Patents Assigned to Chiron Corporation
  • Patent number: 7186530
    Abstract: A stress-phosphorylated endoplasmic reticulum protein, Nogo B, is provided. The protein is hyperphosphorylated as a result of exposure of cells to stress. Two transcripts of Nogo B are identified in human tissues, and the longer transcript is predominant in human brain tumor samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Wei, Robert F. Halenbeck, Lewis T. Williams
  • Publication number: 20070036828
    Abstract: This application relates to improved Group B Streptococcus (“GBS”) saccharide-based vaccines comprising combinations of GBS polysaccharides with polypeptide antigens, and vice versa, such that the polypeptide and the saccharide each contribute to the immunological response in a recipient. The combination is particularly advantageous where the saccharide and polypeptide are from different GBS serotypes. The combined antigens may be present as a simple combination where separate saccharide and polypeptide antigens are administered together, or they may be present as a conjugated combination, where the saccharide and polypeptide antigens are covalently linked to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: CHIRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rino Rappuoli, John Telford, Guido Grandi
  • Patent number: 7175838
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating or preventing a pathologic state in a mammal. The method comprises administering to the mammal a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation, wherein CD40 is stimulated on cells of the immune system. The promoter of T-cell expansion and inducer of CD40 stimulation are administered in synergistically effective amounts to treat or prevent the pathologic state in the mammal. The invention also provides a method of assessing the effectiveness of treatment of a pathologic state in a mammal, wherein the mammal has been administered a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation, wherein CD40 is stimulated on cells of the immune system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: The United States of America represented by the Department of Health and Human Services, University of Minnesota, Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Murphy, Robert Wiltrout, Bruce Blazar, Susan E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7166446
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for expression of heterologous mammalian proteins and their secretion in the biologically active mature form using a yeast host cell as the expression system are provided. Compositions of the invention are nucleotide sequences encoding a signal peptide sequence for a yeast secreted protein, an optional leader peptide sequence for a yeast secreted protein, a native propeptide leader sequence for a mature protein of interest, and a sequence for the mature protein of interest, all operably linked to a yeast promoter. Each of these elements is associated with a processing site recognized in vivo by a yeast proteolytic enzyme. Any or all of these processing sites may be a preferred processing site that has been modified or synthetically derived for more efficient cleavage in vivo. The compositions are useful in methods for expression of heterologous mammalian proteins and their secretion in the biologically active mature form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: Patricia Tekamp-Olson
  • Patent number: 7167819
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fast and efficient method for determining the three-dimensional conformation of a protein. The steps of the method of the invention include: 1) formation of physical distance constraints, e.g., forming intramolecular chemical crosslinks of known size between residues of a protein; 2) enriching the number of the molecules that have intramolecular chemical crosslinks in the reaction pool, e.g., using size separation to remove proteins with intermolecular bonds; 3) exposing the enriched reaction pool to a protease that cuts the protein at specific sites to produce peptide fragments; 4) measuring the size of the peptide fragments to determine linkage sites with a certain spatial relationship in the protein; and 5)interpreting the data produced to determine spatial geometry and protein structure based on the deduced spatial relationship of the linkage sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignees: Chiron Corporation, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Bradford W. Gibson, Irwin D. Kuntz, Ning Tang, Gavin Dollinger, Connie M. Oshiro, Judith C. Hempel, Eric W. Taylor, Malin Young
  • Publication number: 20070014765
    Abstract: Methods for treating renal cell carcinoma using low doses of IL-2 are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to methods of treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma in patients who are renally impaired and/or intolerant of high dose IL-2 therapy. The therapeutic regimen described herein significantly inhibits tumor growth with reduced toxicity and adverse side effects compared to high dose IL-2 therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence Elias, Gary Witherell
  • Patent number: 7163924
    Abstract: Antimicrobial ketolide compounds are provided having the formula (A): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or prodrugs thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of treating bacterial infections by the administration of such compounds, and processes for the preparation of the compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Burger, Daniel Chu
  • Publication number: 20060292556
    Abstract: A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBV), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicated that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses. The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBV agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Houghton, Qui-Lim Choo, George Kuo
  • Publication number: 20060292659
    Abstract: A polypeptide containing an anchor region, a protease recognition site, and a detectable signal region can be produced recombinantly and directly attached to a solid support. The polypeptide is useful for screening protease regulators, especially protease inhibitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: David Chien, Mark Selby, Kevin Shoemaker, Robert Warne
  • Publication number: 20060292175
    Abstract: Chimeric alphaviruses and alphavirus replicon particles are provided including methods of making and using same. Specifically, alphavirus particles are provided having nucleic acid molecules derived from one or more alphaviruses and structural proteins (capsid and/or envelope) from at least two or more alphaviruses. Methods of making, using, and therapeutic preparations containing the chimeric alphavirus particle, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: John Polo, Silvia Perri, Kent Thudium
  • Patent number: 7153682
