Patents Assigned to Epitomics, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20160319275
    Abstract: A method of screening is provided. In certain embodiments, the method involves a) obtaining the nucleotide sequences of: i. a heavy chain-encoding nucleic acid that encodes the variable domain of a heavy chain of a first antibody of an animal; and ii. a light chain-encoding nucleic acid that encodes the variable domain of a light chain of the first antibody; b) obtaining nucleotide sequences of cDNAs encoding at least a portion of the antibody repertoire of the animal; c) computationally screening the sequences obtained in b) to identify heavy and light chain sequences that are related by lineage to the heavy and light chain sequences of a); and d) testing at least one pair of the heavy and light chain sequences identified in c) to identify a second antibody that binds to the same antigen as the first antibody.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicant: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark BUSHFIELD, Michael HADJISAVAS, Luc ADAM
  • Patent number: 9250244
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: a) obtaining the antibody sequences from a population of B cells; b) grouping the antibody sequences to provide a plurality of groups of lineage-related antibodies; c) testing a single antibody from each of the groups in a bioassay and, after the first antibody has been identified, d) testing further antibodies that are in the same group as the first antibody in a second bioassay. In another embodiment, the method may comprise: a) testing a plurality of antibodies obtained from a first portion of an antibody producing organ of an animal; b) obtaining the sequence of a first identified antibody; c) obtaining from a second portion of said antibody producing organ the sequences of further antibodies that are related by lineage to said first antibody; and, c) testing the further antibodies in a second bioassay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Guo-Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 9057728
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the method may comprises: a) contacting a population of permeabilized, cross-linked antibody-producing cells with a labeled antigen to produce a labeled sample in which cells that produce an antibody that specifically binds to said antigen are intracellularly labeled; b) using FACS to isolate cells that are intracellularly labeled, thereby producing labeled cells; c) uncrosslinking said labeled cells to produce uncrosslinked cells; and d) amplifying heavy and light chain-encoding nucleic acid from individual uncrosslinked cells, thereby obtaining nucleic acid that encodes the variable domain of antibody that specifically binds to said antigen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaohuang Ke, Guo-Liang Yu, Karin Vroom
  • Publication number: 20140349393
    Abstract: The invention provides a rabbit-derived immortal B-lymphocyte capable of fusion with a rabbit splenocyte to produce a hybrid cell that produces an antibody. The immortal B-lymphocyte does not detectably express endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain and may contain, in certain embodiments, an altered immunoglobulin heavy chain-encoding gene. A hybridoma resulting from fusion between the subject immortal B-lymphocyte and a rabbit antibody-producing cell is provided, as is a method of using that hybridoma to produce an antibody. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different diagnostic, therapeutic and research applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Epitomics, Inc. (c/o Abcam plc)
    Inventors: ROBERT PYTELA, WEIMIN ZHU, YAOHUANG KE, QI QIAN, HARRY C. AU
  • Publication number: 20140179556
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: a) obtaining the antibody sequences from a population of B cells; b) grouping the antibody sequences to provide a plurality of groups of lineage-related antibodies; c) testing a single antibody from each of the groups in a bioassay and, after the first antibody has been identified, d) testing further antibodies that are in the same group as the first antibody in a second bioassay. In another embodiment, the method may comprise: a) testing a plurality of antibodies obtained from a first portion of an antibody producing organ of an animal; b) obtaining the sequence of a first identified antibody; c) obtaining from a second portion of said antibody producing organ the sequences of further antibodies that are related by lineage to said first antibody; and, c) testing the further antibodies in a second bioassay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Epitomics, Inc. (c/o Abcam plc)
    Inventor: GUO-LIANG YU
  • Publication number: 20140155291
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: a) obtaining the antibody sequences from a population of B cells; b) grouping the antibody sequences to provide a plurality of groups of lineage-related antibodies; c) testing a single antibody from each of the groups in a bioassay and, after the first antibody has been identified, d) testing further antibodies that are in the same group as the first antibody in a second bioassay. In another embodiment, the method may comprise: a) testing a plurality of antibodies obtained from a first portion of an antibody producing organ of an animal; b) obtaining the sequence of a first identified antibody; c) obtaining from a second portion of said antibody producing organ the sequences of further antibodies that are related by lineage to said first antibody; and, c) testing the further antibodies in a second bioassay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Epitomics, Inc. (c/o Abcam plc)
    Inventor: GUO-LIANG YU
  • Patent number: 8617830
