Patents by Inventor Helen Blackwell

Helen Blackwell 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).

  • Publication number: 20230094587
    Abstract: Compounds that regulate quorum sensing in Staphylococcal bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus are provided. Compounds provided are racemic, non-racemic or substantially enantiomerically pure cyclic peptides of formula I: or salts or solvates thereof, where variables R, W, X1, X2, and Z and are as described in the specification and L1 is a divalent linker which contains 1-12 carbon atoms, optionally 1-4 oxygen atoms, optionally one or two carbon-carbon double bonds, and hydrogen atoms to satisfy valency. Certain dimers of the cyclic peptides are also provided. One or more cylic peptides or dimers thereof herein can be employed to inhibit QS and to thus inhibit virulence in Staphylococcus bacteria. Compounds herein and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds are useful in treating infections of Staphylococcus bacteria. Methods for treating such bacterial infections are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Joseph VASQUEZ, Yiftah TAL GAN
  • Patent number: 11560361
    Abstract: Compounds that regulate quorum sensing in Staphylococcal bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus are provided. Compounds provided are racemic, non-racemic or substantially enantiomerically pure cyclic peptides of formula I: or salts or solvates thereof, where variables R, W, X1, X2, and Z and are as described in the specification and L1 is a divalent linker which contains 1-12 carbon atoms, optionally 1-4 oxygen atoms, optionally one or two carbon-carbon double bonds, and hydrogen atoms to satisfy valency. Certain dimers of the cyclic peptides are also provided. One or more cylic peptides or dimers thereof herein can be employed to inhibit QS and to thus inhibit virulence in Staphylococcus bacteria. Compounds herein and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds are useful in treating infections of Staphylococcus bacteria. Methods for treating such bacterial infections are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Joseph Vasquez, Yiftah Tal Gan
  • Patent number: 11247976
    Abstract: RhlR modulators including agonist and antagonists which are useful for modulating QS phenotypes in Gram-negative bacteria. Certain compounds of general formula A-W-HG having various carbocyclic ad heterocyclic head groups (HG) and various tail groups (A), where —W— is —CO—NH—, —SO2—NH—, —CO—NH—CH2—, or —SO2—NH—CH2— are RhlR agonists or antagonists. The compounds are useful in methods of modulating quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in Pseudomonas. Compositions including certain RhlR modulators are useful for decreasing the virulence of Gram-negative bacteria. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain RhlR modulators are useful for treatment of infections of Gram-negative bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Michelle E. Boursier, Joseph D. Moore
  • Publication number: 20210024476
    Abstract: Compounds that regulate quorum sensing in Staphylococcal bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus are provided. Compounds are described in formulas I, II, III, IV, V and VI herein. One or more compounds herein can be employed to inhibit QS and to thus inhibit virulence in Staphylococcus bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds herein and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds are useful, for example, in treating infections of Staphylococcus bacteria and in particular of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods for treating such bacterial infections are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Joseph VASQUEZ, Yiftah TAL GAN
  • Publication number: 20200140489
    Abstract: Compounds that affect quorum sensing (QS) in Staphylococcus aureus and related Staphylococcus species (e.g., S. epidermidis). Compounds which modulate one or more of the four AgrC receptors of Staphylococcus species, particularly of Staphylococcus aureus. Modulation includes inhibition or activation of one or more of these four AgrC receptors. These compounds are useful for bacterial interference and are useful for treating bacterial infections, particularly staphylococcal infection. Treatment can include combination of one or more of the compounds of the invention in combination with one or more antibiotics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Yftah TAL-GAN, Danielle STACY
  • Patent number: 10597372
    Abstract: Compounds that regulate quorum sensing in Staphylococcal bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus are provided. Compounds are described in formulas I, II, III, IV, V and VI herein. One or more compounds herein can be employed to inhibit QS and to thus inhibit virulence in Staphylococcus bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds herein and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds are useful, for example, in treating infections of Staphylococcus bacteria and in particular of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods for treating such bacterial infections are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Joseph Vasquez, Yiftah Tal Gan
  • Publication number: 20200087249
    Abstract: Modulation of quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly strains of Pseudomonas which form biofilms, by compounds including those of formula I and formula II: where: AR is optionally substituted phenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl or heterocyclic, and R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, or alkylthioalkyl or alkyl substituted at the omega position with optionally substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl or cyclohexenyl. In particular compounds inhibit quorum sensing and biofilm formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Daniel MANSON
