Patents Assigned to Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
  • Patent number: 10214567
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and uses for screening anti-hepadnaviral substances, wherein the substances are screened for the capacity to inhibit covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA of a hepadnavirus, like hepatitis B virus. The methods and uses take advantage of cells comprising a nucleic sequence encoding a tagged hepadnavirus e antigen, like Hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg). Furthermore, the present invention provides nucleic acid sequences encoding a tagged hepadnavirus e antigen and proteins encoded thereby. Also kits for use in the screening methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignees: Drexel University, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Haitao Guo, Dawei Cai, Andrea Cuconati, Changhua Ji
  • Patent number: 10143720
    Abstract: The present invention provides small molecule inhibitors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, which are useful as therapeutics in the management of chronic HBV. The compounds of the invention achieve epigenetic modification of the cccDNA, histone modification and histone deacetylase activity inhibition, thus modulating HBV cccDNA. The present invention further provides methods for modulating HBV cccDNA, for treating or preventing HBV in a subject, and for modulating cccDNA transcription of hepatitis B in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignees: Drexel University, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
    Inventors: Ju-Tao Guo, Jinhong Chang, Timothy M. Block, William A. Kinney, Harold R. Almond
  • Publication number: 20180312546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and uses for screening anti-hepadnaviral substances, wherein the substances are screened for the capacity to inhibit covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA of a hepadnavirus, like hepatitis B virus. The methods and uses take advantage of cells comprising a nucleic sequence encoding a tagged hepadnavirus e antigen, like Hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg). Furthermore, the present invention provides nucleic acid sequences encoding a tagged hepadnavirus e antigen and proteins encoded thereby. Also kits for use in the screening methods are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicants: Drexel University, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Haitao Guo, Dawei Cai, Andrea Cuconati, Changhua Ji
  • Patent number: 10072047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and uses for screening anti-hepadnaviral substances, wherein the substances are screened for the capacity to inhibit covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA of a hepadnavirus, like hepatitis B virus. The methods and uses take advantage of cells comprising a nucleic sequence encoding a tagged hepadnavirus e antigen, like Hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg). Furthermore, the present invention provides nucleic acid sequences encoding a tagged hepadnavirus e antigen and proteins encoded thereby. Also kits for use in the screening methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: Drexel University, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Haitao Guo, Dawei Cai, Andrea Cuconati, Changhua Ji
  • Patent number: 9938236
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds of formula (I) and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention are useful as nucleocapsid assembly inhibitors. In other embodiments, the compounds of the invention are useful as pregenomic RNA encapsidation inhibitors of Hepatitis B virus (HBV). In yet other embodiments, the compounds of the invention are useful for the treatment of viral infection, including HBV and related viral infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: Drexel University, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Xu, Ju-Tao Guo, Tong Xiao, Yanming Du, Timothy Block, Simon David Peter Baugh, Hong Ye
  • Patent number: 9758477
    Abstract: The present invention provides sulfamoylbenzamide derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. In certain embodiments, the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention inhibit pregenomic RNA encapsidation. In other embodiments, the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are useful for treating Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: Drexel University, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
    Inventors: Ju-Tao Guo, Xiaodong Xu, Timothy M. Block
  • Patent number: 9657013
    Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise covalently closed circular DNA formation inhibitors having a disease-modifying action in the treatment of diseases associated with the formation of covalently closed circular DNA that include hepatitis B infection, and any disease involving formation of covalently closed circular DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignees: Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Drexel University
    Inventors: Andrea Cuconati, Haitao Guo, Timothy M. Block, Ju-Tao Guo, Xiaodong Xu, Huagang Lu, Dawei Cai
  • Patent number: 9623071
    Abstract: The present invention provides small molecule inhibitors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, which are useful as therapeutics in the management of chronic HBV. The compounds of the invention achieve epigenetic modification of the cccDNA, histone modification and histone deacetylase activity inhibition, thus modulating HBV cccDNA. The present invention further provides methods for modulating HBV cccDNA, for treating or preventing HBV in a subject, and for modulating cccDNA transcription of hepatitis B in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: Drexel University, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
    Inventors: Ju-Tao Guo, Jinhong Chang, Timothy M. Block, William A. Kinney, Harold R. Almond
  • Patent number: 9533990
    Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise triazolopyrimidines useful for the treatment of hepatitis virus in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignees: Drexel University, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Xu, Andrea Cuconati, Timothy M. Block, Tong Xiao
  • Patent number: 9399619
    Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise sulfamoylbenzamide derivative useful as pregenomic RNA encapsidation inhibitors, useful for the treatment of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignees: Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Drexel University
    Inventors: Ju-Tao Guo, Xiaodong Xu, Timothy M. Block
  • Patent number: 9168260
    Abstract: The present invention describes a unique antiviral screen system. The assay is based on quantitatively monitoring viral activation of host cell beta-interferon (IFN-?) gene expression in a HEK293-derived reporter cell line expressing a firefly luciferase gene under the control of a human IFN-? promoter. Unlike the traditional high throughput antiviral assays that measure either the reduction of viral components/yields or cytopathic effect, the readout of the reporter assay in the present invention is the virus-induced host cellular innate immune response. Hence, the assay allows for identification of compounds that inhibit virus infection. In addition, because induction of IFN is one of the most common attributes of viruses, the assay is applicable to all the viruses that are able to infect the reporter cell line and induce IFN-? expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Drexel University
    Inventors: Andrea Cuconati, Jinhong Chang, Timothy M. Block, Ju-Tao Guo
  • Patent number: 9126937
    Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise alkylated imino sugars derivatives having a disease-modifying action in the treatment of diseases associated with glucosidase activity that include Viral hemorrhagic fevers, and any other diseases involving glucosidase activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignees: Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Drexel University
    Inventors: Yanming Du, Xiaodong Xu, Hong Ye, Jinhong Chang, Timothy M. Block
  • Publication number: 20150198610
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, apparatus, and kits for assessing glycoforms of proteins as a biomarker for disease. A purified recombinant form of lectin is used as a detector molecule to specifically label target sugars expressed in disease states. The high affinity of recombinant lectin allows for automation of assays that would be used in the diagnosis of diseases such as, but not limited to, cancer or liver disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicants: Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Drexel University
    Inventors: Patrick Robert ROMANO, Anand MEHTA, Timothy M. Block
  • Patent number: 9040488
    Abstract: Imino sugars, such as deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), are glucose analogues that selectively inhibit cellular ?-glucosidase I and II (enzymes that process N-linked glycans in glycoprotein) and exhibit broad spectrum antiviral activities against many enveloped viruses. Previously we have reported a novel DNJ derivative, OSL-95II, with antiviral activity and reduced cytotoxicity. In order to develop imino sugars with more potent antiviral activity as well as improved toxicity profile, OSL-95II was modified by diversifying the nitrogen linked alkylated side chain. The antiviral activities were initially tested in bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infected MDBK cells, yielding several imino sugar derivatives with novel structure and superior antiviral activity and toxicity profile. Furthermore, these new compounds were shown to be active against Dengue virus (DV) and West Nile virus (WNV) infection in BHK cells where potent anti-DV activity having submicromolar EC50 values and SI of greater than 900.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Drexel University
    Inventors: Timothy M. Block, Jinhong Chang, Xiaodong Xu
  • Patent number: 8921381
    Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise triazolopyrimidines useful for the treatment of hepatitis virus in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Philadelphia Health & Education Corporation, Enantigen Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Xu, Andrea Cuconati, Timothy M. Block, Tong Xiao