Indian Patents. 269913:VIP FRAGMENTS AND METHODS OF USE

Title of Invention	VIP FRAGMENTS AND METHODS OF USE
Abstract	The invention relates to composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments, and the use of those compositions in the treatment of fibrosis, hypertension and other disorders.

Full Text	TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to compositions and methods for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or associated conditions. In particular this invention concerns compositions comprising certain active fragments of VIP and their use in the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. BACKGROUND Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. In myocardial fibrosis, heart muscle is replaced by fibrous or scar tissue. This can interfere with the flexibility of the heart muscle. It can lead to a decrease in function and, eventually, to overt heart failure. Use of VIP and certain fragments of VIP in therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis and related conditions was described in PCT/AU2005/000835, incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Conventional view of structure/function relationship with respect to VIP activity is that the N-terminal amino acid residues (1-5) are important and necessary for signal delivery once VIP binds to its receptor. Further, there are certain key amino acid residues throughout the VIP molecule, distal to the N-terminus, that are important for receptor binding. This would suggest that fragments of VIP lacking either the N-terminal residues or significant portions that encompass the receptor binding residues would not be fully functional. Earlier studies with two VIP fragments, described in PCT/AU2005/000835, indicate that such fragments of VIP could be active, at least in the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. It is an object of the present invention to identify additional fragments of VIP that are active in the treatment of conditions such as myocardial fibrosis, that would overcome certain disadvantages associated with using the entire VIP molecule or large portions thereof, or at least provide a useful alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Despite the currently prevailing view, it was surprisingly found that activity of VIP and its fragments in the treatment and/or prevention of myocardial fibrosis is not curtailed by either deletion of the N-terminal residues of VIP or the majority of amino acid residues responsible for receptor binding. In a broad aspect, the invention relates to compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, such as hypertension, comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments. Most preferably, the (VIP) fragments have as a core sequence amino acid residues 6 to 10 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. However, they may also have as a core sequence amino acid residues 16 to 25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. Accordingly, in a first aspect the invention provides a composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6 to 10 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. The preferred active fragments of VIP are VIP(4-16), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24), with the proviso that fragments VIP (1-12) and VIP (6-28) are not included. However, the use of VIP fragments, including VIP (1-12) and VIP (6-28) for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis and other associated conditions such as hypertension are encompassed by the present invention The pharmaceutically effective amount of an active VIP fragment will vary according to the patient and/or with the severity of the disease or condition. These variables can be ascertained by one skilled in the art by routine experimentation. An appropriate dosage range, as a starting point, can be derived from dosages administered in the animal models described herein, or with reference to PCT/AU2005/000835. Accordingly, in a second aspect the invention provides a composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 16 to 25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. Accordingly, in a third aspect the invention provides a composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments selected from the group consisting of VEP(4-16), V1P(6-16), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-12), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-28), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24), or conservative substitutions thereof. Accordingly, in a fourth aspect the invention provides a composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments selected from the group listed in Table 1, or conservative substitutions thereof. The compositions of the invention may be administered in conjunction with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which may be any of those known in the art or devised hereafter and suitable for the intended use. As well as carriers, the pharmaceutical composition of the invention may include other ingredients, including dyes, preservatives, buffers and anti-oxidants, for example. The compositions of the present invention may also include other active agents useful in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions. The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may take any suitable form, but is preferably suitable for administration by oral, intravenous, intramuscular or subcuticular routes. Other methods of administration such as patches, snuffs, nasal sprays and the like will be clear to those skilled in the art. According to a fifth aspect the invention provides a method of therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method including administering to the subject with myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, a composition according to the invention. The compositions of the invention may be used to prevent or slow down progression of established myocardial fibrosis, as well as to reduce the degree of established fibrosis. According to a sixth aspect the invention provides a method of prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method including administering to the subject at risk of developing myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, a composition according to the invention. With respect to prophylactic treatment it will be understood that such a treatment would benefit particularly subjects who are at risk of developing myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition. As an example of subjects in the risk category are those having hypertension, diabetes, myocarditis, ischaemic heart disease, drugs such as daunorubicin and others which are used in cancer chemotherapy, genetic predisposition, other conditions such as Conn's Syndrome and Phaeochromocytoma, high salt diet and the like. The prophylactic treatment may be used to prevent or slow down the development of fibrosis in the at risk group. High proportion of subjects may already have signs of early heart failure on echocardiography. For example such signs are present in nearly 80% of patients with hypertension. The incidence in diabetics is even higher. According to a seventh aspect the invention provides a method of prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of congestive cardiac failure in a subject, the method including administering to the subject at risk of developing congestive cardiac failure, a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention. According to a eighth aspect the invention provides a method of reducing the levels, inhibiting or reducing the production, of pro-fibrotic mediators in a subject, the method including administering to the subject a composition according to the invention. According to an ninth aspect the invention provides a method of reducing collagen formation or enhancing collagen degradation in the cardiac muscle of a subject, the method including administering to the subject a composition according to the invention. According to a tenth aspect the invention provides a method of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of hypertension, the method including administering to the subject a composition according to the invention. According to a eleventh aspect the invention provides a method of lowering blood pressure in a subject, the method including administering to a subject a a composition according to the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pattern of use of the compositions of the invention may need to be altered for optimum effect. It may be necessary to take into account the nature of the disease or condition as well as its severity. The associated conditions, which may be subject to prevention or treatment by the compositions of the invention, may include left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, left ventricular dysfunction and congestive cardiac failure (for which myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying pathology). The associated condition may also include conditions which give rise to generation of profibrotic mediators or conditions which predispose a subject to myocardial fibrosis, such as for example hypertension and/or high salt intake, diseases such as diabetes and the like. Further aspect of the invention includes the use of a composition of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis, or an associated condition. Yet another aspect of the invention provides the use of a composition of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of congestive cardiac failure. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments with the proviso that fragments VIP (1-12) and VIP (6-28) are not included. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. Preferably, fragments VIP (1-12) and VIP (6-28) are not included. Preferably, the VIP fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4- 23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28),VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5- 19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VEP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6- 15), VIP(6-16), VEP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VEP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VEP(6-23), VIP(6-24)5 VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VEP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, the composition comprising a phannaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments wherein the VIP fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4- 21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5- 17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6- 13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VEP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VTP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10- 28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of hypertension, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments wherein the VIP fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-I9), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4- 24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5- 20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6- 16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VTP(6-27) VIP(6-28) VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof. Preferably, compositions according to the present invention are administered in conjunction with a phannaceutically acceptable carrier. They may preferably be administered in conjunction with one or more other active agents useful in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions. They may, for preference, be formulated for administration by oral, intravenous, intramuscular or subcuticular routes. In another aspect, the invention relates to method of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method including administering to a subject a composition including a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method including administering to a subject a composition according to the present invention. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method including administering to a subject a composition including one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4- 21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5- 17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6- 13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10- 28), VlP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof. Preferably, the method is used to prevent or slow down progression of established myocardial fibrosis, or alternatively, to reduce the degree of established fibrosis. Preferably the associated condition is hypertension, diabetes, myocarditis, ischaemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, left ventricular dysfunction, congestive cardiac failure (for which myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying pathology), treatment with drugs such as daunorubicin and others which are used in cancer chemotherapy, genetic predisposition, other conditions such as Conn's Syndrome and Phaeochromocytoma, high salt diet and the like. Preferably the associated condition includes conditions which give rise to generation of profibrotic mediators or conditions which predispose a subject to myocardial fibrosis. Preferably the prophylactic treatment is used to prevent or slow down the development of fibrosis in the at risk group. Preferably the condition is hypertension and/or high salt intake, diseases such as diabetes and the like. Most preferably, the condition is hypertension. In another aspect, the invention relates to method of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis by reducing hypertension, the method including administering to a subject in need or at risk a composition including a VIP fragment. