Patents by Inventor John McWhirter

John McWhirter 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: 20220195014
    Abstract: Described herein are anchor-modified immunoglobulin polypeptides, wherein the anchor moors the immunoglobulin polypeptide to a receptor of interest. The anchor-modified immunoglobulin polypeptides are generally characterized at the N-terminus with an anchor, e.g., the receptor binding portion of a ligand that binds a receptor. Non-human animals genetically modified with recombinant immunoglobulin segments that encode the anchor-modified immunoglobulin polypeptides are capable of making the anchor-modified immunoglobulin polypeptides. Such non-human animals also provided, along with methods and compositions for making and using the non-human animals. Methods for producing anchor-modified immunoglobulins from non-human animals are also provided, as well as anchor-modified immunoglobulins generated therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Jason Mastaitis, Andrew J. Murphy, John McWhirter, Vera Voronina, Jesper Gromada
  • Patent number: 11357217
    Abstract: Mice, tissues, cells, and genetic material are provided that comprise a humanized heavy chain immunoglobulin locus, a humanized light chain locus that expresses a universal light chain, and a gene encoding an ADAM6 or ortholog or homolog or functional fragment thereof. Mice are provided that express humanized heavy chains comprising human variable domains, and that express humanized light chains comprising human variable domains wherein the light chains are derived from no more than one, or no more than two, light chain V and J or rearranged V/J sequences. Fertile male mice that express antibodies with universal light chains and humanized heavy chains are provided. Methods and compositions for making bispecific binding proteins are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, Andrew J. Murphy, Margaret Karow
  • Publication number: 20220177572
    Abstract: Mice having a restricted immunoglobulin heavy chain locus are provided, wherein the locus is characterized by a single polymorphic human VH gene segment, a plurality of human DH gene segments and a plurality of JH gene segments. Methods for making antibody sequences that bind an antigen (e.g., a viral antigen) are provided, comprising immunizing a mouse with an antigen of interest, wherein the mouse comprises a single human VH gene segment, a plurality of human DH gene segments and a plurality of JH gene segments, at the endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, John McWhirter, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20220174920
    Abstract: Non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using them are provided, wherein said non-human animals have a genome comprising an engineered or recombinant diversity cluster within an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, which engineered or recombinant diversity cluster comprises an insertion of one or more coding sequences of a non-immunoglobulin polypeptide of interest. Non-human animals described herein express antibodies characterized by complementary determining regions (CDRs), in particular, CDR3s having diversity that directs binding to particular antigens. Methods for producing antibodies from non-human animals are also provided, which antibodies contain human variable regions and mouse constant regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, John McWhirter, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11314051
    Abstract: A laser system including a laser source that generates a laser beam and an optical switch that receives the laser beam and selectively sends the laser beam to either a fast path or a slow path, wherein in the fast path the laser beam has a first F/# and in the slow path the laser beam has a second F/# that is higher in value that of the first F/#. The laser system further including an afocal optical system that is in the slow path and receives the laser beam from the optical switch and an x-y scanner that receives either a first laser beam from the slow path or a second laser beam from the fast path. The laser system including a scan lens system that receives a scanning laser beam from the x-y scanner and performs a z-scan for the scanning laser beam only in the case wherein the scanning laser beam is generated from the laser beam in the fast path. The laser system further including an aspheric patient interface device that receives a laser beam from the scan lens system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Curatu, Rudolph W. Frey, John McWhirter, Steven E. Bott
  • Patent number: 11261248
    Abstract: Mice having a restricted immunoglobulin heavy chain locus are provided, wherein the locus is characterized by a single polymorphic human VH gene segment, a plurality of human DH gene segments and a plurality of JH gene segments. Methods for making antibody sequences that bind an antigen (e.g., a viral antigen) are provided, comprising immunizing a mouse with an antigen of interest, wherein the mouse comprises a single human VH gene segment, a plurality of human DH gene segments and a plurality of JH gene segments, at the endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, John McWhirter, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11224207
    Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that express an immunoglobulin variable domain that comprises at least one histidine, wherein the at least one histidine is encoded by a substitution of a non-histidine codon in the germline of the animal with a histidine codon, or the insertion of a histidine codon in a germline immunoglobulin nucleic acid sequence. Immunoglobulin genes comprising histidines in one or more CDRs, in an N-terminal region, and/or in a loop 4 region are also provided. Immunoglobulin variable domains comprising one or more histidines (e.g., histidine clusters) substituted for non-antigen-binding non-histidine residues. Non-human animals that are progeny of animals comprising modified heavy chain variable loci (V, D, J segments), modified light chain variable loci (V, J segments), and rearranged germline light chain genes (VJ sequences) are also provided. Non-human animals that make immunoglobulin domains that bind antigens in a pH-sensitive manner are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Regeneran Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Joel H. Martin, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20210378864
    Abstract: A patient interface device (PID) for contacting the surface of the eye and having a meniscus inverter. A pin, clip and ridge configuration for holding a window and maintaining an open reservoir of BSS in a PID. A PID for integrated systems and methods for performing laser and phacoemulsification operations. A PID for a reconfigurable system for performing a laser procedure in a laser configuration, and then being reconfigured into a phaco configuration, to perform a phacoemulsification, and then being reconfigured back to the laser configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventors: E. VALASKI TEUMA, GEORGE CURATU, GARY P. GRAY, JOHN McWHIRTER, ARTHUR NEWTON, SCOTT ANDERSON, Alan Connaughton, Dustin Morley, Dale McPherson
  • Patent number: 11192947
    Abstract: A genetically modified non-human animal is provided, wherein the non-human animal expresses an antibody repertoire capable of pH dependent binding to antigens upon immunization. A genetically modified non-human animal is provided that expresses a single light chain variable domain derived from a single rearranged light chain variable region gene in the germline of the non-human animal, wherein the single rearranged light chain variable region gene comprises a substitution of at least one non-histidine encoding codon with a histidine encoding codon. Methods of making non-human animals that express antibodies comprising a histidine-containing universal light chain are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Regeneran Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20210345591
    Abstract: Non-human animals (and/or non-human cells) and methods of using the same are provided, which non-human animals (and/or non-human cells) have a genome comprising human antibody-encoding sequences (i.e., immunoglobulin genes). Non-human animals described herein express antibodies that contain immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains characterized by the presence of human V? domains. Non-human animals provided herein are, in some embodiments, characterized by expression of antibodies that contain human V? light chains that are encoded by human Ig? light chain-encoding sequences inserted into an endogenous Ig? light chain locus of said non-human animals Methods for producing antibodies from non-human animals are also provided, which antibodies contain human variable regions and mouse constant regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew J. Murphy, Lynn Macdonald, Chunguang Guo, John McWhirter
  • Publication number: 20210329895
    Abstract: Non-human animals, cells, methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the non-human animals and cells comprise a humanized B-cell activating factor gene. Non-human animals and cells that express a human or humanized B-cell activating factor protein from an endogenous B-cell activating factor locus are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20210315189
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse expresses an immunoglobulin light chain repertoire characterized by a limited number of light chain variable domains. Mice are provided that present a choice of two human light chain variable gene segments such that the immunoglobulin light chains expresses by the mouse comprise one of the two human light chain variable gene segments. Methods for making bispecific antibodies having universal light chains using mice as described herein, including human light chain variable regions, are provided. Methods for making human variable regions suitable for use in multispecific binding proteins, e.g., bispecific antibodies, and host cells are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20210298955
    Abstract: A fully integrated laser-ultrasound, including femto-phaco, system having a foot print of less than 1,500 sq inches. Integrated communication and control system for laser-ultrasound, including femto-phaco, system including common control system and GUI. A reconfigurable laser-ultrasound, including femto-phaco, femto-phaco system having different configurations and positions of a laser delivery head, and having a single laser beam path length for all configurations. Integrated systems and methods for performing laser and phacoemulsification operations. A reconfigurable system for performing a laser procedure in a laser configuration, and then being reconfigured into a phaco configuration, to perform a phacoemulsification, and then being reconfigured back to the laser configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventors: JOHN McWHIRTER, GEORGE CURATU, GARY P. GRAY, SCOTT ANDERSON, ARTHUR NEWTON, E. VALASKI TEUMA, Alan Connaughton, Dustin Morley, Dale McPherson
  • Publication number: 20210292439
