Patents Examined by Scott D. Priebe
  • System and method for evaluating agents which prevent oxidative damage
    Patent number: 6753146
    Abstract: An in vitro system for identifying agents capable of inhibiting or preventing oxidative damage is provided. The disclosed in vitro system comprises a mouse fibroblast culture derived from a transgenic mouse capable of expressing a reporter gene regulated by a human elastin promoter and a chemical means for generating reactive oxygen species within the mouse fibroblast culture. Also disclosed is a method for using this in vitro system for identifying agents capable of inhibiting or preventing oxidative damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Eric F. Bernstein
  • Metal binding proteins and associated methods
    Patent number: 6750056
    Abstract: Metal binding proteins, associated compositions and methods for their production and use are disclosed. The metal binding proteins include have amino acid sequences analogous to at least one metal binding protein, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof from a brine shrimp (Artemia). Also provided are the associated nucleic acid sequences encoding metal binding proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Roger A. Acey, Michael Mustillo, Brenton G. Harpham
  • AGS proteins and nucleic acid molecules and uses thereof
    Patent number: 6746852
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated AGS nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, including AGS specific promoters, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and a process of transcribing or expressing a heterologous sequence by culturing the host cells under appropriate conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Cismowski, Emir Duzic
  • Use of a cytokine-producing lactococcus strain to treat colitis
    Patent number: 6746671
    Abstract: An administration strategy for the delivery at the intestinal mucosa of cytokines or cytokine antagonists, preferably of acid sensitive anti-inflammatory agents, for example, IL10 and/or soluble TNF receptor via the oral route. Preferably, inoculation occurs along with a suspension of recombinant Lactococcus lactis cells, which had been engineered to produce the respective proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie VZW
    Inventors: Lothar Steidler, Erik R. Remaut, Walter Fiers
  • Induction of programmed cell death by N5 gene
    Patent number: 6737052
    Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating cancer in a subject. These methods and compositions utilize the activities associated with the N5 gene product, p84N5. p84N5 contains a functional death domain, can interact with the retinoblastoma gene product and is normally localized to the nucleus of cells. Increasing the activity level of p84N5 in cancer cells is beneficial for the treatment of cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Board of Regents, University of Texas System
    Inventors: David W. Goodrich, Jaleh Doostzadeh, Shenmin Yin
  • Composition intended for the preservation of infectious recombinant adenoviruses
    Patent number: 6734008
    Abstract: Liquid or frozen compositions containing adenoviral particles, comprising a buffer solution capable of maintaining the pH of the medium at slightly alkaline values, supplemented with glycerol and without addition of divalent metal cations or of alkali metal cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Gencell S.A.
    Inventors: Francis Blanche, Shian-Jiun Shih
  • Nucleic acid molecules encoding a subunit of a human calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase
    Patent number: 6716604
    Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the kinase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the kinase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the kinase peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Wei Shao, Gennady V. Merkulov, Valentina Di Francesco, Ellen M. Beasley
  • Chimeric oligonucleotides for modulating gene expression
    Patent number: 6713621
    Abstract: Genes coding for vascular cell adhesion molecules, particularly VCAM-1, are modulated through interaction of oligonucleotides with transcriptional regulatory factors which bind to the genes. Specific and effective oligonucleotides are provided which interact with the transcriptional regulatory factors to diminish their interaction with the genes and downregulate their function. Multi-modal oligonucleotides are also provided which interact both with a transcriptional regulatory factor and with another aspect of gene function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignees: ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Emory University
    Inventors: Russell M. Medford, Clarence Frank Bennett
  • Hyperthermic inducible expression vectors for gene therapy and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 6709858
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for transgene expression in target cells. Expression constructs using an inducible amplification system to drive expression of a therapeutic gene or other gene of interest in mammalian host cells are provided, as well as methods therefor. Inducible expression of the transgenes at high levels under physiologic conditions results from induction by hyperthermic conditions relative to the basal temperature of the host cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona
    Inventors: Tom Tsang, Eugene W. Gerner, David T. Harris, Evan Hersh
  • Methods and formulations for mediating adeno-associated virus (AAV) attachment and infection and methods for purifying AAV
    Patent number: 6703237
    Abstract: Primary receptors and co-receptors for adeno-associated virus (AAV) attachment to and infection of target cells are described. Such receptors can be used to facilitate AAV attachment to and infection of cells, e.g., for gene therapy. Methods for purification and/or concentration of AAV are also described. Methods of facilitating or enhancing AAV infection of a cell are also provided. Also described are methods of inhibiting or preventing infection of AAV into a cell. Cell samples may be screened for permissiveness for AAV attachment and infection by detecting the presence or abundance of cellular receptors that mediate attachment and/or infection of AAV into the cell. Formulations and kits for mediating AAV attachment to, and infection of, cells are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Richard Jude Samulski, Candace Summerford
  • Packaging systems for human recombinant adenovirus to be used in gene therapy
    Patent number: 6692966
    Abstract: The problem of replication-competent adenovirus in virus production is solved in that we have developed packaging cells that have no overlapping sequences with a new basic vector and thus, are suited for safe large scale production of recombinant adenoviruses. One of the additional problems associated with the use of recombinant adenovirus vectors is the host-defense reaction against treatment with adenovirus. Another aspect of the invention involves screening recombinant adenovirus vector lots, especially those intended for clinical use, for the presence of adenovirus E1 sequences, as this will reveal replication-competent adenovirus, as well as revertant E1 adenoviruses. It is also an aspect of the present invention to molecularly characterize the revertants that are generated in the newer helper/vector combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Crucell Holland B.V.
