Patents by Inventor Victor L. Perez
Victor L. Perez 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).
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Publication number: 20220023421Abstract: Conjugates of synthetic nanocarriers, complexed with syngeneic (self) proteins adducted with haptens or other poorly immunogenic antigens (antigens of low immunogenicity), elicit selective humoral responses or antibodies against the hapten or antigen and not to self-protein. Compositions include these conjugates, which can be used as vaccines. Methods of making and using them are described herein. In a typical embodiment, a conjugate including a hapten or antigen of low immunogenicity associated with a particular disease (e.g., infection, cancer) can be used as a vaccine by eliciting antibodies that specifically neutralize the hapten or antigen. These hapten (and other poorly immunogenic antigen)-carrying nanocarriers selectively target antigen presenting cells resulting in a strong anti-hapten humoral response, and thus find use in vaccines for cancer (e.g., cancers of lung, cervix, breast, brain, liver pancreas, ovaries, skin, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicant: University of MiamiInventors: Victor L. Perez Quinones, Pirouz Daftarian
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Publication number: 20200000070Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Victor L. Perez, Joe G. Hollyfield, Robert G. Salomon
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Publication number: 20190247302Abstract: The disclosure provides an ophthalmic formulation comprising a bromodomain inhibitor, a polar aprotic solvent (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)), polysorbate, salt, and Captisol, as well as a method of treating or preventing ophthalmic inflammation in a subject in need thereof comprising locally administering the formulation to the eye of the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2017Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: University of MiamiInventors: Robert B. Levy, Victor L. Perez, Claes Wahlestedt, Casey O. Lightbourn, Sabrina Copsel, Henry Barreras, Stephanie Duffort
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Publication number: 20190184013Abstract: Conjugates of synthetic nanocarriers, complexed with syngeneic (self) proteins adducted with haptens or other poorly immunogenic antigens (antigens of low immunogenicity), elicit selective humoral responses or antibodies against the hapten or antigen and not to self-protein. Compositions include these conjugates, which can be used as vaccines. Methods of making and using them are described herein. In a typical embodiment, a conjugate including a hapten or antigen of low immunogenicity associated with a particular disease (e.g., infection, cancer) can be used as a vaccine by eliciting antibodies that specifically neutralize the hapten or antigen. These hapten (and other poorly immunogenic antigen)-carrying nanocarriers selectively target antigen presenting cells resulting in a strong anti-hapten humoral response, and thus find use in vaccines for cancer (e.g., cancers of lung, cervix, breast, brain, liver pancreas, ovaries, skin, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventors: Victor L. Perez Quinones, Pirouz Daftarian
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Publication number: 20190069527Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Inventors: Victor L. Perez, Joe G. Hollyfield, Robert G. Salomon
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Publication number: 20180160660Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2018Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventors: Victor L. Perez, Joe G. Hollyfield, Robert G. Salomon
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Patent number: 9974646Abstract: A keratoprosthesis and system and method of using same for corneal repair. The keratoprosthesis comprises a biocompatible support and an optic member disposed through a channel within the support. The support includes metal, preferably titanium, and treated, such as by sandblasting and/or acid etching, to create textured surfaces that promote soft tissue adhesion. A locking member interconnects the optic member and support. An outer surface of the locking member a collar extending from the support and disposed around the optic member is also metal, preferably titanium, and is similarly treated to promote soft tissue adhesion. A locking member interconnects the optic member and support. The system includes the keratoprosthesis positioned within an isolated soft tissue segment of a non-ocular tissue, such as buccal mucosa, placed on the anterior cornea.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMIInventors: Jean-Marie Parel, Yoh Sawatari, Victor L. Perez, Andres Bernal
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Publication number: 20180099032Abstract: Nanoparticle-based vaccines, compositions, kits and methods are used for the effective delivery of one or more antigens in vivo for vaccination and antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody) production, and for the effective delivery of peptides, proteins, siRNA, RNA or DNA to PAPCs or MHC class II positive cells (e.g. tumor cells). Antigens may be, for example, DNA that results in expression of the gene of interest and induction of a robust and specific immune response to the expressed protein in a subject (e.g., mammal). Antigens may also be immunogenic peptides or polypeptides that are processed and presented. In one embodiment, a nanoparticle-based method to deliver antigens in vivo as described herein includes injection of a vaccine composed of a DNA encoding at least one antigen, or at least one antigenic peptide or polypeptide conjugated to a charged dendrimer (e.g., PADRE-derivatized dendrimer) that is also conjugated to a T helper epitope (e.g., PADRE).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Pirouz Mohammad Daftarian, Paolo Serafini, Vance Paul Lemmon, Wei Li, Angel Kaifer, Bonnie Beth Blomberg, Victor L. Perez
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Publication number: 20170105394Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Victor L. Perez, Joe G. Hollyfield, Robert G. Salomon
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Publication number: 20160242397Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Victor L. Perez, Joe G. Hollyfield, Robert G. Salomon
