Nearly one quarter of men worldwide are homozygous for a mutation in a gene that encodes a key sperm surface protein that is critical for normal sperm functioning in the female reproductive tract. Methods of detection of the genetic mutation, or the deficit of the protein on sperm, are predictive of reduced male fertility. Supplementation of sperm with the purified protein restores sperm function.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women in the US and the second most common cause of death in women in the US.  Treatment for breast cancer often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy.   Chemotherapy focuses on inhibiting estrogen binding to receptors, blocking estrogen production, targeting DNA replication, or preventing the division of cancer cells.  Though clearly beneficial, the use of these drugs is severely limited due to serious adverse effects. 

Estrogens have repeatedly been shown to stimulate the growth of breast cancers.  Tamoxifen (TAM) metabolites 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) and endoxifen (ENX) modulate estrogen receptor (ER) expression.  However, oral dosages of TAM may be responsible for unwanted side effects that have been observed during the use of these compounds in medical treatments.  Side effects include thrombo-embolism, uterine cancer, and quality of life impairment through hot flashes and vaginal atrophy.

Breast cancer is projected to be diagnosed in one out of every eight females born today in the United States. As highly-visible public awareness campaigns, like the pink ribbon and various Susan G. Komen sponsored activities, have educated the public about breast cancer, the market has become increasingly anxious for therapeutics solutions to the disease. Therapeutics for fighting and preventing breast cancer are not currently available on the market and researchers are looking for new pathways to explore. 

Blood transfusions provide important medical benefits primarily centered on the replacement of lost blood in trauma and surgical patients.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a 30-mer peptide hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells that bind to GLP-1 receptor on the β-cell and stimulates insulin secretion in response to ingested carbohydrates and lipids. Native GLP-1 peptide, however, has limited applications as a therapeutic agent due to its rapid elimination in vivo. A number of GLP-1 analogs with longer half-lives have been synthesized and approved for treatment. The aqueous solubility of the peptide is low.

Cancer is recognized as the second leading cause of death worldwide. When the balance between cell proliferation and cell death is disrupted, the ensuing aberrant proliferation leads to tumor growth. Cancer treatment is still largely achieved through the use of chemo and radiotherapy, both of which cause various side-effects. Treatments which are tailored for specific tumors with minimum side- effects are the ultimate goal of cancer therapy. For certain types of tumors which express labile anti-apoptotic proteins, repression of cellular transcription could be useful.