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis by reducing hypertension, the method including administering an associated condition a composition including one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4- 20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VEP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5- 16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6- 12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VEP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6- 27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof. Preferably, the method is used to prevent or slow down progression of established myocardial fibrosis. Preferably the method is used to reduce the degree of established fibrosis. In another aspect, the invention relates to method of lowering blood pressure comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition including a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and/or active fragment thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of lowering blood pressure comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition including a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of lowering blood pressure, the method including administering to a subject a composition including one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4- 20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5- 16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6- 12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VEP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6- 27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(l6-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating hypertension comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition including a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating hypertension comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition including a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of hypertension, the method including administering to a subject a composition including one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4- 17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5- 13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5- 28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6- 24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof. Preferably, the subject has myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of reducing the levels, inhibiting or reducing the production of pro-fibrotic mediators in a subject, the method including administering to the subject a composition according to the present invention. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of reducing collagen formation or enhancing collagen degradation in the cardiac muscle of a subject, the method including administering to the subject a composition according to the invention In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition Preferably, the use is to prevent or slow down progression of established myocardial fibrosis. Alternatively, the use is to prevent or slow down the development of fibrosis in an at risk group. Also preferably, the use is to reduce the degree of established fibrosis. Preferably, the associated condition is hypertension, diabetes, myocarditis, ischaemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, left ventricular dysfunction, congestive cardiac failure (for which myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying pathology), treatment with drugs such as daunorubicin and others which are used in cancer chemotherapy, genetic predisposition, other conditions such as Conn's Syndrome and Phaeochromocytoma, high salt diet and the like. Preferably, the associated condition includes conditions which give rise to generation of profibrotic mediators or conditions which predispose a subject to myocardial fibrosis. Preferably, the condition is hypertension and/or high salt intake, diseases such as diabetes and the like. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a composition including one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4- 19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5- 15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6- 11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6- 26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a composition including one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4- 19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5- 15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6- 11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VEP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6- 26), VIP(6-27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16- 28) or conservative substitutions thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis by deducing hypertension. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of VIP or a fragment thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for lowering blood pressure in a subject. Preferably, the VIP fragment is one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4- 17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5- 13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VEP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5- 28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), V1P(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6- 24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28). In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a VIP in the manufacture of a medicament for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment cf hypertension. Preferably the VIP fragment is one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4- 17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5- 13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VEP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5- 28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6- 24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1: Comparison of the degree of myocardial fibrosis in WKY rats on a high salt diet after 4 week infusion of vehicle, VIP(6-16) or VIP(4-16). Figure 2: Comparison of myocardial fibrosis in rats aged 14 weeks (zero time) then on a high salt diet for 4 weeks and receiving either vehicle infusion or VIP(6-16) infusion (5pmol/kg/min) for 4 weeks). Figure 3: Myocardial fibrosis in 18 week old WKY rats after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and treated with VIP(6-16), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-28), VIP(4-16) and VIP(1-12) or vehicle Control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks. Figure 4: Myocardial fibrosis in 18 week old WKY rats after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and treated with native VIP, VEP(6-28), VIP(6-16), or vehicle Control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks. Figure 5: Myocardial fibrosis in 18 week old WKY rats after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and treated with native VIP, VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-28), VIP(4-16) and VIP(1 -12) or vehicle Control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks. Figure 6: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and treated with VIP(l-28), VIP(4-10), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-24) and VIP(4-28) or control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks. Figure 7: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and treated with VIP(l-28), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-24) and VEP(6-28) or control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks. Figure 8: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and treated with VTP(l-28), VIP(16-20), VIP(16-24) and VIP(16-28) or control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks. Figure 9: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and treated with VIP(l-28), VIP(1-12), and VIP(10-28) or control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT It has now been found, quite surprisingly in view of the well accepted views held in this field, that VIP fragments lacking amino acids and motifs thought to be important for their function are nevertheless useful therapeutic agents to reverse or delay onset of myocardial fibrosis, or prevent onset of fibrosis in subjects at risk of developing myocardial fibrosis. Thus, VIP fragments are also useful in the treatment of congestive cardiac failure. The use of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention in the treatment of myocardial fibrosis or associated conditions represents a new class of therapeutic agents for these conditions. Existing treatments for myocardial fibrosis or associated conditions usually target one, or at the most two, of the known causative mechanisms in myocardial fibrosis. Without wishing to be bound by any particular mechanism of action, it is believed that the pharmaceutical preparations of the invention may target virtually all the currently known promoters of myocardial fibrosis. On the basis of the present studies, and not wishing to be bound by theory, it is postulated that VIP fragments act as a major regulator to prevent the development of fibrosis and that the depletion of VIP may unleash the synthesis of a number of profibrotic mediators, thereby causing myocardial injury. The VIP fragments of the present invention seem to be able to act in much the same way as the native VIP but are more suited for therapeutic applications due to smaller size and hence increased stability and ease of manufacture. Further, and unexpectedly, a number of fragments lacking certain amino acid residues and domains commonly thought to be important for its function have been shown to be active in the present studies. Particularly useful fragments are VIP(6-16), VIP(16-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-24) and VIP(4-16). Further, fragments listed in Table 1 are also expected to be useful in the methods of the present invention. Fragments VIP(1-12) and VIP(6-28) have been described earlier and are not included in the present invention. It will be understood that the present invention also encompasses within its scope certain analogues of the VIP fragments which are based on conservative substitution of one or more amino acids of the VIP fragments with amino acids which do not alter the biological activities of the VIP fragments. Such substitutions would be well known to those skilled in the art and would not require more than simple trial-and-error using well established techniques. Hence, the term "VIP fragment" as used in the context of the present invention is intended to encompass such analogues. Other useful VIP fragments are listed in Table 1. All the sequences relate to VIP and fragments of human origin but due to the very high level of amino acid conservation, VIP and fragments thereof derived from other mammalian species are also contemplated and encompassed by the present invention. The present invention also contemplates pharmaceutical compositions which include active VIP fragments. Such compositions may include any type of dosage form such as tablets, capsules, powders, liquid formulations, delayed or sustained release, patches, snuffs, nasal sprays and the like. The formulations may additionally include other ingredients such as dyes, preservatives, buffers and anti-oxidants, for example. The physical form and content of the pharmaceutical formulations contemplated are conventional preparations that can be formulated by those skilled in the pharmaceutical formulation field and are based on well established principles and compositions described in, for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th Edition, 1995; British Pharmacopoeia 2000 and similar formulation texts and manuals. The compositions of the present invention may also include other active agents useful in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions. The route and frequency of administration of the compositions of the present invention will depend on the treatment requirements and the nature of the molecule to be administered. Thus the formulations may be suitably prepared for administration by intravenous, intramuscular or subcuticular injection. VIP fragments may also be suitable for mucosal administration such as oral, sublingual, nasal and the like. These parameters are easily established by those skilled in the art. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention have been shown to be effective in preventing or slowing down progression of established myocardial fibrosis, as well as in reducing the degree (reversal) of established fibrosis and thus important in therapeutic applications. The compositions of the present invention are also useful for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of congestive cardiac failure. These are important findings with respect to the range and severity of conditions which can be treated with the compositions of the present invention. Further, the compositions of the present invention may be used prophylactically in subjects at risk of developing myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition. As an example of subjects in the risk category are those having hypertension, diabetes, myocarditis, ischaemic heart disease, drugs such as daunorubicin and others which are used in cancer chemotherapy, genetic predisposition, other conditions such as Conn's Syndrome and Phaeochromocytoma, high salt diet and the like. The term "prophylactic" as used in the context of the present invention is intended inter alia to encompass treatments used to prevent or slow down the development of fibrosis in the at risk group. High proportion of subjects which may be given prophylactic treatment may already have signs of early heart failure on echocardiography. The term " associated condition" as used in the context of the present invention and in reference to myocardial fibrosis is intended to encompass, without limitation, left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, left ventricular dysfunction and congestive cardiac failure (for which myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying pathology). The associated condition may also include conditions which give rise to generation of profibrotic mediators or conditions which predispose a subject to myocardial fibrosis, such as for example hypertension and/or high salt intake, diseases such as diabetes and the like. By conserving the VIP content of the cardiac muscle in a subject with, or at risk of developing, myocardial fibrosis or associated condition, through the use of the compositions of the present invention significant therapeutic benefits can be achieved including reduction of fibrosis, reduction in the level, production or activity of pro- fibrotic mediators, reduction in progression of fibrosis, reduction in collagen formation or enhancing collagen degradation in the cardiac muscle. The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to non- limiting examples. EXPERIMENTAL All general methodology and techniques have been described in detail in PCT/AU2005/000835, incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Example 1. — Effect of VIP fragment infusion on fibrosis in animal models of fibrosis Four animal models of myocardial fibrosis were used (animals obtained from Australian Animal Resources, Perth, Western Australia, Australia) i) WKY rat fed a high salt diet ii) WKY rat fed a high salt diet and given L-NAME (ω-monomethyl-nitro-L- arginine, Sigma Chemical Co.) 10 mg/kg/day in the drinking water iii) WKY rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin injection 60 mg/kg iv) SHR rat fed a 2.2% salt diet for 4 weeks In each model the rats were randomised to VIP(4-16) (Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp- Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln), VIP(6-16) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu- Arg-Lys-Gln), VIP(4-20)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln- Met-Ala-Val-Lys-), or VIP(4-24) (Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg- Lys-Gln-Met-Ala- Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn), VIP( 16-28) (Gin-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys- Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn), VIP(10-28) (Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala- Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn), VIP(6-12) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr- Arg), VIP(6-10) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr), VIP(6-20) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg- Leu-Arg-Lys-Ghi-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-), or VIP(6-24) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg- Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn) (All obtained from or synthesised by Auspep, Australia) or vehicle control (Hartman's Solution, Baxter) infusion for 4 weeks via Alzet minipump (n=6-8 each experimental group). The dose of each peptide was 5 pmol/kg/min. In models i) and ii) 14 week old WKY rats were commenced on high salt diet or high salt diet plus L-NAME. They underwent operative insertion of an Alzet minipump for infusion of VIP or vehicle. After 4 weeks the rats were anaesthetised and the hearts harvested. Myocardial fibrosis levels were quantitated. In model iii) rats are injected with streptozotocin 60mg/kg at 14 weeks of age. After 8 weeks the diabetic rats are randomised to peptide infusion (5pmol/kg/min) or no treatment. The peptides are administered as above. After a further 4 weeks the rats are anaesthetised and the hearts harvested as above. In model iv) 14 week old SHR rats are commenced on a 2.2% salt diet. They undergo operative insertion of an Alzet minipump for peptide or vehicle infusion. After 4 weeks the rats are anaesthetised and the hearts harvested. Myocardial fibrosis levels are quantitated as above. The degree of myocardial fibrosis is quantitated by two methods in known manner (refer Ye VZC, Hodge G, Yong JLC & Duggan KA (2002) Early myocardial fibrosis is associated with depletion of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the heart Exp. Physiol 87:539-546 Ye VZC, Hodge G, Yong JLC & Duggan KA (2003) Myocardial VIP and myocardial fibrosis induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the rat Acta Physiol. Scand. 179:353-360. Ye VZC, Hodge G, Yong JLC & Duggan KA (2004) Vasopeptidase inhibition reverses myocardial VIP depletion and decreases myocardial fibrosis in salt sensitive hypertension Europ. J. Pharmacol. 485:235-242). A significant improvement was found in the hearts of the treated rats in that the myocardial fibrosis index was significantly lower in the treated rats compared to the control groups (Figure 1). Example 2 - Effect of VIP fragment treatment on regression of fibrosis in animal models of fibrosis. To determine whether VIP (6-16), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24). infusion caused regression of existing fibrosis as well as prevented progression of fibrosis two groups of studies were performed. The degree of myocardial fibrosis in untreated 14 week old WKY rats was compared with the degree of fibrosis in 18 week old WKY rats after 4 weeks treatment with a high salt diet or a high salt diet plus L-NAME (10mg/kg/day) and either VIP (6-16), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24) (5pmol/kg/min) or vehicle control infusion (see Figure 2) Preliminary results are shown in Figure 2. The data clearly show regression of myocardial fibrosis following VIP(6-16) infusion. The regression of fibrosis may be due to either reduction in collagen formation or enhancement of its degradation. Although not wishing to be bound by any particular mechanism of action, the regression of myocardial fibrosis is likely to be due to the action of collagenases, which play a part in collagen resorption. The importance of the present invention to health care will be immediately apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Although the capacity to treat cardiac failure has improved significantly with the advent of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, as well as the realisation that aldosterone antagonists and beta blockers improve outcome in later stage disease, the addition of the pharmaceutical preparations of the invention, which act to prevent the progression of the underlying lesion (fibrosis), or even reverse fibrosis, has the capacity to prevent the escalation of mild to severe disease and hence to substantially reduce the health care burden. The overall size of certain VIP fragments and their activity makes them ideally suitable as targets for drug development. EXAMPLE 3 - Effect of VIP fragment treatment on blood pressure in animal models of hypertension. To determine whether VIP and fragments were effective in controlling blood pressure, Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHR) were acclimated to blood pressure measurement by tail cuff plethysmography and then they were placed on a 2.2% salt diet for 4 weeks. The rats were randomized to Control (Hartman's Solution) vehicle-infusion, VIP(l-28)(His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln- Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn),VIP(4-10)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr- Asp-Asn-Tyr), VIP(4-12) (Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg), VIP(4-16) (Ala- Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln),VIP(4-20)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr- Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gm-Met-Ala-Val-Lys), VIP(4-24) (Ala-Val-Phe- Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn), VIP(4-28)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val- Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn), VEP(6-10) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr), VIP(6-12) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg), VIP(6-16) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg- Lys-Gln),VIP(6-20)(Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gm-Met-Ala-Val- Lys), VIP(6-24)(Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys- Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn), VIP(6-28)(Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met- Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn), VIP(16-20) (Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys), VIP(16-24) (Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn), VIP(16-28) (Gln-Met-Ala-Val- Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn),VIP(l-12)(His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr- Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg) and VIP(10-28) (Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val- Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn),VIP(4-10)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr). Each peptide was infused at 5pmol/kg/min. Blood pressure was measured by tail cuff plethysmography twice weekly for 4 weeks. The resultant systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements are shown in Figures 6-9. Several of the fragments showed a reduction in SPB relative to the control solution. VIP itself was not seen to have any significant effect in reducing SBP, but a number of fragments, notably VIP(6-28), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-28), and more particularly VIP(4-16), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-20), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24) achieved significant reductions in SBP. Figure 6 illustrates to some extent the difficulty in predicting VIP fragment activity from structure. VIP(4-16) is less efficacious than either VIP(4-12), which has 4AA less, or VIP(4-20), which is 4AA longer. VIP(6-28) was disclosed in PCT/AU2005/000835 as being effective for preventing myocardial fibrosis. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments and variants of the compositions, methods and uses of the invention, in keeping with the teaching and the spirit of the invention described, are contemplated and that these are within the scope of the invention. PO m T- m o (VI O- (N vO (N in fvi tr (N m cvl cv! (VI •r- (VI O T- O* > Kl —4 T- co -<_.rt> t-tv. 5O)U5C)4J5IDJ -I1/>._J_>,I/)_I:>.I/>_J>>I/I_I>»I/) T- n _J0)3—I U 3 J (I 3.J0)3_IIU3JID3J(1)3 T- (vi ■ «- T- \~ J= t- \— £v_(— J=I_1— £ u. 1- J:I-\|— £i_l— x:v_f—x:i-l— £ L T-OI— >Ni-f— >.u h >i_H- >«u.f— >,i_(— >»i_(— >>_}— >>i_J— >»i_J— >>>- • OO - i-v hri-\|-£ul-£i.l-ruh£ul-x:i.l-ri.l-£i-l-i:i-l-i:i. so a.£gjo.£HQ.£maj:iia.£iiQ.£iiiii.£iUQ.rOQ.£i;Q.£gj in >rtj_>(0— >ro_^>«j_^>«j— >(0^>(0_>(0_.>m-^ >4- ro (N o +3 S a. •a 'G (aot- EdS: 9: S: S: £b 9: 9: 9: 9: 9: > > > > > > > > > We Claim: 1. A composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof, with the proviso that fragments VIP (1-12), VIP (14-23), VIP (16-28), VIP (6-14) and VIP (6-28) are not included. 2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the VIP fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4- 13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4- 21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28),VIP(5- 10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5- 18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5- 26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-15), VIP(6- 16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6- 24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), or conservative substitutions thereof. 3. A composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments wherein the VIP fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4- 11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4- 19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4- 27), VIP(4-28),VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5- 16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5- 24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),-VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6- 13), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), V1P(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6- 22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), or conservative substitutions thereof. 4. A composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of hypertension in patients with myocardial fibrosis, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments wherein the VIP fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4- 11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4- 19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4- 27), VIP(4-28),VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5- 16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5- 24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6- 13), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6- 22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), or conservative substitutions thereof. 5. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 6. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more other active agents useful in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions. 7. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims formulated for administration by oral, intravenous, intramuscular or subcuticular routes. 8. A composition comprising VIP fragments substantially as hereindescribed and illustrated with reference to the accompanying examples The invention relates to composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments, and the use of those compositions in the treatment of fibrosis, hypertension and other disorders.

