Patents by Inventor John McWhirter

John McWhirter 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: 10219494
    Abstract: Non-human animals, cells, methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the non-human animals and cells comprise a humanized B-cell activating factor gene. Non-human animals and cells that express a human or humanized B-cell activating factor protein from an endogenous B-cell activating factor locus are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20190040123
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse is incapable of rearranging and expressing an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin light chain variable sequence, wherein the mouse expresses only one or two human light chain variable domains encoded by human immunoglobulin sequences operably linked to the mouse kappa (?) constant gene at the endogenous mouse ? locus, wherein the mouse expresses a reverse chimeric antibody having a light chain variable domain derived from one of only two human light chain variable region gene segments and a mouse ? constant domain, and a human heavy chain variable domain and a mouse heavy chain constant domain, from an endogenous mouse heavy chain locus. Bispecific epitope-binding proteins that are fully human are provided, comprising two different heavy chains that associate with an identical light chain that comprises a variable domain derived from one of two different human light chain variable region gene segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, David R. Buckler, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20190037816
    Abstract: Non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using them are provided, wherein said non-human animals have a genome comprising an engineered or recombinant diversity cluster within an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, which engineered or recombinant diversity cluster comprises an insertion of one or more coding sequences of a non-immunoglobulin polypeptide of interest. Non-human animals described herein express antibodies characterized by complementary determining regions (CDRs), in particular, CDR3s having diversity that directs binding to particular antigens. Methods for producing antibodies from non-human animals are also provided, which antibodies contain human variable regions and mouse constant regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, John McWhirter, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20190029237
    Abstract: A genetically modified non-human animal is provided, wherein the non-human animal expresses an antibody repertoire capable of pH dependent binding to antigens upon immunization. A genetically modified non-human animal is provided that expresses human immunoglobulin light chain variable domains derived from a limited repertoire of human immunoglobulin light chain variable gene segments that comprise histidine modifications in their germline sequence. Methods of making non-human animals that express antibodies comprising histidine residues encoded by histidine codons introduced into immunoglobulin light chain nucleotide sequences are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20190021295
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse expresses an immunoglobulin light chain repertoire characterized by a limited number of light chain variable domains. Mice are provided that express just one or a few immunoglobulin light chain variable domains from a limited repertoire in their germline. Methods for making bispecific antibodies having universal light chains using mice as described herein, including human light chain variable regions, are provided. Methods for making human variable regions suitable for use in multispecific binding proteins, e.g., bispecific antibodies, and host cells are provided. Bispecific antibodies capable of binding first and second antigens are provided, wherein the first and second antigens are separate epitopes of a single protein or separate epitopes on two different proteins are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Babb, John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, Samuel Davis, David R. Buckler, Karolina A. Meagher, Andrew J. Murphy, Natasha Levenkova
  • Patent number: 10167344
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse expresses an immunoglobulin light chain repertoire characterized by a limited number of light chain variable domains. Mice are provided that present a choice of two human light chain variable gene segments such that the immunoglobulin light chains expresses by the mouse comprise one of the two human light chain variable gene segments. Methods for making bispecific antibodies having universal light chains using mice as described herein, including human light chain variable regions, are provided. Methods for making human variable regions suitable for use in multispecific binding proteins, e.g., bispecific antibodies, and host cells are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10143186
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse is incapable of rearranging and expressing an endogenous mouse immunoglobulin light chain variable sequence, wherein the mouse expresses only one or two human light chain variable domains encoded by human immunoglobulin sequences operably linked to the mouse kappa (?) constant gene at the endogenous mouse ? locus, wherein the mouse expresses a reverse chimeric antibody having a light chain variable domain derived from one of only two human light chain variable region gene segments and a mouse ? constant domain, and a human heavy chain variable domain and a mouse heavy chain constant domain, from an endogenous mouse heavy chain locus. Bispecific epitope-binding proteins that are fully human are provided, comprising two different heavy chains that associate with an identical light chain that comprises a variable domain derived from one of two different human light chain variable region gene segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, David R. Buckler, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10130081
    Abstract: Mice, tissues, cells, and genetic material are provided that comprise a humanized heavy chain immunoglobulin locus, a humanized light chain locus that expresses a universal light chain, and a gene encoding an ADAM6 or ortholog or homolog or functional fragment thereof. Mice are provided that express humanized heavy chains comprising human variable domains, and that express humanized light chains comprising human variable domains wherein the light chains are derived from no more than one, or no more than two, light chain V and J or rearranged V/J sequences. Fertile male mice that express antibodies with universal light chains and humanized heavy chains are provided. Methods and compositions for making bispecific binding proteins are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn MacDonald, Sean Stevens, Andrew J. Murphy, Margaret Karow
  • Publication number: 20180298082
    Abstract: Non-human animals with humanized immunoglobulin loci and methods of using them in vaccine design are described, as well as methods for making broadly neutralizing antibodies against infectious agents and pathogens are provided. Non-human animals with humanized immunoglobulin loci used in B-cell-lineage immunogen design in vaccine development are provided, as are methods of carrying out such design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Barton Haynes, Garnett Kelsoe, Israel Lowy, Aris I. Baras, Lynn MacDonald, John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Karolina A. Meagher, Andrew J. Murphy, George D. Yancopoulos
