Patents Examined by Nancy Degen
  • In vitro induction of dopaminergic cells
    Patent number: 5981165
    Abstract: A culture method for inducing the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in neural cells is provided. Mammalian CNS neural cells are cultured in the presence of a fibroblast growth factor and at least one selected from a member of the transforming growth factor beta family, a feeder layer bed of cells, and cell conditioned medium. Cells cultured as provided above may be transplanted to provide dopaminergic cells to a patient. The cells may also be used in methods for drug screening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: NeuroSpheres Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Samuel Weiss, Brent Reynolds
  • Method and constructs for inhibiting protein expression in bacteria
    Patent number: 5981280
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting the translation of bacterial mRNA is disclosed, which method comprises overexpressing in a bacterium an mRNA which contains a sequence which is complementary to the anti-downstream box region of the 16S rRNA. RNA and DNA constructs for the overexpression of the mRNA of the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Medicine and Denistry of New Jersey
    Inventors: Li Fang, Weining Jiang, Masanori Mitta, Masayori Inouye
  • Antisense modulation of G-alpha-13 expression
    Patent number: 5981732
    Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of G-alpha-13. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding G-alpha-13. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of G-alpha-13 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of G-alpha-13 are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventor: Lex M. Cowsert
  • Transformed myeloma cell-line and a process for the expression of a gene coding for a eukaryotic polypeptide employing same
    Patent number: 5981216
    Abstract: A myeloma cell-line transformed with a vector including a gene coding for a eukariotic polypeptide and a non-immunolglobulin promoter such that expression occurs of the gene coding for the eukariotic polypeptide, directed by the non-immunoglobulin promoter. The promoter may be a viral promoter, such as an SV40 promoter, a Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat or a Moloney murine leukemia long terminal repeat, or a non-viral promoter such as the mouse metallothionein promoter. Rat and mouse host myeloma cell-lines such as the rat YB/2/3.0 Ag20 hybridoma, the mouse SP-20 Ag hybridoma and the mouse NSO hybridoma are employed. The production of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is exemplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Alusuisse Holdings A.G.
    Inventors: John Henry Kenten, Michael Alan Boss
  • Method for regulation of plant lignin composition
    Patent number: 5981837
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the regulation of lignin composition in plant tissue. Plants are transformed with a gene encoding an active F5H gene. The expression of the F5H gene results in increased levels of syringyl monomer providing a lignin composition more easily degraded with chemicals and enzymes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventor: Clint Chapple
  • Natural killer lytic associated protein
    Patent number: 5981705
    Abstract: A unique gene sequence encoding a natural killer lytic associated molecule (natural killerlytic associated protein) has been isolated. Using recombinant DNA techniques, the natural killerlytic associated protein may be produced in useful quantities. Methods for preparing the gene sequence and the gene product are disclosed, as well as methods of using the product to enhance anti-tumor, anti-viral and anti-microbial activity of natural killer cells. A method of inhibiting expression of the gene product is also disclosed, which may be used to turn off immune responses in situations of graft rejection and autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, methods of treating tumors and viruses in humans have been developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Jackie Kornbluth
  • Vector constructs for the selection and identification of open reading frames
    Patent number: 5981182
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel vector constructs comprising an origin of replication; a nucleotide sequence encoding an intein, the nucleotide sequence having a unique restriction enzyme site, critical amino acid residues located at the splice junctions of the intein, the intein inserted into a nucleotide sequence encoding a selectable marker; and a nucleotide sequence encoding suitable regulatory elements so as to effect expression of the vector construct in a suitable host cell. The vector constructs of the present invention may contain a DNA of interest cloned into a unique restriction site of the intein, and may be used as a vaccine alone or transformed into a vaccine vector. The vector constructs of this invention may further be used in methods of selecting translated open reading frames or genes, leading to the identification of potentially protective antigens of pathogenic organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
    Inventors: William R. Jacobs, Jr., Sabine Daugelat
  • Macromolecular microparticles and methods of production and use
    Patent number: 5981719
    Abstract: Microparticles formed by mixing a macromolecule with a polymer at a pH near the isoelectric point of the macromolecule and incubating the mixture in the presence of an energy source for a predetermined length of time. The microparticles are composed of homogeneously distributed, intertwined macromolecule and polymer. Each microparticle allows aqueous fluids to enter and allows solubilized macromolecule and polymer to exit the microparticle and may be formulated to provide a sustained release of macromolecule and polymer from the interior of the microparticle when placed in an appropriate aqueous medium, such as under physiological conditions. Methods of production and methods of use for research, diagnostics and therapeutics are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Epic Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Woiszwillo, Larry R. Brown, Terrence L. Scott, Jie Di, Judith Sudhalter, Charles D. Blizzard, Frank J. Riske
  • Antisense oligonucleotides for inhibiting helicobacter pylori activity
    Patent number: 5977340
    Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides that selectively hybridise with one or more genes necessary for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity, and particularly with the CagA cytotoxicity-associated immunodominant antigen, flagellin (flaA and flaB) or vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA), are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions containing said antisense oligonucleotides, and the use thereof for treating atrophic gastritis, peptic and duodenal ulcers, gastric atrophy or stomach cancer, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Societe de Conseils de Recherches et d'Applications Scientifiques (S.C.R.A.S.)
