Patents by Inventor Michael Downes

Michael Downes 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: 20190211310
    Abstract: The invention features pancreatic islet and pancreatic organoids, and cell cultures and methods that are useful for the rapid and reliable generation of pancreatic islet and pancreatic islet organoids. The invention also features methods of treating pancreatic diseases and methods of identifying agents that are useful for treatment of pancreatic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer, using the pancreatic islet and pancreatic organoids of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Applicant: SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
    Inventors: RONALD EVANS, MICHAEL DOWNES, ANNETTE ATKINS, EIJI YOSHIHARA, RUTH YU
  • Publication number: 20190192630
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides FGF1 mutant proteins, such as those having an N-terminal deletion, point mutation(s), or combinations thereof, which can reduce blood glucose in a mammal. Such mutant FGF1 proteins can be part of a chimeric protein that includes a ?-Klotho-binding protein, an FGFR1c-binding protein, a ?-Klotho-binding protein and a FGFR1c-binding protein, a C-terminal region from FGF19 or FGF21. In some examples, mutant FGF1 proteins have reduced mitogenic activity. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules that encode such proteins, and vectors and cells that include such nucleic acids. Methods of using the disclosed molecules to reduce blood glucose levels are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Jae Myoung Suh, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Annette Atkins, Ruth T. Yu
  • Patent number: 10301268
    Abstract: Novel compounds having a formula embodiments of a method of making the same, and of a composition comprising them are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method of treating or preventing a metabolic disorder in a subject, comprising administering to a subject (e.g., via the gastrointestinal tract) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the disclosed compounds, thereby activating FXR receptors in the intestines, and treating or preventing a metabolic disorder in the subject. Additionally disclosed are embodiments of a method of treating or preventing inflammation in an intestinal region of a subject, comprising administering to the subject (e.g., via the gastrointestinal tract) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the disclosed compounds, thereby activating FXR receptors in the intestines, and thereby treating or preventing inflammation in the intestinal region of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignees: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, University of Sydney
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Annette Atkins, Sungsoon Fang, Jae Myoung Suh, Thomas J. Baiga, Ruth T. Yu, John F. W. Keana, Christopher Liddle
  • Publication number: 20190151416
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides FGF1 mutant proteins, which include an N-terminal deletion, point mutation(s), or combinations thereof. In some examples, the mutant FGF1 proteins have reduced mitogenic activity. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules that encode such proteins, and vectors and cells that include such nucleic acids. The disclosed FGF1 mutants can reduce blood glucose in a mammal, and in some examples are used to treat a metabolic disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Annette Atkins, Ruth T. Yu, Sihao Liu
  • Patent number: 10293027
    Abstract: The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and fatty liver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Johan W. Jonker, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Jae Myoung Suh
  • Patent number: 10238667
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions that include a nanoparticle and a compound that increases the biological activity of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) (e.g., a VDR agonist), and methods of using such compounds to increase retention or storage of vitamin A, vitamin D, and/or lipids by a cell, such as an epithelial or stellate cell. Such methods can be used to treat or prevent fibrosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Ning Ding, Michael Downes, Christopher Liddle, Ronald M. Evans, Nanthakumar Subramaniam
  • Publication number: 20190084939
    Abstract: Novel compounds having a formula embodiments of a method of making the same, and of a composition comprising them are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method of treating or preventing a metabolic disorder in a subject, comprising administering to a subject (e.g., via the gastrointestinal tract) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the disclosed compounds, thereby activating FXR receptors in the intestines, and treating or preventing a metabolic disorder in the subject. Additionally disclosed are embodiments of a method of treating or preventing inflammation in an intestinal region of a subject, comprising administering to the subject (e.g., via the gastrointestinal tract) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the disclosed compounds, thereby activating FXR receptors in the intestines, and thereby treating or preventing inflammation in the intestinal region of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicants: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Annette Atkins, Sungsoon Fang, Jae Myoung Suh, Thomas J. Baiga, Ruth T. Yu, John F.W. Keana, Christopher Liddle
  • Publication number: 20190084958
    Abstract: Provided herein are compounds I, II or III and compositions useful in increasing PPAR8 activity. The compounds and compositions provided herein are useful for the treatment of PPAR8 related diseases (e.g., muscular diseases, vascular disease, demyelinating disease, and metabolic diseases).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicants: Mitobridge, Inc., The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Arthur Kluge, Bharat Lagu, Masanori Miura, Sunil Kumar Panigrahi, Michael Patane, Susanta Samajdar, Ramesh Senaiar, Taisuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10188627
    Abstract: Provided herein are compounds of formula (I) useful for the treatment of PPAR-delta related diseases (e.g. mitochondrial diseases, muscular diseases, vascular diseases, demyelinating diseases and metabolic diseases).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignees: Mitobridge, Inc., Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Michael Downes, Ronald Evans, Arthur Kluge, Bharat Lagu, Masanori Miura, Sunil Kumar Panigrahi, Michael Patane, Susanta Samajdar, Ramesh Senaiar, Taisuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10159711
    Abstract: The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and fatty liver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Johan W. Jonker, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Jae Myoung Suh
