Patents Assigned to The United States of America as represented by the Departments of Health and Human Services
  • Patent number: 6990369
    Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for monitoring inflammation of the epithelium. The device consists of a head region, a handle region and an optical bundle. At least two of the optical fibers in the bundle are utilized as a source of radiation, these two fibers are at two different angles from normal. At least one of the other optical fibers is utilized as a detector for the reflected radiation, or alternatively an image guide can be used as the detector. The device of the invention can be part of an external or internal system that can include a light source, the device, a multiplexer, a spectrometer, and a computer for data analysis. The method of the invention allows for the detection and monitoring of general inflammation of the oral epithelium. The inflammation of the epithelium can be detected or monitored to diagnose diseases of the oral epithelium, monitor such diseases, monitor treatment of such diseases, or pre-screen for and monitor preventative treatments of such diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Amir H. Gandjbakhche, David W. Hattery, Jim Mulshine, Paul Smith, Victor Chernomordik, Edward Wellner
  • Patent number: 6987266
    Abstract: The invention includes methods for automating acquisition of electron microscopic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Sriram Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 6987096
    Abstract: The present invention provides antiviral proteins (collectively referred to as cyanovirins), conjugates thereof, DNA sequences encoding such agents, host cells containing such DNA sequences, antibodies directed to such agents, compositions comprising such agents, and methods of obtaining and using such agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Michael R. Boyd, Kirk R. Gustafson, Robert H. Shoemaker, James B. McMahon
  • Patent number: 6984379
    Abstract: A method of providing a therapeutic effect in a human patient which comprises administering to the patient CD34+ cells obtained from cord blood. The CD34+ cells have been engineered with at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding a therapeutic agent. Such CD34+ cells may be engineered by transducing the cells with a retroviral vector including the nucleic acid sequence encoding the therapeutic agent. This method has been applied in treating newborn infants suffering from ADA deficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignees: Children's Hospital of LosAngeles, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Donald B. Kohn, R. Michael Blaese, Craig A. Mullen, Robert C. Moen
  • Patent number: 6984517
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adeno-associated virus 5 (AAV5) virus and vectors and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the AAV5 vectors and particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: John A. Chiorini, Robert M. Kotin
  • Patent number: 6982146
    Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for high speed, automated sequencing of nucleic acid molecules. A nucleic acid molecule to be sequenced is exposed to a polymerase in the presence of nucleotides which are to be incorporated into a complementary nucleic acid strand. The polymerase carries a donor fluorophore, and each type of nucleotide (e.g. A, T/U, C and G) carries a distinguishable acceptor fluorophore characteristic of the particular type of nucleotide. As the polymerase incorporates individual nucleic acid molecules into a complementary strand, a laser continuously irradiates the donor fluorophore, at a wavelength that causes it to emit an emission signal (but the laser wavelength does not stimulate the acceptor fluorophore). In particular embodiments, no laser is needed if the donor fluorophore is a luminescent molecule or is stimulated by one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Thomas D. Schneider, Denise Rubens
  • Patent number: 6982168
    Abstract: The present invention relates to immortalized, malignant, human, adult prostate epithelial cell lines or cell lines derived therefrom useful in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. More particularly, the present invention relates to cloned, immortalized, malignant, human, adult prostate epithelial cell lines and uses of these cell lines for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Furthermore, the present invention provides for the characterization of said cell lines through the analysis of specific chromosomal deletions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Suzanne L. Topalian, W. Marston Linehan, Robert K. Bright, Cathy D. Vocke
  • Patent number: 6977245
