Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Ron K. Levy
  • Antibodies to the neurotrophic factor NNT-1
    Patent number: 6143874
    Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding novel neurotrophic factors, designated NNT-1. Also disclosed are amino acid sequences for NNT-1 polypeptides, methods for preparing NNT-1 polypeptides, and other related aspects. Such polypeptides are active in stimulating B-cell and/or T cell production, as well as reducing inflammatory responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc
    Inventor: Ming-shi Chang
  • Methods and compositions for identifying novel secreted mammalian polypeptides in yeast
    Patent number: 6103472
    Abstract: Method for identifying novel secreted mammalian proteins in yeast are described. Reporter polypeptides which allow detection of signal sequences by growth selection are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventor: Sushil K. Thukral
  • Composition and method for treating inflammatory diseases
    Patent number: 6096728
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) an effective amount of controlled release polymer and (b) an effective amount of a proteinaceous IL-1 inhibitor. The composition exhibits a therapeutic effect on inflammation and is useful for treating IL-1 mediated inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Collins, Michael P. Bevilacqua
  • Mutants of the green fluorescent protein having improved fluorescent properties at 37.degree.
    Patent number: 6096865
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mutants of the green fluorescent protein having improved fluorescent properties at 37.degree. C. The mutants provide for improved methods of monitoring gene expression, e.g., for use as cell markers or protein expression indicators in prokaryotic and, especially, eucaryotic systems where the standard physiological temperature is 37.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Michaels
  • Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor
    Patent number: 6093802
    Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth conditioned medium of B49 glioblastoma cells. Rat and human genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. A gene encoding GDNF has been subcloned into a vector, and the vector has been used to transform a host cell in order to produce biologically active GDNF in a recombinant DNA process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Leu-Fen H. Lin, Franklin D. Collins, Daniel H. Doherty, Jack Lile, Susan Bektesh
  • Eck receptor ligands
    Patent number: 6087167
    Abstract: Ligands which bind to the eck receptor are disclosed. More particularly, polypeptides which bind specifically to the eck receptor (eck receptor binding proteins or EBPs) and DNA sequences encoding said polypeptides are disclosed. Methods of treatment using eck receptor ligands and soluble eck receptor and disclosed, as are pharmaceutical compositions containing same. A rapid and sensitive method for the detection of receptor binding activity in crude samples is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Bartley, William J. Boyle, Gary M. Fox, Andrew A. Welcher, Ella Magal, Richard A. Lindberg, Vann P. Parker
  • Mice lacking expression of osteoprotegerin
    Patent number: 6087555
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mouse in which expression of the gene encoding Osteoprotegerin is suppressed. Also disclosed is a nucleic acid construct useful in preparing such a mouse, and a cell line containing such construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Dunstan, Scott Simonet, Ildiko Sarosi
  • Monoclonal antibody against utricular epithelium
    Patent number: 6080845
    Abstract: A non-naturally occurring peptide derived from EGF-like domains of NDF/heregulin protein isoforms is used to stimulate the proliferation of cells in the sensory epithelium of the inner ear. A monoclonal antibody against adult rat utricular epithelium is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventor: Josette F. Carnahan
  • Method for promoting cell proliferation and growth
    Patent number: 6075008
    Abstract: A method is disclosed which provides for the proliferation and growth of cells, such as prostate cells, by contacting them with an effective amount of a placental-derived prostate growth factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine L. Farrell, Francis H. Martin, Rachel Yabkowitz
  • Ligands for EPH-like receptors
    Patent number: 6063903
    Abstract: Polypeptides which bind to one or more EPH-like receptors, particularly the HEK4 receptor, are described. The polypeptides are designated HEK4 binding proteins. Nucleic acids encoding HEK4 binding proteins, and expression vectors, host cells and processes for the production of the polypeptides are also described. The polypeptides are useful for modulating the growth and/or differentiation of a variety of tissues, including those from liver, kidney, lung, skin, digestive tract and nervous system and may be used to regenerate damaged or depleted tissue and to treat cancer or nervous system disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Bartley, Gary M. Fox
  • Agouti-related proteins
    Patent number: 6060589
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel gene termed ART which is expressed primarily in selected regions of the brain, as well as adrenal and lung tissues. Polypeptides encoded by ART are also disclosed, as are methods for preparing ART DNA and amino acid sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lee Stark, Roland Luethy
  • Nucleic acids encoding ligands for HEK4 receptors
    Patent number: 6057124
    Abstract: Polypeptides which bind to one or more EPH-like receptors, particularly the HEK4 receptor, are described. The polypeptides are designated HEK4 binding proteins. Nucleic acids encoding HEK4 binding proteins, and expression vectors, host cells and processes for the production of the polypeptides are also described. The polypeptides are useful for modulating the growth and/or differentiation of a variety of tissues, including those from liver, kidney, lung, skin, digestive tract and nervous system and may be used to regenerate damaged or depleted tissue and to treat cancer or nervous system disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Bartley, Gary M. Fox
  • Nucleic acid molecules encoding the neurotrophic factor NNT-1
    Patent number: 6054294
    Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding novel neurotrophic factors, designated NNT-1. Also disclosed are amino acid sequences for NNT-1 polypeptides, methods for preparing NNT-1 polypeptides, and other related aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventor: Ming-shi Chang
  • Method for preventing and treating hearing loss using a neuturin protein product
    Patent number: 6043221
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating injury or degeneration of cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons by administering a neurturin neurotrophic factor protein product. The invention relates more specifically to methods for treating sensorineural hearing loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Ella Magal, John M. Delaney
  • Method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure
    Patent number: 6037152
    Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and economical method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure. The method of the present invention enables background caused by contaminant amplification product to be reduced or eliminated through the incorporation of at least one modification into the amplification product. The modified amplification product is readily distinguishable from the target sequence in a test sample. Prior to amplifying the target in a new test sample, the sample may be treated to selectively eliminate the contaminant amplification product so that it cannot be amplified in the new sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc
    Inventors: Rodney M. Richards, Theodore Jones, Gregory S. Brown
  • Diagnostic method for detection of placental-derived prostate growth factors
    Patent number: 6025204
    Abstract: A diagnostic method is described for the detection of placental-derived growth factors which involves contacting a biological tissue or fluid sample with a labeled antibody which is specific to the growth factors and detecting the labeled reaction product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine L. Farrell, Francis H. Martin, Rachel Yabkowitz
  • Formulations for non-viral in vivo transfection in the lungs
    Patent number: 6022737
    Abstract: Formulations useful in improving non-viral in vivo transfection of DNA in the lungs are provided. Formulations which comprise DNA with various additives are prepared and delivered to the lungs resulting in production of a transcription product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Niven, Daniel J. Freeman
  • Biodegradable microparticles for the sustained delivery of therapeutic drugs
    Patent number: 6020004
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods of making polymeric microparticles containing a variety of active ingredients, e.g. protein drugs. In addition, the present invention relates to using the above active protein containing polymeric microparticles to prepare compositions for the sustained delivery of the therapeutics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventor: Subodh Shah
  • Chemical modification of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) bioactivity
    Patent number: 6017876
    Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to chemical modification of biologically active proteins or analogs thereof. More specifically, the present invention describes novel methods for site-specific chemical modification of various proteins, and resultant compositions having improved biocompatibility and bioactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Gegg, Olaf Kinstler
  • Use of NDF peptide as growth factor for sensory epithelium
    Patent number: 6017886
    Abstract: A non-naturally occurring peptide derived from EGF-like domains of NDF/heregulin protein isoforms is used to stimulate the proliferation of cells in the sensory epithelium of the inner ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventor: Josette F. Carnahan