Full Text

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to compositions and methods for therapeutic or prophylactic
treatment of myocardial fibrosis or associated conditions. In particular this invention
concerns compositions comprising certain active fragments of VIP and their use in the
treatment of myocardial fibrosis.
BACKGROUND
Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be
considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common
general knowledge in the field.
In myocardial fibrosis, heart muscle is replaced by fibrous or scar tissue. This can
interfere with the flexibility of the heart muscle. It can lead to a decrease in function
and, eventually, to overt heart failure. Use of VIP and certain fragments of VIP in
therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis and related conditions was
described in PCT/AU2005/000835, incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
Conventional view of structure/function relationship with respect to VIP activity is
that the N-terminal amino acid residues (1-5) are important and necessary for signal
delivery once VIP binds to its receptor. Further, there are certain key amino acid
residues throughout the VIP molecule, distal to the N-terminus, that are important for
receptor binding. This would suggest that fragments of VIP lacking either the N-terminal
residues or significant portions that encompass the receptor binding residues would not
be fully functional. Earlier studies with two VIP fragments, described in
PCT/AU2005/000835, indicate that such fragments of VIP could be active, at least in the
treatment of myocardial fibrosis.
It is an object of the present invention to identify additional fragments of VIP
that are active in the treatment of conditions such as myocardial fibrosis, that would
overcome certain disadvantages associated with using the entire VIP molecule or large
portions thereof, or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Despite the currently prevailing view, it was surprisingly found that activity of VIP
and its fragments in the treatment and/or prevention of myocardial fibrosis is not
curtailed by either deletion of the N-terminal residues of VIP or the majority of amino
acid residues responsible for receptor binding.
In a broad aspect, the invention relates to compositions for prophylactic or
therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, such as
hypertension, comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional
vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments. Most preferably, the (VIP) fragments
have as a core sequence amino acid residues 6 to 10 of native VIP, or conservative
substitutions thereof. However, they may also have as a core sequence amino acid
residues 16 to 25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof.
Accordingly, in a first aspect the invention provides a composition for
prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition,
the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more
functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence
amino acid residues 6 to 10 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof.
The preferred active fragments of VIP are VIP(4-16), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-10),
VIP(6-12), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24), with the proviso that fragments VIP (1-12) and
VIP (6-28) are not included. However, the use of VIP fragments, including VIP (1-12)
and VIP (6-28) for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis and other associated conditions
such as hypertension are encompassed by the present invention
The pharmaceutically effective amount of an active VIP fragment will vary
according to the patient and/or with the severity of the disease or condition. These
variables can be ascertained by one skilled in the art by routine experimentation. An
appropriate dosage range, as a starting point, can be derived from dosages administered
in the animal models described herein, or with reference to PCT/AU2005/000835.
Accordingly, in a second aspect the invention provides a composition for
prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition,
the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more
functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence
amino acid residues 16 to 25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof.

