Patents Examined by Christina Borgeest
  • Methods of treating fibroproliferative disorders of the kidney or reducing kidney fibrosis
    Patent number: 8834879
    Abstract: Materials and methods for reducing cell proliferation or extracellular matrix production in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf4 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Exemplary zvegf4 antagonists include anti-zvegf4 antibodies, inhibitory polynucleotides, inhibitors of zvegf4 activation, and mitogenically inactive, receptor-binding variants of zvegf4. The materials and methods are useful in the treatment of, inter alia, fibroproliferative disorders of the kidney, liver, and bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ZymoGenetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Hart, Stavros Topouzis, Debra G. Gilbertson
  • Blastocyst culture supernatant as a fertility agent in blastocyst transfer
    Patent number: 8759288
    Abstract: Means for improving the success rate of pregnancy on the basis of blastocyst transfer is disclosed. The means comprises an agent for promoting pregnancy in blastocyst transfer comprising the supernatant of the culture which is obtained by culturing a human embryo in a medium until the embryo develops into a blastocyst. Also disclosed are a method for production of the agent, as well as a method for promoting pregnancy comprising; culturing a human embryo in a medium until the human embryo develops into a blastocyst, injecting a composition comprising the supernatant of the culture into the uterine cavity of a patient who is to undergo blastocyst transfer, and then transferring the blastocyst to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahide Shiotani, Sakae Goto
  • EEF2K as modifiers of the PTEN/AKT pathway and methods of use
    Patent number: 8679763
    Abstract: Human EEF2K genes are identified as modulators of the PTEN/AKT pathway and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective PTEN/AKT function. Methods for identifying modulators of PTEN/AKT comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of EEF2K are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Exelixis, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Brace, Robert A. Blake, Lori S. Friedman, Lynn Margaret Bjerke, Kevin M. Ward, Susana Nieto-Bergman
  • LH liquid formulations
    Patent number: 8664369
    Abstract: The invention relates to liquid pharmaceutical formulations of luteinizing hormone (LH) for single- or multi-dose administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Merck Serono S.A.
    Inventors: Rita Agostinetto, Fabrizio Samaritani, Alessandra Del Rio, Joel Richard
  • Methods and compositions relating to alzheimer's disease
    Patent number: 8658133
    Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to Alzheimer's disease are provided, including proteins that are differentially expressed in Alzheimer's disease as compared to the normal state. Further provided are methods, particularly experimental paradigms, for the identification of differential expressed proteins that are potential molecular targets for compounds to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Also provided are methods for the identification and therapeutic use of compounds for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Proteome Sciences plc
    Inventors: Malcolm Ward, Vaksha Patel, Emma McGregor, Nicola Leeds, Helen Byers, James Campbell, Kit-Yi Leung, Jules Westbrook
  • Use of liver growth factor (LGF) as a neural tissue regenerator
    Patent number: 8642551
    Abstract: The invention comprises the use of LGF in the production of medicinal products that can be used in the pleiotropic tissue regeneration of one or more damaged tissues, in which at least one of the damaged tissues forms part of the central nervous system and the medicinal product is intended to be administered systemically. The invention is based on the fact that intraperitoneal administration of LGF can promote a positive effect on a Parkinson's disease model. As such, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the medicinal product is intended for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, particularly when the medicinal product is intended for humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Juan Jose Diaz Gil
  • HCG formulations for achieving weight loss
    Patent number: 8614184
    Abstract: A formulation of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) for promoting weight loss comprising reconstituted HCG in an amount sufficient to promote weight loss; at least one vitamin selected from the group consisting of: vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and at least one dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid, inositol, choline chloride, and L-carnitine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald P. Santasiero
  • FGF-9 variants and methods for use thereof
    Patent number: 8609823
    Abstract: The present invention provides fibroblast growth factor variants demonstrating enhanced receptor subtype specificity and/or affinity. Preferred embodiments include both variants having enhanced activity that act as improved agonists and variants having reduced activity that act as antagonists. Methods of utilizing preferred FGF variants in preparation of medicaments for the treatment of skeletal disorders including skeletal dysplasia, osteoporosis and enhancing bone fracture healing and cartilage healing processes are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ProChon Biotech, Ltd.
    Inventors: Oren Bogin, Avner Yayon
  • Salmon follitropin hormone analogs
    Patent number: 8603974
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of glycoprotein hormone analogs and their uses as agonists, antagonists, targeting vectors, and immunogens. In particular, this invention describes a method for stabilizing a heterodimer that permits the preparation of functional glycoprotein hormone analogs. The analogs of present invention comprise at least one alpha subunit polypeptide and at least one beta subunit polypeptide, wherein the seatbelt region of the beta subunit is linked to the alpha subunit. The invention also provides for a beta subunit polypeptide wherein the C-terminal amino acid is from residue 10 to residue 20 of the seatbelt region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: William R. Moyle
  • Method for purifying FSH or a FSH mutant
    Patent number: 8604175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying a glycoprotein, preferably FSH or a FSH mutant, comprising the steps of subjecting a liquid containing FSH or a FSH mutant to: (1) a dye affinity chromatography; (2) a weak anion exchange chromatography; (3) a hydrophobic interaction chromatography; and (4) a strong anion exchange chromatography; which may be carried out in any order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ares Trading S.A.
