Patents Examined by Anne Marie S. Wehbe
  • Patent number: 9944695
    Abstract: Described are transgenic, non-human animals comprising a nucleic acid encoding an immunoglobulin light chain, whereby the immunoglobulin light chain is human, human-like, or humanized. The nucleic acid is provided with a means that renders it resistant to DNA rearrangements and/or somatic hypermutations. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprises an expression cassette for the expression of a desired molecule in cells during a certain stage of development in cells developing into mature B cells. Further provided is methods for producing an immunoglobulin from the transgenic, non-human animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Merus N.V.
    Inventors: Ton Logtenberg, Mark Throsby, Robert A. Kramer, Rui Daniel Pinto, Cornelis A. De Kruif, Erwin Houtzager
  • Patent number: 9944901
    Abstract: Provided is a protein coded by a gene related to cell totipotency and a transcriptional activation domain of a mammalian YAP protein or a fusion protein of a segment with a transcriptional control activity, a coding nucleotide sequence, an expression vector and a composition thereof, as well as a method for inducing the pluripotent stem cells by using the fusion protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
    Inventors: Dahua Chen, Peng Jin, Qinmiao Sun, Weiqi Tan
  • Patent number: 9937196
    Abstract: In this application is described the complete genomic sequence of avian parmyxovirus type 2, strains Yucaipa, England, Kenya and Bangor. The sequences are useful for production of recombinant infective virus, a virus vector, for vaccine development and for therapeutic compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: University of Maryland, College Park, The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Siba K. Samal, Peter L. Collins
  • Patent number: 9930871
    Abstract: Non-human animals, e.g., mammals, e.g., mice or rats, are provided comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus that comprises a rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence. The rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence may be operably linked to a heavy or light chain constant region nucleic acid sequence. Also described are genetically modified non-human animals comprising an immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising one or more but less than the wild type number of human immunoglobulin light chain variable region gene segments, which may be operably linked to a light chain constant region nucleic acid sequence. Also provided are methods for obtaining nucleic acid sequences that encode immunoglobulin light chain variable domains capable of binding an antigen in the absence of a heavy chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Karolina A. Meagher, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9931360
    Abstract: A method of treating liver-based inborn, metabolic deficiencies is disclosed by treatment of an individual, such as a patient suffering from liver-based inborn, metabolic deficiencies, with human progenitor or stem cells, a cell population or their progeny. The cells used in the treatment have the following characteristics. They are positive for vimentin, ?-smooth muscle actin (ASMA), and for at least one mesenchymal marker such as CD90, CD29, CD73, and CD44. They are positive for at least one hepatocyte marker such as albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, alpha-1 antitrypsin, HNF-4 and MRP2 transporter. They express at least one hepatocyte-like property or function such as G6P, CYP1B1, CYP3A4, TDO, TAT, GS, GGT, CK8, and EAAT2. They are negative for at least one marker such as cytokeratin-19, CD45, CD34, CD49f, CD133, HLA-DR, and CD117. They have mesenchymal-like morphology. They originate from human adult liver cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN
    Inventors: Etienne Sokal, Mustapha Najimi
  • Patent number: 9901083
    Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a humanization of an endogenous signal-regulatory protein gene, in particular a humanization of a SIRP? gene. Genetically modified mice are described, including mice that express a human or humanized SIRP? protein from an endogenous SIRP? locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Murphy, O. Gavin Thurston, Bindu Varghese, Cagan Gurer
  • Patent number: 9901081
    Abstract: This invention provides a transgenic mouse with a p16INK4a promoter sequence that controls expression of a protein such that it is expressed preferentially in senescent cells. The protein either directly induces apoptosis, or converts a prodrug to a cytotoxic compound. In addition, the mouse is injected with syngeneic tumor cells, or has second transgene that causes tumors to form. Removing senescent cells from the mouse may result in the formation of fewer tumors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam
    Inventors: Judith Campisi, Marco Demaria, Francis Rodier, Remi-Martin Laberge, James Mitchell, Jan H. J. Hoeijmakers, Wendy Toussaint
  • Patent number: 9901080
    Abstract: This invention provides a transgenic mouse for studying the role of senescent cells on an age-related disorder or an age-sensitive trait. The transgene contains a p16 promoter sequence that controls expression of an enzyme so as to cause the enzyme to be expressed in senescent cells in the mouse. The enzyme converts a prodrug to a cytotoxic agent, so that treating the mouse with the prodrug results in the prodrug selectively killing the senescent cells. As a result, progression of an age-related disorder or an age-sensitive trait is delayed. Included is the 3MR mouse model, which also expresses bioluminescent and fluorescent markers under control of the p16 promoter so that senescent cells in the mice can be visualized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam
    Inventors: Judith Campisi, Marco Demaria, Remi-Martin Laberge, Francis Rodier, James Mitchell, Jan H. J. Hoeijmakers, Wendy Toussaint
  • Patent number: 9894889
    Abstract: A transgenic non-human mammal has a genome that includes an early-immediate enhancer of human cytomegalovirus (CMV enhancer), a ?-actin promoter and the entire gene region of human matrix metalloproteinase 2 (hMMP2) disposed downstream of the promoter. The hMMP2 is systemically expressed in the transgenic non-human mammal, which thus provides a suitable animal model for studying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related diseases and conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: MIE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Esteban C. Gabazza, Osamu Taguchi, Tetsu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9855328
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of immunology and vaccine technology. More specifically, the invention relates to recombinant human adenovirus vectors for delivery of avian immunogens and antigens, such as avian influenza into avians. The invention also provides methods of introducing and expressing an avian immunogen in avian subjects, including avian embryos, as well as methods of eliciting an immunogenic response in avian subjects to avian immunogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: AUBURN UNIVERSITY, ALTIMMUNE INC.