    Abstract: Non-human animals (and/or non-human cells) and methods of using the same are provided, which non-human animals (and/or non-human cells) have a genome comprising human antibody-encoding sequences (i.e., immunoglobulin genes). Non-human animals described herein express antibodies that contain immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains characterized by the presence of human V? domains. Non-human animals provided herein are, in some embodiments, characterized by expression of antibodies that contain human V? light chains that are encoded by human Ig? light chain-encoding sequences inserted into an endogenous Ig? light chain locus of said non-human animals. Methods for producing antibodies from non-human animals are also provided, which antibodies contain human variable regions and mouse constant regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew J. Murphy, Lynn Macdonald, Chunguang Guo, John McWhirter
  • Publication number: 20210259881
    Abstract: Integrated systems and methods for performing laser and phacoemulsification operations. A reconfigurable system for performing a laser procedure in a laser configuration, and then being reconfigured into a phaco configuration, to perform a phacoemulsification, and then being reconfigured back to the laser configuration. Non-handed systems that provide full position and usage around a patient. Integrated imaging, cataract grading and determination of combination laser-ultrasound therapies, including femto-phaco, therapies. Integrated control and determining systems for recommending and delivering predetermined laser shot patterns and predetermined phacoemulsification procedures to address conditions of the eye, including cataracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventors: GARY P. GRAY, GEORGE CURATU, SCOTT ANDERSON, JOHN McWHIRTER, ARTHUR NEWTON, E. VALASKI TEUMA, Alan Connaughton, Dustin Morley, Dale McPherson
  • Publication number: 20210259880
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing laser and phacoemulsification operations. Systems that provide full position and usage around a patient. An integrated laser-ultrasound, including femto-phaco, system having a safety interlock preventing operation of laser during phacoemulsification procedure. An integrated laser-ultrasound, including femto-phaco, system having a movable and repositionable laser arm and laser head. A laser system and an integrated laser-ultrasound, including femto-phaco, system that provides for 330 degrees of clocking positioning around an eye of the patient. Non-handed integrated laser-ultrasound, including femto-phaco, systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventors: ARTHUR NEWTON, GEORGE CURATU, GARY P. GRAY, JOHN McWHIRTER, SCOTT ANDERSON, E. VALASKI TEUMA, Alan Connaughton, Dustin Morely, Dale McPherson
  • Publication number: 20210251202
    Abstract: Non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using them are provided, which non-human animals have a genome comprising an engineered or recombinant diversity cluster within an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, which engineered or recombinant diversity cluster comprises an insertion of one or more DH segments that are each operably linked to a 23-mer recombination signal sequence. Methods for producing antibodies from non-human animals are also provided, which antibodies optionally contain human variable regions and rodent, e.g., constant regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew J. Murphy, Lynn Macdonald, Chunguang Guo, John McWhirter, Vera Voronina
  • Publication number: 20210204531
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse is incapable of rearranging and expressing an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin light chain variable sequence, wherein the mouse expresses only one or two human light chain variable domains encoded by human immunoglobulin sequences operably linked to the mouse kappa (?) constant gene at the endogenous mouse ? locus, wherein the mouse expresses a reverse chimeric antibody having a light chain variable domain derived from one of only two human light chain variable region gene segments and a mouse ? constant domain, and a human heavy chain variable domain and a mouse heavy chain constant domain, from an endogenous mouse heavy chain locus. Bispecific epitope-binding proteins that are fully human are provided, comprising two different heavy chains that associate with an identical light chain that comprises a variable domain derived from one of two different human light chain variable region gene segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, David R. Buckler, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11051498
    Abstract: Non-human animals (and/or non-human cells) and methods of using the same are provided, which non-human animals (and/or non-human cells) have a genome comprising human antibody-encoding sequences (i.e., immunoglobulin genes). Non-human animals described herein express antibodies that contain immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains characterized by the presence of human V? domains. Non-human animals provided herein are, in some embodiments, characterized by expression of antibodies that contain human V? light chains that are encoded by human Ig? light chain-encoding sequences inserted into an endogenous Ig? light chain locus of said non-human animals. Methods for producing antibodies from non-human animals are also provided, which antibodies contain human variable regions and mouse constant regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Murphy, Lynn Macdonald, Chunguang Guo, John McWhirter
  • Publication number: 20210195877
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions related to non-human animals that express exogenous Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy, Chunguang Guo, Natasha Levenkova, Naxin Tu, John McWhirter, Vera Voronina, Faith Harris