Patents by Inventor Demetrios Vavvas

Demetrios Vavvas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11744817
    Abstract: Methods of using a high-dose statin for treatment of AMD in a patient can be used to regress drusen and/or drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), to prevent atrophy of the RPE and/or one or more photoreceptors, to prevent vision loss and/or improve visual acuity, and/or to prevent progression from dry AMD to wet AMD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Joan W Miller
  • Patent number: 11331295
    Abstract: Methods of using a high-dose statin for treatment of AMD in a patient can be used to regress drusen and/or drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), to prevent atrophy of the RPE and/or one or more photoreceptors, to prevent vision loss and/or improve visual acuity, and/or to prevent progression from dry AMD to wet AMD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Joan W Miller
  • Publication number: 20220041677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modified recombinant human MIS protein which has improved cleavage and increased bioactivity and increased potency as compared to wild-type human MIS protein. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods to prevent and treat cancers, such as cancers that express the MIS receptor type II (MISRII) by administering to a subject a composition comprising a recombinant human MIS protein. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods to lower plasma androgen levels in a subject, and/or for the treatment of a subject with a disease characterized by excess androgen. Another aspect provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits and methods for use comprising a recombinant human MIS protein. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods to decrease the dose of a chemotherapeutic agent by administering the chemotherapeutic agent with the recombinant MIS protein that lowers the effective dose of the chemotherapeutic agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Patricia K. DONAHOE, Demetrios VAVVAS, David PEPIN, Mien Van HOANG
  • Patent number: 11084860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modified recombinant human MIS protein which has improved cleavage and increased bioactivity and increased potency as compared to wild-type human MIS protein. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods to prevent and treat cancers, such as cancers that express the MIS receptor type II (MISRII) by administering to a subject a composition comprising a recombinant human MIS protein. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods to lower plasma androgen levels in a subject, and/or for the treatment of a subject with a disease characterized by excess androgen. Another aspect provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits and methods for use comprising a recombinant human MIS protein. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods to decrease the dose of a chemotherapeutic agent by administering the chemotherapeutic agent with the recombinant MIS protein that lowers the effective dose of the chemotherapeutic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION, MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
    Inventors: Patricia K. Donahoe, Demetrios Vavvas, David Pepin, Mien Van Hoang
  • Publication number: 20210077457
    Abstract: Methods of using a high-dose statin for treatment of AMD in a patient can be used to regress drusen and/or drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), to prevent atrophy of the RPE and/or one or more photoreceptors, to prevent vision loss and/or improve visual acuity, and/or to prevent progression from dry AMD to wet AMD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Joan W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20200243170
    Abstract: Methods of using visual functions such as dark adaptation, low luminance visual acuity, low luminance deficit, contrast sensitivity and scotopic sensitivity as functional biomarkers for statin therapy in AMD. These biomarkers can be used, for example, to support clinical trials of statin therapy for AMD by identifying participants more likely to respond, by providing an early indication of response, or by serving as an endpoint; or to support treatment of AMD patients with statins by identifying patients more likely to respond, by providing an early indication of responders vs. non-responders, or by confirming a treatment benefit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: John G. EDWARDS, Joan W. MILLER, Demetrios VAVVAS
  • Publication number: 20190351026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to treat a neurodegenerative disease or disorder, e.g., a motor neuron disease in a subject, whereby the subject is administered a recombinant human Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) protein as disclosed herein, wherein the recombinant human MIS protein comprises a modified Kex cleavage site for increased cleavage. The recombinant human MIS protein can be produced from a pre-proprotein comprising a non-MIS leader sequence or a functional fragment thereof in place of the MIS leader sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicants: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION, MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Patricia K. DONAHOE, Demetrios VAVVAS, David PEPIN, Mien Van HOANG, Robert H. BROWN, Guangping GAO
  • Publication number: 20190209522
    Abstract: Methods of using a high-dose statin for treatment of AMD in a patient can be used to regress drusen and/or drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), to prevent atrophy of the RPE and/or one or more photoreceptors, to prevent vision loss and/or improve visual acuity, and/or to prevent progression from dry AMD to wet AMD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Demetrios VAVVAS, Joan W MILLER
  • Publication number: 20190201430
    Abstract: Methods of treating ocular neovascularization, e.g., associated with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), using activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and/or of Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Joan W. Miller, Kimio Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10258668
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to treat a neurodegenerative disease or disorder, e.g., a motor neuron disease in a subject, whereby the subject is administered a recombinant human Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) protein as disclosed herein, wherein the recombinant human MIS protein comprises a modified Kex cleavage site for increased cleavage. The recombinant human MIS protein can be produced from a pre-proprotein comprising a non-MIS leader sequence or a functional fragment thereof in place of the MIS leader sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Patricia K. Donahoe, Demetrios Vavvas, David Pepin, Mien Van Hoang, Robert H. Brown, Jr., Guangping Gao
  • Patent number: 10149884
