Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm J. Mark Hand
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Patent number: 7071159Abstract: The vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors of the present invention are naturally occurring or recombinantly engineered soluble forms with or without a C-terminal transmembrane region of the receptor for VEGF, a very selective growth factor for endothelial cells. The soluble forms of the receptors will bind the growth factor with high affinity but do not result in signal transduction. These soluble forms of the receptor bind VEGF and inhibit its function.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Kendall, Kenneth A. Thomas, Jr.
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Patent number: 6995008Abstract: Nucleic acids, including DNA constructs and RNA transcripts, capable of inducing coordinate expression of two to three cistrons upon direct introduction into animal tissues, are bi- or tri-cistronic polynucleotides of this invention include those encoding and co-expressing HIV gene products, genes encoding antigens unrelated to HIV, and immunostimulatory gene products, including but not limited to GM-CSF, interleukins, interferon and members of the B7 family of proteins which act as T-cell costimulatory elements. The methods and polynucleotides of this invention are generally applicable to co-ordinate expression in vivo of any two or more genes in a single cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Margaret A. Liu, John W. Shiver, Helen C. Perry
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Patent number: 6933134Abstract: Vascular endothelial cell growth factor II is purified from the culture media used to maintain mammalian glioma cells. The protein is a heterodimer, stimulates mitogenesis of mammalian vascular endothelial cells and is useful for the promotion of vascular development and repair. This unique growth factor is also useful in the promotion of tissue repair.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Marvin L. Bayne, Gregory L. Conn, Kenneth A. Thomas, Jr.
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Patent number: 6797476Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonchromatographic-based process for the isolation of clinical grade plasmid DNA from bacterial cells. The exemplified methods described herein outline a scaleable, economically favorable protocol for the purification of clinical grade plasmid DNA from E. coli which includes CTAB-based precipitation of DNA in combination with adsorption of impurities to calcium silicate.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Russel Jackson Lander, Michael Albert Winters, Francis Jeremiah Meacle
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Patent number: 6762042Abstract: The present invention disclosed isolated nucleic acid molecules (polynucleotides) which encode NHL, a putative DNA helicase. The present invention in turn relates to recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which contain a DNA fragment encoding NHL, substantially purified forms of associated NHL, associated mutant proteins, and methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate NHL, which will be useful in the treatment of various neoplastic disorders. Both a genomic clone containing regulatory and intron sequences, as well as the exon structure and open reading frame of human NHL are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Xiaomei Liu, Chang Bai, Michael L. Metzker
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Patent number: 6639123Abstract: Cells and non-human transgenic animals have been engineered to be deficient in the gene encoding the melcanocortin-3 receptor protein (MC-3R). MC-3R deficient transgenic animals have increased fatmass and reduced lean body mass, showing that the MC-3R protein is involved in the regulation of body fat and muscle mass. These MC-3R deficient transgenic animals can be used to select for and test potential modulators of MC-3R. This data allows for methods of screening for MC-3R modulators which effect body weight and associated methods of treating various disorders associated with inappropriate regulation of body weight. The disclosure also relates to a MC-3R/MC-4R double knockout mouse which can be used to select for and test potential modulators (e.g., agonists or antagonists) of MC-3R and/or MC-4R. It is shown that MC-3R serves a non-redundant role, when compared to MC-4R, in the regulation of energy homeostasis.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Leonardus H. T. Van der Ploeg, Howard Y. Chen, Airu S. Chen
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Patent number: 6569434Abstract: Vascular endothelial cell growth factor C subunit DNA is prepared by polymerase chain reaction techniques. The DNA encodes a protein that may exist as either a heterodimer or homodimer. The protein is a mammalian vascular endothelial cell mitogen and as such is useful for the promotion of vascular development and repair. This unique growth factor is also useful in the promotion of tissue repair.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Marvin L. Bayne, Kenneth A. Thomas, Jr.
