Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm DeAnn F. Smith, Esq.
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Patent number: 6818669Abstract: A method and compositions are provided for increased cerebral bioavailability of blood-born compositions by administering the composition of interest while increasing brain NO levels. This increase in NO levels may be accomplished by stimulating increased production of NO by eNOS, especially by administering L-arginine, by administering agents that increase NO levels independent of ecNOS, or by any combination of these methods. As NO is increased, cerebral blood flow is consequently increased, and drugs in the blood stream are carried along with the increased flow into brain tissue. By increased flow, the site of action will be exposed to more drug molecules. By stimulating increased NO production, administration of drugs that are not easily introduced to the brain may be facilitated and/or the serum concentration necessary to achieve desired physiologic effects may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Enos Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Moskowitz, James K. Liao, Eyal S. Ron, Mary Nallin Omstead
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Patent number: 6783756Abstract: A method for regulating expression of a tet operator-linked gene in a cell of a subject is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method involves introducing into the cell a nucleic acid molecule encoding a tetracycline-controllable transactivator (tTA), the tTA comprising a Tet repressor operably linked to a polypeptide which directly or indirectly activates transcription in eucaryotic cells; and modulating the concentration of a tetracycline, or analogue thereof, in the subject. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the method involves obtaining the cell from the subject, introducing into the cell a first nucleic acid molecule which operatively links a gene to at least one tet operator sequence, introducing into the cell a second nucleic acid molecule encoding a tTA, to form a modified cell, administering the modified cell to the subject, and modulating the concentration of a tetracycline, or analogue thereof, in the subject. The first and second nucleic acid molecule can be within a single molecule (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Abbott GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Hermann Bujard, Manfred Gossen, Jochen G. Salfeld, Jeffrey W. Voss
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Patent number: 6780583Abstract: The complete sequence of the canine von Willebrand Factor cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence is provided. The mutation which causes von Willebrand's Disease in Scottish Terriers, Doberman pinschers, Shetland sheepdogs, Manchester terriers and Poodles are also provided. Methods for detecting carriers of the defective vWF gene are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State UniversityInventors: Patrick J. Venta, George J. Brewer, Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, William D. Schall
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Patent number: 6767707Abstract: The complete sequence of the canine von Willebrand Factor cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence is provided. The mutation which causes von Willebrand's Disease in Scottish Terriers, Doberman pinschers, Shetland sheepdogs, Manchester terriers and Poodles are also provided. Methods for detecting carriers of the defective vWF gene are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: University of MichiganInventors: Patrick J. Venta, George J. Brewer, Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, William D. Schall
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Patent number: 6756404Abstract: Autoinducer compounds which enhance gene expression in a wide variety of microorganisms, therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods wherein gene expression within microorganisms is regulated are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: The Research & Development Institute, Inc.Inventor: Tom Livinghouse
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Patent number: 6723705Abstract: Tumor cells modified to express one or more T cell costimulatory molecules are disclosed. Preferred costimulatory molecules are B7-2 and B7-3. The tumor cells of the invention can be modified by transfection with nucleic acid encoding B7-2 and/or B7-3, by using an agent which induces or increases expression of B7-2 and/or B7-3 on the tumor cell or by coupling B7-2 and/or B7-3 to the tumor cell. Tumor cells modified to express B7-2 and/or B7-3 can be further modified to express B7. Tumor cells further modified to express MHC class I and/or class II molecules or in which expression of an MHC associated protein, the invariant chain, is inhibited are also disclosed. The modified tumor cells of the invention can be used in methods for treating a patient with a tumor, preventing or inhibiting metastatic spread of a tumor or preventing or inhibiting recurrence of a tumor.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Gentics Institute, Inc.Inventors: Gordon J. Freeman, Lee M. Nadler, Gary S. Gray
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Patent number: 6723321Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulating the activity of autoinducer synthase catalysts. A method for identifing modulators of the autoinducer synthesis reaction is also provided. Such modulators are useful for controlling bacterial growth and can be used for therapeutic treatment of bacterial infections particularly in immunocompromised subjects. They are also useful in treating disease states associated with autoinducer synthesis and biofilm development.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1999Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, The University of Iowa Research FoundationInventors: E. Peter Greenberg, John E. Cronan, Jr., Bryce V. Plapp, Matthew R. Parsek