Accordingly, in a third aspect the invention provides a composition for
prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition,
the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more
functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments selected from the group
consisting of VEP(4-16), V1P(6-16), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-12), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-28),
VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24), or conservative substitutions thereof.
Accordingly, in a fourth aspect the invention provides a composition for
prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition,
the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more
functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments selected from the group listed in
Table 1, or conservative substitutions thereof.
The compositions of the invention may be administered in conjunction with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which may be any of those known in the art or
devised hereafter and suitable for the intended use. As well as carriers, the
pharmaceutical composition of the invention may include other ingredients, including
dyes, preservatives, buffers and anti-oxidants, for example. The compositions of the
present invention may also include other active agents useful in the treatment of
cardiovascular conditions.
The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may take any suitable form, but
is preferably suitable for administration by oral, intravenous, intramuscular or
subcuticular routes. Other methods of administration such as patches, snuffs, nasal
sprays and the like will be clear to those skilled in the art.
According to a fifth aspect the invention provides a method of therapeutic
treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method
including administering to the subject with myocardial fibrosis or an associated
condition, a composition according to the invention.
The compositions of the invention may be used to prevent or slow down
progression of established myocardial fibrosis, as well as to reduce the degree of
established fibrosis.
According to a sixth aspect the invention provides a method of prophylactic
treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method
including administering to the subject at risk of developing myocardial fibrosis or an
associated condition, a composition according to the invention.

With respect to prophylactic treatment it will be understood that such a treatment
would benefit particularly subjects who are at risk of developing myocardial fibrosis or
an associated condition. As an example of subjects in the risk category are those having
hypertension, diabetes, myocarditis, ischaemic heart disease, drugs such as daunorubicin
and others which are used in cancer chemotherapy, genetic predisposition, other
conditions such as Conn's Syndrome and Phaeochromocytoma, high salt diet and the
like. The prophylactic treatment may be used to prevent or slow down the development
of fibrosis in the at risk group. High proportion of subjects may already have signs of
early heart failure on echocardiography. For example such signs are present in nearly
80% of patients with hypertension. The incidence in diabetics is even higher.
According to a seventh aspect the invention provides a method of prophylactic or
therapeutic treatment of congestive cardiac failure in a subject, the method including
administering to the subject at risk of developing congestive cardiac failure, a
pharmaceutical composition according to the invention.
According to a eighth aspect the invention provides a method of reducing the
levels, inhibiting or reducing the production, of pro-fibrotic mediators in a subject, the
method including administering to the subject a composition according to the invention.
According to an ninth aspect the invention provides a method of reducing
collagen formation or enhancing collagen degradation in the cardiac muscle of a subject,
the method including administering to the subject a composition according to the
invention.
According to a tenth aspect the invention provides a method of therapeutic or
prophylactic treatment of hypertension, the method including administering to the
subject a composition according to the invention.
According to a eleventh aspect the invention provides a method of lowering blood
pressure in a subject, the method including administering to a subject a a composition
according to the invention.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the pattern of use of the
compositions of the invention may need to be altered for optimum effect. It may be
necessary to take into account the nature of the disease or condition as well as its
severity.
The associated conditions, which may be subject to prevention or treatment by the
compositions of the invention, may include left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic

dysfunction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, left ventricular dysfunction and congestive
cardiac failure (for which myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying pathology). The
associated condition may also include conditions which give rise to generation of
profibrotic mediators or conditions which predispose a subject to myocardial fibrosis,
such as for example hypertension and/or high salt intake, diseases such as diabetes and
the like.
Further aspect of the invention includes the use of a composition of the invention
in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of
myocardial fibrosis, or an associated condition.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides the use of a composition of the
invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylactic or therapeutic
treatment of congestive cardiac failure.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising a
pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal
peptide (VIP) fragments with the proviso that fragments VIP (1-12) and VIP (6-28) are
not included.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising a
pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal
peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of
native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof. Preferably, fragments VIP (1-12) and
VIP (6-28) are not included.
Preferably, the VIP fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group
consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15),
VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-
23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28),VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11),
VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-
19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VEP(5-25), VIP(5-26),
VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-
15), VIP(6-16), VEP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VEP(6-21), VIP(6-22),
VEP(6-23), VIP(6-24)5 VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VEP(16-25),
VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition for prophylactic or
therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition, the composition

comprising a phannaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive
intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments wherein the VIP fragment is one or more fragments
selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13),
VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-
21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28)
VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-
17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24),
VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-
13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VEP(6-19), VIP(6-20),
VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VTP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-
28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions
thereof.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition for prophylactic or
therapeutic treatment of hypertension, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically
effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments
wherein the VIP fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting
of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16),
VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-I9), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-
24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12),
VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-
20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27),
VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-
16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23),
VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VTP(6-27) VIP(6-28) VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25),
VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof.
Preferably, compositions according to the present invention are administered in
conjunction with a phannaceutically acceptable carrier. They may preferably be
administered in conjunction with one or more other active agents useful in the treatment
of cardiovascular conditions. They may, for preference, be formulated for
administration by oral, intravenous, intramuscular or subcuticular routes.
In another aspect, the invention relates to method of therapeutic or prophylactic
treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method
including administering to a subject a composition including a pharmaceutically

effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments
having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of native VIP, or
conservative substitutions thereof.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic
treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method
including administering to a subject a composition according to the present invention.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic
treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition in a subject, the method
including administering to a subject a composition including one or more VIP fragments
selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13),
VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-
21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28)
VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-
17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24),
VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-
13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20),
VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-
28), VlP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions
thereof.
Preferably, the method is used to prevent or slow down progression of established
myocardial fibrosis, or alternatively, to reduce the degree of established fibrosis.
Preferably the associated condition is hypertension, diabetes, myocarditis,
ischaemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocarditis,
cardiomyopathy, left ventricular dysfunction, congestive cardiac failure (for which
myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying pathology), treatment with drugs such as
daunorubicin and others which are used in cancer chemotherapy, genetic predisposition,
other conditions such as Conn's Syndrome and Phaeochromocytoma, high salt diet and
the like.
Preferably the associated condition includes conditions which give rise to
generation of profibrotic mediators or conditions which predispose a subject to
myocardial fibrosis.
Preferably the prophylactic treatment is used to prevent or slow down the
development of fibrosis in the at risk group.