  • Publication number: 20180325914
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions that include a nanoparticle and a compound that reduces the biological activity of one or more bromodomain and extra-terminal family member (BET) proteins (e.g., a bromodomain inhibitor), and methods of using such compounds to increase retention or storage of vitamin A, vitamin D, and/or lipids by a cell, such as an epithelial or stellate cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Mara Sherman, Ning Ding
  • Publication number: 20180319857
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides FGF2 mutant proteins, such as those having an N-terminal deletion, point mutation(s), or combinations thereof, which can reduce blood glucose in a mammal. Thus, the disclosed mutant FGF2 proteins can be used to treat one or more metabolic diseases. In some examples, mutant FGF2 proteins have reduced mitogenic activity. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules that encode such proteins, and vectors and cells that include such nucleic acids. Methods of using the disclosed molecules to reduce blood glucose levels, for example to treat a metabolic disorder are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Annette Atkins, Ruth T. Yu
  • Publication number: 20180305403
    Abstract: Provided herein are deuterated compounds and compositions useful in increasing PPAR? activity. The compounds have a formula where L5 comprises at least one deuterium. Exemplary species include The compounds and compositions provided herein are useful for the treatment of PPAR? related diseases (e.g., muscular diseases, vascular disease, demyelinating disease, and metabolic diseases).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes
  • Publication number: 20180267059
    Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods treating or preventing for age-related insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and related disorders. The method involves depleting fTreg cells with an anti-ST2 antibody to decrease age-related fTreg accumulation and restore insulin sensitivity, thereby treating age-related insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and related disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Applicant: SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
    Inventors: SAGAR P. BAPAT, YE ZHENG, RONALD EVANS, MICHAEL DOWNES, ANNETTE R. ATKINS, RUTH T. YU
  • Patent number: 10077268
    Abstract: Novel FXR agonists are disclosed, embodiments of a method of making the same, and of a composition comprising them are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method of treating or preventing a metabolic disorder in a subject, comprising administering to a subject (e.g., via the gastrointestinal tract) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the disclosed compounds, thereby activating FXR receptors in the intestines, and treating or preventing a metabolic disorder in the subject. Additionally disclosed are embodiments of a method of treating or preventing inflammation in an intestinal region of a subject, comprising administering to the subject (e.g., via the gastrointestinal tract) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the disclosed compounds, thereby activating FXR receptors in the intestines, and thereby treating or preventing inflammation in the intestinal region of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Thomas J. Baiga, John F.W. Keana, Christopher Liddle
  • Patent number: 10059359
    Abstract: The invention relates to a buggy comprising an upper sliding frame and a lower sliding frame to which the front wheels are attached. In the upright driving position of the buggy, viewed in the side view, the upper sliding frame and the lower sliding frame are approximately aligned with one another. There is also a rear frame to which the rear wheels are attached. In the driving position, the buggy, viewed from the side, is oriented at an angle to the sliding frames, and the buggy can be collapsed about joints from the driving position into a transport position. Joint units, to which the respective end of a strut of the upper sliding frame facing the joint units and the respective end of a strut of the rear frame facing the joint units, are attached so as to be pivotable about joint axes, which are parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Bumbleride Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Reichardt, Michael Downes, Chris Todter
  • Publication number: 20180228869
    Abstract: Methods of using FGF1 analogs, such as FGF1 mutant proteins having an N-terminal deletion, point mutation(s), or combinations thereof, to reduce blood glucose levels in subjects with steroid-induced diabetes, hypercortisolemia, or diabetes due to treatment with an antipsychotic agent, are provided. Such mutant FGF1 proteins can be part of a chimeric protein that includes a ?-Klotho-binding protein, an FGFR1-binding protein, a ?-Klotho-binding protein and a FGFR1-binding protein, a C-terminal region from FGF19 or FGF21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Annette Atkins, Ruth T. Yu
  • Patent number: 10035819
    Abstract: Provided herein are deuterated compounds and compositions useful in increasing PPAR? activity. The compounds have a formula where L5 comprises at least one deuterium. Exemplary species include The compounds and compositions provided herein are useful for the treatment of PPAR? related diseases (e.g., muscular diseases, vascular disease, demyelinating disease, and metabolic diseases).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes
  • Publication number: 20180207114
    Abstract: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a role in keeping an organism warm in response to a cold environment. In response to cold, transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator receptor alpha (PGC1?), mediate the adaptive changes in the expression of oxidative and thermogenic genes in BAT. However, even without cold, BAT exhibits high expression of these genes relative to white adipose tissue (WAT). It is shown herein that estrogen related receptor gamma (ERR?) is a critical factor that controls the expression of key metabolic genes in BAT under basal conditions. ERR? is highly expressed in BAT versus WAT, yet is not transcriptionally induced by cold, suggesting it plays an important role in innate basal BAT function rather than in the adaptive response to cold. Based on these observations, methods of increasing thermogenesis in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more agents that increase ERR? activity are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Annette Atkins, Ruth T. Yu, Maryam Ahmadian
  • Publication number: 20180200334
    Abstract: The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and fatty liver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Johan W. Jonker, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Jae Myoung Suh