Patents Examined by Amy Bowman
  • Markers for pre-cancer and cancer cells and the method to interfere with cell proliferation therein
    Patent number: 9359648
    Abstract: A novel family of human mitochondrial RNAs, referred to as chimeric RNAs, which are differentially expressed in normal, pre-cancer and cancer cells, are described. Oligonucleotides targeted to the chimeric RNAs are provided. The described oligonucleotides or their analogs can be used for cancer diagnostics and cancer therapy as well as for research. In one embodiment of this invention, these oligonucleotides hybridize with the sense or with the antisense mitochondrial chimeric RNAs, and the result of the hybridization is useful to differentiate between normal proliferating cells, pre-cancer cells and cancer cells. In another embodiment of the invention, the compositions comprise oligonucleotides that hybridize with the human chimeric RNAs resulting in cancer cell and pre-cancer cell death, while there is no effect in normal cells, constituting therefore, a novel approach for cancer therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Andes Biotechnoogies S.A.
    Inventors: Luis Burzio, Jaime E. Villegas, Veronica A. Burzio
  • Method of treating cancer by inhibition of DNA repair proteins
    Patent number: 9359605
    Abstract: Methods of treating cancer using antisense oligonucleotides directed against DNA double-strand break repair proteins such as BRCA2 or RAD51 are provided. The antisense oligonucleotides can be used alone, in tandem or in combination with other cancer therapies, in particular with therapies that lead to DNA damage, inhibition of DNA repair or inhibition of DNA synthesis, such as radiation, platinum drugs, alkylating agents, PARP inhibitors, or inhibitors of thymidylate synthase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Sarissa Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Vincent, Peter J. Ferguson, Mateusz Rytelewski
  • USP37 inactivation as a treatment for PLZF/RARA-associated acute promyelocytic leukemia
    Patent number: 9353422
    Abstract: Method of regulating the stability and/or the level of the fusion protein PLZF/RARA are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for identifying an agent as a regulator of the stability and/or the level of the fusion protein PLZF/RARA. Methods for identifying a therapeutic agent for treating PLZF/RARA-associated acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ACADEMIA SINICA
    Inventors: Hsiu-Ming Shih, Wei-Chih Yang
  • Selective inhibition of polyglutamine protein expression
    Patent number: 9340785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the selective inhibition of protein expression of CAG repeat-related disease proteins such as Huntington using nucleic acid analogs. Peptide nucleic acids and locked nucleic acids are particularly useful analogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: David R. Corey, Jiaxin Hu, Masayuki Matsui
  • RNA interference in dermal and fibrotic indications
    Patent number: 9340786
    Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi constructs with improved tissue and cellular uptake characteristics and methods of use of these compounds in dermal and fibrotic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation
    Inventors: Anastasia Khvorova, William Salomon, Joanne Kamens, Dmitry Samarsky, Tod M. Woolf, Pamela A. Pavco, Lyn Libertine, James Cardia, Karen G. Bulock
  • Method to treat or prevent herpesvirus infections
    Patent number: 9333219
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting or treating a herpesvirus infection in a subject using inhibitors of mammalian Akt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy Herold, Natalia Cheshenko
  • High-efficiency nanoparticle-type double-helical oligo-RNA structure and method for preparing same
    Patent number: 9326941
    Abstract: Provided are a double-stranded oligo RNA structure and a method of preparing the same, and more specifically, a double-stranded oligo RNA structure in which a polymer compound is covalently bound to a double-stranded oligo RNA in order to improve stability in vivo and a cell delivery efficiency of the double-stranded oligo RNA, and a method of preparing the same. The double-stranded oligo RNA structure having the optimized structure according to the present invention may not inhibit functions of the double-stranded oligo RNA, but effectively improve stability and cell membrane permeability of the double-stranded oligo RNA, such that the double-stranded oligo RNA may be delivered into the cell even at a low concentration dosage thereof to be significantly used as a tool for treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and the like, as well as a new delivery system of the double-stranded oligo RNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: BIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeiwook Chae, Boram Han, Han-na Kim, Han Oh Park
  • UCP1 (thermogenin)—inducing agents for use in the treatment of a disorder of the energy homeostasis
    Patent number: 9320756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising an agent, like a polynucleotide, which induces or upregulates expression of UCP1 for use in treating or preventing a disorder of the energy homeostasis, overweight, adiposity, obesity, metabolic syndrome or related diseases or disorders in a subject. The present invention also relates to a method of treating or preventing a disorder of the energy homeostasis, overweight, adiposity, obesity, metabolic syndrome or related diseases or disorders in a subject comprising administrating a composition comprising a polynucleotide which induces or upregulates expression of UCP1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, l'Université Nice Sophia Antipolis
    Inventors: Marcel Scheideler, Michael Karbiener, Ez-Zoubir Amri, Gérard Ailhaud, Christian Dani
  • Inhibition of DNA2 in fanconi anemia
    Patent number: 9322022
    Abstract: Inhibition of DNA2 in Fanconi anemia (FA) cells remedies the over-resection of DNA, thereby stabilizing the FA cells. Inhibition of DNA2 in FA cells allows for safe treatment of cancers in FA patients, a decrease in the lethality of FA cells, a decrease in bone marrow failure of FA patients, and a means for decreasing the incidence of cancer for FA patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kenneth Karanja, Martin E. Budd, Judith L. Campbell
  • Methods of using microRNA-26a to promote angiogenesis
    Patent number: 9322015
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis, and for diagnosing the presence or risk of developing disorders associated with impaired angiogenesis or blood flow to a tissue in the body, using microRNA-26a (miR-26a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Feinberg, Basak Icli
  • Double-stranded ribonucleic acids with rugged physico-chemical structure and highly specific biologic activity
    Patent number: 9315538
    Abstract: The invention relates to our discovery of a novel double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) having specific biological activities, which includes acting as a selective agonist for activation of the Toll-like receptor 3. Its “rugged” molecular structure as measured by physico-chemical techniques is resistant to molecular unfolding (i.e., denaturation). This structure appears to be responsible for increased efficacy of dsRNA in therapeutic applications and improved biological activity (e.g., used as an immunoregulatory agent). Medicaments, processes for their manufacture, and methods for their use are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA, INC.
