Patents by Inventor John N. Vournakis

John N. Vournakis 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: 20160030465
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine and/or a derivative thereof (“sNAG nanofibers”) and the use of such compositions in the treatment of various diseases, in particular, diseases associated with decreased tensile strength of tissue, decreased elasticity of tissue, increased collagen content or abnormal collagen content in tissue, abnormal alignment of collagen in tissue, and/or increased myofibroblast content in tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: MARINE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sergio Finkielsztein, John N. Vournakis
  • Publication number: 20150359853
    Abstract: In one aspect, described herein are cyclical administration regimens for the administration of complexes comprising interleukin-15 (“IL-15”) covalently or noncovalently bound to IL-15 receptor alpha (“IL-15Ra”) to patients in order to enhance IL-15-mediated immune function. In one aspect, these cyclical administration regimens achieve plasma levels of IL-15 above basal levels while minimizing the toxicity associated with IL-15 administration. In a specific aspect, the cyclical administration regimens are useful in the prevention, treatment, and/or management of disorders in which enhancing IL-15-mediated function is beneficial, such as cancer, infectious diseases, immunodeficiencies and lymphopenia. Also described herein are purified soluble forms of IL-15Ra, cells that recombinantly express soluble forms of IL-15Ra, and compositions comprising complexes of IL-15 covalently or non-covalently bound to soluble forms of IL-15Ra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Applicants: ADMUNE THERAPEUTICS LLC, THE USA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    Inventors: Barbara K. Felber, Sergio Finkielsztein, George N. Pavlakis, John N. Vournakis
  • Patent number: 9198928
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine and/or a derivative thereof (“sNAG nanofibers”) and anti-bacterial applications of such compositions. The sNAG nanofibers may be formulated into compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infections and diseases associated with such infections. Regimens employing such compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: MARINE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Patent number: 9139663
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to treat wounds. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that reduce the need for, and cost of, nursing care of patients with chronic wounds by reducing the frequency of wound dressing changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: MARINE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sergio Finkielsztein, John N. Vournakis
  • Patent number: 9139664
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to treat wounds. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that reduce the need for, and cost of, nursing care of patients with chronic wounds by reducing the frequency of wound dressing changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: MARINE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sergio Finkielsztein, John N. Vournakis
  • Publication number: 20150140045
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine and/or a derivative thereof (“sNAG nanofibers”) and anti-bacterial applications of such compositions. The sNAG nanofibers may be formulated into compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infections and diseases associated with such infections. Regimens employing such compositions are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Publication number: 20150118281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising semi-crystalline ?-1-4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers (p-GlcNac) and methods utilizing such polymers modulation of vascular structure and/or function. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for stimulating, in a p-GlcNac concentration-dependent manner, endothelin-1 release, vasoconstriction, and/or reduction in blood flow out of a breached vessel, as well as for contributing to or effecting cessation of bleeding. The methods of the present invention comprise topical administration of materials comprising semi-crystalline p-GlcNac polymers that are free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids as well as other organic and inorganic contaminants, and whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a ?-1-4 conformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Patent number: 8992453
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemodialysis, including methods and kits that can be employed to improve hemodialysis therapy. The present invention encompasses methods and kits useful for reducing vascular access complications associated with hemodialysis therapy and prolonging the period of time for which a vascular access site can be used in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Publication number: 20150024014
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine and/or a derivative thereof (“sNAG nanofibers”) and the use of such compositions in the treatment of various diseases, in particular, diseases associated with decreased tensile strength of tissue, decreased elasticity of tissue, increased collagen content or abnormal collagen content in tissue, abnormal alignment of collagen in tissue, and/or increased myofibroblast content in tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: MARINE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sergio Finkielsztein, John N. Vournakis
  • Publication number: 20140350449
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to achieve hemostasis at an increased rate. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that achieve a hemostatic effect at a distance from the site of application of the composition, and a method for administering such a composition to effectively reduce localized vascular complications associated with treating a breach or puncture in a vein or artery and reduce the time to achieve hemostasis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Patent number: 8871247