    Inventors: Frits J. Fallaux, Robert C. Hoeben, Abraham Bout, Domenico Valerio, Alex J. van der Eb
  • Raf protein kinase therapeutics
    Patent number: 6689560
    Abstract: It is a general object of this invention to provide a DNA segment comprising a Raf gene in an antisense orientation downstream of a promoter. It is a specific object of this invention to provide a method of inhibiting Raf expression comprising expressing an antisense Raf gene in a cell such that said Raf expression is inhibited. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of inhibiting Raf kinase activity comprising replacement of a serine or threonine amino acid within the Raf gene for a non-phosphorylated amino acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Ulf R. Rapp, Harald App, Stephen M. Storm
  • Gene therapy method
    Patent number: 6689758
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an Egr-1 transcription factor polypeptide or a biologically active fragment thereof, and to nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of wounds in a mammal, including human. In addition, it relates to a sequence that is believed to include important regions involved in the transcription of the transcription factor Egr-1 in humans and in the regulation thereof. This sequence can be used to design appropriate nucleic acid molecules and vectors that can be used in the treatment of wounds, as well as in other treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Braddock, Callum Jeffrey Campbell, Jean-Luc Schwachtgen
  • Recombinant, modified adenoviral vectors for tumor specific gene expression and uses thereof
    Patent number: 6686196
    Abstract: This invention provides modified recombinant Ad vectors (e.g., AdE1− vectors) undergoing defined homologous recombination in order to create predictably rearranged genomic derivatives in a host cell. Genomic rearrangements can be achieved, for example, by incorporating two IR sequences within one vector genome and enabling genomic rearrangement by coinfection with two parental vectors of one type (also referred to herein as a one vector system) or by homologous recombination of overlapping regions in two distinct types of parental vectors (with or without IR sequences) and enabling genomic rearrangement only upon coinfection of the host cell with the two distinct parental vectors (also referred to herein as two vector system).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: André Lieber, Dirk S. Steinwaerder, Cheryl A. Carlson, Jie Mi
  • Anaerobe targeted enzyme mediated prodrug therapy
    Patent number: 6652849
    Abstract: A genetically-engineered anaerobic organism is provided which, under anaerobic conditions present in a solid tumor, produces an enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of a prodrug to its highly cytotoxic product in situ and methods of treating tumors using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Standford Junior University, Microbiological Research Authority through the Centre for Applied Microbiology Research
    Inventors: John Martin Brown, Nigel P. Minton, Amato Giaccia
  • Adenoviral vectors encoding erythropoietin and their use in gene therapy
    Patent number: 6641807
    Abstract: Helper dependent adenoviral vectors encoding erythropoietin (epo) provide high levels of epo to achieve a long-term therapeutically effective dosage, and allow for repeat administration to patients with disorders such as anaemia of Chronic Renal Failure (CFR), anaemias due to beta-thalassaemia, and sickle cell anaemia (SCA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Rocco Savino, Gennaro Ciliberto, Nicola La Monica
  • Adenovirus-mediated intratumoral delivery of an angiogenesis antagonist for the treatment of tumors
    Patent number: 6638502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to gene therapy for the treatment of tumors. The invention more particularly relates to introduction of a gene encoding an anti-angiogenic factor into cells of a tumor, for example with a defective adenovirus vector, to inhibit growth or metastasis, or both, of the tumor. In a specific embodiment, delivery of a defective adenovirus that expresses the amino terminal fragment of urokinase (ATF) inhibited growth and metastasis of tumors. These effects were correlated with a remarkable inhibition of neovascularization within, and at the immediate vicinity of, the injection site. Delivery of a defective adenovirus vector that expresses kringles 1 to 3 of angiostatin inhibited tumor growth and tumorigenicity, and induced apoptosis of tumor cells. The invention further provides viral vectors for use in the methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Gencell SAS
    Inventors: Hong Li, He Lu, Frank Griscelli, Paule Opolon, Claudine Soria, Thierry Ragot, Yves Legrand, Jeannette Soria, Christelle Mabilat, Michel Perricaudet, Patrice Yeh
  • Isolated human lipase proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding human lipase proteins, and uses thereof
    Patent number: 6638738
    Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the lipase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the lipase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the lipase peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhua Yan, Valentina Di Francesco, Ellen M. Beasley
  • Production of recombinant proteins using herpes virus promoters and VP16 transactivators
    Patent number: 6635478
    Abstract: Stable cell lines are produced to express high levels of a gene product of interest using VP16, a herpes simplex virus transactivator, and a promoter from herpes simplex virus which is a target for VP16. The transactivator and promoter are introduced to a cell line separately using antibiotic resistance genes as selectable markers on separate vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: G. D. Searle & Co.
    Inventors: Paul Jerome Hippenmeyer, Maureen Katherine Highkin
  • Isolated P27 protein, nucleic acid molecules encoding same, methods of identifying agents acting on same, and uses of said agents
    Patent number: 6635450
    Abstract: An isolated protein designated p27 is disclosed. The p27 protein has an apparent molecular weight of about 27 kD, and is capable of binding to and inhibiting the activation of a cyclin E-Cdk2 complex. A nucleic acid sequence encoding p27 protein is disclosed, as well as a method for producing p27 in cultured cells. in vitro assays for discovering agents which effect the activity of p27 are also provided. Methods of diagnosing and treating hypoproliferative and hyperproliferative disorders are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignees: Fred Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Research, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Joan Massague, James M. Roberts, Andrew Koff, Kornelia Polyak