Patents Assigned to The University of Pittsburgh
  • Immuno-oncolytic therapies
    Patent number: 11478518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to oncolytic vaccinia viruses which have been modified to promote anti-tumor immunity and/or reduce host immunity and/or antibody response against the virus. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that oncolytic vaccinia virus (i) bearing a genome deletion of a gene that reduces T cell immunity (interleukin-18 binding protein); (ii) treated with a sialidase enzyme which is believed to reduce TLR2 activation and therefore the antibody response; (iii) carrying a gene that enhances cytotoxic T lymphocyte induction (e.g., TRIF) and/or (iv) reduces tumor myeloid-derived suppressor cells by reducing prostaglandin E2 reduces tumor growth. Accordingly, the present invention provides for immunooncolytic vaccinia viruses and methods of using them in the treatment of cancers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventor: Stephen Howard Thorne
  • BACTERIOPHAGES FOR TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS
    Publication number: 20220331382
    Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of five or more phages and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods of treating, reducing, or preventing a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a mammal, methods of treating an antibiotic resistant infection in a mammal, and methods of treating, reducing, or preventing activation of a latent disease caused by M. tuberculosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Graham F. Hatfull, Carlos Andrés Guerrero, Rebekah Marie Dedrick
  • USE OF AN EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (ECM) HYDROGEL AS AN ESOPHAGEAL SUBMUCOSAL FLUID CUSHION
    Publication number: 20220331486
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for dissecting a mucosa and a submucosa from a muscularis propria from a region of an esophagus of a subject. These methods include injecting submucosally into the esophagus of the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel to form a cushion between the submucosa and the underlying muscularis propria at the region of the esophagus, wherein the ECM hydrogel has the following characteristics: a) a time to 50% gelation of less than 30 minutes at a temperature of about 37° C.; b) a flow viscosity suitable for infusion into the esophagus; and c) a stiffness of about 10 to about 400 Pascal (Pa). The ECM hydrogel is not a urinary bladder ECM hydrogel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Stephen Francis Badylak, Lindsey Tamiko Saldin, Juan Diego Naranjo Gutierrez
  • SENSING LAYERS AND PROTECTION LAYERS USING ATOMIC LAYER DEPOSITION SYNTHESIS OF OXIDES ON SILICA OPTICAL FIBERS
    Publication number: 20220326439
    Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber-based sensor includes providing an optical fiber, and providing a sensing or protection layer on a surface of the optical fiber by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Paul Richard Ohodnicki, Jung-Kun Lee, Yulin Liu, Ruishu Wright, Fei Lu, Jeffrey Wuenschell
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FINDING REGIONS OF INTEREST IN HEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN (H&E) STAINED TISSUE IMAGES AND QUANTIFYING INTRATUMOR CELLULAR SPATIAL HETEROGENEITY IN MULTIPLEXED/HYPERPLEXED FLUORESCENCE TISSUE IMAGES
    Publication number: 20220323776
    Abstract: Graph-theoretic segmentation methods for segmenting histological structures in H&E stained images of tissues. The method rely on characterizing local spatial statistics in the images. Also, a method for quantifying intratumor spatial heterogeneity that can work with single biomarker, multiplexed, or hyperplexed immunofluorescence (IF) data. The method is holistic in its approach, using both the expression and spatial information of an entire tumor tissue section and/or spot in a TMA to characterize spatial associations. The method generates a two-dimensional heterogeneity map to explicitly elucidate spatial associations of both major and minor sub-populations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: S. CHAKRA CHENNUBHOTLA, D. LANSING TAYLOR
  • CRISPR EPIGENETIC THERAPEUTICS FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT
    Publication number: 20220325298
    Abstract: Disclosed are effective, specific, and durable pain management therapies using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR-based) epigenetic modulation of endogenous pathways involved in pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Samira Kiani, Mo Reza Ebrahimkhani, Tahere Mokhtari
  • Method of making a distributed optical fiber sensor having enhanced Rayleigh scattering and enhanced temperature stability, and monitoring systems employing same
    Patent number: 11467338
    Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber sensor device for distributed sensing includes generating a laser beam comprising a plurality of ultrafast pulses, and focusing the laser beam into a core of an optical fiber to form a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of optical fiber. Also, an optical fiber sensor device for distributed sensing includes an optical fiber having a longitudinal axis, a core, and a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. Also, a distributed sensing method and system and an energy production system that employs such an optical fiber sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Peng Kevin Chen, Aidong Yan, Michael P. Buric, Paul R. Ohodnicki, Sheng Huang
  • Highly stable electronic device employing hydrophobic coating layer
    Patent number: 11469054
    Abstract: An electronic device, such as, without limitation, a perovskite solar cell or a light emitting diode, includes an assembly including at least one electronic portion or component, and a composite coating layer covering at least part of the assembly including the at least one electronic portion or component. The composite coating layer includes a polymer material, such as, without limitation, PMMA or PMMA-PU, having nanoparticles, such as, without limitation, reduced graphene oxide or SiO2, embedded therein. The electronic device may further include a second coating layer including a second polymer material (such as, without limitation, PMMA or PMMA-PU without nanoparticles) positioned between the coating layer and the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Global Frontier Center for Multiscale Enery Systems
    Inventors: Jung-Kun Lee, Gillsang Han
  • METHODS OF RESTORING LYSOSOMAL FUNCTION OF RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL CELLS BY ACTIVATION OF TFEB
    Publication number: 20220313722
    Abstract: A method of restoring lysosomal function of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and a method of preventing and/or treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt's macular retinal degeneration, neurodegenerative disease, or diabetic retinopathy in a subject are provided. The methods comprise administering (i) a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide comprising a constitutively active form of transcription factor EB (TFEB) or (ii) the polypeptide to a subject in need thereof. Associated polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors, and compositions thereof also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Debasish Sinha, Leah Caroline Thomas Byrne, Nadezda Anatolyena Stepicheva, Sayan Ghosh, Stacey Hose
  • GRIFFITHSIN MUTANTS
    Publication number: 20220315629
    Abstract: The invention provides modified griffithsin polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, as well as corresponding nucleic acids, vectors, cells, fusion proteins, constructs, conjugates, and methods of inhibiting viral infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicants: The United States of America,as represented by the Secretary,Department of Health and Human Services, University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc., University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Barry R. O'Keefe, Tinoush Moulaei, Kenneth E. Palmer, Lisa C. Rohan, Joshua L. Fuqua, Lindsay F. Kramzer
  • INHALED DELIVERY OF PEPTIDE MIMICS OF CXCL10 FOR TARGETED ANTI-FIBROTIC THERAPY
    Publication number: 20220313777
    Abstract: Administration via inhalation of small peptides that mimic CXCL10 (FIBROKINE™ peptides) is described. The peptides can be administered as an aerosol, such as an aerosol with a droplet size small enough to reach lung alveoli. Use of the peptides to treat fibrosis, such as lung fibrosis, is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates, Timothy E. Corcoran, Zariel I. Johnson, Jesse Jaynes
  • NITRITE FORMULATIONS AND USES THEREOF FOR THE TREATMENT OF LUNG INJURY
    Publication number: 20220305051
    Abstract: Methods for the treatment of lung injury caused by chemical inhalation, smoke inhalation or microbial infection are described. The methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount of nitrite or a nitrite formulation. Nitrite formulations that include a nitrite salt and an anti-caking agent, such as sodium bicarbonate, and the use of such formulations, is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jason Joseph Rose, Mark Thomas Gladwin, Rakesh P. Patel, Sadis Matalon
  • GEL FOR TREATING PERIOCULAR AND/OR ORBITAL PATHOLOGIES AND CONDITIONS
    Publication number: 20220296512
    Abstract: A method comprising treating a periocular wound in a subject, comprising topically administering to the periocular wound a composition comprising at least one thermoresponsive gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Morgan V. Fedorchak, Jenny Yu, Michael A. Washington