  • Patent number: 10526278
    Abstract: Modulation of quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly strains of Pseudomonas which form biofilms, by compounds including those of formula I and formula II: where: AR is optionally substituted phenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl or heterocyclic, and R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, or alkylthioalkyl or alkyl substituted at the omega position with optionally substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl or cyclohexenyl. In particular compounds inhibit quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of bacterial infections and methods of treatment of such infections are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Daniel Manson
  • Patent number: 10322112
    Abstract: Methods for modulating quorum sensing in certain Gram-negative bacteria having multiple QS systems including Las, Rhl, and Pqs with associated receptors (LasR, RhlR and PqsR) which are modulated by small molecule modulators, particularly non-native modulators. Certain combinations of modulators of Las, Rhl and Pqs exhibit improved inhibition of virulence in comparison to the respective individual modulators. In particular, certain combinations of modulators exhibit improved inhibition in nutritionally depleted environments. More specifically, certain combinations of modulators exhibit improved inhibition in environments depleted in phosphate and/or environments depleted in iron. Nutrient depleted environments can mimic environments associated with bacterial infection in humans and non-human animals. The methods are useful in particular for modulating QS in Pseudomonas and Burkholderia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Michael Welsh
  • Patent number: 10292390
    Abstract: Compounds described herein inhibit biofilm formation or disperse pre-formed biofilms of Gram-negative bacteria. Biofilm-inhibitory compounds can be encapsulated or contained in a polymer matrix for controlled release. Coatings, films, multilayer films, hydrogels, microspheres and nanospheres as well as pharmaceutical compositions and disinfecting compositions containing biofilm-inhibitory compounds are also provided. Methods for inhibiting formation of biofilms or dispersing already formed biofilms are provided. Methods for treating infections of gram-negative bacteria which form biofilms, particularly those of Pseudomonas and more particularly P. aeruginosa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Reto Frei, Anthony Breitbach, David M. Lynn, Adam H. Broderick
  • Publication number: 20190144407
    Abstract: RhlR modulators including agonist and antagonists which are useful for modulating QS phenotypes in Gram-negative bacteria. Certain compounds of general formula A-W-HG having various carbocyclic ad heterocyclic head groups (HG) and various tail groups (A), where —W— is —CO—NH—, —SO2—NH—, —CO—NH—CH2—, or —SO2—NH—CH2— are RhlR agonists or antagonists. The compounds are useful in methods of modulating quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in Pseudomonas. Compositions including certain RhlR modulators are useful for decreasing the virulence of Gram-negative bacteria. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain RhlR modulators are useful for treatment of infections of Gram-negative bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Michelle E. BOURSIER, Joseph D. MOORE
  • Publication number: 20190119201
    Abstract: Modulation of quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly strains of Pseudomonas which form biofilms, by compounds including those of formula I and formula II: where: AR is optionally substituted phenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl or heterocyclic, and R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, or alkylthioalkyl or alkyl substituted at the omega position with optionally substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl or cyclohexenyl. In particular compounds inhibit quorum sensing and biofilm formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Daniel MANSON
  • Publication number: 20180170889
    Abstract: Compounds that regulate quorum sensing in Staphylococcal bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus are provided. Compounds are described in formulas I, II, III, IV, V and VI herein. One or more compounds herein can be employed to inhibit QS and to thus inhibit virulence in Staphylococcus bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds herein and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds are useful, for example, in treating infections of Staphylococcus bacteria and in particular of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods for treating such bacterial infections are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Joseph VASQUEZ, Yftah TAL-GAN
  • Publication number: 20170231962
