Patents Assigned to Texas Health Science Center
  • Publication number: 20060111388
    Abstract: Methods and compositions used for lowering intraocular pressure. More particularly, the methods and compositions for lowering intraocular pressure pertain to the use of at least a phenanthroline derivative in an ophthalmic delivery solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventors: Adnan Dibas, Thomas Yorio, Ganesh Prasanna
  • Publication number: 20060106064
    Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the protection of one or more central nervous system cells from trauma, when administered before, during or after the trauma, wherein the composition includes an effective amount of a butyrophenone, e.g., a 1-linked phenyl butyrophenone that is electronegative along the butyl chain and/or a Sigma-1 receptor antagonist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventors: John Schetz, James Simpkins, Jeffery Talbert
  • Patent number: 7041499
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding cell surface receptors on immune cells and the characteristic peptides that comprise these receptors. More specifically, the present invention concerns the use of synthetic and recombinant peptides comprising natural killer (“NK”) cell surface receptors. The synthetic and recombinant peptides are used to generate monoclonal antibodies that bind a specific NK cell surface receptor called CS1. The binding of the monoclonal antibody to the NK cell surface receptor leads to NK cell activation. In a particular embodiments of the present invention, the monoclonal antibodies are utilized in a method that inhibits the growth of tumor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: University of North Texas Health Science Center
    Inventors: Porunellor A. Mathew, Kent Boles
  • Patent number: 7026306
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel estrogen-related steroidal quinols and their use as prodrugs for phenolic estrogens and estrogen analogs. The quinols of the present invention provide improved physicochemical properties, increased bioavailability, and improved distribution into tissues and penetration across the blood-brain barrier when compared to phenolic estrogens and estrogen analogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., University of North Texas Health Science Center
    Inventors: Laszlo Prokai, Katalin Prokai, James Simpkins
  • Patent number: 6900036
    Abstract: Prion peptides exhibiting structural isomerism to wild-type prion peptide are disclosed. The invention further discloses methods of making prion isomers, compositions comprising prion isomers, and compositions and products comprising antibody to a prion isomer. Methods for screening a patient for a neuro-degenerative disease, and methods for treating a patient afflicted with a neuro-degenerative disease are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
    Inventors: Jui-Yoa Chang, Bao-Yuan Lu
  • Publication number: 20040224995
    Abstract: The current invention comprises compositions and methods for protecting a neuronal cell of a subject from a toxic insult. The method includes delivering an effective amount of a neuroprotective compound to the neuronal cells before or after the toxic insult. The neuroprotective compounds contain a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (“PPAR-&ggr;”) binding moiety with either a phenolic ring moiety or a prostaglandin (“PG”) with a reactive &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carbonyl group on the cyclopentenone ring. Other novel compounds are also disclosed. The toxic insult that impinges upon the neuronal cell may be an acute process, or chronic disease process. Oxidative stress (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, and glutamate), injury, and secondary physiological responses to injury are among the acute processes discussed. Clinical disease processes that comprise oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and Parkinson's disease are also addressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventors: James W. Simpkins, Paul Aoun
  • Patent number: 6673768
    Abstract: Transgene constructs for generating transgenic animals, wherein the transgene encodes a gene product which modulates transcription of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene, are provided. Further provided are recombinant vectors comprising the transgenes of the invention. Further provided are transgenic animals generated using the transgene constructs. Further provided are enzyme-based, cell-based, and whole-animal-based assays for detecting substances having therapeutic activity toward cardiac hypertrophy. Further provided are compositions comprising substances which modulate levels of active product of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene. Further provided are methods of treating cardiac hypertrophy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, University of North Texas Health Science Center
    Inventors: Stephen R. Grant, Eric N. Olson
  • Patent number: 6657104
    Abstract: Transgene constructs for generating transgenic animals, wherein the transgene encodes a gene product which modulates transcription of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene, are provided. Further provided are recombinant vectors comprising the transgenes of the invention. Further provided are transgenic animals generated using the transgene constructs. Further provided are enzyme-based, cell-based, and whole-animal-based assays for detecting substances having therapeutic activity toward cardiac hypertrophy. Further provided are compositions comprising substances which modulate levels of active product of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene. Further provided are methods of treating cardiac hypertrophy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignees: Texas Systems, University of the Board of the Regents, University of North Texas Health Science Center
    Inventors: Stephen R. Grant, Eric N. Olson, Jeffrey D. Molkentin
  • Publication number: 20030176356
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition, containing a therapeutically effective amount of an endothelin (“ET”) antagonists and/or an endothelin-converting enzyme (“ECE”) inhibitors and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition is useful for treating normal-tension and primary open-angle glaucoma and prevents optic nerve damage and retinal ganglion cell death associated with these ocular diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: University of North Texas Health Science Center
    Inventors: Thomas Yorio, Ganesh Prasanna, Adnan Dibas, Martha E. Stokely
  • Patent number: 6599526
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anti-adhesion patch, which is constructed using a tissue equivalent technique. The anti-adhesion patch comprises a collagenous material and at least one non-living cellular component. Also provided is a method for preventing tissue adhesions between organs and other tissues being operated upon during surgical procedures by utilizing the anti-adhesion patch disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventor: Slobodan Dan Dimitrijevich
