with an effective amount of the peptide of any one of the preceding Exemplary Embodiments; optionally the activity is in vitro or in vivo.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 31 Use of the peptide of any one of the preceding Exemplary Embodiments in the manufacture of a medicament for modulating orexin receptor activity.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 32 Use of the peptide of any one of the preceding Exemplary Embodiments in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease or disorder.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 33 The method, peptide, pharmaceutical composition, or use of any one of the preceding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the disease or disorder is associated with an implicated orexin receptor.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 34 The method, peptide, pharmaceutical composition, or use of any one of the preceding Exemplary Embodiments, wherein the disease or disorder is associated with an implicated orexin-2 receptor.
  • Exemplary Embodiment 35 Exemplary Embodiment 35.
  • the disease or disorder is narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a neurological disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a psychiatric disorder, a mental health disorder, a circadian rhythm disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia.
  • the disease or disorder is narcolepsy, a hypersomnia disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, a neurological disorder, a symptom of a rare genetic disorder, a psychiatric disorder, a mental health disorder, a circadian rhythm disorder, a metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiac failure, coma, or a complication in emergence from anesthesia.
  • the synthetic strategy is based on the Fmoc (9- Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl) group for temporary protection of the ⁇ -amino group, in combination with protecting groups such as tert-butyl (-tBu), tert-butyloxycarbonyl (-Boc), trityl (-Trt) groups for temporary protection of the amino acid side chains (see for example E. Atherton and R. C. Sheppard, “The Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl Amino Protecting Group”, in “The Peptide Analysis, Synthesis, Biology”; Volume 9-“Special Methods in Peptide Synthesis, Part C”, pp.1-38, S. Undenfriend and J.
  • the peptides can be synthesized in a stepwise manner on an insoluble polymer support (also referred to as “resin”) starting from the C-terminus of the peptide.
  • a synthesis is begun by appending the C-terminal amino acid of the peptide to the resin through formation of an amide or ester linkage. This allows the eventual release of the resulting peptide as a C terminal amide or carboxylic acid, respectively.
  • the C-terminal amino acid and all other amino acids used in the synthesis are required to have their ⁇ -amino groups and side chain functionalities (if present) differentially protected such that the ⁇ -amino protecting group may be selectively removed during the synthesis.
  • the coupling of an amino acid is performed by activation of its carboxyl group as an active ester and reaction thereof with the unblocked ⁇ - amino group of the N-terminal amino acid appended to the resin.
  • the sequence of ⁇ -amino group deprotection and coupling is repeated until the entire peptide sequence is assembled.
  • the peptide is then released from the resin with concomitant deprotection of the side chain functionalities, usually in the presence of appropriate scavengers to limit side reactions.
  • the resulting peptide is finally purified by reverse phase HPLC.
  • General methods for Peptide Synthesis [1108] The general method used for acyclic peptide synthesis is detailed below for Example 1. 1.
  • Peptide Nos.2-4, 8-28, 34 and 35 were synthesized and purified using similar procedures to those detailed above for Example 1. For the Examples below, different materials and, or, different coupling agents, and, or, different equivalents of coupling agents were used. The general method used for cyclic peptide synthesis is detailed below for Example 5. 1) Add DMF to the vessel containing Rink amide MBHA Resin (0.2 mmol, 0.5 g, sub: 0.4 mmol/g) and swell for 2 h. 2) Add 20% piperidine/DMF and mix for 30 min. 3) Drain and then wash with DMF for 30 s, 5 times.
  • cleavage buffer (95% TFA/2.5% TIS/2.5% H2O) to the flask containing the side chain protected peptide at rt and stir for 3 h. 2. Filter and collect the filtrate. 3. The peptide is precipitated with cold isopropyl ether and centrifuged (3 min at 3000 rpm). 4. Wash with isopropyl ether two additional times. 5. Dry the crude peptide in vacuo for 2 h. 6. The crude peptide was purified by Prep-HPLC (Solvents: A: 0.075% TFA in H 2 O, B: MeCN) to give Example 5 (60.5 mg).
  • Peptide Nos.6, 7, and 29 to 33 were synthesized and purified using similar procedures to those detailed above for Example 5. For the Examples below, different materials and, or, different coupling agents, and, or, different equivalents of coupling agents were used. LCMS properties of purified peptides represented by Examples 1-35 Example 2. Orexin Type 2 Receptor Agonist Activity of Exemplary Peptides. [1113] Stable cell line generation. Obtainment of cells stably expressing either human orexin type 2 or human orexin type 1 receptor: to obtain a stable cell line the Orexin receptor cDNA was inserted into pcDNA3.1(+) plasmid vector and clones identified by G418 drug resistance selection.
  • assay buffer 1 0.1 % bovine serum albumin (Sigma Aldrich), 20 mM HEPES (Molecular Dimensions), 250 mM probenecid (Sigma Aldrich), 1X Calcium 5 dye (Molecular Devices) in Hank’s balanced salt solution (Invitrogen)
  • assay buffer 2 20 mM HEPES, Hank’s balanced salt solution, 0.1 % bovine serum albumin
  • test peptide solution (10 ⁇ l) was added using Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader TETRA (FLIPR TETRA: manufactured by Molecular Devices), a fluorescence value (excitation wavelength 488 nm, measurement wavelength 570 nm) of each well was measured every one second for 2 min, and the agonist activity was determined using the area of the fluorescence value as an indicator of intracellular Ca2+ concentration.
  • the agonist activity of the test peptide was calculated assuming that the fluorescence value of the well added with only the dilution buffer was 0 % and the fluorescence value of the well added with 10 nM human orexin A (Tocris) buffer was 100 %.
  • agonist activity values EC50 and Emax of each peptide are shown in Table A below. As used herein, Emax indicates the value at 1 ⁇ M concentration when orexin A is converted to a full agonist (maximum value of agonist activity: 100 %).
  • Measurement of orexin type 2 receptor agonist activity Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human orexin type 2 receptor (hOX2R) seeded in each well of 384 well black clear bottom plates (BD Flacon) at 10,000 cells per well and cultured for 24 h in an Ham’s F12 (Gibco) medium containing 10% fetal calf serum (Sigma Aldrich) under the conditions of 37oC, 5 % CO2.
  • assay buffer 1 0.1 % bovine serum albumin (Sigma Aldrich), 20 mM HEPES (Molecular Dimensions), 250 mM probenecid (Sigma Aldrich), 1X Calcium 5 dye (Molecular Devices) in Hank’s balanced salt solution (Invitrogen)
  • assay buffer 2 20 mM HEPES, Hank’s balanced salt solution, 0.1 % bovine serum albumin
  • test peptide solution (10 ⁇ l) was added using Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader TETRA (FLIPR TETRA: manufactured by Molecular Devices), a fluorescence value (excitation wavelength 488 nm, measurement wavelength 570 nm) of each well was measured every one second for 2 min, and the agonist activity was determined using the area of the fluorescence value as an indicator of intracellular Ca2+ concentration.
  • the agonist activity of the test peptide was calculated assuming that the fluorescence value of the well added with only the dilution buffer was 0 % and the fluorescence value of the well added with 10 nM human orexin A (Tocris) buffer was 100 %.
  • agonist activity values EC50 and Emax of each peptide are shown in Table A below.
  • Emax indicates the value at 1 ⁇ M concentration when orexin A is converted to a full agonist (maximum value of agonist activity: 100 %).
  • Values of hOX1 and hOX2 pEC50 in Table A are presented in ranges, in which “+” ⁇ 8.0, 8.0 ⁇ “++” ⁇ 9.0, 9.0 ⁇ “+++” ⁇ 10.0, and 10.0 ⁇ “++++”.

