Patents by Inventor Robert S. Langer, Jr.

Robert S. Langer, Jr. 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).

  • Patent number: 11975069
    Abstract: Emulsion-based and micromolded (“MM”) or three dimensional printed (“3DP”) polymeric formulations for single injection of antigen, preferably releasing at two or more time periods, have been developed. Formulations are preferably formed of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers. Discrete regions encapsulating antigen, alone or in combination with other antigens, adjuvants, stabilizers, and release modifiers, are present in the formulations. Antigen is preferably present in excipient at the time of administration, or on the surface of the formulation, for immediate release, and incorporated within the formulation for release at ten to 45 days after initial release of antigen, optionally at ten to 90 day intervals for release of antigen in one or more additional time periods. Antigen may be stabilized through the use of stabilizing agents such as trehalose glass. In a preferred embodiment for immunization against polio, antigen is released at the time of administration, and two, four and six months thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignees: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TOKITAE LLC
    Inventors: Ana Jaklenec, William Gates, Philip A. Welkhoff, Boris Nikolic, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Robert S. Langer, Thanh Duc Nguyen, Stephany Yi Tzeng, James J. Norman, Kevin McHugh
  • Publication number: 20230223111
    Abstract: Described herein are methods such as multi-omic methods for assessing a disease such as cancer. The multi-omic methods may integrate proteomic, transcriptomic, genomic, lipidomic, or metabolomic data. The method screening diseases or disease states. Also described herein are methods for screening for diseases or disease states from biological samples. The methods may include assessing whether a nodule, mass, or cyst is cancerous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Philip Ma, Bruce Wilcox, Francois Collin, Chinmay Belthangady, Mi Yang, Manoj Khadka, Manway Liu, John Blume, Robert S. Langer, JR., Ehdieh Khaledian
  • Publication number: 20230187028
    Abstract: Described herein are methods such as multi-omic methods for assessing a disease such as cancer. The multi-omic methods may integrate proteomic, transcriptomic, genomic, lipidomic, or metabolomic data. The method screening diseases or disease states. Also described herein are methods for screening for diseases or disease states from biological samples. The methods may include assessing whether a nodule, mass, or cyst is cancerous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Philip Ma, Bruce Wilcox, Francois Collin, Chinmay Belthangady, Mi Yang, Manoj Khadka, Manway Liu, John Blume, Robert S. Langer, JR., Ehdieh Khaledian
  • Publication number: 20220328129
    Abstract: Described herein are methods such as multi-omic methods for assessing a disease such as cancer. The multi-omic methods may integrate proteomic, transcriptomic, genomic, lipidomic, or metabolomic data. The method screening diseases or disease states. Also described herein are methods for screening for diseases or disease states from biological samples. The methods may include assessing whether a nodule, mass, or cyst is cancerous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Philip Ma, Bruce Wilcox, Francois Collin, Chinmay Belthangady, Mi Yang, Manoj Khadka, Manway Liu, John Blume, Robert S. Langer, JR., Ehdieh Khaledian
  • Publication number: 20220328134
    Abstract: Described herein are methods such as multi-omic methods for assessing a disease such as cancer. The multi-omic methods may integrate proteomic, transcriptomic, genomic, lipidomic, or metabolomic data. The method screening diseases or disease states. Also described herein are methods for screening for diseases or disease states from biological samples. The methods may include assessing whether a nodule, mass, or cyst is cancerous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Philip Ma, Bruce Wilcox, Francois Collin, Chinmay Belthangady, Mi Yang, Manoj Khadka, Manway Liu, John Blume, Robert S. Langer, Jr., Ehdieh Khaledian
  • Publication number: 20140228715
    Abstract: A method of delivering a substance includes providing a substance at a location in a gastrointestinal (GI) tract, excluding a buccal membrane, of a biological body; and applying ultrasonic waves, having a frequency between about 20 kHz and about 10 MHz, at the location. The method can include storing the substance in at least one reservoir and exposing a medium within or of the GI tract to the substance. The method can further include delivering a device into the GI tract, the device including at least one ultrasound transducer and circuitry; powering the at least one ultrasound transducer and circuitry from within the device; and driving the at least one ultrasound transducer, using the circuitry, in a manner causing the at least one ultrasound transducer to emit ultrasonic waves to a medium within or of the GI tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicants: The General Hospital Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Avraham D. Schroeder, Carlo Giovanni Traverso, Baris E. Polat, Kathryn A. Whitehead, Daniel G. Anderson, Robert S. Langer, Jr., Carl Magnus Schoellhammer, Daniel Blankschtein
  • Patent number: 6699470
    Abstract: A cell delivery device is prepared comprising a controllable degradable gel phase, meshed within a polymer substrate for use in tissue-engineering. The gel phase comprises a degradable, natural or synthetic polymer, and includes a suspension of living cells. The polymer substrate comprises a biocompatible, degradable polymer, and may be synthetic or natural. Degradation of the gel phase may be controlled by enzyme activity or adjustment of gel phase physical properties. In one embodiment, the gel phase contains an enzyme and/or enzyme inhibitor to control degradation of the gel phase. The device is useful in tissue replacement and repair, and more particularly, in the repair of cartilage tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Guillermo A. Ameer, Robert S. Langer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6355224
    Abstract: The use of electroactive materials having regions of high electron density as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging is described. The electroactive materials may be electroactive polymers, inorganic clusters, carbon clusters, molecules that inherently exhibit electron donor-acceptor behavior having regions or moieties of high electron density, or any combination of the abovementioned contrast agents. The contrast agents of the invention decrease relaxation times of water when introduced into a subject for magnetic resonance imaging. It is particularly preferred that the contrast agents be introduced in the form of a colloidal suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Venkatram R. Shastri, Robert S. Langer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6190893
    Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems are provided for the stimulation of biological activities within bone marrow stromal cells by applying electromagnetic stimulation to an electroactive material, wherein the electromagnetic stimulation is coupled to the electromagnetic material. In general the present invention involves attaching or associating the desired bone marrow stromal cells to or with a surface comprising an electroactive material, and applying electromagnetic radiation directly to the desired area. In preferred embodiments, the stimulation of biological activities within bone marrow stromal cells results from inducing one or more activities including, but not limited to, gene expression, cell growth, cell differentiation, signal transduction, membrane permeability, cell division and cell signalling. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention stimulates bone cell regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Venkatram R. Shastri, Nahid Rahman, Ivan Martin, Robert S. Langer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5232696
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in blood is disclosed. The LDL is contacted with an enzyme which modifies it in a manner such that the LDL is rapidly removed endogenously by the patients' own metabolic processes. The enzyme may be introduced into the patient by injection, transdermal transport, nasal insufflation and ingestion. Additionally, the enzyme may be contained in a reactor for both in vivo and extracorporeal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert S. Lees, Robert S. Langer, Jr., Claudy J. P. Mullon, Hugh D. Conlon
  • Patent number: 5178864
    Abstract: A therapeutically effective amount of soluble phospholipase A.sub.2 is administered into a subject for lowering the low density lipoproteins ("LDL") in the blood. Phospholipase A.sub.2 modifies the plasma LDL by hydrolyzing the phospholipids present in LDL. As a result, the modified LDL is rapidly removed from the bloodstream by the catabolic processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: MIT
    Inventors: Robert S. Lees, Robert S. Langer, Jr., Regine Labeque, Claudy J. P. Mullon
  • Patent number: 5019034
    Abstract: An electrical process for enhancing and/or controlling transport of molecules across tissue such as human and animal skin is disclosed. The process involves the use of a high voltage, short duration electrical pulses on the tissue surface to produce electroporation. Once this effect has occurred, concentration, pressure or temperature gradients, or iontopheresis can be used to move molecules across the tissue. The process can be repeatedly applied without producing undesirable tissue damage or can be used to purposely cause highly limited tissue damage for the purpose of providing a desired, relatively long term molecular transport pathway. The occurrence of the electroporation effect can be detected by monitoring the tissue for a reversible electrical breakdown, which, along with an enhanced tissue permeability, is the characteristic effect of electroporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: James C. Weaver, Kevin T. Powell, Robert S. Langer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5019372
    Abstract: A magnetically responsive composition for the modulated, sustained administration of a biologically active substance, the composition being in the form of a body sized and shaped for placement in the environment of use, the environment including an aqueous fluid, the body comprising, in admixture, a first phase comprising a biocompatible, plastically deformable, polymeric matrix, the polymeric matrix being insoluble in the environment of use, a second phase having a biologically active substance distributed throughout the matrix to be released to the aqueous fluid outside the matrix, and a third phase comprising a magnetically responsive substance encapsulated within the matrix so that, upon exposure of the body to an oscillating magnetic field, the rate of release of the biologically active substance to the aqueous fluid is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: The Children's Medical Center Corporation
    Inventors: Judah Folkman, Robert S. Langer, Jr., Dean S. T. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4443545
    Abstract: Heparinase is produced by growing the bacterium, Flavobacterium heparinum in an improved defined medium consisting of a carbon source, two or more amino acids and several salts in the absence of protein. The carbon source concentration is specifically kept below a certain level to promote improved heparinase production. The sulfate source concentration is also specifically kept below a certain level to promote improved heparinase synthesis. Heparinase can be produced in this medium with or without the addition of an inducer compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert S. Langer, Jr., Robert Linhardt, Charles L. Cooney, Parrish M. Galliher
  • Patent number: 4391797
    Abstract: Delivery systems manufactured in the form of polymeric compositions for the controlled delivery of macromolecules to environments of use are disclosed. The systems are characterized as two-phase compositions comprising a phase formed of an insoluble polymeric matrix having limited water sorptivity containing in admixture therein an interpenetrating phase formed of a particulate hydrophilic water swellable, biologically active macromolecular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: The Children's Hospital Medical Center
    Inventors: Moses J. Folkman, Robert S. Langer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4357312
    Abstract: In a method of making a biologically compatible, water-insoluble polymeric body for the controlled, prolonged release of a biologically active substance to a surrounding aqueous environment, the method including forming a liquid mixture containing the polymer, the active substance, and an organic solvent capable of dissolving the polymer, and solidifying the liquid mixture to form the polymeric body, the improvement wherein the liquid mixture further comprises water, the solidification is carried out by cooling the liquid mixture to a temperature sufficiently low to cause the water in the mixture to freeze, thereby creating channels in the body for the release of the active substance therefrom, and removing the organic solvent and the water from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: The Children's Hospital Medical Center
    Inventors: Dean S. T. Hsieh, Robert S. Langer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4341869
    Abstract: Heparinase is produced by growing the bacteria, Flavobacterium heparinum, in a defined medium consisting of a carbon source, two or more amino acids and mineral salts in the absence of protein. Heparinase is recovered by batch chromatography of the cell extract from hydroxylapatite by elution with sodium chloride and sodium phosphate buffer washes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert S. Langer, Jr., Robert Linhardt, Charles L. Cooney, Parrish M. Galliher
  • Patent number: 4164560
    Abstract: Delivery systems manufactured in the form of polymeric compositions for the controlled delivery of macromolecules to environments of use are disclosed. The systems are characterized as two-phase compositions comprising a phase formed of an insoluble polymeric matrix having limited water sorptivity containing in admixture therein an interpenetrating phase formed of a particulate hydrophilic water swellable, biologically active macromolecular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Inventors: Moses J. Folkman, Robert S. Langer, Jr.