Preferably the condition is hypertension and/or high salt intake, diseases such as
diabetes and the like. Most preferably, the condition is hypertension.
In another aspect, the invention relates to method of therapeutic or prophylactic
treatment of myocardial fibrosis by reducing hypertension, the method including
administering to a subject in need or at risk a composition including a VIP fragment.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic
treatment of myocardial fibrosis by reducing hypertension, the method including
administering an associated condition a composition including one or more VIP
fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12),
VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-
20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VEP(4-26), VIP(4-27),
VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-
16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23),
VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-
12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VEP(6-18), VIP(6-19),
VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-
27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or
conservative substitutions thereof.
Preferably, the method is used to prevent or slow down progression of established
myocardial fibrosis.
Preferably the method is used to reduce the degree of established fibrosis.
In another aspect, the invention relates to method of lowering blood pressure
comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition including a
pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)
and/or active fragment thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of lowering blood pressure
comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition including a
pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal
peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of
native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of lowering blood pressure, the
method including administering to a subject a composition including one or more VIP
fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12),

VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-
20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27),
VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-
16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23),
VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-
12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19),
VEP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-
27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(l6-27), VIP(16-28) or
conservative substitutions thereof.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating hypertension
comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition including a
pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal
peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of
native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating hypertension
comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition including a
pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal
peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of
native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic
treatment of hypertension, the method including administering to a subject a
composition including one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of
VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-
17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24),
VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-
13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20),
VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-
28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16),
VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-
24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26),
VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or conservative substitutions thereof.
Preferably, the subject has myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of reducing the levels,
inhibiting or reducing the production of pro-fibrotic mediators in a subject, the method
including administering to the subject a composition according to the present invention.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of reducing collagen formation
or enhancing collagen degradation in the cardiac muscle of a subject, the method
including administering to the subject a composition according to the invention
In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a composition according to the
invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of
myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition
Preferably, the use is to prevent or slow down progression of established
myocardial fibrosis. Alternatively, the use is to prevent or slow down the development
of fibrosis in an at risk group. Also preferably, the use is to reduce the degree of
established fibrosis.
Preferably, the associated condition is hypertension, diabetes, myocarditis,
ischaemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocarditis,
cardiomyopathy, left ventricular dysfunction, congestive cardiac failure (for which
myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying pathology), treatment with drugs such as
daunorubicin and others which are used in cancer chemotherapy, genetic predisposition,
other conditions such as Conn's Syndrome and Phaeochromocytoma, high salt diet and
the like.
Preferably, the associated condition includes conditions which give rise to
generation of profibrotic mediators or conditions which predispose a subject to
myocardial fibrosis. Preferably, the condition is hypertension and/or high salt intake,
diseases such as diabetes and the like.
In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a composition including one
or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11),
VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-
19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26),
VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-
15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22),
VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-
11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18),
VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-

26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28) or
conservative substitutions thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the
therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition.
In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a composition including one
or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11),
VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-
19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26),
VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-
15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22),
VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-
11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18),
VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VEP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-
26), VIP(6-27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), VIP(16-
28) or conservative substitutions thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the
therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myocardial fibrosis by deducing hypertension.
In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of VIP or a fragment thereof in
the manufacture of a medicament for lowering blood pressure in a subject. Preferably,
the VIP fragment is one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of
VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-
17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24),
VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-
13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VEP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20),
VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-
28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), V1P(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16),
VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-
24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26),
VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28).
In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a VIP in the manufacture of
a medicament for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment cf hypertension. Preferably
the VIP fragment is one or more VIP fragments selected from the group consisting of
VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-
17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24),
VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28) VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-

13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20),
VEP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-
28),VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-14), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16),
VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-
24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26),
VIP(16-27), VIP(16-28).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1: Comparison of the degree of myocardial fibrosis in WKY rats on a high salt
diet after 4 week infusion of vehicle, VIP(6-16) or VIP(4-16).
Figure 2: Comparison of myocardial fibrosis in rats aged 14 weeks (zero time) then on
a high salt diet for 4 weeks and receiving either vehicle infusion or VIP(6-16) infusion
(5pmol/kg/min) for 4 weeks).
Figure 3: Myocardial fibrosis in 18 week old WKY rats after 4 weeks on a high salt diet
and treated with VIP(6-16), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-28), VIP(4-16) and VIP(1-12) or
vehicle Control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks.
Figure 4: Myocardial fibrosis in 18 week old WKY rats after 4 weeks on a high salt
diet and treated with native VIP, VEP(6-28), VIP(6-16), or vehicle Control. All peptides
were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks.
Figure 5: Myocardial fibrosis in 18 week old WKY rats after 4 weeks on a high salt
diet and treated with native VIP, VIP(6-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-28), VIP(4-16) and
VIP(1 -12) or vehicle Control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4
weeks.
Figure 6: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and
treated with VIP(l-28), VIP(4-10), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-24) and
VIP(4-28) or control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks.
Figure 7: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and
treated with VIP(l-28), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-24) and
VEP(6-28) or control. All peptides were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks.
Figure 8: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and
treated with VTP(l-28), VIP(16-20), VIP(16-24) and VIP(16-28) or control. All peptides
were infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks.

Figure 9: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SHR after 4 weeks on a high salt diet and
treated with VIP(l-28), VIP(1-12), and VIP(10-28) or control. All peptides were
infused at a dose of 5pmol/kg/min for 4 weeks.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
It has now been found, quite surprisingly in view of the well accepted views held
in this field, that VIP fragments lacking amino acids and motifs thought to be important
for their function are nevertheless useful therapeutic agents to reverse or delay onset of
myocardial fibrosis, or prevent onset of fibrosis in subjects at risk of developing
myocardial fibrosis. Thus, VIP fragments are also useful in the treatment of congestive
cardiac failure.
The use of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention in the treatment of
myocardial fibrosis or associated conditions represents a new class of therapeutic agents
for these conditions. Existing treatments for myocardial fibrosis or associated conditions
usually target one, or at the most two, of the known causative mechanisms in myocardial
fibrosis. Without wishing to be bound by any particular mechanism of action, it is
believed that the pharmaceutical preparations of the invention may target virtually all the
currently known promoters of myocardial fibrosis.
On the basis of the present studies, and not wishing to be bound by theory, it is
postulated that VIP fragments act as a major regulator to prevent the development of
fibrosis and that the depletion of VIP may unleash the synthesis of a number of
profibrotic mediators, thereby causing myocardial injury. The VIP fragments of the
present invention seem to be able to act in much the same way as the native VIP but are
more suited for therapeutic applications due to smaller size and hence increased stability
and ease of manufacture.
Further, and unexpectedly, a number of fragments lacking certain amino acid
residues and domains commonly thought to be important for its function have been
shown to be active in the present studies. Particularly useful fragments are VIP(6-16),
VIP(16-28), VIP(10-28), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-24) and VIP(4-16).
Further, fragments listed in Table 1 are also expected to be useful in the methods of the
present invention. Fragments VIP(1-12) and VIP(6-28) have been described earlier and