    Inventors: Thierry Ziegler, Mara Rossi, Antonello Datola, Sabrina Fiumi
  • Method of screening activators and/or inhibitors of insulin receptor substrate 2
    Patent number: 8557512
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a general method for the chronic treatment, potential cure, or prevention of various metabolic and related diseases in people, including diabetes, by modulating IRS2 activity in cells and tissues in the body. IRS1 and IRS2 are part of the insulin or insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway. By upregulating the levels or functional activity of IRS2, insulin is used more efficiently by the body to control nutrient levels. By upregulating IRS2 levels or functional activity in pancreatic ?-cells, glucose sensing and insulin secretion are enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: HMI Medical Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Gerard M. Housey, Morris F. White
  • Absorption enhancers for intranasal interferon administration
    Patent number: 8551468
    Abstract: A composition including a surfactant and at least one alkyl glycoside and/or saccharide alkyl ester and a drug. The surfactant composition(s) when admixed with a drug is non-toxic and non-irritating, while stabilizing and increasing the bioavailability of the drug. The invention also provides compositions that enhance absorption of drugs via the oral, ocular, nasal, nasolacrimal, inhalation or pulmonary, oral cavity (sublingual or Buccal cell) or CSF delivery route of a patient, including but not limited to insulin, glucagon and exendin-4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Aegis Therapeutics LLC
    Inventor: Edward T. Maggio
  • Artificial decapeptide for inducing vitellogenesis in fish
    Patent number: 8536124
    Abstract: An artificial decapeptide for inducing vitellogenesis in fish, being an analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone of chicken is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. The artificial decapeptide can be further developed and manufactured into a preparation, which is capable of inducing vitellogenesis in fish. With the implantation of the preparation into body cavity or body wall of bony fish, the induction of vitellogenesis and ovum maturation in bony fish can be successfully achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: National Pingtung University of Science & Technology
    Inventor: Ying-Nan Chen
  • Anticalins
    Patent number: 8536307
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of novel proteins exhibiting binding activity for certain ligands, the so-called anticalins. To this end, the structure of peptides of the lipocalin family is modified by amino acid replacement in their natural ligand binding pocket using genetic engineering methods. Like immunoglobulin, the anticalin thus obtained can be used to identify or bind molecular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pieris AG
    Inventors: Arne Skerra, Gerald Beste, Frank Schmidt, Thomas Stibora
  • Process for the synchronization of ovulation for timed breeding without heat detection
    Patent number: 8530419
    Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Thorn BioScience LLC
    Inventor: James W. Lauderdale
  • Netrin-1 compositions and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8524228
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for male or female contraception are provided. The compositions include an effective amount of netrin-1 to reduce or inhibit sperm concentration in semen of males or to inhibit or reduce fusion of male gametes with female gametes in a female subject Still another embodiment provides a method for diagnosing male infertility by determining the amount of netrin-1 in a sample of epididymal fluid or semen from a male subject, comparing the amount of netting-1 in the sample to levels of netrin-1 in samples of epididymal fluid or semen from fertile males, wherein levels of netrin-1 in the sample from the male subject that are higher or lower than levels of netrin-1 in samples from fertile males are indicative of male infertility in the male subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medical College of Georgia Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Cheng Xiong, Jae-Ho Lee, Lin Mei
  • Methods for inducing superovulation in ungulates
    Patent number: 8518881
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing biologically active recombinant bFSH and methods of increasing reproduction in mammals, particularly bovine, using recombinant bFSH. Also provided are methods of producing single chain recombinant bFSH. The recombinant bFSH of the present invention increases superovulation, embryo development, and reproductive efficiency in cattle and other ungulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: AspenBio Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Colgin, Richard G. Donnelly, Brad Stroud
  • Method and product for treatment and/or prevention of complications of prematurity
    Patent number: 8518877
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising Insulin Growth Factor I (IGF-I) or an analog thereof in combination with Insulin Growth Factor Binding Protein (IGFBP) or an analog thereof, such combination having a molar ratio of IGF-I to IGFBP being lower than equimolar, preferably in the range from 1:20 to 1:3.33, for use in the treatment of a patient suffering from complications of preterm birth, very preterm birth and/or extremely preterm birth, as well as a method for treating a patient suffering from complications of preterm birth, very preterm birth and/or extremely preterm birth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Premacure AB
    Inventors: Ann Hellstrom, Chatarina Lofqvist, Lois Smith
  • Therapeutic agent and therapeutic method for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases
    Patent number: 8513191
    Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to provide a therapeutic agent and a therapeutic method for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases, a transplant for periodontal tissue regeneration, and a method for regenerating the periodontal tissue. According to the present invention, there are provided therapeutic agents for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases which comprise neurotrophic factors as an active ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Two Cells Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidemi Kurihara, Hiroyuki Kawaguchi, Katsuhiro Takeda, Hideki Shiba, Noriyoshi Mizuno, Hiroshi Yoshino, Naohiko Hasegawa, Hiroaki Shinohara
  • Peptides derived from plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and uses thereof
    Patent number: 8507436
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated 18-mer peptides corresponding to amino acid residues 369-386 of human plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and fragments thereof, compositions that include such peptides, and uses of such compositions for treating thromboembolic diseases and pathological conditions associated with neurological damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: D-Pharm Ltd.
    Inventor: Abd Al-Roof Higazi