    Inventors: William A. Carter, David Strayer
  • Antisense compositions and methods of making and using same
    Patent number: 9314434
    Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations for oral administration of antisense oligonucleotides, such as antisense oligonucleotides against SMAD7. The pharmaceutical formulations can be used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Nogra Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Sergio Baroni, Salvatore Bellinvia, Francesca Viti
  • G protein-coupled purinergic receptor Gpr17 mediates orexigenic effects of FoxO1 in AgRP neurons
    Patent number: 9309514
    Abstract: G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) Gpr17 expressed in hypothalamic Agouti-related peptide-expressing (AgRP) neurons increases appetite and glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. By contrast, increasing Gpr17 reduced glucose tolerance and increased appetite. Gpr17-agonists had no effect on FoxO1-deficient mice, indicating, together with other data, that Gpr17 is a FoxO1 target. Certain embodiments are directed to methods for reducing appetite, increasing glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and treating diabetes by administering Gpr17 antagonists or inhibitory oligonucleotides. Appetite can be increased by administering Gpr17 agonists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Domenico Accili, Hongxia Ren
  • Methods and compositions for the treatment of insulin-associated medical conditions
    Patent number: 9301981
    Abstract: A method of increasing insulin content in a pancreatic beta cell is disclosed. The method comprising expressing in the pancreatic beta cell an exogenous polynucleotide encoding at least one microRNA or a precursor thereof, wherein the microRNA is selected from the group consisting of miR-15, miR-16, miR-24, miR-26, miR-27, miR-29, miR-30, miR-129, miR-141, miR-148, miR-182, miR-200, miR-376 and Let-7, thereby increasing the insulin content in the pancreatic beta cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eran Hornstein, Tal Melkman-Zehavi, Roni Oren
  • Nucleic acid silencing sequences
    Patent number: 9297023
    Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for introducing, into cells, nucleic acids whose expression results in chromosomal silencing. The nucleic acids are targeted to specific chromosomal regions where they subsequently reduce the expression of deleterious genes, or cause the death of deleterious cells. Where the nucleic acid sequence is a silencing sequence, it may encode an Xist RNA or other non-coding, silencing RNA. Accordingly, the present invention features, inter alia, nucleic acid constructs that include a transgene (e.g., a silencing sequence encoding an Xist RNA or other non-coding RNA that silences a segment of a chromosome); first and second sequences that direct insertion of the silencing sequence into a targeted chromosome; and, optionally, a selectable marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Jeanne B. Lawrence, Lisa L. Hall
  • Skin lightening composition
    Patent number: 9295631
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin lightening composition and a method of lightening skin. The skin lightening is achieved using siRNA oligonucleotides which are able to achieve this using much lower concentration as compared to known chemical actives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Babu Rakesh Kumar Bandi, Amit Chakrabortty, Ganesh Chandramowli, Anita Damodaran, Marie Juliet, Nirmala Nair, Subarna Saha, Shilpa Atul Vora
  • Low density lipoprotein receptor-mediated siRNA delivery
    Patent number: 9289514
    Abstract: The invention provides interfering RNA molecule-ligand conjugates useful as a delivery system for delivering interfering RNA molecules to a cell in vitro or in vivo. The conjugates comprise a ligand that can bind to a low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) or LDLR family member. Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Arrowhead Research Corporation
    Inventor: Jon E. Chatterton
  • Reagents and methods for treating cancer
    Patent number: 9273316
    Abstract: This invention describes a genetic system for targeting the EVI1 gene in mammalian cells. The EVI1 gene is an oncogenic transcription factor that, when expressed, accelerates cell division and inhibits death of cells. Nucleotide sequences that block the expression of EVI1 and drug delivery systems for them are described. These nucleotide sequences cause a block in cell growth and division and trigger death of mammalian cells, including lung and ovarian cancer cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: PeptiMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Primiano, Lonnie Bookbinder, Bey-Dih Chang, Jeremy Heidel
  • Induction of thyroid iodide-handling gene expression in human cancers
    Patent number: 9273318
    Abstract: Dual suppression of the MAP kinase and PI3K/Akt pathways showed synergistic or greatly enhanced anti-melanoma cell effects, compared to suppression of a single pathway, including the inhibition of cell proliferation, transformation and invasion, induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and, importantly, cell apoptosis. Remarkably, suppression of either pathway induces the expression of thyroid iodide-handling genes and dual suppression of the two pathways synergistically and robustly induces expression of these genes, accompanied by uptake of radioiodine in the cells. These genes include sodium/iodide symporter, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, pendrin gene, thyroid transcription factors (e.g., TTF-1, TTF-2, PAX8) and other thyroid genes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Michael Mingzhao Xing
  • Supercoiled minicircle DNA for gene therapy applications
    Patent number: 9267150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecule compositions comprising minivectors encoding a nucleic acid sequence and methods of gene therapy using minivectors encoding a nucleic acid sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
    Inventors: E. Lynn Zechiedrich, Jonathan Fogg, Daniel James Catanese, Jr., Erol Bakkalbasi, Brian E. Gilbert