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Abstract

La présente divulgation concerne un peptide ayant une séquence comprenant : X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9X10X11X12X13X14X15X16X17X18X19X20X21X22X23NH2 (SEQ ID NO : 1), et leurs isomères, leurs sels pharmaceutiquement acceptables ou leurs promédicaments, leurs procédés d'utilisation et leurs procédés de préparation. Les peptides divulgués sont utiles pour moduler l'activité du récepteur de l'orexine et peuvent être utilisés dans le traitement de troubles dans lesquels l'activité du récepteur de l'orexine est impliquée, telle que la narcolepsie, un trouble de l'hypersomnie, un trouble neurodégénératif, le symptôme d'un trouble génétique rare, un trouble de la santé mentale, un syndrome métabolique, l'ostéoporose, une insuffisance cardiaque, un coma ou une complication au réveil après anesthésie.
PCT/US2023/072499 2022-08-19 2023-08-18 Dérivés peptidiques et leurs utilisations en tant qu'agonistes de l'orexine WO2024040237A1 (fr)

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US4522811A (en) 1982-07-08 1985-06-11 Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc. Serial injection of muramyldipeptides and liposomes enhances the anti-infective activity of muramyldipeptides
US5763263A (en) 1995-11-27 1998-06-09 Dehlinger; Peter J. Method and apparatus for producing position addressable combinatorial libraries
WO2017140845A1 (fr) * 2016-02-18 2017-08-24 INSERM (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale) Polypeptides pour la préparation de conjugués médicamenteux susceptibles de favoriser l'apoptose dans des cellules exprimant un récepteur des orexines
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