Patents by Inventor Michael Downs

Michael Downs 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).

  • METHODS FOR TREATING METABOLIC DISORDERS USING FGF
    Publication number: 20160354440
    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: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Johan W. Jonker, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Jae Myoung Suh
  • INCREASING STORAGE OF VITAMIN A, VITAMIN D AND/OR LIPIDS
    Publication number: 20160331760
    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: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Mara Sherman, Ning Ding
  • Methods for treating metabolic disorders using FGF
    Patent number: 9446097
    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: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Johan W. Jonker, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Jae Myoung Suh
  • CHIMERIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR (FGF) 2/FGF1 PEPTIDES AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20160237133
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides chimeric proteins having an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, wherein the N-terminus comprises an N-terminal portion of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 and the C-terminus comprises a portion of an FGF1 protein. Such FGF2/FGF1 chimeras can further include a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 1c-binding protein, a ?-Klotho-binding protein, or both. 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: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Jae Myoung Suh, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Annette Atkins
  • CHIMERIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR (FGF) 2/FGF1 PEPTIDES AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20160206695
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides chimeric proteins having an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, wherein the N-terminus comprises an N-terminal portion of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 and the C-terminus comprises a portion of an FGF1 protein, wherein the chimeric protein comprises at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13. 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: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Jae Myoung Suh, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Annette Atkins, Senyon Choe, Witek Kwiatkowski
  • VITAMIN D RECEPTOR/SMAD GENOMIC CIRCUIT GATES FIBROTIC RESPONSE
    Publication number: 20160106762
    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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicants: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Ning Ding, Michael Downes, Christopher Liddle, Ronald M. Evans
  • METHODS OF TREATING MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
    Publication number: 20160101086
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of improving muscular health, such as enhancing muscle regeneration, maintenance, or repair. In some examples, the method includes administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent capable of increasing activity or expression of estrogen receptor-related gamma (ERR?), related receptors ERR? or ?, or ERR-regulated metabolic and angiogenic genes, thereby enhancing muscle regeneration, maintenance, or repair. In some examples, the methods are utilized to treat a subject with one or more signs or symptoms of muscular dystrophy, such as, but not limited to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In some examples, the disclosed methods further include selecting a subject in need of enhancing muscle regeneration, maintenance, or repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Michael Downes, Ruth T. Yu, Vihang A. Narkar, Ronald M. Evans
  • VITAMIN D RECEPTOR AGONISTS TO TREAT DISEASES INVOLVING CXCL12 ACTIVITY
    Publication number: 20160089385
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating and preventing pancreatitis, such as pancreatitis induced by glucagon-like peptide (GLP) agonists (such as GLP-1 agonists, for example Byetta®), by administration of a vitamin D receptor agonist (such as vitamin D, vitamin D analogs, vitamin D precursors, and vitamin D receptor agonists precursors). In some examples the subject has diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Mara Sherman, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans
  • PPAR AGONISTS
    Publication number: 20160023991
    Abstract: Provided herein are compounds and compositions useful in increasing PPAR? activity. 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: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicants: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Mitobridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Thomas J. Baiga, Joseph P. Noel, Emi Kanakubo Embler, Weiwei Fan, John F.W. Keana, Mark G. Bock, Arthur F. Kluge, Mike A. Patane
  • METHODS FOR TREATING METABOLIC DISORDERS USING FGF
    Publication number: 20150343022
    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: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Johan W. Jonker, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Jae Myoung Suh
  • Methods for enhancing muscle performance and tone
    Patent number: 9192601
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for improving muscle performance and increasing endurance. Agonists of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR?) can be used in such treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Vihang A. Narkar, Reuben J. Shaw, Michael Downes, Ruth T. Yu
  • ELECTRONIC DEVICE CADDY
    Publication number: 20150282343
