Patents Assigned to Morphotek, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20080292641
    Abstract: Hybridoma lines that secrete human monoclonal antibodies with high binding specificity and biological activity, particularly neutralizing activity against granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, and methods of generating the hybridoma lines are provided. Target antigens and epitopes are also provided. The antibodies may be used in therapeutic methods, for example in the treatment of cancer, infectious disease, or autoimmune disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Sass, Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Jian Li, Qimin Chao, Eric Routhier, Wolfgang Ebel
  • Publication number: 20080182242
    Abstract: Dominant-negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into mammalian cells new cell lines with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation or introduction of mutations by chemical mutagens. These methods are useful for generating novel and highly active antimicrobial molecules as well as superior antimicrobial agents from pre-existing chemicals. These methods are also useful for generating cell lines expressing novel antimicrobials that are useful for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Philip M. Sass
  • Publication number: 20080176329
    Abstract: Yeast cells are mutagenized to obtain desirable mutants. Mutagenesis is mediated by a defective mismatch repair system which can be enhanced using conventional exogenously applied mutagens. Yeast cells with the defective mismatch repair system are hypermutable, but after selection of desired mutant yeast strains, they can be rendered genetically stable by restoring the mismatch repair system to proper functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicants: The Johns Hopkins University, Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Philip M. Sass, Luigi Grasso, Bert Vogelstein, Kenneth W. Kinzler
  • Publication number: 20080131427
    Abstract: Whole Genome Evolution Technology can be considered a broad tool for supporting the needs for scaleable manufacturing of therapeutic antibodies. Its random nature and in vivo mode of action separate this process from other complementary technologies, thus providing alternative solutions to improve a host cell's manufacturing performance. The speed with which a pre-existing production strain can be optimized makes this process suitable for satisfying the current need for rapid cell line optimization to produce faster growing cells exhibiting high titers of antibody at the preclinical, clinical or commercialization stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Bradford Kline, Qimin Chao, Philip M. Sass, Luigi Grasso, Nicholas C. Nicolaides
  • Publication number: 20080124744
    Abstract: Antibodies against PMS2 and PMS2-134 and cells that produce the anti-PMS2 and anti-PMS2-134 antibodies are provided. The antibodies of the invention may be used in methods for detecting a PMS2 protein, including a truncated PMS2, and in methods for detecting an abnormal condition in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Luigi Grasso, Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Philip M. Sass, Eric Routhier
  • Patent number: 7332584
    Abstract: Antibodies against PMS2 and PMS2-134 and cells that produce the anti-PMS2 and anti-PMS2-134 antibodies are provided. The antibodies of the invention may be used in methods for detecting a PMS2 protein, including a truncated PMS2, and in methods for detecting an abnormal condition in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Luigi Grasso, Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Philip M. Sass, Eric Routhier
  • Patent number: 7319036
    Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. The enhanced rate of mutation can be further augmented using mutagens. Moreover, the hypermutability of mismatch repair deficient cells can be remedied to stabilize cells or mammals with useful mutations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignees: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Philip M. Sass, Luigi Grasso, Bert Vogelstein, Kenneth W. Kinzler
  • Publication number: 20070244302
    Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. These methods are useful for generating genetic diversity within immunoglobulin genes directed against an antigen of interest to produce altered antibodies with enhanced biochemical activity. Moreover, these methods are useful for generating antibody-producing cells with increased level of antibody production. The invention also provides methods for increasing the affinity of monoclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies with increased affinity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Philip Sass
  • Patent number: 7235643
    Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. These methods are useful for generating genetic diversity within immunoglobulin genes directed against an antigen of interest to produce altered antibodies with enhanced biochemical activity. Moreover, these methods are useful for generating antibody-producing cells with increased level of antibody production. The invention also provides methods for increasing the affinity of monoclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies with increased affinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Philip M. Sass
  • Patent number: 7223598
    Abstract: Dominant-negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into mammalian cells new cell lines with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation or introduction of mutations by chemical mutagens. These methods are useful for generating novel and highly active antimicrobial molecules as well as superior antimicrobial agents from pre-existing chemicals. These methods are also useful for generating cell lines expressing novel antimicrobials that are useful for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Philip M. Sass
  • Publication number: 20060194236
