Patents by Inventor Jack Higgins

Jack Higgins 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).

  • Publication number: 20230331785
    Abstract: Provided herein are HER2-targeting molecules comprising Shiga toxin A Subunit derived polypeptides having 1) de-immunization and 2) reduced, protease-cleavage sensitivity while retaining Shiga toxin function(s), such as, e.g., potent cytotoxicity via ribosome inhibition. Certain HER2-targeting molecules of the present invention exhibit reduced immunogenic potential in mammals and are well-tolerated by mammals while retaining aforementioned features. The HER2-targeting molecules of the present invention have uses for selectively killing specific cells (e.g., HER positive tumor cells); for selectively delivering cargos to specific cells (e.g., HER positive tumor cells), and as therapeutic and/or diagnostic molecules for treating and diagnosing a variety of conditions, including cancers and tumors involving the expression or over-expression of cell-surface HER2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jack HIGGINS
  • Publication number: 20230295342
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating or preventing cancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a HER2 binding molecule comprising a cytotoxic Shiga toxin A subunit effector polypeptide and a binding region capable of specifically binding an extracellular part of human HER2. The cancer may be a cancer that involves a cell which expresses or overexpresses HER2, such as a HER2-positive breast cancer, bile duct cancer, or a gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Roger WALTZMAN, Jack HIGGINS, Eric WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20220267384
    Abstract: The present invention provides proteins comprising binding regions for cell-type specific targeting, Shiga toxin effector regions derived from A Subunits of members of the Shiga toxin family for providing Shiga toxin effector functions (e.g. cellular internalization and cytotoxicity), and carboxy-terminal endoplasmic reticulum localization signal motifs. The presently disclosed proteins can comprise additional exogenous materials, such as, e.g., antigens, cytotoxic agents, and detection-promoting agents, and are capable of targeted delivery of these additional exogenous materials into the interiors of target cells. The proteins of the present invention have uses in methods such as, e.g., methods involving targeted killing of target cells, delivering exogenous materials into target cells, labeling subcellular compartments of target cells, and diagnosing and/or treating a variety of conditions including cancers, tumors, other growth abnormalities, immune disorders, and microbial infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jason KIM, Jack HIGGINS
  • Publication number: 20220162271
    Abstract: Provided herein are HER2-targeting molecules comprising Shiga toxin A Subunit derived polypeptides having 1) de-immunization and 2) reduced, protease-cleavage sensitivity while retaining Shiga toxin function(s), such as, e.g., potent cytotoxicity via ribosome inhibition. Certain HER2-targeting molecules of the present invention exhibit reduced immunogenic potential in mammals and are well-tolerated by mammals while retaining aforementioned features. The HER2-targeting molecules of the present invention have uses for selectively killing specific cells (e.g., HER positive tumor cells); for selectively delivering cargos to specific cells (e.g., HER positive tumor cells), and as therapeutic and/or diagnostic molecules for treating and diagnosing a variety of conditions, including cancers and tumors involving the expression or over-expression of cell-surface HER2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jack HIGGINS
  • Patent number: 11248061
    Abstract: Provided herein are multivalent CD20-binding molecules, and compositions thereof, for use in selective killing of specific cell types and/or as therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer, tumors, and immune disorders. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules can be used to deliver agents into CD20-expressing cells, collecting diagnostic information, and/or monitoring the treatment of diseases, such as cancers, tumors, and immune disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jason Kim, Jack Higgins, Jensing Liu, Rodney Flores-Lefranc
  • Patent number: 11225509
    Abstract: Provided herein are HER2-targeting molecules comprising Shiga toxin A Subunit derived polypeptides having 1) de-immunization and 2) reduced, protease-cleavage sensitivity while retaining Shiga toxin function(s), such as, e.g., potent cytotoxicity via ribosome inhibition. Certain HER2-targeting molecules of the present invention exhibit reduced immunogenic potential in mammals and are well-tolerated by mammals while retaining aforementioned features. The HER2-targeting molecules of the present invention have uses for selectively killing specific cells (e.g., HER positive tumor cells); for selectively delivering cargos to specific cells (e.g., HER positive tumor cells), and as therapeutic and/or diagnostic molecules for treating and diagnosing a variety of conditions, including cancers and tumors involving the expression or over-expression of cell-surface HER2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jack Higgins
  • Patent number: 11142584
    Abstract: The present invention provides CD20-binding proteins that bind to and rapidly internalize in a CD20-mediated fashion from a cell surface location to the interior of the cell. CD20-binding proteins of the invention comprise a CD20 binding region and a Shiga toxin effector region. Certain of the disclosed CD20-binding proteins kill cells that express CD20 on their surface. Further, the presently disclosed CD20-binding proteins can comprise additional exogenous materials, such as, e.g., antigens, and are capable of targeted delivery of these additional exogenous materials into the interior of CD20 expressing cells. These CD20-binding proteins have uses in methods such as, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Jason Kim, Jack Higgins, Erin Willert, Sangeetha Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 11104707