    Abstract: An electronic device caddy includes a first tray portion with at least two spaced lengthwise channels and an end cage and a second tray portion also including an end cage and at least two lengthwise rails slideable in the spaced channels of the first tray portion to load and accommodate different size electronic devices between the end cages. A locking mechanism releaseably locks at least one rail in its channel. A mounting bracket is attached rearward of one tray portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Delta Cycle Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Downes, Errol Drew
  • METHODS OF USING FEXARAMINE AND AGENTS THAT INCREASE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITY TO PROMOTE BROWNING OF WHITE ADIPOSE TISSUE
    Publication number: 20150258052
    Abstract: Provided are methods of promoting browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in a subject. Such methods can include administering to a subject (e.g., via the gastrointestinal tract) a therapeutically effective amount of fexaramine in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that mimics or increases sympathetic nervous system activity (e.g., one or more beta-adrenergic agonists and/or compounds that increase epinephrine secretion).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicants: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Annette Atkins, Sungsoon Fang, Jae Myoung Suh, Ruth T. Yu, Alan R. Saltiel
  • Methods for treating metabolic disorders using FGF
    Patent number: 9072708
    Abstract: The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and fatty liver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Johan W. Jonker, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Jae Myoung Suh
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COORDINATING THE DELIVERY OF HIGH-QUALITY HEALTH CARE OVER AN INFORMATION NETWORK
    Publication number: 20150142471
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for managing healthcare information systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for coordinating the delivery of high-quality health care and medical services over an information network. In one embodiment, a processing server is configured to electronically receive a patient's health information over a data network from one or more patient systems. The processing server also includes a computer program product having a computer-usable medium including a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process that coordinates the delivery of transferrable patient health information and provides preoperative testing recommendations based on a single acquisition of electronic patient health information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: David Bergman, Manoj Kulkarni, Reid Wilburn, Lynnus Peng, Michael Downing
  • MODULATION OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR-RELATED RECEPTOR GAMMA (ERR GAMMA) AND USES THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20150119315
    Abstract: This application provides methods of increasing vascularization, muscle performance, muscle rehabilitation, and/or mitochondrial activity in subjects in need thereof, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more agents that increases ERR? activity to the subject. Such agents can include one or more ERR? agonists. In some examples the method does not require that the subject exercise, and as such, the subject may be sedentary (such as bedridden or in a wheelchair).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Vihang A. Narkar, Michael Downes, Ruth T. Yu, Ronald M. Evans
  • MUTATED FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR (FGF) 1 AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20150111821
    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: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jae Myoung Suh, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Annette Atkins, Ruth T. Yu
  • Fibroblast growth factor 1 protein fragments and methods of use
    Patent number: 8999929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric protein that includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes a portion of a paracrine fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion of an FGF19 molecule. The portion of the paracrine FGF is modified to decrease binding affinity for heparin and/or heparan sulfate compared to the portion without the modification. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including chimeric proteins according to the present invention, methods for treating a subject suffering from diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, and methods of screening for compounds with enhanced binding affinity for the ?Klotho-FGF receptor complex involving the use of chimeric proteins of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, New York University
    Inventors: Moosa Mohammadi, Regina M. Goetz, Ronald M. Evans, Michael Downes, Jae Myoung Suh
  • Modulation of estrogen receptor-related receptor gamma (ERR?) and uses therefor
    Patent number: 8962546
    Abstract: This application provides methods of increasing vascularization, muscle performance, muscle rehabilitation, and/or mitochondrial activity in subjects in need thereof, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more agents that increases ERR? activity to the subject. Such agents can include one or more ERR? agonists. In some examples the method does not require that the subject exercise, and as such, the subject may be sedentary (such as bedridden or in a wheelchair).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Vihang A. Narkar, Michael Downes, Ruth T. Yu, Ronald M. Evans
  • Methods for treating metabolic disorders using FGF
    Patent number: 8906854
    Abstract: The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and fatty liver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    Inventors: Johan W. Jonker, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans, Jae Myoung Suh