Patents Examined by Michael Pak
  • Modified vitamin K dependent polypeptides
    Patent number: 8828939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modified cDNA sequences coding for vitamin K-dependent polypeptides, in particular human Factor VII, human Factor VIIa, human Factor IX and human protein C and their derivatives with improved stability and extended plasma half life, recombinant expression vectors containing such cDNA sequences, host cells transformed with such recombinant expression vectors, recombinant polypeptides and derivatives which do have biological activities of the unmodified wild type protein but having improved stability and processes for the manufacture of such recombinant proteins and their derivatives. The invention also covers a transfer vector for use in human gene therapy, which comprises such modified DNA sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CSL Behring GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weimer, Stefan Schulte, Kay Hofmann, Hans-Peter Hauser
  • T cell receptors and related materials and methods of use
    Patent number: 8785601
    Abstract: The invention provides T cell receptors (TCRs) having antigenic specificity for a cancer antigen, e.g., tyrosinase. Also provided are related polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, isolated host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides a method of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and a method of treating or preventing cancer in a host using the inventive TCRs or related materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Steven A. Rosenberg, Richard A. Morgan, Timothy L. Frankel, Peter Peng
  • Immunomodulation of functional T cell assays for diagnosis of infectious or autoimmune disorders
    Patent number: 8771967
    Abstract: Improved assays for detecting the presence of a specific cell-mediated immune response in an individual are provided, where a sample comprising T cells and other cells of the immune system, usually a blood sample or derivative thereof, is contacted with test antigen(s) of interest in the presence of a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonist. The sample is incubated for a period of time sufficient to activate effector T cells; and release of immune effector molecule(s) is then detected. In some embodiments, the PRR is an agonist of a toll-like receptor (TLR) expressed by mature antigen presenting cells, including without limitation agonists TLR3 and TLR7, such as LPS, poly I:C, imiquimod, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventor: Niaz Banaei
  • Calcium-binding photoprotein
    Patent number: 8772452
    Abstract: The invention provides calcium-binding photoproteins which can detect light emission with a higher sensitivity. The proteins of the invention comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 can be used for the detection and measurement of calcium ions. The proteins of the invention are useful as reporter proteins, luminescent markers, etc. The polynucleotides of the invention are useful as reporter genes, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: JNC Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Inouye, Yuiko Sahara
  • Antibody formulations
    Patent number: 8754195
    Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations comprising sucrose, and methods of making such formulations, wherein the sucrose content promotes the reduction or elimination of the reversible self-association (RSA) tendency of the antibody in the formulation. The present invention also relates to formulations comprising an anti-PDGFR-alpha antibody or antibody fragment. Such antibodies can be used in various methods of treatment. The application further relates to a method of eliminating or reducing the RSA tendency of antibodies in a formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: MedImmune, LLC
    Inventors: Mariana N. Dimitrova, Neil Mody
  • Compositions and methods for increasing serum half-life
    Patent number: 8722615
    Abstract: Provided herein are glycovariant Fc fusion proteins having increased serum half lives. Also provided are methods for increasing the serum half life of an Fc fusion protein by introducing one or more non-endogenous glycosylation sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Acceleron Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Jasbir Seehra, John Knopf, Ravindra Kumar
  • Methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes
    Patent number: 8722343
    Abstract: Methods, assays and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, in which the glutamate transporters and/or receptors expressed in pancreatic islet cells are used as therapeutic targets or tools for the identification or treatment of individuals suffering from or susceptible to diabetes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Carla Perego, Eliana Sara Di Cairano, Alberto Davalli, Franco Folli
  • Markers for detection of complications resulting from in utero encounters
    Patent number: 8697367
    Abstract: Described herein are biomarkers, such as protein biomarkers, which are diagnostic of and predictive for complications that result from an in utero encounter, such as an infection by the fetus, that can lead to premature birth (PTB). The biomarkers can be used to identify fetuses and newborns at risk for complications of PTB, such as (Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis) EONS, intra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and other poor outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Catalin S. Buhimschi, Irina Buhimschi, Vineet Bhandari
  • E-cadherin as a biomarker of gastroesophageal reflux disease
    Patent number: 8679766
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of diagnosing and identifying subjects as having GERD comprising detecting E-cadherin fragments in a biological sample from the subject. The invention further provides methods for identifying subjects as having heartburn that is responsive to proton pump inhibitor therapy and subjects having an increased likelihood of a rapid relapse of GERD after reducing the dosage of PPIs or terminating PPI therapy. In addition, the present invention provides methods for monitoring the healing of erosive and nonerosive esophagitis of GERD without the need for esophagogastroduodenoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Roy C. Orlando, Biljana Jovov, Nelia A. Tobey, Geraldine S. Orlando, Zorka Djukic
  • GM-CSF cosmeceutical compositions and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8673859
