abstract |
The invention features contacting (in vitro or in vivo) a receptor-binding ligand with an organic molecule, which can be a small molecule (i.e., an organic molecule that is not a peptide), or a peptide that noncovalently binds to the ligand and either another ligand for the receptor (either a second copy of the first ligand, or a second, different ligand), the receptor itself, or both. Exemplary ligand/receptor pairs include FGF-2/FGF-R1 and EPO/EPO-R. The invention further features pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using such compositions for treating various medical conditions. |