    Inventors: De-Chu C. Tang, Kent R. Van Kampen, Haroldo Toro
  • Patent number: 9848587
    Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human T cell co-receptor polypeptides (e.g., CD4, CD8?, CD8?), as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy, Naxin Tu, Cagan Gurer
  • Patent number: 9827307
    Abstract: Eliciting a systemic antitumor immune response can be efficacious for a patient who presents with or who is at risk of developing multiple metastatic tumors of a given cell type. To this end a pharmaceutical composition is employed that comprises a defective HSV vector, preferably containing an expressible nucleotide sequence encoding at least one immune modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Georgetown University
    Inventors: Samuel D. Rabkin, Masahiro Toda, Robert L. Martuza
  • Patent number: 9820476
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to genetically modified non-human animals expressing human polypeptides and their methods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Yale University, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB)
    Inventors: Richard Flavell, Markus Manz, Anthony Rongvaux, Till Strowig, Tim Willinger, Andrew J. Murphy, Sean Stevens, George Yancopoulos
  • Patent number: 9803174
    Abstract: This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural progenitor population. The progenitors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The differentiated cell populations or the neural progenitors can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Melissa K. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 9796788
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse expresses an immunoglobulin light chain repertoire characterized by a limited number of light chain variable domains. Mice are provided that present a choice of two human light chain variable gene segments such that the immunoglobulin light chains expresses by the mouse comprise one of the two human light chain variable gene segments. Methods for making bispecific antibodies having universal light chains using mice as described herein, including human light chain variable regions, are provided. Methods for making human variable regions suitable for use in multispecific binding proteins, e.g., bispecific antibodies, and host cells are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn MacDonald, Sean Stevens, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9782439
    Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells are pluripotent cells capable of differentiating into myocardial and vascular endothelial cells. The present invention demonstrates that the mesenchymal stem cell sheet have therapeutic potential for a severely damaged heart due to its pluripotency and in situ self-renewal capability. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue were cultured to prepare a mesenchymal stem cell sheet. Four weeks after induction of myocardial infarction in rats, the mesenchymal stem cell sheet was transplanted to the heart. The mesenchymal stem cell sheet were readily engrafted to the surface of the scarred myocardium, grew gradually in situ, and formed a thick layer (approximately 600 ?m) in 4 weeks. The grown transplanted mesenchymal tissue contained newly formed blood vessels, myocardial cells, and undifferentiated mesenchymal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: JAPAN HEALTH SCIENCES FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Noritoshi Nagaya, Hidezo Mori, Yoshinori Miyahara
  • Patent number: 9775863
    Abstract: A method of treating liver-based inborn, metabolic deficiencies is disclosed by treatment of an individual, such as a patient suffering from liver-based inborn, metabolic deficiencies, with human progenitor or stem cells, a cell population or their progeny. The cells used in the treatment have the following characteristics. They are positive for vimentin, ?-smooth muscle actin (ASMA), and for at least one mesenchymal marker such as CD90, CD29, CD73, and CD44. They are positive for at least one hepatocyte marker such as albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, alpha-1 antitrypsin, HNF-4 and MRP2 transporter. They express at least one hepatocyte-like property or function such as G6P, CYP1B1, CYP3A4, TDO, TAT, GS, GGT, CK8, and EAAT2. They are negative for at least one marker such as cytokeratin-19, CD45, CD34, CD49f, CD133, HLA-DR, and CD117. They have mesenchymal-like morphology. They originate from human adult liver cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITÉ CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN
    Inventors: Etienne Sokal, Mustapha Najimi
  • Patent number: 9777254
    Abstract: The first object of the present invention is to provide an immortalized cell line derived from a thread-sail filefish. The first object of the present invention can be solved by a cell line or a passage strain thereof derived from a living body part of a fish of the family Monacanthidae, wherein the cell line or the passage strain thereof is capable of being subcultured substantially without limitations. The second object of the present invention is to provide a pluripotent stem cell derived from a thread-sail filefish. The second object of the present invention can be solved by a cell line or a passage strain thereof derived from a living body part of a fish of the family Monacanthidae, wherein the cell line or the passage strain thereof is positive for at least a cell marker selected from a group consisting of TRA-1-60, OCT4 and SSEA-3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTION, JAPAN AGENCY FOR MARINE-EARTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yusuke Tsuruwaka, Tomohisa Ogawa, Yuji Hatada
  • Patent number: 9765133
    Abstract: Described are transgenic, non-human animals comprising a nucleic acid encoding an immunoglobulin light chain, whereby the immunoglobulin light chain is human, human-like, or humanized. The nucleic acid is provided with a means that renders it resistant to DNA rearrangements and/or somatic hypermutations. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprises an expression cassette for the expression of a desired molecule in cells during a certain stage of development in cells developing into mature B cells. Further provided is methods for producing an immunoglobulin from the transgenic, non-human animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Merus N.V.
    Inventors: Ton Logtenberg, Mark Throsby, Robert A. Kramer, Rui Daniel Pinto, Cornelis A. De Kruif, Erwin Houtzager
  • Patent number: 9738694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a porcine alpha-S1-casein gene, a porcine alpha-S1-casein gene promoter, an expression comprising the same promoter, and a method for the production of a target protein using the same expression vector. The promoter of the present invention facilitates the mammary gland-specific expression of the target protein. Accordingly, an animal transformed with the promoter secretes the target protein in milk at high concentration, and thus can be advantageously used for the production of useful proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CHO-A PHARM. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Myeong Goo Yeo, Sung-Jo Kang, Jong Deok Ahn