Patents by Inventor John M. Essigmann

John M. Essigmann 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: 20180362574
    Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) or (II), which are thought to be able to inhibit mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway, induce UPR (unfolded protein response), and/or perturb mitochondrial function of a cyst cell (e.g., a cyst cell causing polycystic kidney disease (PKD, e.g., autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) or autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD)) or polycystic liver disease (PLD, e.g., autosomal dominant PLD (ADPLD) or autosomal recessive PLD (ARPLD)). The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods involving the compounds described herein for use in treating PKD or PLD, inhibiting the growth of a cyst cell, and/or killing a cyst cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University
    Inventors: Bogdan I. Fedeles, Sorin V. Fedeles, Robert G. Croy, Stefan Somlo, John M. Essigmann
  • Patent number: 9982009
    Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) or (II), which are thought to be able to inhibit mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway, induce UPR (unfolded protein response), and/or perturb mitochondrial function of a cyst cell (e.g., a cyst cell causing polycystic kidney disease (PKD, e.g., autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) or autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD)) or polycystic liver disease (PLD, e.g., autosomal dominant PLD (ADPLD) or autosomal recessive PLD (ARPLD)). The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods involving the compounds described herein for use in treating PKD or PLD, inhibiting the growth of a cyst cell, and/or killing a cyst cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University
    Inventors: Bogdan I. Fedeles, Sorin V. Fedeles, Robert G. Croy, Stefan Somlo, John M. Essigmann
  • Publication number: 20170313736
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides nucleoside analogs of Formula (I) or (II). The nucleoside analogs are expected to show multiple tautomerism and may increase the mutation of an RNA and/or DNA (be mutagenic) of a virus or cancer cell. The multiple tautomerism and mutagenesis of the nucleoside analogs may be adjusted by substituting the nucleoside analogs with one or more electron-donating groups and/or electron-withdrawing groups to increase or decrease the pKa (e.g., to a pKa between 5.5 or 8.5). The present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits including the nucleoside analogs and methods of treating a viral infection (e.g., influenza, HIV infection, or hepatitis) or cancer using the nucleoside analogs, pharmaceutical compositions, or kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Andrei Tokmakoff, Bogdan I. Fedeles, Vipender Singh, Chunte Peng
  • Patent number: 9714265
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides nucleoside analogs of Formula (I) or (II). The nucleoside analogs are expected to show multiple tautomerism and may increase the mutation of an RNA and/or DNA (be mutagenic) of a virus or cancer cell. The multiple tautomerism and mutagenesis of the nucleoside analogs may be adjusted by substituting the nucleoside analogs with one or more electron-donating groups and/or electron-withdrawing groups to increase or decrease the pKa (e.g., to a pKa between 5.5 or 8.5). The present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits including the nucleoside analogs and methods of treating a viral infection (e.g., influenza, HIV infection, or hepatitis) or cancer using the nucleoside analogs, pharmaceutical compositions, or kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Andrei Tokmakoff, Bogdan I. Fedeles, Vipender Singh, Chunte Peng
  • Publication number: 20160222050
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides nucleoside analogs of Formula (I) or (II). The nucleoside analogs are expected to show multiple tautomerism and may increase the mutation of an RNA and/or DNA (be mutagenic) of a virus or cancer cell. The multiple tautomerism and mutagenesis of the nucleoside analogs may be adjusted by substituting the nucleoside analogs with one or more electron-donating groups and/or electron-withdrawing groups to increase or decrease the pKa (e.g., to a pKa between 5.5 or 8.5). The present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits including the nucleoside analogs and methods of treating a viral infection (e.g., influenza, HIV infection, or hepatitis) or cancer using the nucleoside analogs, pharmaceutical compositions, or kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Andrei Tokmakoff, Bogdan I. Fedeles, Vipender Singh, Chunte Peng
  • Patent number: 9283242
    Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a dihydro base described herein (e.g., compound DHdC). The dihydro base may show multiple tautomerism and may increase mutation of an RNA and/or DNA of a virus or cancer cell. The dihydro base may be used to reduce DNA methylation (e.g., in a cancer cell). The present invention also provides kits including the inventive pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating a viral infection (e.g., influenza, HIV infection, or hepatitis C) or cancer using the pharmaceutical compositions or kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Deyu Li, Katherine J. Silvestre
  • Publication number: 20150105361
    Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) or (II), which are thought to be able to inhibit mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway, induce UPR (unfolded protein response), and/or perturb mitochondrial function of a cyst cell (e.g., a cyst cell causing polycystic kidney disease (PKD, e.g., autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) or autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD)) or polycystic liver disease (PLD, e.g., autosomal dominant PLD (ADPLD) or autosomal recessive PLD (ARPLD)). The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods involving the compounds described herein for use in treating PKD or PLD, inhibiting the growth of a cyst cell, and/or killing a cyst cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University
    Inventors: Bogdan I. Fedeles, Sorin V. Fedeles, Robert G. Croy, Stefan Somlo, John M. Essigmann
  • Publication number: 20140206639
    Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a dihydro base described herein (e.g., compound DHdC). The dihydro base may show multiple tautomerism and may increase mutation of an RNA and/or DNA of a virus or cancer cell. The dihydro base may be used to reduce DNA methylation (e.g., in a cancer cell). The present invention also provides kits including the inventive pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating a viral infection (e.g., influenza, HIV infection, or hepatitis C) or cancer using the pharmaceutical compositions or kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Deyu Li, Katherine J. Silvestre
  • Patent number: 7943600
    Abstract: This invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating a subject having a condition associated with an antibiotic resistant bacterial infection. The invention includes administering to a subject a therapeutically effective combination of an antibiotic and a toxic compound (e.g., a nucleic acid damaging agent, an alkylating agent, or a heavy metal containing compound).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Doriana Froim, John M. Essigmann, Martin G. Marinus
  • Publication number: 20090062236
    Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide heterobifunctional programmable genotoxic compounds that can be designed to kill selected cells present in a heterogenous cell population. The present compounds comprise a first agent that inflicts damage on cellular DNA, and a second agent that attracts a macromolecular cell component such as a protein, which in turn shields genomic lesions from repair. Unrepaired lesions therefore persist in the cellular genome and contribute to the death of selected cells. In contrast, lesions formed in nonselected cells, which lack the cell component, are unshielded and thus are repaired. As a result, compounds described herein are less toxic to nonselected cells. Compounds of this invention can be designed to cause the selective killing of transformed cells, viral-infected cells and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Robert G. Croy, Kevin J. Yarema, Marshall Morningstar
  • Patent number: 7169611
    Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide heterobifunctional programmable genotoxic compounds that can be designed to kill selected cells present in a heterogenous cell population. The present compounds comprise a first agent that inflicts damage on cellular DNA, and a second agent that attracts a macromolecular cell component such as a protein, which in turn shields genomic lesions from repair. Unrepaired lesions therefore persist in the cellular genome and contribute to the death of selected cells. In contrast, lesions formed in nonselected cells, which lack the cell component, are unshielded and thus are repaired. As a result, compounds described herein are less toxic to nonselected cells. Compounds of this invention can be designed to cause the selective killing of transformed cells, viral-infected cells and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Robert G. Croy, Kevin J. Yarema, Marshall Morningstar
  • Publication number: 20030220311
    Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide heterobifunctional programmable genotoxic compounds that can be designed to kill selected cells present in a heterogenous cell population. The present compounds comprise a first agent that inflicts damage on cellular DNA, and a second agent that attracts a macromolecular cell component such as a protein, which in turn shields genomic lesions from repair. Unrepaired lesions therefore persist in the cellular genome and contribute to the death of selected cells. In contrast, lesions formed in nonselected cells, which lack the cell component, are unshielded and thus are repaired. As a result, compounds described herein are less toxic to nonselected cells. Compounds of this invention can be designed to cause the selective killing of transformed cells, viral-infected cells and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Robert G. Croy, Kevin J. Yarema, Marshall Morningstar
  • Patent number: 6500669
    Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide heterobifunctional programmable genotoxic compounds that can be designed to kill selected cells present in a heterogenous cell population. The present compounds comprise a first agent that inflicts damage on cellular DNA, and a second agent that attracts a macromolecular cell component such as a protein, which in turn shields genomic lesions from repair. Unrepaired lesions therefore persist in the cellular genome and contribute to the death of selected cells. In contrast, lesions formed in nonselected cells, which lack the cell component, are unshielded and thus are repaired. As a result, compounds described herein are less toxic to nonselected cells. Compounds of this invention can be designed to cause the selective killing of transformed cells, viral-infected cells and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Robert G. Croy, Kevin J. Yarema, Marshall Morningstar