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to treat wounds. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that reduce the need for, and cost of, nursing care of patients with chronic wounds by reducing the frequency of wound dressing changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Finkielsztein, John N Vournakis
  • Patent number: 8858964
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine and/or a derivative thereof (“sNAG nanofibers”) and anti-bacterial applications of such compositions. The sNAG nanofibers may be formulated into compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infections and diseases associated with such infections. Regimens employing such compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Patent number: 8859528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising semi-crystalline ?-1-4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers (p-GlcNac) and methods utilizing such polymers modulation of vascular structure and/or function. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for stimulating, in a p-GlcNac concentration-dependent manner, endothelin-1 release, vasoconstriction, and/or reduction in blood flow out of a breached vessel, as well as for contributing to or effecting cessation of bleeding. The methods of the present invention comprise topical administration of materials comprising semi-crystalline p-GlcNac polymers that are free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids as well as other organic and inorganic contaminants, and whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a ?-1-4 conformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Patent number: 8834516
    Abstract: A vascular compression apparatus and method for applying pressure onto an area of a patient generally including a blood vessel and a wound site, such as a blood vessel puncture, after a cannulated procedure for the purpose of controlling bleeding and achieving hemostasis. The vascular compression apparatus includes a handle, a shaft and a pad. The shaft extends generally downward from the center of the bottom side of the handle. The pad is connected generally off-center of its top side to the bottom end of the shaft. The bottom side of the pad is convex to allow the vascular compression device to be rocked back and forth. In use, the pad is generally placed proximal to the catheter insertion site and over the blood vessel containing the catheter. The device is rocked proximally to control blood flow while removing the catheter. After the catheter is removed from the puncture site, the device is rocked distally to the puncture site, where pressure is applied until hemostasis is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Technologies
    Inventors: Sergio Finkielsztein, Marco Finkielsztein, John N. Vournakis
  • Patent number: 8835408
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to achieve hemostasis at an increased rate. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that achieve a hemostatic effect at a distance from the site of application of the composition, and a method for administering such a composition to effectively reduce localized vascular complications associated with treating a breach or puncture in a vein or artery and reduce the time to achieve hemostasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Patent number: 8802083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising complexes of human cells and polymer fibers and methods of their use for therapeutic purposes. Methods of making such compositions are also provided. The present invention encompasses compositions comprising poly-?-1?4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers and stored platelets and their use for promoting wound healing and achieving hemostasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Publication number: 20140127310
    Abstract: This application relates to compositions comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine and/or a derivative thereof (“sNAG nanofibers”) and the use of such compositions in the treatment of disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Publication number: 20130310776
    Abstract: This invention relates in general to a method and device for facilitating hemostasis and wound healing. In particular, the invention relates to the device comprising a polymeric material disposed on a scaffold that facilitates hemostasis and wound healing. Specifically, the invention contemplates the use of such scaffolds in conjunction with a negative pressure device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc., Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis P. Orgill, Giorgio Pietramaggiori, Sergio Finkielsztein, John N. Vournakis
  • Publication number: 20130288999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising semi-crystalline ?-1-4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers (p-GlcNac) and methods utilizing such polymers modulation of vascular structure and/or function. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for stimulating, in a p-GlcNac concentration-dependent manner, endothelin-1 release, vasoconstriction, and/or reduction in blood flow out of a breached vessel, as well as for contributing to or effecting cessation of bleeding. The methods of the present invention comprise topical administration of materials comprising semi-crystalline p-GlcNac polymers that are free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids as well as other organic and inorganic contaminants, and whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a ?-1-4 conformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Sergio Finkielsztein
  • Publication number: 20130287853
    Abstract: Provided herein are p-GlcNAc nanoparticle/nucleic acid compositions. In one aspect, the p-GlcNAc nanoparticle/nucleic acid compositions comprise deacetylated poly-N-acetylglucosamine lactate derivative nanoparticles less than 500 nm and a nucleic acid. Also, provided herein are methods for administering a nucleic acid to a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a p-GlcNAc nanoparticle/nucleic acid composition. In certain embodiments, the p-GlcNAc nanoparticle/nucleic acid composition is administered subcutaneously to the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MARINE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John N. Vournakis, Marina V. Demcheva