Patents Examined by Paula K. Hutzell
  • Immunodominant 120 kDa surface-exposed adhesion protein genes of Ehrlichia chaffeensis
    Patent number: 6015691
    Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated gene encoding a 120 kDa immunodominant antigen of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The 120-kDa protein is one of the immunodominant proteins of E. chaffeensis that stimulates production of specific antibodies in infected humans. Also disclosed are the amino acid sequence of the 120 kDa antigen. Methods of producing a recombinant 120 kDa antigen and therapeutic methods of use of the antigen are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Research Development Foundation
    Inventors: David H. Walker, Xue-Jie Yu
  • Rab-specific guanine-nucleotide dissociation inhibitor
    Patent number: 6015672
    Abstract: The invention provides a human Rab-specific guanine-nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (RGDI) and polynucleotides which identify and encode RGDI. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of RGDI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Incyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Yue, Neil C. Corley, Preeti Lal
  • Cytotoxic drug therapy
    Patent number: 6015556
    Abstract: A compound comprises a target cell-specific portion, such as an antibody specific to tumor cell antigens, and an inactivating portion, such as an enzyme, capable of converting a substance which in its native state is able to inhibit the effect of a cytotoxic agent into a substance which has less effect against said cytotoxic agent. The prolonged action of a cytotoxic agent at tumor sites is therefore possible while protecting normal tissues from the effects of the cytotoxic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Enzacta R & D Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth Dawson Bagshawe
  • Soluble divalent and multivalent heterodimeric analogs of proteins
    Patent number: 6015884
    Abstract: Specificity in immune responses is in part controlled by the selective interaction of T cell receptors with their cognate ligands, peptide/MHC molecules. The discriminating nature of this interaction makes these molecules, in soluble form, good candidates for selectively regulating immune responses. Attempts to exploit soluble analogs of these proteins has been hampered by the intrinsic low avidity of these molecules for their ligands. To increase the avidity of soluble analogs for their cognates to biologically relevant levels, divalent peptide/MHC complexes or T cell receptors (superdimers) were constructed. Using a recombinant DNA strategy, DNA encoding either the MHC class II/peptide or TCR heterodimers was ligated to DNA coding for murine Ig heavy and light chains. These constructs were subsequently expressed in a baculovirus expression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jonathan Schneck, Sean O'Herrin
  • Implantable device containing GDNF secreting cells for treating nerve damage and methods of use
    Patent number: 6015572
    Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth 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. An implantable device containing recombinant GDNF secreting cells encapsulated in a semipermeable membrane may be used to treat nerve damage in patients suffering from disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Leu-Fen H. Lin, Franklin D. Collins, Daniel H. Doherty, Jack Lile, Susan Bektesh
  • Family of mammalian potassium channels, their cloning and their use especially for the screening of drugs
    Patent number: 6013470
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning of a member of a new potassium channel named TWIK-1. More specifically, it relates to an isolated and purified nucleic acid molecule coding for a protein constituting a potassium channel exhibiting the properties and structure of the TWIK-1 type channel, as well as the protein coded by this nucleic acid molecule.The invention also relates to the use of this nucleic acid molecule to transform cells, and the use of these cells expressing the potassium channels exhibiting the properties and structure of the TWIK-1 type channel for the screening of drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-CNRS
    Inventors: Florian Lesage, Eric Guillemare, Michel Fink, Fabrice Duprat, Michel Lazdunski, Georges Romey, Jacques Barhanin
  • Methods of preparing and recovering proteins
    Patent number: 6010844
    Abstract: There is disclosed the preparation and recovery of proteins, in particular of enzymes, by controlled proteolytic cleavage of pro-proteins, in particular pro-enzymes, in a single method step, wherein a pro-protein-containing solution is contacted with a protease and with a solid carrier which has a higher affinity to the protein than to the pro-protein or to the functionally inactive degradation products thereof, the pro-protein being proteolytically cleaved to said protein, and the protein being selectively separated by absorption on the solid carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Baxter Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Fischer, Artur Mitterer, Friedrich Dorner, Johann Eibl
  • Process for detecting a variant CD44 gene product
    Patent number: 6010865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for diagnosing and analysing tumours which is based on detecting the expression of certain variant exons of the CD44-gene. Detection may be carried out at the protein or nucleic acid level. In a preferred embodiment the expression is detected in biopsy material using exon-specific antibodies. Thus, for example, v6-expression is a suitable prognostic parameter for breast cancer, the expression of a transitional epitope which is coded by exons v7 and v8 serves to diagnose cervical cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Ponta, Karl-Heinz Heider, Peter Herrlich, Steven T. Pals, Peter Dall
  • Cell cycle related proteins
    Patent number: 6008337
    Abstract: The invention provides human cell cycle related proteins (CCRP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode CCRP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of CCRP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Incyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Olga Bandman, Jennifer L. Hillman, Neil C. Corley, Karl J. Guegler, Henry Yue, Preeti Lal
  • Non-invasive diagnostic method for interstitial cystitis and bladder cancer
    Patent number: 6008003