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Patent number: 6440680Abstract: A novel prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the novel prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignees: Merck Frosst Canada, Inc., Vanderbuilt UniversityInventors: Anthony Ford-Hutchinson, Colin Funk, Richard Grygorczyk, Kathleen Metters
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Patent number: 6395499Abstract: A human prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the human prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Merck Frosst Canada & Co.Inventors: Mark Abramovitz, Kathleen Metters, Yves Boie, Nicole Sawyer, Deborah M. Slipetz
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Patent number: 6387695Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid formulations of pharmaceutical products which comprise citrate and/or triethanolamine in concentrations which enhance stability of the nucleic acid. These formulations are suited for situations where prolonged storage occurs during the distribution and/or storage period prior to use.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert K. Evans, David B. Volkin, Mark W. Bruner, Zheng Xu
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Patent number: 6375929Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of gene therapy for inhibiting angiogenesis associated with solid tumor growth, tumor metastasis, inflammation, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, hemangiomas, diabetic retinopathy, angiofibromas, and macular degeneration Gene therapy methodology is disclosed for inhibition of primary tumor growth and metastasis by gene transfer of a nucleotide sequence encoding a soluble form of a VEGF tyrosine kinase receptor to a mammalian host. The transferred nucleotide sequence transcribes mRNA and a soluble receptor protein which binds to VEGF in extracellular regions adjacent to the primary tumor and vascular endothelial cells. Formation of a sVEGF-R/VEGF complex will prevent binding of VEGF to the KDR and FLT-1 tyrosine kinase receptors, antagonizing transduction of the normal intracellular signals associated with vascular endothelial cell-induced tumor angiogenesis.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Thomas, Jr., Richard L. Kendall, Corey K. Goldman, William R. Huckle, Andrew J. Bett
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Patent number: 6365360Abstract: A novel prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the novel prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Merck Frosst Canada & Co.Inventors: Mark Abramovitz, Yves Boie, Richard Grygorczyk, Kathleen Metters, Thomas H. Rushmore, Deborah M. Slipetz
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Patent number: 6358694Abstract: A novel prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the novel prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Merck Frosst Canada & Co.Inventors: Mark Abramovitz, Richard Grygorczyk, Kathleen Metters, Truyen Nguyen, Thomas H. Rushmore, Deborah Slipetz
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Patent number: 6359115Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a novel human receptor type tyrosine kinase gene, KDR, is disclosed. The isolation of this KDR cDNA sequence results in disclosure of purified forms of human KDR protein, recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which express human KDR.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Kendall, Xianzhi Mao, Kenneth A. Thomas, Andrew Tebben
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Patent number: 6307027Abstract: DNAs encoding bradykinin B1 receptors from mammalian cells have been cloned and characterized. The recombinant receptor is capable of forming receptors which bind desArg10 kallidin and other B1-specific ligands. The DNA has been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: David L. Linemeyer, John W. Hess, Joseph A. Borkowski, Kathleen K. Bierilo, John G. Menke
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Method of increasing production of disulfide bonded recombinant proteins by saccharomyces cerevisiae
Patent number: 6291205Abstract: Disclosed is a process for increasing the yield of disulfide bonded recombinant proteins produced by yeast, especially recombinant secreted proteins The enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) catalyzes the formation of disulfide bonds in secretory and cell-surface proteins. We disclose the construction of recombinant strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which overproduce either human PDI or yeast PDI in a regulated fashion. These strains show greatly increased secretion of disulfide bonded proteins of potential therapeutic significance. These strains have the potential to increase the production of various disulfide bonded proteins.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1992Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignees: Merck & Co., Inc., University of Kent at CanterburyInventors: Michael F. Tuite, Robert B. Freedman, Loren D. Schultz, Ronald W. Ellis, Henry Z. Markus, Donna L. Montgomery -
Patent number: 6214972Abstract: A novel human DP prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the novel prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Merck Frosst Canada & Co.Inventors: Mark Abramovitz, Yves Boie, Kathleen Metters, Nicole Sawyer, Deborah M. Slipetz
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Patent number: 6204011Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a novel human receptor type tyrosine kinase gene, KDR, is disclosed. The isolation of this KDR cDNA sequence results in disclosure of purified forms of human KDR protein, recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which express human KDR.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Kendall, Xianzhi Mao, Kenneth A. Thomas, Andrew Tebben
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Patent number: 6204008Abstract: Bioprocesses are disclosed for the production of compounds which can be produced from a dipeptide intermediate. The process comprises production of a recombinant polypeptide which contains the dipeptide intermediate. The dipeptide intermediate is further processed to ultimately provide the finished product.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: W. Scott Borneman, Anil Goyal, Michael J. Conder, Victor A. Vinci
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Patent number: 6197553Abstract: A process is disclosed for the large scale isolation and purification of plasmid DNA from large scale microbial fermentations. The process exploits a rapid heating method to induce cell lysis and precipitate genomic DNA, proteins and other debris while keeping the plasmid in solution. Suspending the microbial cells in buffer and then heating the suspension to about 70-100° C. in a flow-through heat exchanger results in excellent lysis. Continuous flow or batch-wise centrifugation of the lysate effects a pellet that contains the cell debris, protein and most of the genomic DNA while the plasmid remains in the supernatant. This invention offers a number of advantages including higher product recovery than by chemical lyses, inactivation of Dnases, operational simplicity and scaleability.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Ann L Lee, Sangeetha Sagar