Patents Examined by Paula K. Hutzell
  • Anti .alpha.-gal screening technique
    Patent number: 5939273
    Abstract: Compounds and libraries are labeled with a galactosyl epitope and then screened in accordance with an assay involving cells having a characteristic of interest. Conveniently, the screening may embody target cells, where the compounds are brought in contact with the cells. Each of the compounds carries with it the information of its identity or method of synthesis. After washing away non-specifically bound compounds, blood may be applied to the cells, whereby antibody binding to the galactosyl epitope initiates the complement cascade. Plaques are identified and the compound associated with the plaque identified. The formation of the plaque demonstrates that the compound has specific affinity for the target cell, binding of the compound to the cell does not interfere with binding of the antibody, and that the complex is capable of cytotoxic activity by means of the complement cascade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: SangState Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander R. Lussow, Roland Buelow, Philippe Pouletty
  • Chromosome 18 marker
    Patent number: 5939316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the mammalian fsh22 gene, a novel gene associated with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) in humans. The invention encompasses fsh22 nucleic acids, recombinant DNA molecules, cloned genes or degenerate variants thereof, fsh22 gene products and antibodies directed against such gene products, cloning vectors containing mammalian fsh22 gene molecules, and hosts that have been genetically engineered to express such molecules. The invention further relates to methods for the identification of compounds that modulate the expression of fsh22 and to using such compounds as therapeutic agents in the treatment of fsh22 disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignees: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., The Regents University of California
    Inventors: Hong Chen, Nelson B. Freimer
  • GA 20-oxidase gene sequences
    Patent number: 5939539
    Abstract: The invention relates to the molecular cloning and expression of a gibberelin (GA) 20-oxidase gene and its use, for example in transgenic plants. Aspects of the invention include recombinant DNA which encodes a polypeptide exhibiting GA 20-oxidase activity, a recombinant polypeptide exhibiting GA 20-oxidase activity, and transgenic plants which express a GA 20-oxidase gene or reverse GA 20-oxidase sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Long Ashton Research Station
    Inventors: Theodor Lange, Jan E. Graebe, Peter Hedden, Andrew Phillips
  • Inhibitory and non-inhibitory antigen binding polypeptides against human P450 enzymes
    Patent number: 5939530
    Abstract: Antigen binding polypeptides that specifically bind human cytochrome P450 3A3, 3A4, and 3A5 and that specifically inhibit the enzyme activity of human cytochrome P450 3A3, 3A4, and 3A5 are described. Antigen binding polypeptides that specifically bind to human cytochrome P450 3A3 and 3A4 are also described. Antigen binding polypeptides which specifically bind to human cytochrome P450 2E1 and which specifically inhibit the enzyme activity of human cytochrome P450 2E1 are described. Antigen binding polypeptides which specifically bind to human cytochrome P450 2E1 are also described. Methods of determining the contribution of human cytochrome P450s to the metabolism of compounds, using the antigen binding polypeptides of the invention, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Harry V. Gelboin, Frank J. Gonzalez
  • Antagonists to insulin receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor
    Patent number: 5939269
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing insulin resistance and related disorders is provided. Additionally, methods of treating animals with insulin resistance and related disorders if provided. The methods employ antagonists to an insulin receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignees: The Regents Of The University Of California, Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Ira D. Goldfine, Andrew Grupe, Betty A. Maddux, Steven Spencer, Timothy A. Stewart
  • Human steroid receptor
    Patent number: 5939322
    Abstract: Through the use of the novel receptor NER in a screening procedure, TOFA (5-tetradecyloxy)-2-furan-carboxylic acid) has been found to modulate other receptors and to be a potent potentiator of other drugs. TOFA activates the NER receptor. The NER receptor is a novel member of the steroid hormone receptor family and has been prepared by cDNA cloning from a human osteosarcoma SAOS-2/B10 cell library. Also disclosed is the complete sequence of human NER cDNA; a COS stable expression system; the expressed NER protein; and an assay using the COS expression system. In addition, the invention relates to a method for identifying functional ligands of the NER receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gideon A. Rodan, Su Jane Rutledge, Azriel Schmidt, Robert L. Vogel
  • Acetaldehyde and malondialdehyde protein adducts
    Patent number: 5939535
    Abstract: A novel protein adduct is disclosed which is associated with the presence of alcohol liver disease. The adduct is a hybrid product of malondialdehyde and acetaldehyde which act synergistically to bind hepatic proteins. The adduct is highly immunogenic and fluorescent. Methods of detection are also disclosed including monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Thiele, Thomas L. McDonald, Dean J. Tuma, Lynell W. Klassen, Michael F. Sorrell
  • Human pancreatitis-associated protein
    Patent number: 5935813
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human C-type lectin (human PAP-2) and polynucleotides which identify and encode human PAP-2. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies or antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing diseases associated with expression of human PAP-2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Incyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Hillman, Surya K. Goli
  • Genetic anticancer vaccine
    Patent number: 5935569
    Abstract: Genetic anticancer vaccine for stimulation of patient's immune system to eradicate cancer, particularly malignant melanoma. The objective of the invention is genetic modification of allogeneic cancel cells by insertion of the two genes, one encoding human interleukin 6 and the other encoding soluble interleukin 6 receptor, which will be administered to patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Akademia Medyczna IM. K. Marcinkowskiego
    Inventors: Andrzej Mackiewicz, Stefan Rose-John
  • Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor antibody
    Patent number: 5935795
    Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth conditioned medium of B49 glioblastoma cells. Rat and human genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. A gene encoding GDNF has been subcloned into a vector and the vector has been used to transform a host cell in order to produce biologically active GDNF in a recombinant DNA process. Antibodies to GDNF are disclosed, as well as methods for identifying members of the GDNF family of neurotrophic factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Leu-Fen H. Lin, Franklin D. Collins, Daniel H. Doherty, Jack Lile, Susan Bektesh
