Patents by Inventor Pieter Cullis

Pieter Cullis 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: 11980673
    Abstract: Lipid-based vesicles, typically herein called transfection competent vesicles (TCVs), configured to safely and efficiently deliver DNA, RNA, other nucleic acid and protein cargoes into target cells. The safety and efficiency are each, and both, achieved in part by eliminating organic solvents such as ethanol and detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate from the TCV loading processes (i.e., inserting a cargo into the TCV), TCV storage processes, and/or TCV delivery processes. The cargoes can also comprise nucleic acids complexed with a protein, such as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). The systems, compositions, devices and methods, etc., herein, in some embodiments, can provide empty TCVs that can if desired be loaded at the bench without use of specialized equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Blair Leavitt, Pieter Cullis, Terri Petkau, Austin Hill, Pamela Wagner, Jayesh Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 11865190
    Abstract: Lipid-based vesicles, typically herein called transfection competent vesicles (TCVs), configured to safely and efficiently deliver DNA, RNA, other nucleic acid and protein cargoes into target cells. The safety and efficiency are each, and both, achieved in part by eliminating organic solvents such as ethanol and detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate from the TCV loading processes (i.e., inserting a cargo into the TCV), TCV storage processes, and/or TCV delivery processes. The cargoes can also comprise nucleic acids complexed with a protein, such as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). The systems, compositions, devices and methods, etc., herein, in some embodiments, can provide empty TCVs that can if desired be loaded at the bench without use of specialized equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventors: Blair Leavitt, Pieter Cullis, Terri Petkau, Austin Hill, Pamela Wagner, Jayesh Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20230073819
    Abstract: Lipid-based vesicles, typically herein called transfection competent vesicles (TCVs), configured to safely and efficiently deliver DNA, RNA, other nucleic acid and protein cargoes into target cells. The safety and efficiency are each, and both, achieved in part by eliminating organic solvents such as ethanol and detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate from the TCV loading processes (i.e., inserting a cargo into the TCV), TCV storage processes, and/or TCV delivery processes. The cargoes can also comprise nucleic acids complexed with a protein, such as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). The systems, compositions, devices and methods, etc., herein, in some embodiments, can provide empty TCVs that can if desired be loaded at the bench without use of specialized equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Blair Leavitt, Pieter Cullis, Terri Petkau, Austin Hill, Pamela Wagner, Jayesh Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20220118112
    Abstract: Lipid-based vesicles, typically herein called transfection competent vesicles (TCVs), configured to safely and efficiently deliver DNA, RNA, other nucleic acid and protein cargoes into target cells. The safety and efficiency are each, and both, achieved in part by eliminating organic solvents such as ethanol and detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate from the TCV loading processes (i.e., inserting a cargo into the TCV), TCV storage processes, and/or TCV delivery processes. The cargoes can also comprise nucleic acids complexed with a protein, such as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). The systems, compositions, devices and methods, etc., herein, in some embodiments, can provide empty TCVs that can if desired be loaded at the bench without use of specialized equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Blair Leavitt, Pieter Cullis, Terri Petkau, Austin Hill, Pamela Wagner, Jayesh Kulkami
  • Publication number: 20180221279
    Abstract: Drag derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drag derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drag through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drag to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drag derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Patent number: 9968554
    Abstract: Drag derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drag derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drag through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drag to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drag derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Patent number: 8790691
    Abstract: Drag derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drag derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drag through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drag to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drag derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Patent number: 8568772
    Abstract: Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Mauer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Patent number: 8545876
    Abstract: Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Patent number: 8545877
    Abstract: Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Publication number: 20130236534
    Abstract: Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Publication number: 20130230583
    Abstract: Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Publication number: 20130230582