    Abstract: It has been discovered that granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (“GM-CSF”) promotes migration of activated (but not differentiating) keratinocytes to wound sites. It was also discovered that GM-CSF increases the quantity and improves the quality of collagen. This growth factor specifically increases migration of keratinocytes of the “wound” phenotype but does not have significant effects upon differentiated keratinocytes. Examples demonstrate reversal of skin impairment in multiple animal models of diabetic skin imparment when provided in an effective amount over an effective time period. The examples also demonstrate the efficacy of the formulations in cosmetic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Harold Brem, Marjana Tomic
  • M-CSF-specific monoclonal antibody and uses thereof
    Patent number: 8652469
    Abstract: M-CSF-specific RX1-based or RX-I derived antibodies are provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing such antibody, kits containing a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of preventing and treating bone loss in or remodeling in a subject afflicted with an osteoblastic or osteolytic disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Novartis AG, Xoma Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: William M. Kavanaugh, Lea Aukerman, Victoria Sung
  • Anti bone-loss and anti attachment-loss effects of an oral composition
    Patent number: 8637266
    Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds useful for treating diseases and conditions of the oral cavity are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Virginia Barnes, Harsh M. Trivedi, Wei Wang, Tao Xu, Emi Shimizu, Nicola C. Partridge
  • Assay for determination of compounds having anti-emetic activity
    Patent number: 8637263
    Abstract: A screening method for identifying compounds with anti-emetic properties by evaluating binding affinity and efficacy of the compounds with respect to the 5-HT1a, 5-HT1d, and 5-HT7 receptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Epiomed Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: David Reed Helton, David Brian Fick, Ernest H. Pfadenhauer
  • Antigen binding proteins
    Patent number: 8628773
    Abstract: Antigen binding proteins, such as antibodies, that interact with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) are described. Methods of treating cancers and other diseases by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of an antigen binding protein to EGFR are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventor: Amy Y. Guo
  • Bioassay method for yokukansan with serotonin receptor
    Patent number: 8609352
    Abstract: The invention intends to find out an in-vitro bioassay system capable of ensuring qualities of yokukansan to a higher degree, and provides a bioassay method for yokukansan, comprising competitively reacting labeled ligand and a test sample containing yokukansan with cells or cell membranes expressing serotonin 1A receptors, and measuring binding activity of yokukansan from the amount of the labeled ligand bound, and a bioassay method for yokukansan, comprising reacting labeled GTP and a test sample containing yokukansan with cells or cell membranes expressing serotonin 1A receptors, and measuring receptor-agonist activity of yokukansan from the amount of the labeled GTP bound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tsumura & Co.
    Inventors: Yasushi Ikarashi, Kyoji Sekiguchi, Kiyoshi Terawaki, Takuji Yamaguchi
  • Methods and composition for measuring the amount of Vitamin D derivatives
    Patent number: 8574862
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for measuring the amount of vitamin D derivatives are disclosed. Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) in combination with a modified ligand-binding domain of the vitamin D receptor (LBD-VDR) to measure vitamin D derivatives are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cytochrama Inc.
    Inventors: P. Martin Petkovich, Christian F. Helvig
  • Monitoring protein trafficking using beta-galactosidase reporter fragment complementation
    Patent number: 8569057
    Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed for use in an enzyme fragment complementation assay using complementary fragments of ?-galactosidase to study the trafficking of proteins in a cell. Compounds that bind to a target peptide have been found to affect protein folding and therefore trafficking. ?-Galactosidase fragments, an enzyme donor (ED) and an enzyme acceptor (EA), are fused to a target peptide and to an intracellular compartment protein, wherein the compartment is involved in intracellular trafficking. Contacting the cell with a compound that binds to the target peptide results in enhanced movement of the protein through the cellular trafficking pathway comprised of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, the plasma membrane, endosomes, etc. Using this approach, compounds that bind to a target peptide and alter its ability to traffic through the normal cellular pathway can be readily detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: DiscoveRx Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wehrman, Daniel Bassoni, William Raab
  • Sensitive and rapid methods of using chimeric receptors to identify autoimmune disease and assess disease severity
    Patent number: 8563257
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays. Such improvements are based upon the superior performance of assays comprising a chimeric TSH receptor in the presence of a glucocorticoid including, but not limited to, dexamethasone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Diagnostic Hybrids, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Kohn, Jim Brown, David Scholl, Yunsheng Li, Giorgio Napolitano
  • Molecular weight markers for membrane proteins
    Patent number: 8546527
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel membrane protein molecular weight marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Deber, Arianna Rath, Vincent G. Nadeau
  • Polymer conjugates of Box-A of HMGB1 and Box-A variants of HMGB1
    Patent number: 8546547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymer conjugates of polypeptide variants of the HMGB1 high affinity binding domain Box-A (HMGB1 Box-A) or of a biologically active fragment of HMGB1 Box-A. Further, the invention relates to novel polymer conjugates of polypeptide variants of the HMGB1 high affinity binding domain Box-A (HMGB1 Box-A). Moreover, the present invention concerns the use of said polymer conjugates of polypeptide molecules of HMGB1 Box-A to diagnose, prevent, alleviate and/or treat pathologies associated with extracellular HMGB1 and/or associated with an increased expression of RAGE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Creabilis Therapeutics S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvio Traversa, Chiara Lorenzetto, Valentina Mainero, Sebastiano Morena, Silvano Fumero, Luca Beccaria