    Abstract: The present invention provides multivalent CD20-binding molecules and compositions thereof, such as enriched compositions comprising large proportions of multivalent CD20-binding molecules relative to monovalent CD20-binding molecules. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention comprise (i) two or more CD20-binding regions and (ii) one or more Shiga toxin effector polypeptide regions derived from an A Subunit of a member of the Shiga toxin family. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention, and compositions thereof, have uses for selective killing of specific cell types and as therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancers, tumors, and immune disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jason Kim, Jack Higgins, Jensing Liu, Rodney Flores-Lefranc
  • Publication number: 20210017512
    Abstract: The present invention provides protease-cleavage resistant molecules comprising Shiga toxin effector polypeptides capable of exhibiting potent, Shiga toxin functions (e.g. subcellular routing and cytotoxicity). The present invention also provides protease-cleavage resistant, cell-targeting molecules for targeting specific cell types, e.g., infected or malignant cells. Certain molecules of the present invention are cytotoxic, and certain cell-targeting molecules of the present invention may be used for the targeted killing of specific cell types and the treatment of a variety of diseases, disorders, and conditions, including cancers, tumors, growth abnormalities, immune disorders, and microbial infections. Certain cell-targeting molecules of the invention exhibit improved, in vivo tolerability as compared to related cell-targeting molecules comprising protease-cleavage sensitive, wild-type, Shiga toxin effector polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jack HIGGINS, Jason KIM
  • Patent number: 10815469
    Abstract: The present invention provides protease-cleavage resistant molecules comprising Shiga toxin effector polypeptides capable of exhibiting potent, Shiga toxin functions (e.g. subcellular routing and cytotoxicity). The present invention also provides protease-cleavage resistant, cell-targeting molecules for targeting specific cell types, e.g., infected or malignant cells. Certain molecules of the present invention are cytotoxic, and certain cell-targeting molecules of the present invention may be used for the targeted killing of specific cell types and the treatment of a variety of diseases, disorders, and conditions, including cancers, tumors, growth abnormalities, immune disorders, and microbial infections. Certain cell-targeting molecules of the invention exhibit improved, in vivo tolerability as compared to related cell-targeted molecules comprising protease-cleavage sensitive, wild-type, Shiga toxin effector polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jack Higgins, Jason Kim
  • Publication number: 20200002387
    Abstract: The present invention provides CD20-binding proteins that bind to and rapidly internalize CD20 antigens from a cell surface location to the interior of a cell. CD20-binding proteins of the invention comprise a CD20 binding region and a Shiga toxin effector region. Certain of the disclosed CD20-binding proteins kill cells that express CD20 on their surface. Further, the presently disclosed CD20-binding proteins can comprise additional exogenous materials and are capable of targeted delivery of these additional exogenous materials into the interior of CD20 expressing cells. Such additional materials may include peptides, antigens, enzymes, and polynucleotides. These CD20-binding proteins have uses in methods of internalizing themselves, targeted killing of CD20 expressing cells, delivering exogenous materials into CD20 expressing cells, and treating a variety of diseases involving CD20 expressing cells, such as cancers and immune disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Applicant: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jason KIM, Jack HIGGINS, Sangeetha Rajagopalan
  • Publication number: 20190382755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of screening libraries of chimeric molecules comprising ribotoxic polypeptides, where screening is based on the interim reduction or elimination of ribotoxicity and the methods can identify cytotoxic molecules, each comprising a binding region and a ribotoxic region which jointly possess a desired assay-selectable characteristic, such as, e.g., binding to a target biomolecule, binding to a target cell, and/or cellular internalization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jason KIM, Jack HIGGINS
  • Publication number: 20190359657
    Abstract: The present invention provides multivalent CD20-binding molecules and compositions thereof, such as enriched compositions comprising large proportions of multivalent CD20-binding molecules relative to monovalent CD20-binding molecules. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention comprise (i) two or more CD20-binding regions and (ii) one or more Shiga toxin effector polypeptide regions derived from an A Subunit of a member of the Shiga toxin family. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention, and compositions thereof, have uses for selective killing of specific cell types and as therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancers, tumors, and immune disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jason KIM, Jack HIGGINS, Jensing LIU, Rodney FLORES-LEFRANC
  • Patent number: 10450354
