Patent ID: 7763707

Claim:
A ghrelin splice variant-like compound having the formula Z1-(X1)-Dpr-Dpr-(X3)n-Z2, wherein Z1 is an optionally present protecting group; X1is independently selected from a naturally occurring amino acid and a synthetic amino acid; each X3 is independently selected from a naturally occurring amino acid and a synthetic amino acid, wherein one or more of X1 and X3 optionally may be modified with a bulky hydrophobic group; Z2 is an optionally present protecting group; n is an integer in the range of from 4-92; provided that the compound according to formula Z1-(X1)-Dpr-Dpr-(X3)n-Z2 is has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:10, the Dpr residue at position 3 of the compound is modified with a bulky hydrophobic group, and the compound stimulates the appetite, weight gain, or a combination thereof of a subject when administered thereto.