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: a) obtaining the antibody sequences from a population of B cells; b) grouping the antibody sequences to provide a plurality of groups of lineage-related antibodies; c) testing a single antibody from each of the groups in a bioassay and, after the first antibody has been identified, d) testing further antibodies that are in the same group as the first antibody in a second bioassay. In another embodiment, the method may comprise: a) testing a plurality of antibodies obtained from a first portion of an antibody producing organ of an animal; b) obtaining the sequence of a first identified antibody; c) obtaining from a second portion of said antibody producing organ the sequences of further antibodies that are related by lineage to said first antibody; and, c) testing the further antibodies in a second bioassay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Guo-Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 8444984
    Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies that neutralize TNF? activity. The monoclonal antibodies may be rabbit monoclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibodies having CDR regions derived from those rabbit monoclonal antibodies. In certain embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies may be humanized. Methods of using the subject antibodies to inhibit TNF? activity, methods of treatment using those antibodies and kits containing the same are also provided. The invention finds use in a variety of research and medical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Jose Rebelo Do Couto, Kristin Beth Hendricks, Stacey Ellen Wallace
  • Patent number: 8404816
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying positions of an antibody that can be modified without significantly reducing the binding activity of the antibody. In many embodiments, the method involves identifying a substitutable position in a parent antibody by comparing its amino acid sequence to the amino acid sequences of a number of related antibodies that each bind to the same antigen as the parent antibody. The amino acid at the substitutable position may be substituted for a different amino acid without significantly affecting the activity of the antibody. The subject methods may be employed to change the amino acid sequence of a CDR without significantly reducing the affinity of the antibody of the antibody, in humanization methods, or in other antibody engineering methods. The invention finds use in a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic and research applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Jose Rebelo Do Couto, Kristin B. Hendricks, S. Ellen Wallace, Guo-Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 8293483
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: a) obtaining the antibody sequences from a population of B cells; b) grouping the antibody sequences to provide a plurality of groups of lineage-related antibodies; c) testing a single antibody from each of the groups in a bioassay and, after the first antibody has been identified, d) testing further antibodies that are in the same group as the first antibody in a second bioassay. In another embodiment, the method may comprise: a) testing a plurality of antibodies obtained from a first portion of an antibody producing organ of an animal; b) obtaining the sequence of a first identified antibody; c) obtaining from a second portion of said antibody producing organ the sequences of further antibodies that are related by lineage to said first antibody; and, c) testing the further antibodies in a second bioassay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Guo-Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 8211433
    Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies that neutralize TNF? activity. The monoclonal antibodies may be rabbit monoclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibodies having CDR regions derived from those rabbit monoclonal antibodies. In certain embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies may be humanized. Methods of using the subject antibodies to inhibit TNF? activity, methods of treatment using those antibodies and kits containing the same are also provided. The invention finds use in a variety of research and medical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Jose Rebelo Do Couto, Kristin Beth Hendricks, Stacey Ellen Wallace
  • Patent number: 8088375
    Abstract: An antibody is provided. In certain cases, the antibody comprises: a) a heavy chain variable domain that comprises CDR regions that are substantially identical to the heavy chain CDR regions of a selected antibody and b) a light chain variable domain that comprises CDR regions that are substantially identical to the light chain CDR regions of the selected antibody, where the antibody binds a selected target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaohuang Ke, Weimin Zhu, Guo-Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 8071322
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying an antigen that is present in different amounts in two different samples. In general, the methods involve generating a first and second distinguishably labeled population of antibodies that reactive to the two samples, contacting the first and second labeled populations of antibodies with a plurality of antigens; and identifying any resultant antigens that are differentially bound by the first and second populations of antibodies. The antigens may be on the surface of cells e.g., animal cells, or on a solid support. Once identified, the nucleic acid encoding an antigen of interest may be identified and sequenced to reveal the identity of the antigen of interest. Kits for performing the methods are also provided. The methods find most use in medical and research applications, in particular, for identifying cell surface targets for immunotherapy and drug discovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dongxiao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8062867
