Patents by Inventor Donna J. Webb

Donna J. Webb has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Transforming growth factor-&bgr; binding site
    Patent number: 6329500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for inhibiting TGF-&bgr; activity. The composition comprises a TGF-&bgr; neutralizing peptide derived from &agr;2-macroglobulin that binds to TGF-&bgr; and inhibits TGF-&bgr; activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Donna J. Webb, Steven L. Gonias
  • Chemically modified a-macroglobulins, methods of making, and methods of using the same in anti-cytokine therapy
    Patent number: 5902787
    Abstract: Chemically modified .alpha.-macroglobulin is conformationally locked by cross-linking .alpha..sub.2 M with a bi-functional peptide crosslinker, and then modified with methylamine, to provide conformational intermediates with limited conformational change. These modified compounds have a high binding affinity for inflammatory cytokines including TNF-.alpha. and IL-1.beta.. When administered in vivo, the modified .alpha..sub.2 M (MAC) protects against development of septic shock, and is an effective treatment aid in treating mammals with established septic shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Steven L. Gonias, Donna J. Webb