Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Jack L. Tribble
  • High level expression of human cyclooxygenase-2
    Patent number: 6107087
    Abstract: The invention discloses a cDNA consisting of human cyclooxygenase-2 cDNA attached to 3'flanking sequence of human cyclooxygenase-1 methods for increasing the expression of human cyclooxygenase-2 in transformed cell and assays for preferentially and independently measuring cyclogense-2 in samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Merck Frosst Canada & Co.
    Inventors: Gary P. O'Neill, Joseph A. Mancini
  • Interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme-related cysteine proteinase II (ICE.sub.rel -II)
    Patent number: 6103513
    Abstract: A complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding full length form of ICE.sub.rel -II is identified, sequenced and isolated. The cDNA is cloned into expression vectors for expression in recombinant hosts. The cDNA is useful to produce recombinant full length ICE.sub.rel -II. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -II protein derived therefrom are useful in diagnostic kits, laboratory reagents and assays. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -II protein may be used to identify compounds that affect ICE.sub.rel -II function, inflammation and cell apoptosis. ICE.sub.rel -II function, inflammation and cell apoptosis may also be modulated by ICE.sub.rel -II antisense or gene therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Merck Frosst Canada & Co.
    Inventors: Donald W. Nicholson, Ambereen Ali, Neil A. Munday, John P. Vaillancourt
  • DNA polymerase extension assay
    Patent number: 6100028
    Abstract: The present invention provides rapid accurate sensitive assays specific for the detection of at least one a single stranded oligonucleotide produced by the action of an enzyme on a substrate. The assays are useful to detect the presence in a sample of an enzyme which acts on an oligonucleotide substrate to generate a single stranded oligonucleotide product and to detect inhibitors of such an enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Cole, Lawrence C. Kuo, David B. Olsen
  • Method of measuring bone resorption activity with a highly enriched population of prefusion osteoclast cells
    Patent number: 6093533
    Abstract: Methods of obtaining enriched populations of osteoclast precursor cells which can be released from tissue culture dishes and used for biochemical studies are described. Osteoblastic cells and bone marrow cells are co-cultured. Next a .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 receptor ligand, such as echistatin is used for cell detachment. The result is a 75-95% pure enriched population of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP.sup.+) cells, in high yields (2-3.times.10.sup.6 cells per experiment) can be obtained. These cells are mosty mononucleated and based on their characteristics are considered to be pre-fusion osteoclasts (pOC cells). The precursor osteoclasts can be reseeded onto osteoblasts to obtain an enriched population of mature, multinucleated osteoclast cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Sevgi B. Rodan, Gregg Wesolowski, Gideon A. Rodan
  • Recombinant human calcium channel .beta..sub.4 subunits
    Patent number: 6090623
    Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding each of human calcium channel .alpha..sub.1 -, .alpha..sub.2 -, .beta.- and .gamma.-subunits, including subunits that arise as splice variants of primary transcripts, is provided. In particular DNA clones encoding each of the .alpha..sub.1A-1, .alpha..sub.1A-2, .alpha..sub.1E-1, .alpha..sub.1C-2, .alpha..sub.1E-3, .beta..sub.3-1, .beta..sub.2C, .beta..sub.2D, .beta..sub.2E and .beta..sub.4 subunits of human calcium channels are provided. Cells and vectors containing the DNA, subunit specific antibodies and nucleic acid probes and methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of human calcium channels are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Harpold, Steven B. Ellis, Mark E. Williams, Ann F. McCue
  • Mouse integrin subunits
    Patent number: 6057113
    Abstract: The full-length mouse .beta.3 integrin has been cloned and sequenced. A new form of .beta.3 integrin (.beta.3-trunc also been cloned and sequenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Le T. Duong, Gideon A. Rodan, Elka M. Nutt
  • DNA molecules encoding human nuclear receptor proteins
    Patent number: 6054295
    Abstract: The present invention discloses the isolation and characterization of cDNA molecules encoding two human nuclear receptor proteins, designated nNR1, nNR2 and/or nNR2-1. Also within the scope of the disclosure are recombinant vectors, recombinant host cells, methods of screening for modulators of nNR1, nNR2 and/or nNR2-1 activity, and production of antibodies against nNR1, nNR2 and/or nNR2-1, or epitopes thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Fang Chen