    Inventors: Eduardo Pirotzky, Soudhir Colote
  • Identification of essential survival genes
    Patent number: 5976828
    Abstract: A method for identifying a strain having a conditional lethal mutation which is essential for survival when strain is incubated under restrictive growth conditions, and methods of identifying gene products and gene functions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: William Timberlake, Victoria Gavrias
  • Method for animal cell culture
    Patent number: 5976833
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving productivity in the production of useful substances by animal cells. The present invention discloses a method for animal cell culture to produce a desired substance, comprising the steps of (1) culturing animal cells at a temperature at which the animal cells can grow; and (2) culturing the animal cells at a lower temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Suntory Limited
    Inventors: Kazuaki Furukawa, Kazuhiro Ohsuye
  • Synthesis, deprotection, analysis and purification of RNA and ribozymes
    Patent number: 5977343
    Abstract: Method for purification and synthesis of RNA molecules and enzymatic RNA molecules in enzymatically active form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Danuta Tracz
  • Bacterial strain of Escherichia coli BKIIM B-3996 as the producer of L-threonine
    Patent number: 5976843
    Abstract: A bacterial strain of Escherichia coli BKIIM B-3996, a producer of L-threonine, containing a recombinant plasmid pVIC40 and deposited on Nov. 19, 1987 in the collection of microorganism cultures at the USSR Antibiotics Research Institute under Reg. No. 1867.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Georgievich Debabov, Jury Ivanovich Kozlov, Evgeny Moiseevich Khurges, Vitaly Arkadievich Livshits, Nelli Isaakovna Zhdanova, Mikhail Markovich Gusyatiner, Alexandr Konstantinovich Sokolov, Tatyana Alexandrovna Bachina, Nikolai Kazimirovich Yankovsky, Jury Dmitrievich Tsygankov, Andrei Jurievich Chistoserdov, Tatyana Grigorievna Plotnikova, Irina Olegovna Shakalis, Alla Valentinovna Belareva, Raisa Alexandrovna Arsatiants, Albert Fedorovich Sholin, Tamara Mikhailovna Pozdnyakova
  • Lipid-nucleic acid particles prepared via a hydrophobic lipid-nucleic acid complex intermediate and use for gene transfer
    Patent number: 5976567
    Abstract: Novel lipid-nucleic acid particulate complexes which are useful for in vitro or in vivo gene transfer are described. The particles can be formed using either detergent dialysis methods or methods which utilize organic solvents. Upon removal of a solubilizing component (i.e., detergent or an organic solvent) the lipid-nucleic acid complexes form particles wherein the nucleic acid is serum-stable and is protected from degradation. The particles thus formed have access to extravascular sites and target cell populations and are suitable for the therapeutic delivery of nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Inex Pharmaceuticals Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Wheeler, Marcel B. Bally, Yuan-Peng Zhang, Dorothy L. Reimer, Michael Hope, Pieter R. Cullis, Peter Scherrer
  • Antisense modulation of inhibitor-kappa B kinase-beta expression
    Patent number: 5977341
    Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Inhibitor-kappa B Kinase-beta. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Inhibitor-kappa B Kinase-beta. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Inhibitor-kappa B Kinase-beta expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Inhibitor-kappa B Kinase-beta are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Monia, Lex M. Cowsert
  • Retrotransposon and methods
    Patent number: 5976795
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides retrotransposons and retrotransposon derivatives and methods for their uses. Specifically, the present invention provides Ty5-6p and derivatives. Ty5-6p and its derivatives integrate preferentially in the genome of eukaryotes in silent chromatin and in regions like silent chromatin. Ty5-6p insertions can be used to regulate the life span of cells, to genetically mark cells, to deliver gene therapy and to identify genes involved in development and in senescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Voytas, Sige Zou
  • Method and apparatus for collecting a cell sample from a liquid specimen
    Patent number: 5976824
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a binding member of interest from a liquid specimen utilizes a collection receptacle in which the specimen is deposited, with an affinity-filter media being place in communication with a discharge port in the collection receptacle and a transfer device for drawing specimen from the collection receptacle and through the filter for capturing the binding member of interest. The collection receptacle, affinity-filter media and carrier therefor and the transfer device may be supplied in kit form for use in a clinical environment. A hypobaric vessel may be used and the transfer device and this vessel may also serve as a disposal receptacle for the liquid specimen passed through the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Julian Gordon
  • Insect control with a hypersensitive response elicitor
    Patent number: 5977060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling insects on plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant or plant seed under conditions effective to control insects on the plant or plants produced from the plant seed. Alternatively, transgenic plants or transgenic plant seeds transformed with a DNA molecule encoding a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein can be provided and the transgenic plants or plants resulting from the transgenic plant seeds are grown under conditions effective to control insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., EDEN Bioscience
    Inventors: Thomas A. Zitter, Zhong-Min Wei
  • Peptide/protein suspending formulations
    Patent number: 5972370
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions for improving the chemical and physical stability of peptides and proteins. The invention provides a liquid beneficial agent formulation containing a liquid suspension comprising at least 5% by weight beneficial agent and having a viscosity and beneficial agent size which minimizes settling of the agent in suspension over the extended delivery period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Eckenhoff, deceased, Leslie A. Holladay, John Joseph Leonard, Jr., Iris K. M. Leung, Sally A. Tao, Judy A. Magruder, John P. Carr, Jeremy C. Wright
  • Osteoclast transporter
    Patent number: 5972702
    Abstract: The invention pertains to osteoclast transporter proteins and genes encoding such proteins, as well as fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. The invention also pertains to therapeutics and diagnostics involving the foregoing proteins and genes and agents that bind the foregoing proteins and genes, to influence osteoclast activity and bone remodeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Beier, Kevin P. Brady