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells and/or retinal pigment epithelial cells in a subject with an ocular disorder including, for example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (e.g., dry or neovascular AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), or a retinal detachment. The viability of the photoreceptor cells and/or the retinal pigment epithelial cells can be preserved by administering a necrosis inhibitor either alone or in combination with an apoptosis inhibitor to a subject having an eye with the ocular condition. The compositions, when administered, maintain the viability of the cells, thereby minimizing the loss of vision or visual function associated with the ocular disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Georgios Trichonas, Joan W. Miller, Yusuke Murakami
  • Patent number: 10143703
    Abstract: Methods of treating ocular neovascularization, e.g., associated with wet agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), using activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and/or of Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Joan W. Miller, Kimio Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9999553
    Abstract: Provided herein is an oleophilic matrix comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polydimethylsiloxane having micropillars; a microporous polydimethylsiloxane; and an ophthalmic-grade cellulose having an alumina-deposited surface. The matrixes can be used, for example, to remove an oil, such as a silicone oil, e.g., from a hydrophobic surface such as an intraocular lens, or from an aqueous environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Eleftherios Ilios Paschalis, Demetrios Vavvas
  • Publication number: 20170216393
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells and/or retinal pigment epithelial cells in a subject with an ocular disorder including, for example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (e.g., dry or neovascular AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), or a retinal detachment. The viability of the photoreceptor cells and/or the retinal pigment epithelial cells can be preserved by administering a necrosis inhibitor either alone or in combination with an apoptosis inhibitor to a subject having an eye with the ocular condition. The compositions, when administered, maintain the viability of the cells, thereby minimizing the loss of vision or visual function associated with the ocular disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Georgios Trichonas, Joan W. Miller, Yusuke Murakami
  • Publication number: 20170042926
    Abstract: Methods of treating ocular neovascularization, e.g., associated with wet agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), using activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and/or of Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Joan W. Miller, Kimio Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20160354198
    Abstract: Provided herein is an oleophilic matrix comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polydimethylsiloxane having micropillars; a microporous polydimethylsiloxane; and an ophthalmic-grade cellulose having an alumina-deposited surface. The matrixes can be used, for example, to remove an oil, such as a silicone oil, e.g., from a hydrophobic surface such as an intraocular lens, or from an aqueous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Eleftherios Ilios Paschalis, Demetrios Vavvas
  • Patent number: 9492432
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells and/or retinal pigment epithelial cells in a subject with an ocular disorder including, for example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (e.g., dry or neovascular AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), or a retinal detachment. The viability of the photoreceptor cells and/or the retinal pigment epithelial cells can be preserved by administering a necrosis inhibitor either alone or in combination with an apoptosis inhibitor to a subject having an eye with the ocular condition. The compositions, when administered, maintain the viability of the cells, thereby minimizing the loss of vision or visual function associated with the ocular disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Georgios Trichonas, Joan W. Miller, Yusuke Murakami
  • Publication number: 20160250189
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells and/or retinal pigment epithelial cells in a subject with an ocular disorder including, for example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (e.g., dry or neovascular AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), or a retinal detachment. The viability of the photoreceptor cells and/or the retinal pigment epithelial cells can be preserved by administering a necrosis inhibitor either alone or in combination with an apoptosis inhibitor to a subject having an eye with the ocular condition. The compositions, when administered, maintain the viability of the cells, thereby minimizing the loss of vision or visual function associated with the ocular disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Georgios Trichonas, Joan W. Miller, Yusuke Murakami
  • Publication number: 20160228514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to treat a neurodegenerative disease or disorder, e.g., a motor neuron disease in a subject, whereby the subject is administered a recombinant human Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) protein as disclosed herein, wherein the recombinant human MIS protein comprises a modified Kex cleavage site for increased cleavage. The recombinant human MIS protein can be produced from a pre-proprotein comprising a non-MIS leader sequence or a functional fragment thereof in place of the MIS leader sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicants: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION, MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Patricia K. DONAHOE, Demetrios VAVVAS, David PEPIN, Mien VAN HOANG, Robert H. BROWN, JR., Guangping GAO
  • Publication number: 20160039898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modified recombinant human MIS protein which has improved cleavage and increased bioactivity and increased potency as compared to wild-type human MIS protein. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods to prevent and treat cancers, such as cancers that express the MIS receptor type II (MISRII) by administering to a subject a composition comprising a recombinant human MIS protein. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods to lower plasma androgen levels in a subject, and/or for the treatment of a subject with a disease characterized by excess androgen. Another aspect provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits and methods for use comprising a recombinant human MIS protein. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods to decrease the dose of a chemotherapeutic agent by administering the chemotherapeutic agent with the recombinant MIS protein that lowers the effective dose of the chemotherapeutic agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Patricia K. DONAHOE, Demetrios VAVVAS, David PEPIN, Mien Van HOANG