    Abstract: D type CpG oligodeoxynucleotides are provided herein that include a sequence represented by the following formula: 5?X1X2X3Pu1 Py2 CpG Pu3 Py4 X4X5X6(W)M(G)N-3? wherein the central CpG motif is unmethylated, Pu is a purine nucleotide, Py is a pyrimidine nucleotide, X and W are any nucleotide, M is any integer from 0 to 10, and N is any integer from 4 to 10. Methods of using these oligodeoxynucleotides to induce an immune response are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Dennis Klinman, Daniela Verthelyi, Ken Ishii, James J. Mond, Mayda Gursel
  • Patent number: 6977241
    Abstract: Disclosed are compounds for SH2 domain binding inhibition. For example, disclosed is a compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is a lipophile; R2, in combination with the phenyl ring, forms a phenylphosphate mimic group or a protected phenylphosphate mimic group; R3 is hydrogen, azido, amino, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, aminocarbonylalkyl, or alkylcarbonylamino, wherein the alkyl portion of R3 may be optionally substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, carboxyl, amino, aminoalkyl, alkyl, alkoxy, and keto; R6 is a linker; AA is an amino acid; and n is 1 to 6; or a salt thereof. Also disclosed are a pharmaceutical composition, a method for inhibiting an SH2 domain from binding with a phosphoprotein and a method of treating breast cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health & Human Services
    Inventors: Terrence R. Burke, Jr., Chang-Qing Wei, Johannes H. Voigt, Yang Gao
  • Patent number: 6974698
    Abstract: Methods for delivering a biologically active molecule into a cell by linking a molecule to the cell surface, wherein the molecule can act as a surface receptor, then complexing the biologically active molecule with a ligand for the surface receptor, and finally contacting the biologically active molecule-ligand complex with the cell surface are disclosed. Delivery of any biologically active molecule, e.g. proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, hormones, nucleic acids, and oligonucleotides, is contemplated. The use of biotin or biotinylated antibodies as the surface receptor is disclosed. The use of PEI and PEI-avidin conjugates complexed with oligonucleotides for delivery into a directly or indirectly biotinylated cell surface, along with the PEI-avidin-nucleic acid compositions, are disclosed. Primary and cultured cells with a covalently linked surface receptor molecule, such as biotin, on their surfaces are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Miller, Urszula Wojda, Paul K. Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 6969615
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to devices, arrays, kits and methods for detecting biomolecules in a tissue section (such as a fresh or archival sample, tissue microarray, or cells harvested by an LCM procedure) or other substantially two-dimensional sample (such as an electrophoretic gel or cDNA microarray) by creating “carbon copies” of the biomolecules eluted from the sample and visualizing the biomolecules on the copies using one or more detector molecules (e.g., antibodies or DNA probes) having specific affinity for the biomolecules of interest. Specific methods are provided for identifying the pattern of biomolecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) in the samples. Other specific methods are provided for the identification and analysis of proteins and other biological molecules produced by cells and/or tissue, especially human cells and/or tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignees: 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Vladimir Knezevic, Michael R. Emmert-Buck, Galina Baibakova, Dan-Paul Hartmann, Stephen M. Hewitt, Capre Denise Mitchell, Kevin Gardner
  • Patent number: 6969614
    Abstract: The present invention describes devices and methods for performing protein analysis on laser capture microdissected cells, which permits proteomic analysis on cells of different populations. Particular disclosed examples are analysis of normal versus malignant cells, or a comparison of differential protein expression in cells that are progressing from normal to malignant. The protein content of the microdissected cells may be analyzed using techniques such as immunoassays, 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis characterization, Western blotting, liquid chromatography quadrapole ion trap electrospray (LCQ-MS), Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization/Time of Flight (MALDI/TOF), and Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization Spectroscopy (SELDI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Lance A. Liotta, Nicole Simone, Michael Emmert-Buck, Emmanuel F. Petricoin III
  • Patent number: 6965017
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Yutaka Kawakami, Steven A. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 6965041
