Biologically active peptides and their use for repairing injured nerves

Abstract

The present invention relates to biologically active peptides derived from the neurite outgrowth-promoting domain of laminin-1, i.e. the γ1-chain of laminin-1. These peptides include the decapeptide RDIAEIIKDI and the truncated peptides derived therefrom comprising the biologically active domain thereof, the tripeptide KDI. The invention is directed to the biologically active tripeptide motif KDI, and to its use in promoting regeneration of neuronal or non-neuronal tissues and, in specific, to its use in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

1 - 18 . cancelled  
     
     
         19 . A pharmaceutical composition, which comprises as an active ingredient the tripeptide motif KDI, in association with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or diluent.  
     
     
         20 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 19 , wherein the composition is in the form of an injectable liquid.  
     
     
         21 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 19 , wherein the concentration of the peptide as the active ingredient is from 0.01 to 100 μg/ml.  
     
     
         22 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 20 , wherein the concentration of the peptide as the active ingredient is from 0.01 to 100 μg/ml.  
     
     
         23 . A method for repairing injured nerves, comprising administering to an animal in need of such repairing an efficacious amount of a biologically active peptide comprising the tripeptide motif KDI.  
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the biologically active peptide is the tripeptide KDI.  
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the biologically active peptide is in a soluble form.  
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the biologically active peptide is in a substrate-bound form.  
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 24 , wherein the biologically active peptide is in a soluble form.  
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 24 , wherein the biologically active peptide is in a substrate-bound form.  
     
     
         29 . A method for the treatment of spinal cord injuries, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an efficacious amount of a biologically active peptide comprising the tripeptide motif KDI.  
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the biologically active peptide is the tripeptide KDI.  
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the biologically active peptide is administered by a mini pump system directly to a trauma area of spinal cord.  
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 31 , wherein the biologically active peptide is administered by a mini pump system directly to a trauma area of spinal cord.  
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the biologically active peptide is administered by injecting it to the epidural space.  
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 31 , wherein the biologically active peptide is administered by injecting it to the epidural space.