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Publication number: 20150216651Abstract: A keratoprosthesis and system and method of using same for corneal repair. The keratoprosthesis comprises a biocompatible support and an optic member disposed through a channel within the support. The support includes metal, preferably titanium, and treated, such as by sandblasting and/or acid etching, to create textured surfaces that promote soft tissue adhesion. A locking member interconnects the optic member and support. An outer surface of the locking member a collar extending from the support and disposed around the optic member is also metal, preferably titanium, and is similarly treated to promote soft tissue adhesion. A locking member interconnects the optic member and support. The system includes the keratoprosthesis positioned within an isolated soft tissue segment of a non-ocular tissue, such as buccal mucosa, placed on the anterior cornea.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2013Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Jean-Marie Parel, Yoh Sawatari, Victor L. Perez, Andres Bernal
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Patent number: 8992023Abstract: Improved indices for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions affecting the eye. Specifically, the indices include an Enhanced Epithelial Irregularity Factor (eEIF) for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions such as dry eye syndrome (DES), Bowman's Ectasia Index (BEI), including enhanced BEI (eBEI) and BEI-Max, and Bowman's Relative Thinning (BRT) Index for the diagnosis and evaluation of ectatic conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-refractive surgery ectasia, and keratoglobus, and Descemet's Membrane Thickening Index (DMT), Descemet's Rejection Index (DRI), and Descemet's Membrane Irregularity Factor (DIF) for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions such as keratoplasty rejection and failure and Fuchs' dystrophy.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: University of MiamiInventors: Victor L. Perez, Sonia H. Yoo, Jianhua Wang, Mohamed Abou Shousha, Rodrigo Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20140300862Abstract: Improved indices for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions affecting the eye. Specifically, the indices include an Enhanced Epithelial Irregularity Factor (eEIF) for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions such as dry eye syndrome (DES), Bowman's Ectasia Index (BEI), including enhanced BEI (eBEI) and BEI-Max, and Bowman's Relative Thinning (BRT) Index for the diagnosis and evaluation of ectatic conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-refractive surgery ectasia, and keratoglobus, and Descemet's Membrane Thickening Index (DMT), Descemet's Rejection Index (DRI), and Descemet's Membrane Irregularity Factor (DIF) for the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions such as keratoplasty rejection and failure and Fuchs' dystrophy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventors: Victor L. Perez, Sonia H. Yoo, Jianhua Wang, Mohamed Abou Shousha, Rodrigo Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20140182004Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicants: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION, CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITYInventors: Victor L. Perez, Joe G. Hollyfield, Robert G. Salomon
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Patent number: 8664470Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Victor L. Perez, Joe G. Hollyfield, Robert G. Salomon
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Publication number: 20120213704Abstract: Systems and methods of characterizing biological tissues are provided. In the systems and methods, a first optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of a selected portion of biological tissues combined with a plurality of nanoparticles is obtained, where the plurality of nanoparticles are configured to bind to one or more types of biological molecules in the biological tissues and to produce contrast during OCT imaging. The systems and methods also include estimating a first distribution of the plurality of nanoparticles in the selected portion based on the first OCT image and characterizing the selected portion with respect to the types of biological molecules based on the distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Richard M. Awdeh, Victor L. Perez, Adam De La Zerda, Sanjiv Gambhir
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Publication number: 20120093761Abstract: Nanoparticle-based vaccines, compositions, kits and methods are used for the effective delivery of one or more antigens in vivo for vaccination and antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody) production, and for the effective delivery of peptides, proteins, siRNA, RNA or DNA to PAPCs or MHC class II positive cells (e.g. tumor cells). Antigens may be, for example, DNA that results in expression of the gene of interest and induction of a robust and specific immune response to the expressed protein in a subject (e.g., mammal). Antigens may also be immunogenic peptides or polypeptides that are processed and presented. In one embodiment, a nanoparticle -based method to deliver antigens in vivo as described herein includes injection of a vaccine composed of a DNA encoding at least one antigen, or at least one antigenic peptide or polypeptide conjugated to a charged dendrimer (e.g., PADRE-derivatized dendrimer) that is also conjugated to a T helper epitope (e.g., PADRE).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMIInventors: Pirouz M. Daftarian, Paolo Serafini, Vance Paul Lemmon, Angel Kaifer, Victor L. Perez, Wei Li, Bonnie Beth Blomberg
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Publication number: 20090155243Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: The Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: Victor L. Perez, Joe G. Hollyfield, Robert G. Salomon
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Patent number: 5256534Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique physiologic model of chronic human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. In particular, the present invention relates to a chronically infected promyelocyte cell line harboring a single integrated provirus. Unlike other models of chronic infection, the cell line of the present invention remain CD4.sup.+ under normal culture conditions during which <10% of the cells constitutively express HIV-1 proteins. However, when treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-.alpha.), the cell line dramatically increased (>35-fold) HIV-1 expression and rapidly down-modulated surface CD4, as >95% of the cells became HIV-1.sup.+. These results with the new OM-10.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1991Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Salvatore T. Butera, Thomas M. Folks, Victor L. Perez