  • Stabilizers for lyophilized mumps vaccines
    Patent number: 6051238
    Abstract: Vaccine stabilizers, vaccine formulations and lyophilized vaccines with enhanced thermostability are disclosed. The vaccine formulations comprise an increased amount of a 6-carbon polyhydric alcohol (such as sorbitol), an increase amount of a disaccharide (such as sucrose) and an amount of a physiologically active buffer to adjust the pH from about 6.0 to about 7.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Volkin, Carl J. Burke, Su-Pi Sheu
  • Purified prostaglandin receptor EP1
    Patent number: 6031079
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignees: Merck Frosst Canada, Inc., Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Anthony Ford-Hutchinson, Richard Grygorczyk, Collin Funk, Kathleen Metters
  • Cyclin-dependent protein kinase
    Patent number: 6030788
    Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule is disclosed which encodes a novel human cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) which comprises a novel cyclin binding domain signature sequence and lacks several heretofore conserved amino acid residues involved in regulation of the cdk/cyclin complex. Associated proteins and biologically active mutant forms are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Gerhold
  • Leptin assay
    Patent number: 6007998
    Abstract: A trans-activation assay for leptin is described. Leptin response elements are located proximal to a promoter, and the promoter region is operatively linked to a reporter gene. When leptin binds with the receptor, the reporter gene is transcribed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Charles I. Rosenblum, Leonardus H. T. Van Der Ploeg, Sajjad A. Qureshi, Doris F. Cully, John W. Hess, Michael R. Tota, Fang Chen
  • Method for alleviating varicella related post-herpetic neuralgia
    Patent number: 5997880
    Abstract: Herpes Zoster, or varicella related post herpetic neuralgia is alleviated by immunizing people at risk of developing herpes zoster with varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignees: Merck & Co., Inc., University of Colorado
    Inventors: Gary B. Calandra, Philip J. Provost, Myron J. Levin, C. Jo White
  • Vascular endothelial cell growth factor C subunit
    Patent number: 5994300
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin L. Bayne, Kenneth A. Thomas, Jr.
  • DNA encoding prostaglandin receptor EP1
    Patent number: 5985597
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignees: Merck Frosst Canada, Inc., Vanerbilt University
    Inventors: Anthony Ford-Hutchinson, Colin Funk, Richard Grygorczyk, Kathleen Metters
  • Cyclin-dependent protein kinase
    Patent number: 5968800
    Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule is disclosed which encodes a novel human cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) which comprises a novel cyclin binding domain signature sequence and lacks several heretofore conserved amino acid residues involved in regulation of the cdk/cyclin complex. Associated proteins and biologically active mutant forms are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Gerhold
  • Purified bradykinin B.sub.1 receptor
    Patent number: 5965367
    Abstract: DNAs encoding bradykinin B.sub.1 receptors from mammalian cells have been cloned and characterized. The recombinant receptor is capable of forming receptors which bind des-Arg.sup.10 kallidin and other B.sub.1 -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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Linemeyer, John W. Hess, Joseph A. Borkowski, Kathleen K. Bierilo, John G. Menke
  • DNA encoding prostaglandin receptor DP
    Patent number: 5958723
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Merck Frosst Canada & Co.
    Inventors: Mark Abramovitz, Yves Boie, Kathleen Metters, Nicole Sawyer, Deborah M. Slipetz
  • Gender-specific fading down turkey breed
    Patent number: 5959172
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of rapidly determining the gender of fowl. The present invention further relates to a new breed of turkey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Lerner, V. Hugh C. Arnold, D. S. Carol Harvey, John C. Francis
  • Stereospecific bioconversion of benzyl acetoacetate to benzyl-(s)-(+)-hydroxybutyrate
    Patent number: 5958743
    Abstract: A bioconversion process where benzyl acetoacetate is converted to benzyl-(S)-(+)-3-hydroxybutyrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Chartrain, James M. McNamara
  • DNA encoding GLS1
    Patent number: 5955337
    Abstract: The DNA encoding glucan synthesis gene 1 (GLS1) is cloned and used in an in vitro assay to screen for compounds that modulate 1,3 .beta.-D glucan synthase activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammed El-Sherbeini, Joseph A. Clemas