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Patent number: 6719972Abstract: Isolated ligands which bind a molecule expressed on the surface of T cells and induce antigen specific apoptosis in activated T cells are disclosed. Preferably, the T cell surface molecule is CTLA4 and the ligand is a monoclonal anti-CTLA4 antibody that binds to an epitope of CTLA4 distinct from the binding sites of B7-1 and B7-2. Upon binding of the antibody to CTLA4 on an activated T cell, in the presence of an antigenic signal, antigen specific apoptosis is induced. The invention also describes a novel natural CTLA4 ligand, distinct from B7-1 and B7-2, which mediates induction of apoptosis. Pharmaceutical compositions of anti-CTLA4 antibodies or other isolated CTLA4 ligands which can be administered to subjects to induce T cell apoptosis, thereby clonally deleting antigen specific. T cells, such as alloreactive T cells in transplantation situations or autoreactive T cells in autoimmune disorders, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1994Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignees: Repligen Corporation, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteInventors: John G. Gribben, Gordon J. Freeman, Lee M. Nadler, Paul Rennert, Cindy L. Jellis, Edward Greenfield, Gary S. Gray
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Patent number: 6706255Abstract: Liquid pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one thyroid hormone, ethanol, a pH adjusting agent, and water are disclosed. The compositions may be delivered by a metered dosage delivery system such as an aerosol or pump-action spray, and are useful in the treatment of disorders associated with an impairment of thyroid hormone function in animals including human beings.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Abbott GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Jeffrey Dickinson, Karrar Ahmad Khan, John Neville Hague, Alan Smith
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Patent number: 6693176Abstract: Antibodies that bind to a 40 kDa protein which is expressed on tumors, but is not expressed on normal adult hemopoietic cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for production and the use of such antibodies.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: Kenneth L. Rock, Dancella Fernandes
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Patent number: 6689796Abstract: A rodenticidal composition comprises a carrier together with a rodenticidally effective amount of a compound having formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are the same or different halogen selected from F, Cl and Br atoms. The preferred compound is bis(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-pyridyl)amine. The compounds of formula (I) are toxic to rodents, particularly rats, and yet have smell and taste acceptable to rodents.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Sorex LimitedInventors: Roger Johnson, Malcolm Hadler
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Patent number: 6685941Abstract: The method of immunotherapy of the present invention involves the regulation of the T cell immune response through the activation or suppression/inactivation of the CD28 pathway. Induction of activated T cell lymphokine production occurs upon stimulatory binding of the CD28 surface receptor molecule, even in the presence of conventional immunosuppressants. Inhibition of CD28 receptor binding to an appropriate stimulatory ligand or inactivation of the CD28 signal transduction pathway through other means down-regulates CD28-pathway related T cell lymphokine production and its resulting effects.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignees: The Regents of the University of Michigan, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Craig B. Thompson, Carl H. June
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Patent number: 6645766Abstract: The invention provides shuttle vectors, and methods of using shuttle vectors, capable of expression in, at least, a mammalian cell. Furthermore, the shuttle vectors are capable of replication in at least yeast, and optionally, bacterial cells. Also provided is a method wherein yeast are transformed with a shuttle vector as provided herein. Heterologous nucleic acids flanked by 5′ and 3′ ends identical to a homologous recombination site within the shuttle vector are introduced to the transformed yeast and allowed to homologously recombine with the shuttle vector such that they are inserted into the vector by the yeast organism. The shuttle vector is then recovered and transferred to a mammalian cell for expression.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Ying Luo, Pei Wen Yu, James Lorens
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Patent number: 6632789Abstract: Methods for modulating T cell responses by manipulating intracellular signals associated with T cell costimulation are disclosed. The methods involve inhibiting or stimulating the production of at least one D3-phosphoinositide in a T cell. Production of D3-phosphoinositides can be manipulated by contacting a T cell with an inhibitor or activator of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase for use in the methods of the invention include wortmannin and quercetin, or derivatives or analogues thereof. The methods of the invention can further comprise modulating other intracellular signals associated with costimulation, such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation, for example by modulating the activity of a protein tyrosine kinase or a protein tyrosine phosphatase in the T cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1994Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Carl H. June
