Patents Examined by Prema Mertz
  • Diagnostic markers of wound infection
    Patent number: 8012698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the microbial bioburden in a wound (in particular a diabetic ulcer) in a test subject, the method comprising the step of measuring the level of a cytokine in a wound sample, wherein a cytokine level lower than a reference level indicates a significant microbial bioburden in the wound (or a cytokine level higher than a reference level indicates an insignificant microbial bioburden in the wound). The invention provides methods of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of wound infection, and devices and kits for use in such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Systagenix Wound Management (US), Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Stephens, Ryan Moseley, Rachael Clark, Breda Mary Cullen
  • Compositions and methods for suppressing fibrocytes
    Patent number: 8012472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of anti-Fc?R antibodies to suppress fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing fibrocytes are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of conditions resulting from fibrosis in the liver, kidney, lung, heart and pericardium, eye, skin, mouth, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, brain, breast, bone marrow, bone, genitourinary system, a tumor, or a wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Richard Gomer, Darrell Pilling
  • Methods of screening for compounds that modulate the activity of ADEC, a chemokine expressed in inflamed adenoid
    Patent number: 8008027
    Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel expressed chemokine (ADEC) from inflamed adenoid tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ADEC, expression vectors for the production of purified ADEC, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of ADEC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ADEC, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on ADEC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Incyte Corporation
    Inventors: Karl J. Guegler, Phillip R. Hawkins, Craig G. Wilde, Jeffrey J. Seilhamer
  • High affinity human antibodies to human IL-18 receptor
    Patent number: 8003103
    Abstract: An isolated antibody or antibody fragment that binds human interleukin-18 receptor alpha (hIL-18R?), comprising a light chain variable region (LCVR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, and 81 and/or a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75, and 79, or a fragment or sequence modified by an amino acid substitution, deletion or addition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Tammy H. Huang, Sean Stevens, Joel H. Martin, Jeanette L. Fairhurst, Kevin J. Pobursky, Margaret Karow, Joan A. Windsor, Warren R. Mikulka
  • Method for inhibiting a microvascular complication by administering IL-6
    Patent number: 8003090
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of IL-6 or a fragment, variant, fusion protein, functional derivative or salt thereof in microvascular complications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Merck Serono SA
    Inventors: Michel Dreano, Pierre-Alain Vitte, Norman Cameron, Mary A. Cotter
  • Method for determining sepsis using pro-BNP
    Patent number: 7998686
    Abstract: Uses of recombinant procalcitonin 3-116 in the diagnosis and therapy of septic diseases and the measurement of prohormones other than procalcitonin, and of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, as biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: B.R.A.H.M.S. GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Bergmann, Joachim Struck, Wolfgang Weglöhner
  • IL-11 muteins
    Patent number: 7993637
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of an interleukin-11 (IL-11)-mediated condition. More particularly, the present invention provides the use of modified forms of IL-11 which modulate IL-11 signaling in the treatment of IL-11-mediated conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: CSL Limited
    Inventor: Manuel Baca
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha mutants
    Patent number: 7993636
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein, particularly, a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein specific to TNF-R1 or TNF-R2; tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; or tumor necrosis factor preparation containing it as an effective ingredient, and the object is solved by providing a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein where one or more amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of 29th, 31st, 32nd, 145th, 146th and 147th, or the group consisting of 84th to 89th from the N-terminal of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 is/are replaced with other amino acid residue(s); a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; and a tumor necrosis factor preparation containing it as an effective ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Tadanori Mayumi, Yasuo Tsutsumi, Shinsaku Nakagawa, Tsunetaka Ohta
  • Method of identifying a compound capable of modulating the Th2 polarization of CD4+ lymphocytes
    Patent number: 7989172
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods utilizing novel target genes related to immune-mediated diseases, such as asthma, allergy and autoimmune diseases. The invention is based on a molecular level description of the polarization of CD4+ precursor cells (Thp) from which T helper cells are known to originate. Particularly, the present invention provides a method of identifying a compound capable of modulating the polarization of CD4+ lymphocytes. The invention is also related to a method for assessing the presence of, or disposition to, an immune-related disorder in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Turun Yliopisto
    Inventors: Riikka Lund, Riitta Lahesmaa
