Patents Assigned to VIB VZW
  • Patent number: 9932409
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modified Interleukin-1 (IL-1) family member cytokine, with reduced activity via its cytokine receptor, wherein said interleukin-1 family member cytokine is specifically delivered to target cells. Preferably, the IL-1 family member cytokine is a mutant, more preferably it is a mutant IL-1 with low affinity to the IL-1 receptor, wherein said mutant IL-1 is specifically delivered to target cells. The targeting is preferably realized by fusion of the modified IL-1 family member cytokine to a targeting moiety, preferably an antibody or antibody-like molecule. The disclosure relates further to the use of such targeted modified IL-1 family member cytokine to treat diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, UNIVERSITEIT GENT, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, UNIVERSITÉMONTPELLIER 2, CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE MONTPELLIER
    Inventors: Jan Tavernier, Sarah Gerlo, Frank Peelman, Gilles Uze
  • Patent number: 9919048
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inactivation of interleukin-1 and interleukin-18 signaling in treatment of inflammation and septic shock. More specifically, it relates to a sequential or simultaneous application of both an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and an interleukin-18 antibody. In one preferred embodiment, a combination treatment of an IL-1 receptor antagonist and an IL-18 antibody is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, UNIVERSITEIT GENT
    Inventors: Peter Vandenabeele, Anje Cauwels, Tom Vandenberghe
  • Patent number: 9913920
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to activities and characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In particular, immunoglobulin single variable domains are provided against markers of TAMs, and methods using the same for in vivo imaging of tumor cells, as well as cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Kiavash Movahedi, Damya Laoui, Steve Schoonooghe, Geert Raes, Patrick De Baetselier, Jo Van Ginderachter, Nick Devoogdt, Tony Lahoutte
  • Patent number: 9914759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified cytokine of the TNF superfamily, with reduced activity to its receptor, wherein said modified cytokine is specifically delivered to target cells. Preferably, said modified cytokine is a single chain variant of the TNF superfamily, even more preferably, one or more of the chains carry one or more mutations, resulting in a low affinity to the receptor, wherein said mutant cytokine is specifically delivered to target cells. The targeting is realized by fusion of the modified cytokine of the TNF superfamily to a targeting moiety, preferably an antibody or antibody-like molecule. The invention relates further to the use of such targeted modified cytokine of the TNF superfamily to treat diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, UNIVERSITEIT GENT, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, UNIVERSITÉ MONTPELLIER 2, CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE MONTPELLIER
    Inventors: Jan Tavernier, Jennyfer Bultinck, Frank Peelman, Gilles Uze
  • Patent number: 9908943
    Abstract: Described are single domain antibodies with a specificity for BACE1. More specifically, described are single variable-domain antibodies derived from camelids that bind to BACE1 and are capable of inhibiting the activity of BACE1. The antibodies can be used for research and medical applications. Specific applications include the use of BACE1-specific antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&D, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
    Inventors: Bart De Strooper, Els Marjaux, Lujia Zhou, Serge Muyldermans
  • Publication number: 20180051345
    Abstract: The present application relates to the field of cancer, particular to hypoxic tumors. It was found that hypoxia is an important driver for hypermethylation of (promoters of) tumor suppressor genes. As this hypermethylation is a stable signature that is also present in circulating tumor DNA in peripheral blood, detecting this methylation pattern is a surrogate marker for tumor hypoxia. This can be used to adapt therapy as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicants: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&D, LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH PARTNERS VZW
    Inventors: Diether LAMBRECHTS, Bernard THIENPONT
  • Patent number: 9890217
    Abstract: The disclosure relates cells or cellular systems that express both a membrane protein and a binding domain directed to the membrane protein. Also, methods are provided that use such cells or cellular systems to produce higher amounts of the membrane proteins. Further, the cells or cellular systems can be used as tools for the structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting membrane proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, UNIVERSITEIT GENT
    Inventors: Jan Steyaert, Nico Callewaert, Toon Laeremans, Els Pardon, Kristof Vandewalle, Katrien Claes
  • Patent number: 9879233
    Abstract: The present application relates to the field of Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly sporadic PD or PD associated with mutations in the mitochondrial kinase PINK1. A new substrate for this kinase, NdufA10, is identified herein. In Parkinson's disease, this protein is dephosphorylated, which is linked to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. It is shown that restoring or mimicking phosphorylation of NdufA10 restores the phenotypic defects associated with Parkinson's disease and is thus a new therapeutic paradigm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
    Inventors: Bart De Strooper, Patrik Verstreken, Vanessa Morais Epifânio
  • Patent number: 9878014
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a modified ?-helical bundle cytokine, with reduced activity via an ?-helical bundle cytokine receptor, wherein the ?-helical bundle cytokine is specifically delivered to target cells. Preferably, the ?-helical bundle cytokine is a mutant, more preferably it is a mutant interferon, with low affinity to the interferon receptor, wherein the mutant interferon is specifically delivered to target cells. The targeting is realized by fusion of the modified ?-helical bundle cytokine to a targeting moiety, preferably an antibody. This disclosure relates further to the use of such targeted modified ?-helical bundle cytokine to treat diseases. A preferred embodiment is the use of a targeted mutant interferon, to treat diseases, preferably viral diseases and tumors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, UNIVERSITEIT GENT, UNIVERSITÉ MONTPELLIER 2, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE MONTPELLIER
    Inventors: Jan Tavernier, Gilles Uzé, Guillaume Cartron, Franciane Paul, Jacob Piehler