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Patent number: 6608180Abstract: Novel structural forms of T cell costimulatory molecules are described. These structural forms comprise a novel structural domain or have a structural domain deleted or added. The structural forms correspond to naturally-occurring alternatively spliced forms of T cell costimulatory molecules or variants thereof which can be produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques. In one embodiment, the T cell costimulatory molecule of the invention contains a novel cytoplasmic domain. In another embodiment, the T cell costimulatory molecule of the invention contains a novel signal peptide domain or has an immunoglobulin variable region-like domain deleted. The novel structural forms of T cell costimulatory molecules can be used to identify agents which stimulate the expression of alternative forms of costimulatory molecules and to identify components of the signal transduction pathway which results in costimulation of T cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignees: Brigham & Womens' Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteInventors: Arlene H. Sharpe, Francescopaolo Borriello, Gordon J. Freeman, Lee M. Nadler
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Patent number: 6583110Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of G protein binding agents for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of septic shock. The present invention provides methods of using agents which bind G protein to treat a subject having or susceptible to septic shock. The present invention further pertains to compositions for treating a subject for septic shock. The composition includes an effective amount of a G protein binding agent such as mastoparan and, optionally, an antibiotic and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Other aspects of the invention include packaged agents which bind G proteins for treating septic shock.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Robert W. Finberg, Evelyn A. Kurt-Jones, Keith R. Solomon
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Patent number: 6576754Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding novel CD100 molecules which stimulate a leukocyte response, such as a B cell response, including B cell aggregation, B cell differentiation, B cell survival, and/or T cell proliferation are disclosed. These novel molecules have a certain homology to semaphorins, proteins which are growth cone guidance molecules that are critical for guiding growing axons of neurons to their targets. In addition to isolated nucleic acids molecules, antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced are also described. The invention further provides isolated CD100 proteins, fusion proteins and active fragments thereof. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteInventors: Kathryn T. Hall, Gordon J. Freeman, Joachim L. Schultze, Vassiliki A. Boussiotis, Lee M. Nadler
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Patent number: 6576236Abstract: When stimulated through the T cell receptor(TCR)/CD3 complex without requisite costimulation through the CD28/B7 interaction, T cells enter a state of antigen specific unresponsiveness or anergy. This invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that signaling though a common cytokine receptor &ggr; chain (e.g., interleukin-2 receptor, interleukin-4 receptor, interleukin-7 receptor) prevents the induction of T cell anergy. This &ggr; chain has been found to be associated with a JAK kinase having a molecular weight of about 116 kD (as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and signaling through the &ggr; chain induces phosphorylation of the JAK kinase. Accordingly, methods for stimulating or inhibiting proliferation by a T cell which expresses a cytokine receptor &ggr; chain are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1994Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Dana Farber Cancer InstituteInventors: Vassiliki A. Boussiotis, Lee M. Nadler
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Patent number: 6552055Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that activation of PPAR&ggr; plays a key role in inducing growth arrest and differentiation of certain actively proliferating cells. We show that administration of PPAR&ggr; agonists, such as thiazolidinedione ligands (TZDs), is effective both in vitro and in vivo at inhibiting the proiferation of such cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1997Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteInventors: Bruce M. Spiegelman, Elisabetta Mueller, Pasha Sarraf, Soner Altiok, Peter Tontonoz, Samuel Singer
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Patent number: 6472170Abstract: The present invention relates to BCL-x&ggr;, a novel isoform of the BCL-x family of proteins which is predominantly expressed in T-lymphocytes and is associated with resistance to apoptosis. Both compositions of matter and methods are described which are useful in the treatment or prevention of immune system disorders.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteInventors: Xiao-Feng Yang, Georg F. Weber, Harvey Cantor