  • Publication number: 20030113332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding cell surface receptors on immune cells and the characteristic peptides that comprise these receptors. More specifically, the present invention concerns the use of synthetic and recombinant peptides comprising natural killer (“NK”) cell surface receptors. The synthetic and recombinant peptides are used to generate monoclonal antibodies that bind a specific NK cell surface receptor called CS1. The binding of the monoclonal antibody to the NK cell surface receptor leads to NK cell activation. In a particular embodiments of the present invention, the monoclonal antibodies are utilized in a method that inhibits the growth of tumor cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventors: Porunellor A. Mathew, Kent Boles
  • Patent number: 6537815
    Abstract: The invention includes the gene csrB, the RNA encoded thereby and methods of use thereof. csrB RNA binds to and antagonizes the ability of CsrA to down-regulate the production of certain metabolic products. This invention is also drawn to methods of using csrB polynucleotides, and combination of csrB polynucleotides and CsrA polypeptides and antibodies that bind to such combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: University of North Texas, Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventor: Tony Romeo
  • Patent number: 6471958
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-contracting tissue equivalent comprising at least one cellular component and at least one non-cellular component. The tissue equivalent closely resembles normal tissue in being substantially non-contracting. In addition, the non-contracting tissue equivalent is translucent, allowing direct visual observation of the different layers of cells in the tissue equivalent. The non-contracting tissue equivalent is useful for a variety of complete tissue replacements including skin and cornea. The non-contracting tissue equivalent is useful for in vitro testing, evaluation and screening of potential pharmaceuticals or consumer products, production of biocompatible clinical products for tissue replacement and augmentation, and research studies on fundamental aspects of tissue structure and function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: University of North Texas Health Science Center
    Inventors: S. Dan Dimitrijevich, Robert W. Gracy
  • Patent number: 6284765
    Abstract: A composition formulated for dose-wise delivery to a breathing passageway of a human, the composition comprising a carrier solution containing (+)naloxone and a pharmacologically effective amount of at least one adrenergic agonist, the (+)naloxone and agonist forming a mixture in the carrier. The at least one adrenergic agonist is selected from the group consisting of epinephrine, isoproterenol, albuterol, aminophylline, beclomethasone, dyphylline, flunisolide, isoetharine, metaproterenol, oxtriphylline, terbutaline, theophylline, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine and norepinephrine. That composition is delivered by an atomizer means such as a liquid sprayer or inhaler to treat nasal congestion and asthmatic attacks. Further provided by the invention is a cardiovascular and respiratory stimulating composition for administration to a patient in doses, the composition comprising a pharmacologically effective concentration of (+)naloxone in a carrier solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventor: James L. Caffrey
  • Patent number: 6268471
    Abstract: The invention includes a gene encoding csrA, the protein encoded thereby and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: University of North Texas Health Science Center at Forth Worth
    Inventor: Tony Romeo
  • Patent number: 6228638
    Abstract: The invention includes the gene csrB, the RNA encoded thereby and methods of use thereof. csrB RNA binds to and antagonizes the ability of CsrA to down-regulate the production of certain metabolic products. This invention is also drawn to methods of using csrB polynucleotides, and combination of csrB polynucleotides and CsrA polypeptides and antibodies that bind to such combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: University of North Texas, Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventor: Tony Romeo
  • Patent number: 6190304
    Abstract: The present invention is an intra-aortic circulatory enhancing apparatus for use in human patients to improve blood flow to other arteries continuous with the aorta of the patient. The apparatus comprises an internal inflation means located within the aorta of the patient and an external inflation means located outside of the patient. The internal inflation means can be an internal balloon coupled to a hollow extent which is operatively coupled to a blood communication means. The blood communication means can be a first hollow catheter tube in one embodiment. The external inflation means can be an external balloon coupled to a hollow extent running through the center of the balloon and continuous with a second hollow catheter tube. The blood communication means is coupled to the internal and external inflation means, allowing blood within the aorta to communicate with the secondary inflation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventors: H. Fred Downey, Xiaoming Bian
  • Patent number: 6071875
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension by using TGF.alpha. are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignees: Alcon Laboratories, Inc., University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
    Inventors: Abbot F. Clark, Robert J. Wordinger
  • Patent number: 5846946
    Abstract: Plasmid DNA encoding at least one Borrelia genospecies antigen and methods for making and using such a plasmid are disclosed and claimed. The genospecies can be burgdorferi, garinii and/or afzelli. The antigen can be OspA and/or OspB and/or OspC. Compositions containing the plasmid DNA are useful for administration to a host susceptible to Lyme Disease for an in vivo response, such as a protective response, or for generating useful antibodies. The inventive plasmid can also be transfected into cells for generating antigens in vitro. And, the inventive plasmid can be prepared by isolating DNA (such as DNA coding for: promoter, leader sequence, antigen, and terminator) and performing a ligation or ligations, such as a three-way ligation. More particularly, administration of DNA encoding Borrelia genospecies antigen, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignees: Pasteur Merieux Serums et Vaccins, Vical Inc., University of Texas Health Science Center
    Inventors: Robert C. Huebner, Jon A. Norman, Xiaowu Liang, Kristin R. Carner, Alan G. Barbour, Catherine J. Luke
  • Patent number: 5486204
    Abstract: A method of treating severe brain trauma with hypothermia includes the introduction of specified medication to reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and other malfunctions that may result from the brain trauma or the hypothermia. The method further includes a protocol for the treatment which defines time, temperature, rate of change of temperature, and the timing of the introduction of medications. Finally, rigidly controlled rewarming reduces the incidence of rewarming shock in recovering patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
    Inventor: Guy L. Clifton