Patents Examined by Stephen Gucker
  • Patent number: 7867978
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and compositions useful for the treatment of senile dementia. More particularly the disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of senile dementia related to diabetes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Tae H Ji, Inhae Ji
  • Patent number: 7829332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting differentiation of a population of neural stem cells by contacting a purinergic receptor agonist and a population of neural stem cells under conditions effective to inhibit differentiation of the population of neural stem cells. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of producing neurons and/or glial cells from a population of neural stem cells by culturing a population of neural stem cells with a purinergic receptor antagonist under conditions effective to cause the neural stem cells to differentiate into neurons and/or glial cells. The purinergic receptor agonist can also be used in a method of inducing proliferation and self-renewal of neural stem cells in a subject and a method of treating a neurological disease or neurodegenerative condition in a subject. The purinergic receptor antagonist can also be used in treating a neoplastic disease of the brain or spinal cord in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., New York Medical College
    Inventors: Steven A. Goldman, Maiken Nedergaard, Jane Lin
  • Patent number: 7829083
    Abstract: A novel gene apparently encoding a transmembrane glycoprotein has been successfully isolated by constructing a cDNA library of 4 kb or above in size from mRNA expressed in human adult brain and analyzing the structures of the cDNAs contained within said library by the shotgun method. The novel gene shows brain-specific expression and the protein encoded by said gene has a typical PDZ binding motif.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Chugai Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha, Kazusa DNA Research Institute
    Inventors: Takahiro Nagase, Shoji Miyata, Nobuo Nomura, Osamu Ohara, Shin-ichi Funahashi
  • Patent number: 7807154
    Abstract: Antibody A or a fusion protein thereof specifically binding to a leptin receptor (leptin-R) or a leptin-binding protein (leptin-BP), as well as compositions and methods for the use of these antibodies or fusion proteins for quantitative analysis, for therapeutic purposes and for the preparation of therapeutic drugs. Also disclosed is a method for quantitative determination of leptin in a sample of solubilized or suspended leptin-binding proteins by using specific antibodies or fusion proteins according to the invention, as well as diagnostic agents and (diagnostic) kits containing this antibody or fusion protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Biofusion Licensing Limited
    Inventors: Christian J. Strasburger, Martin Bidlingmaier, Zida Wu, Guiseppe Matarese, Richard J. M. Ross
  • Patent number: 7807381
    Abstract: As described herein, signaling events occurring in neurons or at neuronal synapses have been identified that involve Cdk5 and various other molecules which bind to, are activated by, and/or activate Cdk5. Of particular relevance are interactions that stimulate calpain cleavage of p35 into p25, which binds Cdk5 in pathologic states. Assays to identify modulators of these interactions are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: James A. Bibb, Ammar H. Hawasli
  • Patent number: 7749758
    Abstract: The present invention relates to human, rat and mouse stem cell-derived neuron survival factor polypeptides (SDNSF), a process for producing them, cDNA encoding SDNSF, a vector comprising the cDNA, host cells transformed by the vector, an antibody against SDNSF, pharmaceutical compositions containing SDNSF or the antibody, a method of assaying SDNSF, a reagent for assaying SDNSF, and a screening method using SDNSF. The polypeptides are effective in the survival of nerve cells and, therefore, efficacious in treating injury to the central nerve system caused by brain infarction, brain hemorrhage, spinal cord injury, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignees: Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tasuku Honjo, Kei Tashiro, Jun Takahashi, Hiroki Toda
  • Patent number: 7741055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to human PGF polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques, and antibodies and antagonist/inhibitors against such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such polypeptides therapeutically for treating prostate cancer, to promote tissue regeneration and to facilitate wound healing. Also provided is a diagnostic assay to detect prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Hudson, Craig A. Rosen, Wei-Wu He
  • Patent number: 7732201
    Abstract: A method for producing a neuroblast and a cellular composition comprising an enriched population of neuroblast cells is provided. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compositions which affect neuroblasts and for treating a subject with a neuronal disorder, and a culture system for the production and maintenance of neuroblasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Fred H. Gage, Jasodhara Ray
  • Patent number: 7718605
    Abstract: A compound for delivering a non-cytotoxic therapeutic moiety into nerve cells, the compound having the general formula: B-L-TM where: B is a binding agent capable of selectively binding to a nerve cell surface receptor and mediating absorption of the compound by the nerve cell; TM is a therapeutic moiety which has a non-cytotoxic therapeutic effect when absorbed by a nerve cell; and L is a linker coupling B to TM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Manzanita Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Webb, Constance A. McKee
  • Patent number: 7709216
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods relating to inhibition of PUMA function for preventing or reducing myocardial cell death. A method for preventing or reducing ischemia/reperfusion induced myocardial cell death in a human is provided as are methods for identifying pharmaceuticals which interfere with PUMA function. Also herein provided is a method for reducing stem cell death in stem cell explants wherein the explants are intended to restore cardiac efficiency following cell death in response to coronary infarct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Biomedical Research Institute