  • Nucleotide sequences encoding a CS2 pilin protein
    Patent number: 5932715
    Abstract: Provided herein is a nucleotide sequence encoding a CS2 pilin protein of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Also provided herein are the nucleotide sequences of coding sequences linked to the CS2 coding sequence, which other coding sequences must be expressed to allow the synthesis and assembly of the CS2 pili on the cell surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: June R. Scott, Barbara Froehlich, Judy Caron
  • In vitro assay system for identifying compositions useful for stimulating B cells
    Patent number: 5932427
    Abstract: The invention describes compositions comprising adding granulocyte-macrope colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), or a combination thereof useful for stimulating the release of antibody by B cells. Methods of using the compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and vaccines adjuvants are also described. In addition, this invention describes an assay system useful for identifying compounds capable of stimulating the release of antibody by B cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
    Inventors: James J. Mond, Clifford M. Snapper
  • Kit for detecting Alzheimer's disease
    Patent number: 5928885
    Abstract: Methods for screening individuals for Alzheimer's disease are disclosed. Also disclosed are antibodies that immunochemically react with the isoforms of calcium-activated neutral proteinases which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Also disclosed are methods for screening drugs which are useful in treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The McLean Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph A. Nixon, Ken-Ichi Saito
  • System and method for anisotropic etching of silicon nitride
    Patent number: 5928964
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for anisotropically etching a silicon nitride layer (12) in an ion-assisted plasma reactor. A chuck (34) supports a photoresist layer (10), the silicon nitride layer (12), and a semiconductor water (14). A chuck temperature controller (36) is provided for adjusting the temperature of the chuck (34) to either increase or decrease the etch bias of the silicon nitride layer (12) to achieve an optimal etch bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Keith J. Brankner
  • Soluble lymphotoxin-.beta. receptors and anti-lymphotoxin receptor and ligand antibodies as therapeutic agents for the treatment of immunological disease
    Patent number: 5925351
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods comprising "lymphotoxin-.beta. receptor blocking agents", which block lymphotoxin-.beta. receptor signalling. Lymphotoxin-.beta. receptor blocking agents are useful for treating lymphocyte-mediated immunological diseases, and more particularly, for inhibiting Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. This invention relates to soluble forms of the lymphotoxin-.beta. receptor extracellular domain that act as lymphotoxin-.beta. receptor blocking agents. This invention also relates to the use of antibodies directed against either the lymphotoxin-.beta. receptor or its ligand, surface lymphotoxin, that act as lymphotoxin-.beta. receptor blocking agents. A novel screening method for selecting soluble receptors, antibodies and other agents that block LT-.beta. receptor signalling is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Biogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Browning, Christopher D. Benjamin, Paula S. Hochman
  • Human bone marrow endothelial cell line and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 5925531
    Abstract: The present invention provides immortalized human bone marrow endothelial cells which are useful for the study of tumor metastasis. In particular, the human bone marrow endothelial cell lines provided by the invention provide an in vitro model system for screening compounds for the ability to reduce, prevent, or inhibit the metastasis of cancer cells to bone tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Pienta
  • Method of treatment using chemotherapy and erythropoietin
    Patent number: 5922674
    Abstract: The use of human erythropoietin (EPO) to prevent or treat endothelial injury due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, mechanical trauma, or to a disease state which damages the endothelium (such as inflammation, heart disease or cancer) is described. The use of EPO in conjunction with the administration of chemotherapeutic agents is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: East Carolina University
    Inventors: Athanasius A. Anagnostou, George Sigounas
  • Anti .alpha.-gal screening technique
    Patent number: 5922548
    Abstract: Compounds and libraries are labeled with a galactosyl epitope and then screened in accordance with an assay involving cells having a characteristic of interest. Conveniently, the screening may embody target cells, where the compounds are brought in contact with the cells. Each of the compounds carries with it the information of its identity or method of synthesis. After washing away non-specifically bound compounds, blood may be applied to the cells, whereby antibody binding to the galactosyl epitope initiates the complement cascade. Plaques are identified and the compound associated with the plaque identified. The formation of the plaque demonstrates that the compound has specific affinity for the target cell, binding of the compound to the cell does not interfere with binding of the antibody, and that the complex is capable of cytotoxic activity by means of the complement cascade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: SangStat Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander R. Lussow, Roland Buelow, Philippe Pouletty
  • Mammaglobin antigens
    Patent number: 5922836
    Abstract: A purified and isolated DNA sequence and the encoded mammary-specific secreted protein, mammaglobin, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for detecting breast cancer based upon the overexpression and secretion of mammaglobin by breast cancer cells. The methods detect and/or quantitate the presence of mammaglobin or the mRNA encoding mammaglobin. Immunotherapy-based methods for treating a breast cancer patient with a mammaglobin-expressing tumor are also disclosed. The methods involve using mammaglobin antigens to induce a humoral and/or cell-mediated immune response against the tumor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Mark A. Watson, Timothy P. Fleming
  • Nucleic acids encoding a human glycine transporter
    Patent number: 5919653
    Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids and proteins derived from the sequence of the human GlyT-2 transporter of the amino acid glycine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Allelix Neuroscience Inc.
    Inventors: Vivian R. Albert, Leslie R. Z. Kowalski, Laurence A. Borden, Jeffrey F. McKelvy