Patents by Inventor Nicos Nicola

Nicos Nicola 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: 8221755
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to antibodies that bind to the Interleukin-13 receptor.alpha.1 chain (IL-13R.alpha.1) and antagonize IL-13 receptor-mediated signaling by IL-13 and/or IL-4. More particularly, the present invention provides humanized or human antibodies to mammalian and in particular IL-13R.alpha.1. These antibodies have uses in the treatment or prevention of IL-13- and/or IL-4-mediated diseases or conditions. The present invention further contemplates a method of modulating IL-13- and/or IL-4-mediated diseases or conditions by the administration of the subject antibodies. The present invention further provides an assay system useful for identifying antibodies or other agents which modulate IL-13 and/or IL-4 signaling through an IL-13 receptor complex. Accordingly, a method of screening for modulators of IL-13R.alpha.1/ligand interaction is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Zenyth Operations Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Felicity Meredith Dunlop, Manuel Baca, Andrew Donald Nash, Louis Jerry Fabri, Douglas James Hilton, Nicos A. Nicola
  • Publication number: 20110020363
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to antibodies that bind to the Interleukin-13 receptor.alpha.1 chain (IL-13R.alpha.1) and antagonize IL-13 receptor-mediated signaling by IL-13 and/or IL-4. More particularly, the present invention provides humanized or human antibodies to mammalian and in particular IL-13R.alpha.1. These antibodies have uses in the treatment or prevention of IL-13- and/or IL-4-mediated diseases or conditions. The present invention further contemplates a method of modulating IL-13- and/or IL-4-mediated diseases or conditions by the administration of the subject antibodies. The present invention further provides an assay system useful for identifying antibodies or other agents which modulate IL-13 and/or IL-4 signaling through an IL-13 receptor complex. Accordingly, a method of screening for modulators of IL-13R.alpha.1/ligand interaction is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ZENYTH OPERATIONS PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Felicity Meredith DUNLOP, Manuel BACA, Andrew Donald NASH, Louis Jerry FABRI, Douglas James HILTON, Nicos A. NICOLA
  • Patent number: 7785590
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to antibodies that bind to the Interleukin-13 receptor ?1 chain (IL-13R?1) and antagonize IL-13 receptor-mediated signaling by IL-13 and/or IL-4. More particularly, the present invention provides humanized or human antibodies to mammalian and in particular IL-13R?1. These antibodies have uses in the treatment or prevention of IL-13- and/or IL-4-mediated diseases or conditions. The present invention further contemplates a method of modulating IL-13- and/or IL-4-mediated diseases or conditions by the administration of the subject antibodies. The present invention further provides an assay system useful for identifying antibodies or other agents which modulate IL-13 and/or IL-4 signaling through an IL-13 receptor complex. Accordingly, a method of screening for modulators of IL-13R?1/ligand interaction is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Zenyth Operations Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Felicity Meredith Dunlop, Manuel Baca, Andrew Donald Nash, Louis Jerry Fabri, Douglas James Hilton, Nicos A Nicola
  • Publication number: 20080274973
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel haemopoietin receptor or components or parts thereof and to genetic sequences encoding same. The receptor molecules and their components and/or parts and the genetic sequences encoding same of the present invention are useful in the development of a wide range of agonists, antagonists, therapeutics and diagnostic reagents based on ligand interaction with its receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Tracy Willson, Nicos A. Nicola, Douglas J. Hilton, Donald Metcalf, Jian Guo Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080166730
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hilton, Warren S. Alexander, Elizabeth M. Viney, Tracy A. Willson, Rachael T. Richardson, Robyn Starr, Sandra E. Nicholson, Donald Metcalf, Nicos A. Nicola
  • Publication number: 20080057517
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for regulating cytokine signalling and agents useful for same. The method of the present invention is predicated in part on the identification of the molecular target of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) interaction in controlling cytokine signalling. The identification of the molecular target permits the development of assays to screen for a range of agonists and antagonists useful in modulating cytokine function. The present invention further provides, therefore, screening assays and more particularly high through-put screening assays for agonists and antagonists of SOCS-receptor interaction. Such agonists and antagonists are useful in the manufacture of medicaments for controlling cytokine signalling. Control of cytokine signalling is important for the treatment of a range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological disorders and any other conditions involving aberrations of signal transduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: The Walter and Eliza Institute of Medical Research
