Patents by Inventor Karen Lynne Houseknecht

Karen Lynne Houseknecht 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).

  • Novel melanocortin-4 receptor sequences and screening assays to identify compounds useful in regulating animal appetite and metabolic rate
    Publication number: 20030032791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acids encoding canine and feline melanocortin 4 receptors and their gene products. Furthermore, the present invention relates to screening assays to identify compounds that modulate the activity or expression of the melanocortin 4 receptors of the invention. In addition, the present invention relates to methods and therapeutic compositions for the treatment of appetite-related, metabolic and reproductive disorders related to inadequate food intake and energy metabolism, comprising administering to animals compounds that modulate the activity or expression of melanocortin receptors. In one aspect, the invention relates to methods and compositions that antagonize the activity or expression of melanocortin 4 receptors in order to enhance the appetite of diseased, stressed or injured companion animals, livestock or poultry comprising administering compounds that antagonize the activity or expression of the novel melanocortin 4 receptors of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Robertson Scott Alan, Mary Anne Hickman, Karen Lynne Houseknecht