Patents Assigned to Vanderbilt University
  • Immunological compositions as cancer therapeutics
    Patent number: 9023362
    Abstract: The present invention concerns antibodies that react immunologically with an epitope comprising VDKSRWQQG (SEQ ID NO: 1), including those that bind to cancer cells, and methods relating thereto. In particular, the antibodies that react immunologically with a particular epitope found in anti-tumor antigen antibodies are not only indicative of favorable therapy using the anti-tumor antigen antibodies, but are therapeutic in and of themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Paula R. Pohlmann, Raymond L. Mernaugh
  • Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy of layered soft tissues and applications of same
    Patent number: 9020581
    Abstract: The present invention in one aspect relates to a method for surgical margin evaluation of tissues during breast conserving therapy at a surgical site of interest. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of acquiring a plurality of spatially offset Raman spectra from the surgical site of interest, identifying tissue signatures from the plurality of spatially offset Raman spectra, and determining surgical margins of the surgical site from the identified tissue signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Anita M. Mahadevan-Jansen, Matthew D. Keller, Mark C. Kelley
  • Copolymers and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 9012596
    Abstract: Copolymers, such as block copolymers, having at least one block that is a random copolymer of ?-caprolactone and ?-carboxy-?-caprolactone are described. Also described are methods of using such copolymers, such as, for example, in medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Hak-Joon Sung, Lucas L. Hofmeister, Mukesh Kumer Gupta, Spencer W. Crowder, Shann S. Yu, Angela L. Zachman, Dae Kwang Jung
  • Multiple accumulator systems and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 9010101
    Abstract: The invention is an accumulator system in which multiple elastomeric accumulators are attached in series or parallel in order to generate total differential pressure in excess of that generated in a non-series system. Also disclosed is a “stacked” accumulator system. The system stores energy when the accumulators deform from their original shape in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid. The stored energy is available for use when the fluid is released from the accumulators and the accumulators return to their original shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Eric J. Barth, Alexander V. Pedchenko, Wayne J. Book
  • Apparatus and method for real-time imaging and monitoring of an electrosurgical procedure
    Patent number: 9014788
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography probe and laser combination device configured for real-time z-directional guidance of the incisional depth of a surgical procedure. It can be used alone or placed within the working channel of an endoscope. The device includes an OCT single mode fiber, and a laser fiber or laser hollow waveguide or electrical surgical wire positioned adjacent to the OCT single mode fiber. The single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when activated by an actuator to scan light data reflected from a sample that is positioned in front of a distal end of the device. The light data can be processed to generate a B-scan image. The device can collect data in real-time during lasing, or immediately prior to and following the cutting. The surgical tool, when coupled to a processor, can deactivate when the B-scan image identifies that the incision is within a predefined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen, M. Shane Hutson, John Kozub
  • Substituted 4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzyl analogues as positive allosteric modulators of mAChR Mreceptors
    Patent number: 9012445
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted 4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzyl analogs compounds, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (mAChR M1); synthesis methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Craig W. Lindsley, P. Jeffrey Conn, Michael R. Wood, Bruce J. Melancon, Michael S. Poslusney, James C. Tarr
  • ANTI-FXI ANTIBODIES AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20150093395
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are monoclonal antibodies specific for factor XI (fXI) that prevent activation of fXI by factor XIIa (fXIIa). The monoclonal antibodies are universal fXI antibodies, capable of binding all mammalian species tested. The anti-fXI monoclonal antibodies prolong clotting time in mammalian plasmas. Moreover, administration of the fXI monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein results in inhibition of thrombosis without altering hemostasis in animal models of thrombosis. Thus, provided herein are monoclonal antibodies specific for fXI that block activation of fXI by fXIIa, compositions and immunoconjugates comprising such antibodies and their methods of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicants: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY, OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Andras Gruber, Erik I. Tucker, David Gailani
  • Methods of using an antibody to inhibit WNT-mediated cardiac remodeling
    Publication number: 20150086540
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof directed to LRP5/6 that find use in the prevention and treatment of cardiac remodeling and cancer. Also disclosed are methods for using such monoclonal antibodies in the prevention and treatment of such diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ethan LEE, Pampee P. YOUNG, Josiane EID
  • POLYCARBONATE CONTAINING COMPOUNDS AND METHODS RELATED THERETO
    Publication number: 20150087790
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are crosslinked polycarbonates, composition thereof and methods thereof. The cross-linked polycarbonates can be prepared from allyl or epoxy polycarbonates. Described herein is the formation of functionalized poly(carbonate) particles with an established intermolecular cross-linking process. Six types of ‘nanosponges’ were prepared with the differentiation in crosslinking density and crosslinking chemistry. The intermolecular chain cross-linking process was investigated via the epoxide amine reaction and the thiol-ene click reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Eva M. Harth, David M. Stevens
  • Powered leg prosthesis and control methodologies for obtaining near normal gait
    Patent number: 8986396
    Abstract: A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, Huseyin Atakan Varol, Frank Charles Sup, IV, Jason Mitchell, Thomas J. Withrow
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENDOSCOPIC DEPLOYMENT OF ROBOTIC CONCENTRIC TUBE MANIPULATORS FOR PERFORMING SURGERY
    Publication number: 20150080907