are not included in the present invention. It will be understood that the present invention
also encompasses within its scope certain analogues of the VIP fragments which are
based on conservative substitution of one or more amino acids of the VIP fragments with
amino acids which do not alter the biological activities of the VIP fragments. Such
substitutions would be well known to those skilled in the art and would not require more
than simple trial-and-error using well established techniques. Hence, the term "VIP
fragment" as used in the context of the present invention is intended to encompass such
analogues.
Other useful VIP fragments are listed in Table 1. All the sequences relate to VIP
and fragments of human origin but due to the very high level of amino acid
conservation, VIP and fragments thereof derived from other mammalian species are also
contemplated and encompassed by the present invention.
The present invention also contemplates pharmaceutical compositions which
include active VIP fragments. Such compositions may include any type of dosage form
such as tablets, capsules, powders, liquid formulations, delayed or sustained release,
patches, snuffs, nasal sprays and the like. The formulations may additionally include
other ingredients such as dyes, preservatives, buffers and anti-oxidants, for example.
The physical form and content of the pharmaceutical formulations contemplated are
conventional preparations that can be formulated by those skilled in the pharmaceutical
formulation field and are based on well established principles and compositions
described in, for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th
Edition, 1995; British Pharmacopoeia 2000 and similar formulation texts and manuals.
The compositions of the present invention may also include other active agents useful in
the treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
The route and frequency of administration of the compositions of the present
invention will depend on the treatment requirements and the nature of the molecule to be
administered. Thus the formulations may be suitably prepared for administration by
intravenous, intramuscular or subcuticular injection. VIP fragments may also be suitable
for mucosal administration such as oral, sublingual, nasal and the like. These parameters
are easily established by those skilled in the art.
The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention have been shown to be effective
in preventing or slowing down progression of established myocardial fibrosis, as well as
in reducing the degree (reversal) of established fibrosis and thus important in therapeutic

applications. The compositions of the present invention are also useful for prophylactic
or therapeutic treatment of congestive cardiac failure. These are important findings with
respect to the range and severity of conditions which can be treated with the
compositions of the present invention.
Further, the compositions of the present invention may be used prophylactically in
subjects at risk of developing myocardial fibrosis or an associated condition. As an
example of subjects in the risk category are those having hypertension, diabetes,
myocarditis, ischaemic heart disease, drugs such as daunorubicin and others which are
used in cancer chemotherapy, genetic predisposition, other conditions such as Conn's
Syndrome and Phaeochromocytoma, high salt diet and the like. The term "prophylactic"
as used in the context of the present invention is intended inter alia to encompass
treatments used to prevent or slow down the development of fibrosis in the at risk group.
High proportion of subjects which may be given prophylactic treatment may already
have signs of early heart failure on echocardiography.
The term " associated condition" as used in the context of the present invention
and in reference to myocardial fibrosis is intended to encompass, without limitation, left
ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, left
ventricular dysfunction and congestive cardiac failure (for which myocardial fibrosis
may be an underlying pathology). The associated condition may also include conditions
which give rise to generation of profibrotic mediators or conditions which predispose a
subject to myocardial fibrosis, such as for example hypertension and/or high salt intake,
diseases such as diabetes and the like.
By conserving the VIP content of the cardiac muscle in a subject with, or at risk of
developing, myocardial fibrosis or associated condition, through the use of the
compositions of the present invention significant therapeutic benefits can be achieved
including reduction of fibrosis, reduction in the level, production or activity of pro-
fibrotic mediators, reduction in progression of fibrosis, reduction in collagen formation
or enhancing collagen degradation in the cardiac muscle.
The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to non-
limiting examples.

EXPERIMENTAL
All general methodology and techniques have been described in detail in
PCT/AU2005/000835, incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
Example 1. — Effect of VIP fragment infusion on fibrosis in animal models of fibrosis
Four animal models of myocardial fibrosis were used (animals obtained from
Australian Animal Resources, Perth, Western Australia, Australia)
i) WKY rat fed a high salt diet
ii) WKY rat fed a high salt diet and given L-NAME (ω-monomethyl-nitro-L-
arginine, Sigma Chemical Co.) 10 mg/kg/day in the drinking water
iii) WKY rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin injection 60 mg/kg
iv) SHR rat fed a 2.2% salt diet for 4 weeks
In each model the rats were randomised to VIP(4-16) (Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-
Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln), VIP(6-16) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-
Arg-Lys-Gln), VIP(4-20)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-
Met-Ala-Val-Lys-), or VIP(4-24) (Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-
Lys-Gln-Met-Ala- Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn), VIP( 16-28) (Gin-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-
Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn), VIP(10-28) (Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-
Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn), VIP(6-12) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-
Arg), VIP(6-10) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr), VIP(6-20) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-
Leu-Arg-Lys-Ghi-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-), or VIP(6-24) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-
Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn) (All obtained from or
synthesised by Auspep, Australia) or vehicle control (Hartman's Solution, Baxter)
infusion for 4 weeks via Alzet minipump (n=6-8 each experimental group). The dose of
each peptide was 5 pmol/kg/min.
In models i) and ii) 14 week old WKY rats were commenced on high salt diet or
high salt diet plus L-NAME. They underwent operative insertion of an Alzet minipump
for infusion of VIP or vehicle. After 4 weeks the rats were anaesthetised and the hearts
harvested. Myocardial fibrosis levels were quantitated.
In model iii) rats are injected with streptozotocin 60mg/kg at 14 weeks of age.
After 8 weeks the diabetic rats are randomised to peptide infusion (5pmol/kg/min) or no
treatment. The peptides are administered as above. After a further 4 weeks the rats are
anaesthetised and the hearts harvested as above.

In model iv) 14 week old SHR rats are commenced on a 2.2% salt diet. They
undergo operative insertion of an Alzet minipump for peptide or vehicle infusion. After
4 weeks the rats are anaesthetised and the hearts harvested. Myocardial fibrosis levels
are quantitated as above.
The degree of myocardial fibrosis is quantitated by two methods in known manner
(refer Ye VZC, Hodge G, Yong JLC & Duggan KA (2002) Early myocardial fibrosis is
associated with depletion of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the heart Exp. Physiol
87:539-546 Ye VZC, Hodge G, Yong JLC & Duggan KA (2003) Myocardial VIP and
myocardial fibrosis induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the rat Acta Physiol.
Scand. 179:353-360. Ye VZC, Hodge G, Yong JLC & Duggan KA (2004)
Vasopeptidase inhibition reverses myocardial VIP depletion and decreases myocardial
fibrosis in salt sensitive hypertension Europ. J. Pharmacol. 485:235-242).
A significant improvement was found in the hearts of the treated rats in that the
myocardial fibrosis index was significantly lower in the treated rats compared to the
control groups (Figure 1).
Example 2 - Effect of VIP fragment treatment on regression of fibrosis in animal
models of fibrosis.
To determine whether VIP (6-16), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24). infusion caused
regression of existing fibrosis as well as prevented progression of fibrosis two groups of
studies were performed. The degree of myocardial fibrosis in untreated 14 week old
WKY rats was compared with the degree of fibrosis in 18 week old WKY rats after 4
weeks treatment with a high salt diet or a high salt diet plus L-NAME (10mg/kg/day)
and either VIP (6-16), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24) (5pmol/kg/min) or vehicle control
infusion (see Figure 2)
Preliminary results are shown in Figure 2. The data clearly show regression of
myocardial fibrosis following VIP(6-16) infusion. The regression of fibrosis may be due
to either reduction in collagen formation or enhancement of its degradation. Although
not wishing to be bound by any particular mechanism of action, the regression of
myocardial fibrosis is likely to be due to the action of collagenases, which play a part in
collagen resorption.
The importance of the present invention to health care will be immediately
apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Although the capacity to