  • Patent number: 6475791
    Abstract: Methods disclosed herein capitalize on the ability of DNA Structure Specific Recognition Proteins (SSRPs) to bind to genomic lesions formed by chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cisplatin-type agents. Methods are provided for predicting whether an agent that damages DNA will also be cytotoxic, and for predicting whether particular eukaryotic cells will be susceptible to killing by a genotoxic drug. A screening method is provided for identifying new genotoxic drugs that produce SSRP-recognized lesions in DNA. Methods also are provided for sensitizing particular eukaryotic cells to killing by chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cisplatin-type drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lippard, John M. Essigmann, Brian A. Donahue, Jeffrey H. Toney, Suzanne L. Bruhn, Pieter M. Pil, Steven J. Brown, Patti J. Kellett
  • Patent number: 6132776
    Abstract: Methods and compositions related to HIV are disclosed. Using the methods of the present invention, nucleoside analogs may be screened for the ability to be incorporated by reverse transcriptase of human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV RT") and cause incorrect base pairing. Progressive mutation of the virus by such nucleoside analogs renders it non-viable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Loeb, John M. Essigmann
  • Patent number: 5882941
    Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide heterobifunctional programmable genotoxic compounds that can be designed to kill selected cells present in a heterogenous cell population. The present compounds comprise a first agent that inflicts damage on cellular DNA, and a second agent that attracts a macromolecular cell component such as a protein, which in turn shields genomic lesions from repair. Unrepaired lesions therefore persist in the cellular genome and contribute to the death of selected cells. In contrast, lesions formed in nonselected cells, which lack the cell component, are unshielded and thus are repaired. As a result, compounds described herein are less toxic to nonselected cells. Compounds of this invention can be designed to cause the selective killing of transformed cells, viral-infected cells and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Massachusette Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Robert G. Croy, Zhenghuan Chen
  • Patent number: 5879917
    Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide heterobifunctional programmable genotoxic compounds that can be designed to kill selected cells present in a heterogenous cell population. The present compounds comprise a first agent that inflicts damage on cellular DNA, and a second agent that attracts a macromolecular cell component such as a protein, which in turn shields genomic lesions from repair. Unrepaired lesions therefore persist in the cellular genome and contribute to the death of selected cells. In contrast, lesions formed in nonselected cells, which lack the cell component, are unshielded and thus are repaired. As a result, compounds described herein are less toxic to nonselected cells. Compounds of this invention can be designed to cause the selective killing of transformed cells, viral-infected cells and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Essigmann, Robert G. Croy, Kevin J. Yarema, Marshall Morningstar
  • Patent number: 5705334
    Abstract: Methods disclosed herein capitalize on the ability of DNA Structure Specific Recognition Proteins (SSRPs) to bind to genomic lesions formed by chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cisplatin-type agents. Methods are provided for predicting whether an agent that damages DNA will also be cytotoxic, and for predicting whether particular eukaryotic cells will be susceptible to killing by a genotoxic drug. A screening method is provided for identifying new genotoxic drugs that produce SSRP-recognized lesions in DNA. Methods also are provided for sensitizing particular eukaryotic cells to killing by chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cisplatin-type drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lippard, John M. Essigmann, Brian Donahue, Jeffrey H. Toney, Suzanne L. Bruhn, Pieter M. Pil, Steven J. Brown, Patti J. Kellett
  • Patent number: 5670621
    Abstract: DNA structure specific recognition protein of eukaryotic origin and DNA encoding such a factor, as well as probes specific for DNA structure specific recognition protein or DNA encoding it and methods of detecting DNA structure specific recognition protein in eukaryotic cells. In particular, a mammalian cellular factor that selectively recognizes and binds DNA damaged or modified by a drug (the anticancer drug, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) or cisplatin) has been identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian A. Donahue, Jeffrey H. Toney, John M. Essigmann, Stephen J. Lippard, Pieter M. Pil, Suzanne L. Bruhn, Steven J. Brown, Patti J. Kellett
  • Patent number: 5512431
    Abstract: Methods and compositions related to HIV are disclosed. Using the methods of the present invention, nucleoside analogs may be screened for the ability to be incorporated by reverse transcriptase of human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV RT") and cause incorrect base pairing. Progressive mutation of the virus by such nucleoside analogs renders it non-viable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Darwin Molecular Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Loeb, John M. Essigmann