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of formula (I), (II), or (III), wherein R1, R2, R2?, R3, and R3? are the same or different and each is H an alkyl, an alkenyl, an alkynyl, a cycloalkyl, an aryl, or an aralkyl. Alternatively, either of R2 or R2? combined with either of R3 or R3? comprises a ring. R4 is a protecting group or a solid support R5 is H or an alkyl. R6 is a protecting group, an amidoalkyl, an alkyl, an alkyl ketone, an alkenyl, an alkynyl, a cycloalkyl, an aryl, or an aralkyl. R15 is H or a protecting group. Q and Q1 are the same or different and each is a nucleoside, an oligonucleotide comprising a nucleoside, or an oligomer comprising a nucleoside, which is of formula (a) or (b), wherein B is a labeling group, an alkyl, an alkenyl, an alkynyl, a cyclic group optionally containing one or more heteroatoms, or an amino; and, E is H, a halogen, a hydroxy, an alkoxy, an ester, an amino or a protecting group. X and X1 are independently O, S, or Se, and n is an integer from 1 to about 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Serge L. Beaucage, Andrzej Wilk, Andrzej Grajkowski
  • Patent number: 6962987
    Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides useful in the treatment and prevention of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax. In particular, the polypeptides are derived from the binding domains of the proteins in the EBL family as well as the sialic acid binding protein (SABP) on P. falciparum merozoites. The polypeptides may also be derived from the Duffy antigen binding protein (DABP) on P. vivax merozoites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Kim Lee Sim, Chetan Chitnis, Louis H. Miller, David S. Peterson, Xin-Zhuan Su, Thomas E. Wellems
  • Patent number: 6960659
    Abstract: A mosaic protein comprising a variety of immunoreactive antigenic epitopes from several genotypes of hepatitis C virus. The mosaic protein provides a sensitive and specific immunological hepatitis detection assay. A restriction enzyme assisted ligation method of making an artificial gene permits controlled construction of mosaic proteins, and allows confirmatory expression of the intermediate gene products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Yury E. Khudyakov, Howard A. Fields
  • Patent number: 6958319
    Abstract: The present invention provides stable compounds prepared from boronic acid and lyophilized compounds thereof of the formula (1): in which Z1 and Z2 are moieties derived from sugar. The invention also provides methods for preparing such compounds. Lyophilizing a mixture comprising a boronic acid compound and a moiety derived from sugar produces a stable composition that readily releases the boronic acid compound upon reconstitution in aqueous media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Shanker Lal Gupta
  • Patent number: 6957166
    Abstract: A system for real-time monitoring of the dynamic loading rate on support systems used in underground mines and other situations is provided. The load rate monitoring apparatus uses a programmable microcontroller to monitor and calculate the loading rates on the support system from pressure transducers or welded strain gauge instrumentation installed on the support systems. The apparatus is programmed to sequentially activate different color lights and/or audio alarms as the loading rate increases on the support systems. The apparatus is intended for installation with numerous underground support systems used in underground mining to alert miners of dangerous loading conditions, which support systems include longwall shields, mobile roof support (MRS) machines, hydraulic jacks, rock bolts, steel sets, and roof trusses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Wayne L. Howie, John K. Owens
  • Patent number: 6953687
    Abstract: Cell transformation vectors for inhibiting HIV and tumor growth are provided. Optionally, the vectors encode RNAses such as EDN. Cells transduced by the vectors and methods of transforming cells (in vitro and in vivo) using the vectors are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Susanna Rybak, Andrea Cara, Gabriele Luca Gusella, Dianne Newton
  • Patent number: 6951915
    Abstract: A compound of formula: in which L is sulfur, sulfoxide, oxygen or methylene, and a compound of formula: in which (i) aa1 is Adi and aa4 is Glu or (ii) each of aa1 and aa4 is Adi, L is sulfur, sulfoxide, oxygen or methylene, which compounds (and their conjugates) bind to an SH2 domain in a protein comprising an SH2 domain, are non-phosphorylated, are redox-stable in vivo, are characterized by an IC50 in vivo of less than about 4.0 ?M with respect to the SH2 domain in Grb2, and, upon binding to the SH2 domain of Grb2, have a turn conformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services, Georgetown University
    Inventors: Peter P. Roller, Ya-Qiu Long, Feng-Di T. Lung, C. Richter King, Dajun Yang