    Abstract: The present invention provides CD20-binding proteins that bind to and rapidly internalize CD20 antigens from a cell surface location to the interior of a cell. CD20-binding proteins of the invention comprise a CD20 binding region and a Shiga toxin effector region. Certain of the disclosed CD20-binding proteins kill cells that express CD20 on their surface. Further, the presently disclosed CD20-binding proteins can comprise additional exogenous materials and are capable of targeted delivery of these additional exogenous materials into the interior of CD20 expressing cells. Such additional materials may include peptides, antigens, enzymes, and polynucleotides. These CD20-binding proteins have uses in methods of internalizing themselves, targeted killing of CD20 expressing cells, delivering exogenous materials into CD20 expressing cells, and treating a variety of diseases involving CD20 expressing cells, such as cancers and immune disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jason Kim, Jack Higgins, Sangeetha Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 10421958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of screening libraries of chimeric molecules comprising ribotoxic polypeptides, where screening is based on the interim reduction or elimination of ribotoxicity and the methods can identify cytotoxic molecules, each comprising a binding region and a ribotoxic region which jointly possess a desired assay-selectable characteristic, such as, e.g., binding to a target biomolecule, binding to a target cell, and/or cellular internalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: MOLECULAR TEMPLATES, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jason Kim, Jack Higgins
  • Patent number: 10392425
    Abstract: The present invention provides multivalent CD20-binding molecules, and compositions thereof, such as enriched compositions comprising large proportions of multivalent CD20-binding molecule relative to monovalent CD20-binding molecule. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention comprise 1) two or more CD20 binding regions and 2) one or more Shiga toxin effector polypeptide regions derived from an A Subunit of a member of the Shiga toxin family. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention, and compositions thereof, have uses for selective killing specific cell types and as therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancers, tumors, and immune disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jason Kim, Jack Higgins, Jensing Liu, Rodney Flores-Lefranc
  • Publication number: 20180291359
    Abstract: The present invention provides cell-targeting molecules comprising binding regions for cell-type specific targeting and Shiga toxin A Subunit effector regions for Shiga toxin effector functions, wherein the Shiga toxin effector regions are at and/or proximal to an amino-terminus of a polypeptide component of the cell targeted molecule, and optionally comprising a disrupted, furin-cleavage motif between the Shiga toxin effector region and the binding region. The cell-targeting molecules of the invention exhibit a more optimized cytotoxicity and/or improved, in vivo tolerability as compared to related molecules comprising less amino-terminus proximal, Shiga toxin effector regions and/or furin-cleavage sensitive, wild-type, Shiga toxin effector regions. The cell targeting molecules of the invention have uses, such as, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jack Higgins, Jason Kim
  • Publication number: 20180258144
    Abstract: The present invention provides cytotoxic proteins comprising immunoglobulin-type binding regions for mediating cell-type specific targeting and Shiga toxin effector regions derived from A Subunits of members of the Shiga toxin family for effectuating cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic proteins have uses for selective killing of specific cell types and as therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancers, immune disorders, and microbial infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jason KIM, Jack HIGGINS
  • Publication number: 20180057544
    Abstract: The present invention provides multivalent CD20-binding molecules, and compositions thereof, such as enriched compositions comprising large proportions of multivalent CD20-binding molecule relative to monovalent CD20-binding molecule. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention comprise 1) two or more CD20 binding regions and 2) one or more Shiga toxin effector polypeptide regions derived from an A Subunit of a member of the Shiga toxin family. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention, and compositions thereof, have uses for selective killing specific cell types and as therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancers, tumors, and immune disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Molecular Templates, Inc
    Inventors: Eric POMA, Erin WILLERT, Jason KIM, Jack HIGGINS, Jensing LIU, Rodney FLORES-LEFRANC
  • Publication number: 20170275382
    Abstract: The present invention provides multivalent CD20-binding molecules, and compositions thereof, such as enriched compositions comprising large proportions of multivalent CD20-binding molecule relative to monovalent CD20-binding molecule. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention comprise 1) two or more CD20 binding regions and 2) one or more Shiga toxin effector polypeptide regions derived from an A Subunit of a member of the Shiga toxin family. Certain multivalent CD20-binding molecules of the present invention, and compositions thereof, have uses for selective killing specific cell types and as therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancers, tumors, and immune disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: Molecular Templates, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Poma, Erin Willert, Jason Kim, Jack Higgins, Jensing Liu, Rodney Flores-Lefranc