    Abstract: An apparatus (20) for performing endoscopic surgery on a patient (12) includes at least two concentric tube manipulators (150) adapted to carry devices (152, 154) for performing a surgical operation. A transmission (200) operates the concentric tube manipulators (150). An endoscope tube (106) has a proximal end portion fixed to the transmission (200). The concentric tube manipulators (150) extend from the transmission (200) through an inner lumen (102) of the endoscope tube (106) and are operable to extend from a distal end (104) of the endoscope tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: S. Duke Herrell, Robert J. Webster, III, Trevor Bruns, Philip J. Swaney, Richard Hendrick
  • Dendritic molecular intracellular transporters and methods of making and using same
    Patent number: 8969622
    Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to compounds comprising the structure: and at least one guanidinium residue, wherein m is zero or a positive integer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the disclosed compounds. Also disclosed are methods of intracellular delivery comprising administering the disclosed compounds and compositions to a subject. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds or compositions of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Eva M. Harth, James E. Crowe, Jr., Kui Huang, Sharon K. Hamilton, Heidi E. Hamm, Bryan Voss
  • Substituted 6-methylnicotinamides as mGluR5 positive allosteric modulators
    Patent number: 8969389
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted 6-methylnicotinamide analogs, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: P. Jeffrey Conn, Craig W. Lindsley, Shaun R. Stauffer, Ya Zhou, Jason Manka, Gregor McDonald, José Manuel Bartolome-Nebreda
  • Anti-fXI antibodies and methods of use
    Patent number: 8940883
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are monoclonal antibodies specific for factor XI (fXI) that prevent activation of fXI by factor XIIa (fXIIa). The monoclonal antibodies are universal fXI antibodies, capable of binding all mammalian species tested. The anti-fXI monoclonal antibodies prolong clotting time in mammalian plasmas. Moreover, administration of the fXI monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein results in inhibition of thrombosis without altering hemostasis in animal models of thrombosis. Thus, provided herein are monoclonal antibodies specific for fXI that block activation of fXI by fXIIa, compositions and immunoconjugates comprising such antibodies and their methods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Oregon Health & Science University, Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Andras Gruber, Erik I. Tucker, David Gailani
  • ANTIVIRAL THERAPIES WITH PHOSPHOLIPASE D INHIBITORS
    Publication number: 20150025041
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating viral infections comprising, in one aspect, administering compounds that are phospholipase D inhibitors. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to antiviral therapies. For example, compounds having Phospholipase D activity (e.g., isoform selective Phospholipase D inhibitors) can be useful in antiviral therapies (e.g., influenza treatments).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Craig W. Lindsley, H. Alex Brown
  • Compositions and methods for preserving insulin-producing cells and insulin production and treating diabetes
    Patent number: 8932559
    Abstract: Nuclear Transport Modifiers such as cSN50 and cSN50.1, afford in vivo islet protection following a 2-day course of intense treatment in autoimmune diabetes-prone, non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a widely used model of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), which resulted in a diabetes-free state for one year without apparent toxicity and the need to use insulin. cSN50 precipitously reduces the accumulation of islet-destructive autoreactive lymphocytes while enhancing activation-induced cell death of T and B lymphocytes derived from NOD mice. cSN50 attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in immune cells in this model of human T1D. cSN50 also provides cytoprotection of beta cells, therefore preserving residual insulin-producing capacity. Because intracellular delivery of a Nuclear Transport Modifier peptide such as cSN50 and cSN50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Jack J. Hawiger, Robert D. Collins, Daniel J. Moore, Jozef Zienkiewicz, Ruth Ann Veach
  • Phage antibodies to radiation-inducible neoantigens
    Patent number: 8927288
    Abstract: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. The method includes the steps of: (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are therapeutic and diagnostic methods using targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Dennis E. Hallahan, Raymond Mernaugh
  • System and method for determining mechanical properties of bone structures
    Patent number: 8923948
    Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing bone structures are provided for characterizing bone structures. In the system and method, one or more 1H NMR or MRI signals associated with a bone structure are obtained. Thereafter one or more signal parameters are computed from the obtained signals, where each of the signal parameters comprising at least one of a relaxation rate constant or a corresponding signal amplitude associated with a component of the obtained signals defined by a T2 value or a range of T2 values. Finally, the mechanical properties or fracture risk for the bone structure are determined based on the computed signal parameters and stored correlation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Mark Does, Robert Adam Horch, Jeffrey S. Nyman, Daniel Frank Gochberg
  • Porous membrane waveguide sensors and sensing systems therefrom for detecting biological or chemical targets
    Patent number: 8920729
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing at least one biological target or chemical target is provided. The sensor includes a membrane includes a membrane material that supports generation and propagation of at least one waveguide mode, where the membrane material includes a plurality of voids having an average size <2 microns. The sensor also includes at least one receptor having structure for binding to the target within the plurality of voids, and an optical coupler for coupling light to the membrane sufficient to generate the waveguide mode in the membrane from photons incident on the optical coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Guoguang Rong, Sharon M. Weiss, Raymond L. Mernaugh
  • Benzisoxazoles and azabenzisoxazoles as MGLUR4 allosteric potentiators, compositions, and methods of treating neurological dysfunction
    Patent number: 8916584
    Abstract: Benzisoxazole and azabenzisoxazole compounds which are useful as allosteric potentiators/positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of using the compounds, for example, in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders or other disease state associated with glutamate dysfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: P. Jeffrey Conn, Craig W. Lindsley, Corey R. Hopkins, Colleen M. Niswender, Darren W. Engers