    Inventors: Peter Erhardt, Ambrus Toth
  • Patent number: 7700736
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Genetech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Baker, Maureen Beresini, Laura DeForge, Luc Desnoyers, Ellen Filvaroff, Wei-Qiang Gao, Mary E. Gerritsen, Audrey Goddard, Paul J. Godowski, Austin L. Gurney, Steven Sherwood, Victoria Smith, Timothy A. Stewart, Daniel Tumas, Colin K. Watanabe, William I. Wood, Zemin Zhang
  • Patent number: 7695936
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method involves introducing a protuberance at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protuberance can be positioned in the cavity so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation. “Protuberances” are constructed by replacing small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first polypeptide with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan). Compensatory “cavities” of identical or similar size to the protuberances are created in the interface of the second polypeptide by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Carter, Leonard G. Presta, John B. Ridgway
  • Patent number: 7687231
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate including a human, the method including assaying diacetylpolyamine contained in a sample collected from the vertebrate. According to the method of the present invention, metabolic conditions of macrophages can be monitored, and the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate (including a human) can be determined. Specifically, the present invention can predict, through assay of diacetylpolyamine, pathological condition which is considered a macrophage-related disease; e.g., recurrence of cancer or malignant tumor, or infiltration or activation of cancer or malignant tumor cells; denaturation or degeneration of neurons associated with Alzheimer's disease; or onset or progression of an autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatism or Crohn's disease) or arteriosclerosis. Therefore, the present invention is very useful for clinical tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Yamasa Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Hamaoki
  • Patent number: 7678378
    Abstract: A compound for delivering a non-cytotoxic therapeutic moiety into nerve cells, the compound having the general formula: B-L-TM where: B is a binding agent capable of selectively binding to a nerve cell surface receptor and mediating absorption of the compound by the nerve cell; TM is a therapeutic moiety which has a non-cytotoxic therapeutic effect when absorbed by a nerve cell; and L is a linker coupling B to TM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Manzanita Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Webb, Constance A. McKee
  • Patent number: 7662620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to human, rat and mouse stem cell-derived neuron survival factor polypeptides (SDNSF), a process for producing them, cDNA encoding SDNSF, a vector comprising the cDNA, host cells transformed by the vector, an antibody against SDNSF, pharmaceutical compositions containing SDNSF or the antibody, a method of assaying SDNSF, a reagent for assaying SDNSF, and a screening method using SDNSF. The polypeptides are effective in the survival of nerve cells and neuronal stem cells, therefore, efficacious in treating injury to the central nerve system and cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignees: ONO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tasuku Honjo, Kei Tashiro, Jun Takahashi, Hiroki Toda
  • Patent number: 7659079
    Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and compositions for selectively binding and/or detecting an aggregating abnormal form of a protein in the presence of non-aggregating normal form of the protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Ann Estey, Reet Toomik
  • Patent number: 7651836
    Abstract: The invention describes an in vitro method for detecting a psychiatric disorder occurring with psychosis selected from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in an individual who has suffered a first psychotic episode, or for determining the state or severity of said disorder, or for monitoring the effect of a therapy administered to an individual who suffers said disorder, or for evaluating the predisposition of an individual presenting a prodromal symptom to develop said disorder, based on the use of the brain-derived neutrophic factor (BDNF) as a marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignees: Hospital Santiago Apóstol, Universidad Del País Vasco
    Inventors: Carlos Matute Almau, Aitor Palomino Fernández de Larrea, Ana González Pinto
  • Patent number: 7642228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method involves introducing a protuberance at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protuberance can be positioned in the cavity so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation. “Protuberances” are constructed by replacing small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first polypeptide with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan). Compensatory “cavities” of identical or similar size to the protuberances are created in the interface of the second polypeptide by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Carter, Leonard G. Presta, John B. Ridgway
  • Patent number: 7635681
    Abstract: The invention provides cell-permeable peptides that selectively block the branch of the JNK signaling pathway controlled by the islet-brain (IB) proteins. The provided cell-permeable peptides block the binding of intermediate kinases in the c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, thereby decreasing the downstream effects of c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Xigen SA
    Inventor: Christophe Bonny
  • Patent number: 7635478
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Audrey Goddard, Paul J. Godowski, Austin L. Gurney, Victoria Smith, William I. Wood