  • Publication number: 20180288986
    Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human MHC I polypeptide and/or human or humanized ?2 microglobulin polypeptide, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy, Cagan Gurer, John McWhirter, Vera Voronina, Faith Harris, Sean Stevens, Yingzi Xue
  • Publication number: 20180271070
    Abstract: Non-human animals, cells, methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the non-human animals and cells comprise a humanized a proliferation-inducing ligand gene. Non-human animals and cells that express a human or humanized a proliferation-inducing ligand protein from an endogenous a proliferation-inducing ligand locus are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20180263813
    Abstract: A patient interface device for use with a laser surgery apparatus, the device including an upper assembly and a lower assembly attached to the upper assembly. The device including a spherical-like object that engages the lower assembly so that an enclosed volume is defined between the spherical-like object, the lower assembly and the upper assembly, wherein a first liquid substantially fills the enclosed volume. The device further including a channel that contains a second fluid that is exposed to ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Applicant: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Valaski Teuma, John McWhirter, Richard Ty Olmstead
  • Patent number: 10045516
    Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human MHC I polypeptide and/or human or humanized ?2 microglobulin polypeptide, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy, Cagan Gurer, John McWhirter, Vera Voronina, Faith Harris, Sean Stevens, Yingzi Xue
  • Patent number: 9968485
    Abstract: A patient interface device for use with a laser surgery apparatus, the device including an upper assembly and a lower assembly attached to the upper assembly. The device including a spherical-like object that engages the lower assembly so that an enclosed volume is defined between the spherical-like object, the lower assembly and the upper assembly, wherein a first liquid substantially fills the enclosed volume. The device further including a channel that contains a second fluid that is exposed to ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, E. Valaski Teuma, Richard Ty Olmstead
  • Patent number: 9969814
    Abstract: A genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse expresses an immunoglobulin light chain repertoire characterized by a limited number of light chain variable domains. Mice are provided that express just one or a few immunoglobulin light chain variable domains from a limited repertoire in their germline. Methods for making bispecific antibodies having universal light chains using mice as described herein, including human light chain variable regions, are provided. Methods for making human variable regions suitable for use in multispecific binding proteins, e.g., bispecific antibodies, and host cells are provided. Bispecific antibodies capable of binding first and second antigens are provided, wherein the first and second antigens are separate epitopes of a single protein or separate epitopes on two different proteins are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Lynn MacDonald, Sean Stevens, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20180125043
    Abstract: Non-human animals (and/or non-human cells) and methods of using and making the same are provided, which non-human animals (and/or non-human cells) have a genome comprising human antibody-encoding sequences (i.e., immunoglobulin genes). Non-human animals described herein express antibodies that contain human Ig? light chains, in whole or in part. In particular, non-human animals provided herein are, in some embodiments, characterized by expression of antibodies that contain human Ig? light chains, in whole or in part, that are encoded by human Ig? light chain-encoding sequences inserted into an endogenous Ig? light chain locus of said non-human animals. Methods for producing antibodies from non-human animals are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Chunguang Guo, Faith Harris, Vera Voronina, John McWhirter, Natasha Levenkova, Lynn Macdonald, Naxin Tu, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9963501
    Abstract: Non-human animals with humanized immunoglobulin loci and methods of using them in vaccine design are described, as well as methods for making broadly neutralizing antibodies against infectious agents and pathogens are provided. Non-human animals with humanized immunoglobulin loci used in B-cell-lineage immunogen design in vaccine development are provided, as are methods of carrying out such design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Barton Haynes, Garnett Kelsoe, Israel Lowy, Aris I. Baras, Lynn MacDonald, John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Karolina A. Meagher, Andrew J. Murphy, George D. Yancopoulos
  • Patent number: 9930871
    Abstract: Non-human animals, e.g., mammals, e.g., mice or rats, are provided comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus that comprises a rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence. The rearranged human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence may be operably linked to a heavy or light chain constant region nucleic acid sequence. Also described are genetically modified non-human animals comprising an immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising one or more but less than the wild type number of human immunoglobulin light chain variable region gene segments, which may be operably linked to a light chain constant region nucleic acid sequence. Also provided are methods for obtaining nucleic acid sequences that encode immunoglobulin light chain variable domains capable of binding an antigen in the absence of a heavy chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Karolina A. Meagher, Lynn Macdonald, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9932398
    Abstract: Mice having a restricted immunoglobulin heavy chain locus are provided, wherein the locus is characterized by a single polymorphic human VH gene segment, a plurality of human DH gene segments and a plurality of JH gene segments. Methods for making antibody sequences that bind an antigen (e.g., a viral antigen) are provided, comprising immunizing a mouse with an antigen of interest, wherein the mouse comprises a single human VH gene segment, a plurality of human DH gene segments and a plurality of JH gene segments, at the endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, John McWhirter, Cagan Gurer, Karolina A. Meagher, Andrew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20180002708
    Abstract: Methods are provided herein for assembling at least two nucleic acids using a sequence specific nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) to create end sequences having complementarity and subsequently assembling the overlapping complementary sequences. The nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) can create double strand breaks in dsDNA in order to create overlapping end sequences or can create nicks on each strand to produce complementary overhanging end sequences. Assembly using the method described herein can assemble any nucleic acids having overlapping sequences or can use a joiner oligo to assemble sequences without complementary ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Schoenherr, John McWhirter, Corey Momont, Caitlin Montagna, Lynn Macdonald, Gregg S. Warshaw, Jose F. Rojas, Ka-Man Venus Lai, David M. Valenzuela, Andrew J. Murphy