    Abstract: Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Patent number: 8324410
    Abstract: Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Publication number: 20120237591
    Abstract: Drug derivatives are provided herein which are suitable for loading into liposomal nanoparticle carriers. In some preferred aspects, the derivatives comprise a poorly water-soluble drug derivatized with a weak-base moiety that facilitates active loading of the drug through a LN transmembrane pH or ion gradient into the aqueous interior of the LN. The weak-base moiety can optionally comprise a lipophilic domain that facilitates active loading of the drug to the inner monolayer of the liposomal membrane. Advantageously, LN formulations of the drug derivatives exhibit improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced efficacy, and/or other benefits relative to the corresponding free drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Pieter Cullis, Marcel Bally, Marco Ciufolini, Norbert Maurer, Igor Jigaltsev
  • Publication number: 20120114831
    Abstract: Methods for the preparation of a lipid-nucleic acid composition are provided. According to the methods, a mixture of lipids containing a protonatable or deprotonatable lipid, for example an amino lipid and a lipid such as a PEG- or Polyamide oligomer-modified lipid is combined with a buffered aqueous solution of a charged therapeutic agent, for example polyanionic nucleic acids, to produce particles in which the therapeutic agent is encapsulated in a lipid vesicle. Surface charges on the lipid particles are at least partially neutralized to provide surface-neutralized lipid-encapsulated compositions of the therapeutic agents. The method permits the preparation of compositions with high ratios of therapeutic agent to lipid and with encapsulation efficiencies in excess of 50%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventors: Sean C. Semple, Sandra K. Klimuk, Troy Harasym, Michael J. Hope, Steven M. Ansell, Pieter Cullis, Peter Scherrer, Dan Debeyer
  • Publication number: 20080200417
    Abstract: Methods for the preparation of a lipid-nucleic acid composition are provided. According to the methods, a mixture of lipids containing a protonatable or deprotonatable lipid, for example an amino lipid and a lipid such as a PEG- or Polyamide oligomer-modified lipid is combined with a buffered aqueous solution of a charged therapeutic agent, for example polyanionic nucleic acids, to produce particles in which the therapeutic agent is encapsulated in a lipid vesicle. Surface charges on the lipid particles are at least partially neutralized to provide surface-neutralized lipid-encapsulated compositions of the therapeutic agents. The method permits the preparation of compositions with high ratios of therapeutic agent to lipid and with encapsulation efficiencies in excess of 50%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventors: Sean C. Semple, Sandra K. Klimuk, Troy Harasym, Michael J. Hope, Steven M. Ansell, Pieter Cullis, Peter Scherrer, Dan Debeyer
  • Patent number: 7341738
    Abstract: Methods for the preparation of a lipid-nucleic acid composition are provided. According to the methods, a mixture of lipids containing a protonatable or deprotonatable lipid, for example an amino lipid and a lipid such as a PEG- or Polyamide oligomer-modified lipid is combined with a buffered aqueous solution of a charged therapeutic agent, for example polyanionic nucleic acids, to produce particles in which the therapeutic agent is encapsulated in a lipid vesicle. Surface charges on the lipid particles are at least partially neutralized to provide surface-neutralized lipid-encapsulated compositions of the therapeutic agents. The method permits the preparation of compositions with high ratios of therapeutic agent to lipid and with encapsulation efficiencies in excess of 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Sean C. Semple, Sandra K. Klimuk, Troy Harasym, Michael J. Hope, Steven M. Ansell, Pieter Cullis, Peter Scherrer, Dan Debeyer
  • Publication number: 20070172950
    Abstract: Novel lipid-nucleic acid particulate complexes which are useful for in vitro or in vivo gene transfer are described. The particles can be formed using either detergent dialysis methods or methods which utilize organic solvents. Upon removal of a solubilizing component (i.e., detergent or an organic solvent) the lipid-nucleic acid complexes form particles wherein the nucleic acid is serum-stable and is protected from degradation. The particles thus formed have access to extravascular sites and target cell populations and are suitable for the therapeutic delivery of nucleic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicants: The University of British Columbia, INEX Pharmaceuticals Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wheeler, Marcel Bally, Yuan-Peng Zhang, Dorothy Reimer, Michael Hope, Pieter Cullis, Peter Scherrer
  • Patent number: 7223887
    Abstract: A multivalent cationic lipid having a positively-charged head group including two quaternary amine groups and a hydrophobic portion including four hydrocarbon chains, which may be the same or different and which are optionally substituted alkyl and alkenyl groups, two alkyl chains attached to each of the two quaternary amine groups can be used for the introduction of polyanionic materials such a nucleic acid polymers into cells. Specific cationic lipids are N,N,N?,N?-tetraoleyl-N-N?-dimethyl-1,3-propanediammonium chloride and N,N,N?,N?-tetraoleyl-N-N?-dimethyl-1,6-hexanediammonium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Jerome Gaucheron, Kim Wong, Pieter Cullis