Patents by Inventor Ji-Fu Zhao

Ji-Fu Zhao 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: 11857657
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20210085580
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Patent number: 10857082
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20200170907
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Patent number: 10548825
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20160193126
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Patent number: 9126913
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140371491
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Patent number: 8852657
    Abstract: The identification and isolation of chromones and novel chromone compositions from plant sources that exhibit up-regulation of adiponectin production by adipocytes and the normalization of virtually hundreds of genes related to glucose and fatty acid metabolic and signaling pathways. The chromone compositions are effective in enhancing adiponectin production by adipocytes and regulating genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, mitochondrial ?-oxidation of fatty acids, steroid biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, fat transport, PPAR?/RXR? liver signaling and xenobiotic metabolism. The chromone compositions can be used to increase insulin sensitivity, improve glucose tolerance, lower triglyceride levels and balance glucose levels in mammals. Included are methods for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions including, but not limited to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndromes, dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Ji-Fu Zhao, Julie Tseng-Crank, Mesfin Yimam, Qi Jia
  • Patent number: 8729136
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Patent number: 8592488
    Abstract: Diarylalkanes having the following structure: wherein Ar1, Ar2, R6, R7 and n are as defined herein are provided. The disclosed compounds find utility as inhibitors of binuclear enzymes. Methods for inhibiting binuclear enzymes as well as methods and compositions for preventing and treating diseases and conditions associated with binuclear enzymes are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Unigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20100267839
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: UNIGEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Patent number: 7767661
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Unigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20080166438
    Abstract: The present invention describes the identification and isolation of chromones and novel chromone compositions from plant sources that exhibit up-regulation of adiponectin production by adipocytes and the normalization of virtually hundreds of genes related to glucose and fatty acid metabolic and signaling pathways. The chromone compositions are effective in enhancing adiponectin production by adipocytes and regulating genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, mitochondrial ?-oxidation of fatty acids, steroid biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, fat transport, PPAR?/RXR? liver signaling and xenobiotic metabolism. The chromone compositions can be used to increase insulin sensitivity, improve glucose tolerance, lower triglyceride levels and balance glucose levels in mammals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: UNIGEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ji-Fu Zhao, Julie Tseng-Crank, Mesfin Yimam, Qi Jia
  • Publication number: 20080132581
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: UNIGEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Patent number: 7034060
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of a unique profile of primary aliphatic alcohols, having 24 to 30 carbon atoms, from the wax secreted by the insect Ericerus pela. Included in the present invention is the composition of matter, referred to herein as “polycosanol” produced by the method of this invention. The polycosanol composition is comprised primarily of the four primary aliphatic alcohols, tetracosanol, hexacosanol, octacosanol and triacontanol. Further included in this invention is the use of said composition of matter for the prevention and treatment of obesity, syndrome X, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerotic complications, ischemia and thrombosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Unigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Patent number: 6984666
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of a unique profile of primary aliphatic alcohols, having 24 to 30 carbon atoms, from the wax secreted by the insect Ericerus pela. Included in the present invention is the composition of matter, referred to herein as “polycosanol” produced by the method of this invention. The polycosanol composition is comprised primarily of the four primary aliphatic alcohols, tetracosanol, hexacosanol, octacosanol and triacontanol. Further included in this invention is the use of said composition of matter for the prevention and treatment of obesity, syndrome X, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerotic complications, ischemia and thrombosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Unigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20050267047
    Abstract: The present invention implements a strategy that combines an enzyme inhibition assay with a chemical dereplication process to identify active plant extracts and the particular compounds—diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols within those extracts that specifically inhibit binuclear enzyme function. Included in the present invention are compositions of matter comprised of one or more of diarylalkanes and/or diarylalkanols, which inhibit the activity of binuclear enzymes, particularly tyrosinase and which prevent melanin overproduction. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of a binuclear enzyme, particularly tyrosinase and a method for preventing and treating diseases and conditions related to binuclear enzyme function. The present invention further includes a method for preventing and treating melanin overproduction and diseases and conditions of the skin related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Applicant: UNIGEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20050239904
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of a unique profile of primary aliphatic alcohols, having 24 to 30 carbon atoms, from the wax secreted by the insect Ericerus pela. Included in the present invention is the composition of matter, referred to herein as “polycosanol” produced by the method of this invention. The polycosanol composition is comprised primarily of the four primary aliphatic alcohols, tetracosanol, hexacosanol, octacosanol and triacontanol. Further included in this invention is the use of said composition of matter for the prevention and treatment of obesity, syndrome X, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerotic complications, ischemia and thrombosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Applicant: Unigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20050131078
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of a unique profile of primary aliphatic alcohols, having 24 to 30 carbon atoms, from the wax secreted by the insect Ericerus pela. Included in the present invention is the composition of matter, referred to herein as “polycosanol” produced by the method of this invention. The polycosanol composition is comprised primarily of the four primary aliphatic alcohols, tetracosanol, hexacosanol, octacosanol and triacontanol. Further included in this invention is the use of said composition of matter for the prevention and treatment of obesity, syndrome X, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerotic complications, ischemia and thrombosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: UNIGEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Qi Jia, Ji-Fu Zhao