Patents Assigned to Chiron
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7125208
    Abstract: A machine tool has a spindle which has a tool receptacle for an interchangeable tool holder. The tool holder is chucked into the tool receptacle during operation of the machine tool. A first passage having an outlet opening is arranged in the interior of the spindle. The outlet opening opens out inside the tool receptacle. The tool holder has a coolant tube which engages in the outlet opening of the first passage. According to the invention, the first passage comprises a continuous inner tube, the first end of which is connected to a connection for a coolant source and the second end of which is designed for connection to the coolant tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton Schweizer, Dirk Prust
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20060234256
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides encoding a dsRNA receptor (dsRNA-R). The dsRNA-R contains a THD, interacts with the MyD88 adapter protein, and may bind to dsRNA. The present invention is also directed to antibodies against dsRNA-R and to methods of modulating an immune response and the methods of identifying compounds which bind to and/or modulate dsRNA-R.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: Mary Mackichan
  • Publication number: 20060234233
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating a database of candidate essential genes in Staphylococcus aureus, as well as otherwise important genes that, when mutated, lead to a growth attenuated phenotype. Such genes and mutants of such genes are important for identifying antibacterial agents suitable for treating and preventing S. aureus infections. The invention includes methods for confirming the essentiality or importance of candidate genes, as well as methods for utilizing those genes to screen for new antibacterial drugs. The invention also includes the antibacterial agents identified using the disclosed methods, as well as methods of using the same for treating and preventing Staphylococcus infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: CHIRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kim Bruce, Paul Warrener, Jennifer McLarnan, Kevin Hou
  • Patent number: 7115730
    Abstract: An immunogenic detoxified protein is provided which comprises the amino acid sequence of subunit A of an E. coli heat labile toxin (LT-A) or a fragment thereof in which at least amino acid Ala-72, numbered relative to SEQ ID NO:1, of the A subunits mutated, preferably by substitution with Arg. The toxoid is useful as vaccine against an enterotoxigenic strain of E. coli and is produced by recombinant DNA means by site-directed mutagenesis. It is also an effective adjuvant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron SRL
    Inventors: Mariagrazia Pizza, Marzia Monica Giuliani, Rino Rappuoli
  • Patent number: 7115082
    Abstract: A machine tool has a working spindle in which a tool receptacle for tool holders is provided. Furthermore, there is at least one tool-changing arm with a gripper in which a tool holder is held in a peripheral alignment with respect to the gripper in order to transfer this tool holder between its magazine position, which is spaced apart from the tool receptacle, and its working position, in which the tool holder can be clamped into the tool receptacle. A positioning indicator is provided for the peripheral alignment of the tool holder, the indicator indicating a misalignment between the tool holder and gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Prust, Hans-Henning Winkler, Rudolf Haninger
  • Publication number: 20060216748
    Abstract: A polynucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1 is associated with metastatic potential of cancer cells, especially breast cancer cells. Methods are provided for determining the risk of metastasis of a tumor, by determining whether a tissue sample from a tumor expresses a polypeptide or mRNA encoded by a polynucleotide as shown in SEQ ID NO:1. Also provided are therapeutic methods and compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Joerg Kaufmann, Greg Harrowe, Christoph Reinhard, Sanmao Kang
  • Patent number: 7112330
    Abstract: Mosaic VLPs of viral capsid proteins from different virus types are described, as are methods of making the same. Specifically, a diploid yeast strain that coexpresses the L1 and L2 capsid proteins of both HPV-6 and HPV-16 as mosaic VLPs is described. The mosaic VLPs induced the production conformational antibodies against both L1 proteins upon administration to mice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Daniela Tornese Buonamassa, Catherine E. Greer, Cesira L. Galeotti, Giuliano Bensi, Roberto Petracca
  • Patent number: 7112560
    Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects. In particular, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a unit dose composition comprising 0.2 ?g/kg to 48 ?g/kg of an FGF-2 of SEQ ID NO: 2, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a human patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering into one or more coronary vessels or a peripheral vein of a human patient in need of treatment for coronary artery disease a safe and angiogenically effective dose of a recombinant FGF-2, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. The single unit dose composition of the present invention provides an angiogenic effect in a human CAD patient that lasts 2 months before re-treatment is required. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of administration which optimizes patient's safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: Martha J. Whitehouse
  • Publication number: 20060188516
    Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic proteins from Chlamydia trachomatis. A method for inducing an immune response with an immunogenic Chlamydia protein is provided in which an effective amount of an immunogenic Chlamydia protein is administered to a subject. In one example, the immunogenic Chlamydia protein has a molecular weight of about 15.8 kDa and a pI of about 4.8. In another example, the immunogenic Chlamydia protein has an N-terminal amino acid sequence of TTESLETLVE (SEQ ID NO: 2). In another example, the immunogenic Chlamydia protein is Chlamydia ribosomal protein L7/L12 or a serovar homologue of Chlamydia ribosomal protein L7/L12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: Giulio Ratti
  • Publication number: 20060188989
    Abstract: Human HAKAI (hsHAKAI), an E3-ubiquitin ligase, can be inhibited to treat proliferative disorders, such as cancers, dysplasias and hyperplasias. Effective levels of hsHAKAI can be inhibited, for example, using antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, interference RNA, and antibodies. Test compounds can be screened for binding to hsHAKAI, for disruption of hsHAKAI-E-cadherin binding, or for inhibition of hsHAKAI enzymatic activity to identify therapeutic compounds for treating proliferative disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Annette Walter, Christoph Reinhard
  • Patent number: 7094752
    Abstract: Novel peptides that are capable of binding to uPAR and inhibiting the binding of an integrin and vitronectin are described. Also provided are nucleic acid sequences encoding the novel peptides. Methods for screening for small molecules, other peptides, or peptoids that mimic the antagonistic function of the peptides of the invention are described. The invention has applications in design of therapeutics for treating disorders characterized by upregulation of uPA and uPAR, and cancer and chronic inflammation, cell migration or uPAR: integrin binding interactions, and diagnostical applications to such disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignees: Chiron Corporation, Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School
    Inventors: Steven Rosenberg, Michael V. Doyle, Harold A. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20060172386
    Abstract: This invention relates to human fibroblast growth factor (hFGF-20), and to variants thereof and to polynucleotides encoding FGF-20. The invention also relates to diagnostic and therapeutic agents related to the polynucleotides and proteins, including probes and antibodies, to methods of treating neuronal degenerative disease such as Parkinson's disease and to methods of treating disorders of the cochlea including those causing hearing loss. The invention also relates to rat fibroblast growth factor (rFGF-20), and to variants thereof and polynucleotides encoding rFGF-20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Itoh, Michael Kavanaugh
  • Publication number: 20060171957
    Abstract: A small number of defined antigens can provide broad protection against meningococcal infection, and the invention provides a composition which, after administration to a subject, is able to induce an antibody response in that subject, wherein the antibody response is bactericidal against two or three of hypervirulent lineages A4, ET 5 and lineage 3 of N. meningitidis serogroup B. Rather than consisting of a single antigen, the composition comprises a mixture of 10 or fewer purified antigens, and should not include complex or undefined mixtures of antigens such as outer membrane vesicles. Five protein antigens are used in particular: (1) a ‘NadA’ protein; (2) a ‘741’ protein; (3) a ‘936’ protein; (4) a ‘953’ protein; and (5) a ‘287’ protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Chiron Spa
    Inventor: Mariagrazia Pizza