    Abstract: Bacteria are manipulated to create desirable output traits using dominant negative alleles of mismatch repair proteins. Enhanced hypermutation is achieved by combination of mismatch repair deficiency and exogenously applied mutagens. Stable bacteria containing desirable output traits are obtained by restoring mismatch repair activity to the bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Applicants: The Johns Hopkins University, Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicolaides, Philip Sass, Luigi Grasso, Bert Vogelstein, Kenneth Kinzler
  • Patent number: 7026119
    Abstract: Bacteria are manipulated to create desirable output traits using dominant negative alleles of mismatch repair proteins. Enhanced hypermutation is achieved by combination of mismatch repair deficiency and exogenously applied mutagens. Stable bacteria containing desirable output traits are obtained by restoring mismatch repair activity to the bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignees: Morphotek, Inc., The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Philip M. Sass, Luigi Grasso, Bert Vogelstein, Kenneth W. Kinzler
  • Patent number: 6982169
    Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. Methods of generating mutations in genes of interest and of making various cells mismatch repair defective through the use of chemicals to block mismatch repair in in vivo are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Philip M. Sass
  • Publication number: 20050272140
    Abstract: Yeast cells are mutagenized to obtain desirable mutants. Mutagenesis is mediated by a defective mismatch repair system which can be enhanced using conventional exogenously applied mutagens. Yeast cells with the defective mismatch repair system are hypermutable, but after selection of desired mutant yeast strains, they can be be rendered genetically stable by restoring the mismatch repair system to proper functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Applicants: The Johns Hopkins University, Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicolaides, Philip Sass, Luigi Grasso, Bert Vogelstein, Kenneth Kinzler
  • Publication number: 20050266463
    Abstract: Blockade of mismatch repair in a plant can lead to hypermutation and a new genotype and/or phenotype. One approach used to generate hypermutable plants is through the expression of dominant negative alleles of mismatch repair genes in transgenic plants or derived cells. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic plants, new cell lines and plant varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. Moreover, methods to inhibit the expression and activity of endogenous plant MMR genes and their encoded products are also useful to generate hypermutable plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Applicants: The Johns Hopkins University, Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Phillip Sass, Ken Kinzler, Bert Vogelstein
  • Publication number: 20050232919
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the alpha-folate receptor. In some embodiments, the antibodies inhibit a biological activity of folate receptor-? (FR-?). The antibodies are useful in the treatment of certain cancers, particularly cancers that have increased cell surface expression of the alpha-folate receptor (“FR-?”), such as ovarian, breast, renal, colorectal, lung, endometrial, or brain cancer. The invention also relates to cells expressing the monoclonal antibodies, antibody derivatives, such as chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, and methods of detecting and treating cancer using the antibodies, derivatives, and fragments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Applicant: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Luigi Grasso, Nicholas Nicolaides, Philip Sass
  • Publication number: 20050188428
    Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. The enhanced rate of mutation can be further augmented using mutagens. Moreover, the hypermutability of mismatch repair deficient cells can be remedied to stabilize cells or mammals with useful mutations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicants: The John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicolaides, Philip Sass, Luigi Grasso, Bert Vogelstein, Kenneth Kinzler
  • Patent number: 6900370
    Abstract: Blockade of mismatch repair in a plant can lead to hypermutation and a new genotype and/or phenotype. One approach used to generate hypermutable plants is through the expression of dominant negative alleles of mismatch repair genes in transgenic plants or derived cells. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic plants, new cell lines and plant varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. Moreover, methods to inhibit the expression and activity of endogenous plant MMR genes and their encoded products are also useful to generate hypermutable plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignees: John Hopkins University, Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Phillip M. Sass, Ken Kinzler, Bert Vogelstein
  • Patent number: 6825038
    Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. The enhanced rate of mutation can be further augmented using mutagens. Moreover, the hypermutability of mismatch repair deficient cells can be remedied to stabilize cells or mammals with useful mutations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignees: The Johns Hopkins University, Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Philip M. Sass, Luigi Grasso, Bert Vogelstein, Kenneth W. Kinzler
  • Patent number: 6808894
    Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. These methods are useful for generating genetic diversity within immunoglobulin genes directed against an antigen of interest to produce altered antibodies with enhanced biochemical activity. Moreover, these methods are useful for generating antibody-producing cells with increased level of antibody production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Morphotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Luigi Grasso, Philip M. Sass