Stabilized Insulin-like Growth Factor Polypeptides

Abstract

The invention relates to stabilized polypeptides having an IGF-1 or IGF-2 sequence and an E-peptide sequence, where the natural physiological cleavage of the E-peptide from the IGF is prevented.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A polypeptide comprising the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 8-84. 
     
     
         2 . A polypeptide of  claim 1 , which is pegylated. 
     
     
         3 . A polypeptide of  claim 1 , which is glycosylated. 
     
     
         4 . A polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         5 . A method of treating a musculoskeletal disease, diabetes, neuronal cell death, or anemia, the method comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 8-84 to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the polypeptide is pegylated. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the polypeptide is glycosylated. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the musculoskeletal disease is muscle atrophy. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the muscle atrophy is the result of burn, injury, or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 
     
     
         10 . A method of treating a musculoskeletal disease, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide of  claim 1  to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the musculoskeletal disease is muscle atrophy. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the muscle atrophy is the result of burn, injury, or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the polypeptide is pegylated. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the polypeptide is glycosylated. 
     
     
         15 . A method of increasing muscle mass in a subject, the method comprising the step of:
 Administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 8-84.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the polypeptide is pegylated. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the polypeptide is glycosylated.