    Inventors: Sandra Nicholson, Manuel Baca, Nicos Nicola, Douglas Hilton, Jian Zhang, Louis Fabri, Andrew Nash
  • Publication number: 20070275916
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compounds which modulate cytokine-dependent processes. More particularly, the compounds of the present invention modulate responses to a colony stimulating factor and even more particularly to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) by modulating the levels of molecules which inhibit G-CSF such as but not limited to a suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) and in particular SOCS-3. The present invention further contemplates methods for regulating G-CSF-dependent processes by contacting cells in vitro with or administering to a subject a compound which up- or down-regulates the level of activity of G-CSF by modulating the level or activity of a SOCS molecule such as SOCS-3. The instant compounds are further useful for modulating a range of G-CSF-induced cellular responses including neutrophil recovery after chemotherapy or radiotherapy, mobilizing stem and progenitor cells, treating infection and treating inflammatory conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Ben Croker, Andrew Roberts, Don Metcalf, Warren Alexander, Doug Hilton, Nicos Nicola
  • Patent number: 7279557
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hilton, Warren S. Alexander, Elizabeth M. Viney, Tracy A. Willson, Rachael T. Richardson, Robyn Starr, Sandra E. Nicholson, Donald Metcalf, Nicos A. Nicola
  • Patent number: 7256007
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for regulating cytokine signaling and agents useful for same. The method of the present invention is predicated in part on the identification of the molecular target of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) interaction in controlling cytokine signaling. The identification of the molecular target permits the development of assays to screen for a range of agonists and antagonists useful in modulating cytokine function. The present invention further provides, therefore, screening assays and more particularly high through-put screening assays for agonists and antagonists of SOCS-receptor interaction. Such agonists and antagonists are useful in the manufacture of medicaments for controlling cytokine signaling. Control of cytokine signaling is important for the treatment of a range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological disorders and any other conditions involving aberrations of signal transduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
    Inventors: Sandra Elaine Nicholson, Manuel Baca, Nicos A. Nicola, Douglas Hilton, Jian Guo Zhang, Louis Fabri, Andrew Nash
  • Publication number: 20070179089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a PEST motif in Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) proteins, the deletion/inactivation of which has been found to increase the stability of the protein whilst maintaining at least one biological activity of the protein. Such SOCS proteins with deleted/inactivated PEST motifs can be used in gene and protein therapy procedures to provide a more stable SOCS protein when compared to the native protein. The present invention also relates to the characterization of the structure of SOCS proteins, and methods of using this structural information to identify compounds which modulate the activity of SOCS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Raymond Norton, Jeffrey Babon, Sandra Nicholson, Nicos Nicola, Edward McManus, Manuel Baca, Shenggen Yao
  • Patent number: 7220828
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel haemopoietin receptor or derivatives thereof and to genetic sequences encoding same. Interaction between the novel receptor of the present invention and a cytokine ligand facilitates proliferation, differentiation and survival of a wide variety of cells. The novel receptor and its derivatives and the genetic sequences encoding same of the present invention are useful in the development of a wide range of agonists, antagonists, therapeutics and diagnostic reagents based on ligand interaction with its receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Zenyth Operations Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Tracy Willson, Nicos A. Nicola, Douglas J. Hilton, Jian-Guo Zhang, Alison Farley, Warren Alexander, Steven Rakar, Yasufumi Kikuchi, Tetsuo Kojima, Masatsugu Maeda, Louis Fabri, Andrew Nash
  • Publication number: 20060294608