treat cardiac failure has improved significantly with the advent of angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, as well as the realisation
that aldosterone antagonists and beta blockers improve outcome in later stage disease,
the addition of the pharmaceutical preparations of the invention, which act to prevent the
progression of the underlying lesion (fibrosis), or even reverse fibrosis, has the capacity
to prevent the escalation of mild to severe disease and hence to substantially reduce the
health care burden. The overall size of certain VIP fragments and their activity makes
them ideally suitable as targets for drug development.
EXAMPLE 3 - Effect of VIP fragment treatment on blood pressure in animal models of
hypertension.
To determine whether VIP and fragments were effective in controlling blood
pressure, Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHR) were acclimated to blood pressure
measurement by tail cuff plethysmography and then they were placed on a 2.2% salt diet
for 4 weeks.
The rats were randomized to Control (Hartman's Solution) vehicle-infusion,
VIP(l-28)(His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-
Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn),VIP(4-10)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-
Asp-Asn-Tyr), VIP(4-12) (Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg), VIP(4-16) (Ala-
Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln),VIP(4-20)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-
Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gm-Met-Ala-Val-Lys), VIP(4-24) (Ala-Val-Phe-
Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn),
VIP(4-28)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-
Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn), VEP(6-10) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr), VIP(6-12)
(Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg), VIP(6-16) (Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-
Lys-Gln),VIP(6-20)(Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gm-Met-Ala-Val-
Lys), VIP(6-24)(Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-
Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn), VIP(6-28)(Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-
Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn), VIP(16-20) (Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys),
VIP(16-24) (Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn), VIP(16-28) (Gln-Met-Ala-Val-
Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn),VIP(l-12)(His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-

Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg) and VIP(10-28) (Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-
Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-IIe-Leu-Asn),VIP(4-10)(Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr).
Each peptide was infused at 5pmol/kg/min.
Blood pressure was measured by tail cuff plethysmography twice weekly for 4
weeks.
The resultant systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements are shown in Figures
6-9. Several of the fragments showed a reduction in SPB relative to the control solution.
VIP itself was not seen to have any significant effect in reducing SBP, but a number of
fragments, notably VIP(6-28), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-28), and more particularly VIP(4-16),
VIP(4-12), VIP(4-20), VIP(6-20) and VIP(6-24) achieved significant reductions in SBP.
Figure 6 illustrates to some extent the difficulty in predicting VIP fragment activity from
structure. VIP(4-16) is less efficacious than either VIP(4-12), which has 4AA less, or
VIP(4-20), which is 4AA longer.
VIP(6-28) was disclosed in PCT/AU2005/000835 as being effective for
preventing myocardial fibrosis.
It is to be appreciated that other embodiments and variants of the compositions,
methods and uses of the invention, in keeping with the teaching and the spirit of the
invention described, are contemplated and that these are within the scope of the
invention.

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We Claim:
1. A composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more
functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments having as a core sequence amino
acid residues 6-10 or 16-25 of native VIP, or conservative substitutions thereof, with the
proviso that fragments VIP (1-12), VIP (14-23), VIP (16-28), VIP (6-14) and VIP (6-28) are
not included.
2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the VIP fragment is one or more
fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-
13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-
21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-27), VIP(4-28),VIP(5-
10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-
18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-
26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-13), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-
16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-
24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25), VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), or
conservative substitutions thereof.
3. A composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of myocardial fibrosis or an
associated condition, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of
one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments wherein the VIP
fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-
11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-
19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-
27), VIP(4-28),VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-
16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-
24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28),-VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-
13), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), V1P(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-
22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25),
VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), or conservative substitutions thereof.
4. A composition for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of hypertension in patients
with myocardial fibrosis, the composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of

one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments wherein the VIP
fragment is one or more fragments selected from the group consisting of: VIP(4-10), VIP(4-
11), VIP(4-12), VIP(4-13), VIP(4-14), VIP(4-15), VIP(4-16), VIP(4-17), VIP(4-18), VIP(4-
19), VIP(4-20), VIP(4-21), VIP(4-22), VIP(4-23), VIP(4-24), VIP(4-25), VIP(4-26), VIP(4-
27), VIP(4-28),VIP(5-10), VIP(5-11), VIP(5-12), VIP(5-13), VIP(5-14), VIP(5-15), VIP(5-
16), VIP(5-17), VIP(5-18), VIP(5-19), VIP(5-20), VIP(5-21), VIP(5-22), VIP(5-23), VIP(5-
24), VIP(5-25), VIP(5-26), VIP(5-27), VIP(5-28), VIP(6-10), VIP(6-11), VIP(6-12), VIP(6-
13), VIP(6-15), VIP(6-16), VIP(6-17), VIP(6-18), VIP(6-19), VIP(6-20), VIP(6-21), VIP(6-
22), VIP(6-23), VIP(6-24), VIP(6-25), VIP(6-26), VIP(6-27), VIP(10-28), VIP(16-25),
VIP(16-26), VIP(16-27), or conservative substitutions thereof.
5. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
6. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more
other active agents useful in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
7. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims formulated for
administration by oral, intravenous, intramuscular or subcuticular routes.
8. A composition comprising VIP fragments substantially as hereindescribed and
illustrated with reference to the accompanying examples

The invention relates to composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount
of one or more functional vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) fragments, and the use
of those compositions in the treatment of fibrosis, hypertension and other disorders.

Documents:

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Patent Number

269913

Indian Patent Application Number

2668/KOLNP/2008

PG Journal Number

47/2015

Publication Date

20-Nov-2015

Grant Date

18-Nov-2015

Date of Filing

02-Jul-2008

Name of Patentee

VECTUS BIOSYSTEMS LIMITED

Applicant Address

3-11 PRIMROSE AVENUE, ROSEBERY, NSW

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	DUGGAN, KAREN, ANNETTE	3 SOUDAN STREET, RANDWICK, NSW 2031

PCT International Classification Number

A61K 38/17,A61P 9/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/AU2006/001869

PCT International Filing date

2006-12-08

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2005906947	2005-12-09	Australia