    Abstract: Provided are peptidomimetic protein-binding arrays, their manufacture, use, and application. The protein-binding array elements of the invention include a peptidomimetic segment linked to a solid support via a stable anchor. The invention contemplates peptidomimetic array element library synthesis, distribution, and spotting of array elements onto solid planar substrates, labeling of complex protein mixtures, and the analysis of differential protein binding to the array. The invention also enables the enrichment or purification, and subsequent sequencing or structural analysis of proteins that are identified as differential by the array screen. Kits including proteomic microarrays in accordance with the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Deborah Charych, Eric Beausoleil, Ronald N. Zuckermann
  • Patent number: 7148058
    Abstract: Provided are protein microarrays, their manufacture, use, and application. Protein microarrays in accordance with the present invention are useful in a variety preoteomic analyses. Various protein arrays in accordance with the present invention may immobilize large arrays of proteins that may be useful for studying protein-protein interactions to improve understanding of disease processes, facilitating drug discovery, or for identifying potential antigens for vaccine development. The protein array elements of the invention are native or modified proteins (e.g., antibodies or fusion proteins). The protein array elements may be attached directly to a organic functionalized mirrored substrate by a binding reaction between functional groups on the substrate (e.g., amine) and protein (e.g., activated carboxylic acid). Techniques for chemical blocking of the arrays are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Deborah Charych, Ronald N. Zuckermann
  • Publication number: 20060269515
    Abstract: Novel human interleukin-2 (IL-2) muteins or variants thereof, and nucleic acid molecules and variants thereof are provided. Methods for producing these muteins as well as methods for stimulating the immune system of an animal are also disclosed. In addition, the invention provides recombinant expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of this invention and host cells into which expression vectors have been introduced. Pharmaceutical compositions are included comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a human IL-2 mutein of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The IL-2 muteins have lower toxicity than native IL-2 or Proleukin® IL-2, while maintaining or enhancing NK cell-mediated effects, and can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for use in treatment of cancer, and in stimulating the immune response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Kimberly Denis-Mize, Carla Heise, Daniel Menezes, Susan Wilson
  • Patent number: 7138409
    Abstract: Organic compounds having the structural formula I are provided where the variables have the values described herein and R1 and R2 join together to form a 6 membered substituted or unsubstituted ring including at least one O, N, or S atom, and Z is an O, S, NH or NR group. Pharmaceutical formulations include the organic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Renhowe, Timothy Machajewski, Cynthia Shafer, Mary Ellen Wernette Hammond, Sabina Pecchi
  • Patent number: 7138497
    Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for targeting an epitope on an antigen expressed in a mammal. The formulation comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier together with a dimeric biosynthetic construct for binding at least one preselected antigen. The biosynthetic construct contains two polypeptide chains, each of which define single-chain Fv (sFv) binding proteins and have C-terminal tails that facilitate the crosslinking of two sFv polypeptides. The resulting dimeric constructs have a conformation permitting binding of a said preselected antigen by the binding site of each said polypeptide chain when administered to said mammal. The formulation has particular utility in in vivo imaging and drug targeting experiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Lou L. Houston, David B. Ring
  • Publication number: 20060257852
    Abstract: An outbreak of a virulent respiratory virus, now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), was identified in Hong Kong, China and a growing number of countries around the world in 2003. The invention relates to nucleic acids and proteins from the SARS coronavirus. These nucleic acids and proteins can be used in the preparation and manufacture of vaccine formulations, diagnostic reagents, kits, etc. The invention also provides methods for treating SARS by administering small molecule antiviral compounds, as well as methods of identifying potent small molecules for the treatment of SARS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Rino Rappuoli, Vega Masignani, Konrad Stadler, Jens Gregersen, David Chien, Jang Han, John Polo, Amy Weiner, Michael Houghton, Hyun Song, Mi-Young Seo, John Donnelly, Hans Klenk, Nicholas Valiante
  • Patent number: 7135321
    Abstract: The invention provides truncated GSK3 polypeptides capable of crystallization, including GSK3? and GSK3? polypeptides, and use of these polypeptides to identify and optimize GSK3 inhibitors. Also provided are GSK3 polypeptides having at least one substituted amino acid that differs from wild-type GSK3, wherein the substituted amino acid is incapable of being phosphorylated. The invention finds use in providing methods of identifying and optimizing compounds useful for treating diseases mediated by GSK3 activity, including Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D Harrison, John A Hall, Maria Calderon-Cacia, Ziyang Zhong, Eric Y Fang, Doris G Coit, Steve H Nguyen, Angelica Medina-Selby
  • Publication number: 20060251617
    Abstract: Methods for treating B-cell lymphomas, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are disclosed. The methods use a combination therapy of a chemotherapeutic agent, an IL-2 and, optionally, an anti-CD20 antibody.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Kimberly Denis-Mize, Carla Heise, Daniel Menezes, Susan Wilson
  • Publication number: 20060252695
    Abstract: Methods for improving purification and quantification of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) proteins having structural heterogeneity are provided. Preparation of substantially pure isoforms of these proteins is achieved using TSK sulfopropyl cation exchange chromatography and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. A reverse charged capillary zone electrophoresis method enables quantification of substantially pure isoforms of these proteins resulting from endoproteolytic post-translational modifications. Compositions of the invention are substantially purified isoforms of secreted PDGF proteins having structural heterogeneity, more particularly purified intact, single-clipped, and double-clipped isoforms of recombinant PDGF-BB. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one of these substantially purified recombinant PDGF isoforms and methods for their use in promoting wound healing are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Kunitani, An Tran, Hugh Parker
  • Publication number: 20060234205
    Abstract: Methods for predicting patient tolerability to therapeutic agents, such as cytokines, lymphokines and immunotoxins, are disclosed. The methods utilize an in vitro model of vascular leak syndrome (VLS) to assess the effect of the agent in question on the permeability of large proteins across confluent monolayers of endothelial cells (EC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Ying Cao, Kimberly Denis-Mize, Susan Wilson