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel haemopoietin receptor or derivatives thereof and to genetic sequences encoding same. Interaction between the novel receptor of the present invention and a cytokine ligand facilitates proliferation, differentiation and survival of a wide variety of cells. The novel receptor and its derivatives and the genetic sequences encoding same of the present invention are useful in the development of a wide range of agonists, antagonists, therapeutics and diagnostic reagents based on ligand interaction with its receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Zenyth Operations Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Douglas Hilton, Nicos Nicola, Alison Farley, Tracy Willson, Jian-Guo Zhang, Warren Alexander, Steven Rakar, Louis Fabri, Tetsuo Kojima, Masatsugu Maeda, Yasufumi Kikuchi, Andrew Nash
  • Publication number: 20060242718
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to amino acid sequences obtainable from SOCS proteins and which are capable of interacting with intracellular molecules. The present invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding said amino acid sequences. The amino acid sequences and the nucleic acid molecules encoding same of the present invention are useful in modulating degradation of proteinaceous molecules such as but not limited to SOCS proteins and proteinaceous molecules associate therewith. The present invention provides a mechanism for modulating cytokine or cytokine-like molecule signaling by modulating the degradation of activated signal transduction molecules or their negative regulators, i.e. the SOCS proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Tracy Willson, Richard Simpson, Alison Farley, Sandra Nicholson, Jian Zhang, Manuel Baca, Nicos Nicola, Douglas Hilton, Warren Alexander, Donald Metcalf
  • Patent number: 7078174
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to amino acid sequences obtainable from SOCS proteins and which are capable of interacting with intracellular molecules. The present invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding said amino acid sequences. The amino acid sequences and the nucleic acid molecules encoding same of the present invention are useful in modulating degradation of proteinaceous molecules such as but not limited to SOCS proteins and proteinaceous molecules associated therewith. The present invention provides a mechanism for modulating cytokine or cytokine-like molecule signalling by modulating the degradation of activated signal transduction molecules or their negative regulators, i.e. the SOCS proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
    Inventors: Tracy Ann Willson, Richard John Simpson, Alison Mary Farley, Sandra Elaine Nicholson, Jian-Guo Zhang, Manuel Baca, Nicos A. Nicola, Douglas J. Hilton, Warren Scott Alexander, Donald Metcalf
  • Patent number: 7049418
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hilton, Warren S. Alexander, Elizabeth M. Viney, Tracy A. Willson, Rachael T. Richardson, Robyn Starr, Sandra E. Nicholson, Donald Metcalf, Nicos A. Nicola
  • Publication number: 20060003377
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
    Inventors: Douglas Hilton, Warren Alexander, Elizabeth Viney, Tracy Willson, Rachael Richardson, Robyn Starr, Sandra Nicholson, Donald Metcalf, Nicos Nicola
  • Publication number: 20050208521
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Douglas Hilton, Warren Alexander, Elizabeth Viney, Tracy Willson, Rachael Richardson, Robyn Starr, Sandra Nicholson, Donald Metcalf, Nicos Nicola
  • Patent number: 6911530
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel haemopoietin receptor or components or part thereof and to genetic sequences encoding same. The receptor molecules and their components and/or parts and the genetic sequences encoding same of the present invention are useful in the development of a wide range of agonists, antagonists, therapeutics and diagnostic reagents based on ligand interaction with its receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Amrad Operations, Pty., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tracy Willson, Nicos A. Nicola, Douglas J. Hilton, Donald Metcalf, Jian Guo Zhang
  • Patent number: 6905842
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hilton, Warren S. Alexander, Elizabeth M. Viney, Tracy A. Willson, Rachael T. Richardson, Robyn Starr, Sandra E. Nicholson, Donald Metcalf, Nicos A. Nicola
  • Patent number: 6870031
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel haemopoietin receptor or a derivative thereof and to genetic sequences encoding same. The receptor molecule and its derivatives and the genetic sequences encoding same of the present invention are useful in the development of a wide range of agonists, antagonists, therapeutics and diagnostic reagents based on ligand interaction with its receptor. The present invention particularly relates to a receptor for leptin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Amrad Operations Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas James Hilton, Tracy Willson, Timothy Gainsford, Warren S Alexander, Donald Metcalf, Ashley Ng, Nicos A Nicola