  • Patent number: 9862957
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the identification of a QTL associated with high ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces spp. More specifically, it relates to specific alleles of MKT1 and APJ1 possibly combined with a specific allele of SWS2 that are important in obtaining a high ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces spp. It relates further to the use of such alleles in the construction of high ethanol tolerant strains, and the use of these alleles in screening for ethanol tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K. U. LEUVEN R&D
    Inventors: Johan Thevelein, Maria Remedios Foulquie-Moreno, Annelies Goovaerts, Steve Swinnen
  • Patent number: 9862678
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel class of compounds having the structure of formula I as defined herein and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. This disclosure also comprises methods of treating a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the subject. These compounds are useful for the conditions disclosed herein. This disclosure further comprises methods for making the compounds of formula I and corresponding intermediates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Universiteit Gent, Universiteit Antwerpen
    Inventors: Peter Vandenabeele, Tom Vanden Berghe, Koen Augustyns, Jurgen Joossens, Pieter Van Der Veken, Sam Hofmans
  • Patent number: 9862777
    Abstract: The present application relates to the field of single-domain antibodies (also called nanobodies), more particularly single-domain antibodies against SOD1 protein isoforms. It also relates to the use of these nanobodies in medicine. Accordingly, methods to treat a disease using these nanobodies are provided herein. The single-domain antibodies are particularly envisaged for treatment of ALS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH PARTNERS VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&D
    Inventors: Wim Robberecht, Frederic Rousseau, Joost Schymkowitz
  • Patent number: 9863959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: VIB VZW, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jan Steyaert, Els Pardon, Soren G. F. Rasmussen, Juan Jose Fung, Brian Kobilka, Toon Laeremans
  • Patent number: 9850502
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of a mutant SSK1 gene encoding a truncated ssk1 protein for the construction of a mutant yeast strain with decreased glycerol production, when compared to the wild-type strain. It relates further to the use of such strains for high-yield bioethanol production, especially in high osmotic media, or on cellulosic hydrolysates, where normal yeast strains do produce a significant amount of glycerol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignees: VIB vzw, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K. U. Leuven R&D
    Inventors: Johan Thevelein, Maria Remedios Foulquie-Moreno, Georg Hubmann
  • Publication number: 20170356013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to genes conferring acetic acid tolerance in yeast. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of DOT5, preferably in combination with CUP2 and/or HAA1 to obtain acid tolerance in yeast. Even more preferably, the invention relates to specific alleles of said genes, and to yeast strains comprising said specific alleles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicants: VIB vzw, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&D
    Inventors: Johan Thevelein, Jean-Paul Meijnen, Maria Remedios Foulquié Moreno
  • Patent number: 9834776
    Abstract: The disclosure is based on the discovery of genes which influence lignin biosynthesis. In particular, the inventors have observed that if the expression, function and/or activity of these gene(s) (or any protein products thereof) is/are modulated, the lignin content of plants can be altered. As such, this disclosure provides plants, which exhibit modulated expression of one or more lipase/esterase/thioesterase family gene(s) and which may find application in methods for producing biofuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignees: University of Dundee, VIB VZW, Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Wout Antoon Corneel Boerjan, Claire Halpin, Gordon Grant Simpson, Ruben Vanholme
  • Patent number: 9828437
    Abstract: Described are MMP8 inactivating antigen binding proteins, such as antigen binding proteins comprising an amino acid sequence that comprises 4 framework regions and 3 complementary determining regions; further described is the use of such antigen binding proteins to treat inflammation, such as, but not limited to, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, LPS induced inflammation, renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, ventilation induced lung injury, periodontal inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme arthritis and osteoarthritis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignees: VIB vzw, Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Claude Libert, Eline Dejonckheere, Roosmarijn Vandenbroucke
  • Patent number: 9828638
    Abstract: Described are methods and kits for identifying a subject at risk of, or having, a sensory neuropathy related disease, such as sensory neuropathies. In particular, the disclosure is based on the determination of mutations in the SPTLC2 gene causing sensory neuropathies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignees: VIB VZW, Universiteit Antwerpen, University of Zurich, Medical University of Graz
    Inventors: Annelies Rotthier, Vincent Timmerman, Michaela Auer-Grumbach, Thorsten Hornemann
  • Patent number: 9821004
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of cancer, particularly the field of melanoma. It was found that a particular long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is specifically up-regulated in melanoma (but not other tumor) cells as compared to melanocytes. Inhibition of this lncRNA in melanoma cells leads to induction of apoptosis and is a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of melanoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U.LEUVEN R&D, UNIVERSITEIT GENT
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Marine, Eleonora Leucci, Joke Vandesompele, Pieter Mestdagh
  • Patent number: 9809830
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant NNK1 allele, especially a mutant carrying a mutation at position of amino acid 807 of the wild type sequence. The invention relates further to the use of said mutant allele to increase the fermentation rate in yeast, preferably in Saccharomyces. The mutant allele is especially useful to increase the xylose to ethanol fermentation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: VIB VZW, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&D
    Inventors: Johan Thevelein, Mekonnen Demeke, Maria Remedios Foulquié Moreno