    Abstract: The invention provides a rabbit-derived immortal B-lymphocyte capable of fusion with a rabbit splenocyte to produce a hybrid cell that produces an antibody. The immortal B-lymphocyte does not detectably express endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain and may contain, in certain embodiments, an altered immunoglobulin heavy chain-encoding gene. A hybridoma resulting from fusion between the subject immortal B-lymphocyte and a rabbit antibody-producing cell is provided, as is a method of using that hybridoma to produce an antibody. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different diagnostic, therapeutic and research applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Pytela, Weimin Zhu, Yaohuang Ke, Qi Qian, Harry C. Au
  • Patent number: 7959921
    Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies that neutralize TNF? activity. The monoclonal antibodies may be rabbit monoclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibodies having CDR regions derived from those rabbit monoclonal antibodies. In certain embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies may be humanized. Methods of using the subject antibodies to inhibit TNF? activity, methods of treatment using those antibodies and kits containing the same are also provided. The invention finds use in a variety of research and medical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Jose Rebelo Do Couto, Kristin Beth Hendricks, Stacey Ellen Wallace
  • Publication number: 20110008367
    Abstract: An antibody is provided. In certain cases, the antibody comprises: a) a heavy chain variable domain that comprises CDR regions that are substantially identical to the heavy chain CDR regions of a selected antibody and b) a light chain variable domain that comprises CDR regions that are substantially identical to the light chain CDR regions of the selected antibody, where the antibody binds a selected target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaohuang KE, Weimin Zhu, Guo-Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 7803371
    Abstract: An antibody is provided. In certain cases, the antibody comprises: a) a heavy chain variable domain that comprises CDR regions that are substantially identical to the heavy chain CDR regions of a selected antibody and b) a light chain variable domain that comprises CDR regions that are substantially identical to the light chain CDR regions of the selected antibody, where the antibody binds a selected target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaohuang Ke, Weimin Zhu, Guo-Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 7732168
    Abstract: The invention provides a rabbit-derived immortal B-lymphocyte capable of fusion with a rabbit splenocyte to produce a hybrid cell that produces an antibody. The immortal B-lymphocyte does not detectably express endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain and may contain, in certain embodiments, an altered immunoglobulin heavy chain-encoding gene. A hybridoma resulting from fusion between the subject immortal B-lymphocyte and a rabbit antibody-producing cell is provided, as is a method of using that hybridoma to produce an antibody. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different diagnostic, therapeutic and research applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc
    Inventors: Robert Pytela, Weimin Zhu, Yaohuang Ke, Qi Qian, Harry C. Au
  • Patent number: 7575896
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for fusing a first cell with a second cell to form a hybrid cell. The methods involve incubating a first parental cell producing a first partner of a fusogenic binding partner pair on its surface with a second parental cell producing a second partner of the fusogenic binding partner pair on its surface. In certain embodiments, the parental cells are incubated with a known fusogen such as polyethylene glycol and the fusogenic binding partner pair increases the rate of cell fusion. In many embodiments, the first cell is an antibody producing cell, the second cell is an immortal cell, and the hybrid cell is a hybridoma cell that produces a monoclonal antibody. Also provided by the invention are methods for producing hybridoma cells, and methods for screening those cells for production of a monoclonal antibody of interest. The invention further provides systems and kits for carrying out the subject methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Guo-Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 7462697
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying positions of an antibody that can be modified without significantly reducing the binding activity of the antibody. In many embodiments, the method involves identifying a substitutable position in a parent antibody by comparing its amino acid sequence to the amino acid sequences of a number of related antibodies that each bind to the same antigen as the parent antibody. The amino acid at the substitutable position may be substituted for a different amino acid without significantly affecting the activity of the antibody. The subject methods may be employed to change the amino acid sequence of a CDR without significantly reducing the affinity of the antibody of the antibody, in humanization methods, or in other antibody engineering methods. The invention finds use in a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic and research applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Epitomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Jose Rebelo Do Couto, Kristin B. Hendricks, S. Ellen Wallace, Guo-Liang Yu