  • BIOMIMETIC DRUG DELIVERY OF AN IMMUNOMODULATORY AGENT FOR THE TREATMENT OF OCULAR CONDITIONS
    Publication number: 20220296716
    Abstract: A method for treating an ocular disorder in a subject comprising administering a therapeutic agent-loaded carrier to an ocular site of the subject in need thereof, wherein the therapeutic agent loaded-carrier provides controlled delivery of the therapeutic agent under conditions suitable for recruiting regulatory T cells to an ocular region of interest or inducing regulatory T cells in an ocular region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Steven R. Little, Michelle L. Guaragno, Andrew J. Glowacki, Morgan V. Fedorchak, Stephen C. Balmert
  • IMMUNOPET AND IMMUNOSPECT IMAGING TO IDENTIFY CYTOTOXIC T CELL ACTIVITY
    Publication number: 20220296737
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method for identifying cytotoxic T cell activity due to cancer immunotherapy in a subject. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering an effective amount of a tracer for positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to a subject receiving a cancer immunotherapy, wherein the tracer comprises an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to a luminal domain of a lymphocytic granule-associated molecule (LGAM) labeled with a PET or SPECT detectable moiety, and detecting the signal of the tracer by PET or SPECT imaging to identify the cytotoxic T cell activity due to immune therapy for the cancer in the subject. In several embodiments, the antibody or antigen binding fragment specifically binds to the luminal domain of CD107a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Carolyn Anderson, Wilson Edwards, Gary Kohanbash
  • USE OF RELAXIN TO TREAT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
    Publication number: 20220289809
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of using relaxin polypeptides and analogs, or nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides to treat or inhibit atrial fibrillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: David S. Schwartzman, Sanjeev G. Shroff, Guy Salama, Charles F. McTiernan
  • LYMPH NODE AS A SITE FOR TRANSPLANTATION, ORGANOGENESIS AND FUNCTION FOR MULTIPLE TISSUES AND ORGANS
    Publication number: 20220288127
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for transplanting non-lymphoid tissues into lymphoid organs. It may be used to cultivate organ tissues including for the purpose of supplementing or reconstituting organ function. Tissues that may be propagated in this manner include but are not limited to lung, kidney, thyroid, intestine, and brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventor: Eric Lagasse
  • METHODS OF TREATING CANCERS CONTAINING FUSION GENES
    Publication number: 20220290257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating cancer patients carrying one or more specific fusion genes. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the protein encoded by the MAN2A1-FER fusion gene exhibits kinase activity and the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting MAN2A1-FER in a cancer other than prostate, for example hepatocellular cancer, led to dramatic improvement of survival of animals xenografted with the cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Jianhua LUO, Zhanghui CHEN, Yanping YU, George MICHALOPOULOS, Joel B. NELSON
  • TOUCH-SENSING VIA EXCITATION OF A SURFACE WITH A WAVEFORM
    Publication number: 20220276762
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices for sensing touch at a surface. Sensing touch can be achieved while decreasing the number of sensors at a surface as well as data and computation complexity, but maintaining accuracy. Such sensing touch can be achieved via applying excitation and detecting emission waveforms at a surface that are associated with touch at a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: David A. Anderson
  • NRF2 ACTIVATION FOR TREATMENT OF NEPHROGENIC DIABETES INSIPIDUS
    Publication number: 20220273703
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating or preventing nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) in a subject that includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inducer, thereby treating or preventing the NDI in the subject. The Nrf2 inducer may be a fumarate, a nitro fatty acid, a bardoxolone or sulforaphane. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) a Nuclear factor-crythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inducer and (ii) lithium or a lithium salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: University Of Pittsburgh-Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education
    Inventors: Francisco J. Schopfer, Dario A. Vitturi Iglesias, Soma Jobbagy