    Abstract: Methods for modulating quorum sensing in certain Gram-negative bacteria having multiple QS systems including Las, Rhl, and Pqs with associated receptors (LasR, RhlR and PqsR) which are modulated by small molecule modulators, particularly non-native modulators. Certain combinations of modulators of Las, Rhl and Pqs exhibit improved inhibition of virulence in comparison to the respective individual modulators. In particular, certain combinations of modulators exhibit improved inhibition in nutritionally depleted environments. More specifically, certain combinations of modulators exhibit improved inhibition in environments depleted in phosphate and/or environments depleted in iron. Nutrient depleted environments can mimic environments associated with bacterial infection in humans and non-human animals. The methods are useful in particular for modulating QS in Pseudomonas and Buckholderia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Michael Welsh
  • Publication number: 20160194360
    Abstract: Compounds that affect quorum sensing (QS) in Staphylococcus aureus and related Staphylococcus species (e.g., S. epidermidis). Compounds which modulate one or more of the four AgrC receptors of Staphylococcus species, particularly of Staphylococcus aureus. Modulation includes inhibition or activation of one or more of these four AgrC receptors. These compounds are useful for bacterial interference and are useful for treating bacterial infections, particularly staphylococcal infection. Treatment can include combination of one or more of the compounds of the invention in combination with one or more antibiotics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Yftah TAL-GAN, Danielle STACY
  • Patent number: 9227996
    Abstract: Compounds that affect quorum sensing (QS) in Staphylococcus aureus and related Staphylococcus species (e.g., S. epidermidis). Compounds which modulate one or more of the four AgrC receptors of Staphylococcus species, particularly of Staphylococcus aureus. Modulation includes inhibition or activation of one or more of these four AgrC receptors. These compounds are useful for bacterial interference and are useful for treating bacterial infections, particularly staphylococcal infection. Treatment can include combination of one or more of the compounds of the invention in combination with one or more antibiotics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Yftah Tal-Gan, Danielle Stacy
  • Publication number: 20140256615
    Abstract: Compounds that affect quorum sensing (QS) in Staphylococcus aureus and related Staphylococcus species (e.g., S. epidermidis). Compounds which modulate one or more of the four AgrC receptors of Staphylococcus species, particularly of Staphylococcus aureus. Modulation includes inhibition or activation of one or more of these four AgrC receptors. These compounds are useful for bacterial interference and are useful for treating bacterial infections, particularly staphylococcal infection. Treatment can include combination of one or more of the compounds of the invention in combination with one or more antibiotics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Yftah TAL-GAN, Danielle STACY
  • Publication number: 20130136782
    Abstract: Compounds described herein inhibit biofilm formation or disperse pre-formed biofilms of Gram-negative bacteria. Biofilm-inhibitory compounds can be encapsulated or contained in a polymer matrix for controlled release. Coatings, films, multilayer films, hydrogels, microspheres and nanospheres as well as pharmaceutical compositions and disinfecting compositions containing biofilm-inhibitory compounds are also provided. Methods for inhibiting formation of biofilms or dispersing already formed biofilms are provided. Methods for treating infections of gram-negative bacteria which form biofilms, particularly those of Pseudomonas and more particularly P. aeruginosa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Reto Frei, Anthony Breitbach, David M. Lynn, Adam H. Broderick
  • Publication number: 20080009528
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compounds providing antibacterial therapeutic agents and preparations, and related methods of using and making antibacterial compounds. Antibacterial compounds of the present invention include chalcone, alkylpyrimidine, aminopyrimidine and cyanopyridine compounds and derivatives thereof exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) similar to or less than conventional antibacterial compounds in wide use. For example, the present invention provides chalcone and cyanopyridine compounds, and derivatives thereof, exhibiting high antibacterial activities having multiple electron withdrawing group substituents, such as halogens and fluorinated alky groups, and optionally having hydroxyl and/or alkoxyl groups substituents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Matthew Bowman, Jennifer O'Neill, Joseph Stringer
  • Publication number: 20070128658
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying and characterizing candidate fluorescent molecules. This method involves the generation of spatially addressed arrays of heterocyclic compounds which are candidate fluorescent molecules. The spatially addressed array can be used to identify fluorescent molecules among the candidate molecules. The spatially addressed array can be used to determine the optical characteristics of one more candidate molecules. The invention also provides methods for making such arrays of heterocyclic compounds. In a specific embodiment, synthetic methods are provided for synthesis of triarylpyridines, particularly unsymmetric triarylpyridines. n preferred embodiments, the present invention provides novel heterocyclic fluorescent compounds having deazalumazine, cyanopyridine or pyrimidine cores. Heterocyclic fluorescent compounds of this invention are useful as dyes to label molecules such as nucleic acids, peptides and proteins, and particularly antibodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Matthew Bowman