Total synthesis of the large non-ribosomal peptide polytheonamide B.

Polytheonamide B is by far the largest non-ribosomal peptide known at present, and displays extraordinary cytotoxicity (EC(50) = 68 pg ml(-1), mouse leukaemia P388 cells). Its 48 amino-acid residues include a variety of non-proteinogenic d- and l-amino acids, and the absolute stereochemistry of these amino acids alternate in sequence. These structural features induce the formation of a stable β-strand-type structure, giving rise to an overall tubular structure over 30 Å in length.

Postmarketing study of nateglinide in Japan: treatment of medication-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

Nateglinide is an oral antidiabetic medication (OAD) that acts through rapid, short-term stimulation of insulin production. This study was conducted to identify the nature of any adverse effects associated with nateglinide and to evaluate its clinical efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes, with particular attention to hypoglycemia. Patients with type 2 diabetes who were OAD naïve (n=547), whose fasting blood glucose levels were 150 mg/dL or lower, and who had start-ed to take nateglinide alone were recruited from 139 centers in Japan with a 12-week observation period.