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing or monitoring interstitial cystitis or bladder cancer in a mammal. The method comprises analyzing urine of the mammal for the concentration of a urine-soluble protein selected from the group consisting of neurotrophin-3, nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, tryptase, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: Mary Haak-Frendscho, Angela J. Okragly, Andrew L. Niles, Ricardo Saban
  • Polynucleotide encoding a novel purinergic P.sub.2U receptor
    Patent number: 6008039
    Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel purinergic P.sub.U2 receptor (PNR) expressed in human placenta. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode PNR, expression vectors for the production of purified PNR, antibodies capable of binding specifically to PNR, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of PNR-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of PNR, and diagnostic tests based on PNR-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies produced against the polypeptide PNR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Incyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Coleman, Janice Au-Young, Susan G. Stuart, Karl J. Guegler
  • Nucleic acids encoding a neural tissue affecting factor
    Patent number: 6008339
    Abstract: A functional peptide is encoded by SEQ ID NO:1. This peptide is capable of inducing dorsal and neural tissue development in vertebrates. The peptide is a member of the TGF-.beta. superfamily, and can be prepared in therapeutic applications to treat congenital conditions or degenerative disorders of the nervous system and in compositions useful for inducing growth of bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Richard M. Harland, William C. Smith
  • Growth factor HTTER36
    Patent number: 6004780
    Abstract: The present invention discloses Growth Factor HTTER36 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques and therapeutic uses of the polypeptides which include stimulating cellular growth and differentiation, bone formation and wound healing. Also disclosed are antagonists against such polypeptide and their use as a therapeutic to treat neoplasia and to prevent the formation of extracellular matrix molecules in the liver and lung. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention and mutations in the nucleic acid sequences which encode the polypeptides of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Soppet, Haodong Li
  • Human S1-5 ECMP-like protein
    Patent number: 6004753
    Abstract: The invention provides a human S1-5 ECMP-like protein (SELP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SELP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of SELP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Incyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Yue, Karl J. Guegler, Purvi Shah
  • Methods of cancer diagnosis and therapy targeted against the cancer stemline
    Patent number: 6004528
    Abstract: Improved methods for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer which involve the targeting of slow-growing, relatively mutationally-spared cancer stemline are provided. These methods are an improvement over previous cancer detection and therapeutic methods because they provide for very early cancer detection and treatment and reduce the likelihood of clinical relapse after treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Ivan Bergstein
  • Precursor processed to at least one tumor rejection antigen presented by HLA-A2
    Patent number: 6001975
    Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules coding for a tumor rejection antigen precursor. Specifically, the tumor rejection antigen precursor, or `TRAP", is processed into at least one tumor rejection antigen, which is presented by HLA-A2 molecules. Ramifications of the discovery are also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Vincent Brichard, Aline Van Pel, Catia Traversari, Thomas Wolfel, Thierry Boon-Falleur, Etienne De Plaen
  • Diagnosis of colon carcinoma using monoclonal antibodies to human influx peptide transporter
    Patent number: 6001359
    Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which react with the human influx peptide transporter are provided. The human influx peptide transporter-reactive antibodies are useful in the purification of influx peptide transporter and in immunoassays to identify agents taken up into the cell by the human influx peptide transporter mechanism. The monoclonal antibodies are also useful for the detection and treatment of carcinomas derived from the gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventors: Stuart W. Bright, Anne H. Dantzig, Linda B. Tabas, J. Richard Sportsman
  • Method of preparation of heat shock protein 70-peptide complexes
    Patent number: 5997873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing a purified non-covalent heat shock protein 70-peptide complex capable of eliciting an immune response in a mammal comprising purifying heat shock protein 70-peptide complexes from mammalian tumor cells or mammalian cells infected with a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agent in the absence of ATP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York
    Inventor: Pramod K. Srivastava
  • CD16-II variants
    Patent number: 5998166
    Abstract: Human CD16-II variants, DNA sequences coding for them, their use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory illnesses, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, are disclosed. The sequence listing for the new polypeptides is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Applied Research Systems ARS Holding N.V.
    Inventor: Shun Luo
  • Methods for predicting the efficacy of a chemotherapeutic regimen for gastrointestinal cancers using antibodies specific for thymidylate synthase
    Patent number: 5998151
    Abstract: Methods for determining whether a chemotherapeutic treatment is appropriate for patients afflicted with gastrointestinal cancers, comprising;(a) obtaining a solid tumor tissue sample from the patient;(b) measuring a thymidylate synthase expression level in the tissue sample; and(c) comparing the thymidylate synthase expression level with a group of standard tumor tissue samples, the standards having known thymidylate synthase expression levels and known responses to the chemotherapeutic treatment, to determine if that chemotherapeutic treatment is appropriate for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Patrick G. Johnston, Carmen J. Allegra, Edwin R. Fisher