  • Method of treating an IL-1 related coronary condition
    Patent number: 7988968
    Abstract: An IL-1? binding antibody or IL-1? binding fragment thereof comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions, as well as method of using same to treat or prevent a disease, and a method of preparing an affinity matured IL-1? binding polypeptide. IL-1? binding antibodies or IL-1? binding fragments thereof are provided which have desirable affinity and potency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Xoma Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Linda Masat, Mary Haak-Frendscho, Arnold H. Horwitz, Gang Chen, Marina Roell
  • Method of reducing aging of skin by applying interleukin-1 alpha
    Patent number: 7981409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic and dermatological methods for treating cellulite, reducing signs of aging skin, and treating stretch marks, the methods comprising applying/administering to the skin of a subject in need thereof the compositions comprising interleukin-1 alpha.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies UT AG
    Inventors: Tamara Aleksandrovna Vitkalova, Igor Anatolievich Pomytkin, Igor Arturovich Petropavlov
  • Methods for treating rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis using MCP1 fusions
    Patent number: 7972591
    Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides including MCP1 fused, optionally, by a linker, to an immunoglobulin. Methods for using the polypeptides to treat medical disorders are also covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Schering Corporation
    Inventors: Chuan-Chu Chou, Loretta A. Bober, Lee Sullivan
  • DNA encoding a soluble fragment of TRAIL polypeptide
    Patent number: 7972812
    Abstract: A novel cytokine designated TRAIL induces apoptosis of certain target cells, including cancer cells and virally infected cells. Isolated DNA sequences encoding TRAIL are disclosed, along with expression vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing TRAIL polypeptides. Antibodies that specifically bind TRAIL are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Immunex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Wiley, Raymond G. Goodwin
  • Nucleic acid encoding modified human thymic stromal lymphopoietin
    Patent number: 7973151
    Abstract: Modified, furin resistant human TSLP polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the modified human TSLP polypeptides are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions, B and T cell activation agents, assays and methods of use are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart D. Lyman, Kirk P. Van Ness, Raymond J. Paxton
  • Methods of reducing chemotaxis using antibodies against monocyte chemotactic proteins
    Patent number: 7972597
    Abstract: The invention provides antibodies that bind to a plurality of ?-chemokines, particularly monocyte chemotactic proteins MCP-1, MCP-2 and MCP-3. The invention also provides cells producing the antibodies, and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Biogen Idec MA, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonin R. De Fougerolles, Victor E. Kotelianski, Carl Reid, Ellen Garber
  • Method for determining sepsis using pro-ADM
    Patent number: 7972799
    Abstract: Uses of recombinant procalcitonin 3-116 in the diagnosis and therapy of septic diseases and the measurement of prohormones other than procalcitonin, and of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, as biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: B.R.A.H.M.S. GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Bergmann, Joachim Struck, Wolfgang Weglöhner
  • Method of inhibiting inflammation in a mammal by administering Bcl protein
    Patent number: 7964565
    Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for inhibiting cell death or inflammation in a mammal, wherein the methods each include the step of administering to a mammal a Bcl protein in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell death or inflammation in the mammal. The invention also provides methods for identifying a Bcl protein that inhibits cell death or inflammation when administered to a mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: University of Washington Center for Commercialization, a Public Institution of Higher Education
    Inventors: John M. Harlan, Robert K. Winn, Akiko Iwata, Joan Tupper, John Li
  • Method for using division arrested cells in screening assays
    Patent number: 7960101
    Abstract: Division arrested cells are used in screening assays to determine the effect of a substance of interest on the cells. The division arrested cells can be used in drug screening assays, signal transduction assays, and are especially useful in large scale, high throughput assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Livelli, Zhong Zhong, Mark Federici, Mei Cong
  • Compositions and methods for therapy or prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
    Patent number: 7951359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of IL-6 in compositions and methods for therapy or prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN). More specifically, the invention relates to the use of a low dose of IL-6 for the treatment and/or prevention CIPN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Merck Serono SA
    Inventors: Michel Dreano, Pierre-Alain Vitte
  • Mutant interleukin-2 (IL-2) polypeptides
    Patent number: 7951360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to IL-2 mutants with increased affinity for the IL-2 alpha-receptor subunit (IL-2R?). The invention thus includes IL-2 mutants with improved biological potency. The invention also includes methods for directed evolution of IL-2? using yeast surface display to generate mutants with increased affinity for IL-2R?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: K. Dane Wittrup, Balaji M. Rao, Douglas A. Lauffenburger