BioWorld Today here continues its occasional listings of government agencies seeking industrial licensees to commercialize their biotechnology-related research and development inventions. Commercialization rights are offered by the National Institutes of Health, Office of Technology Transfer (OTT). Announcements of the following twenty-three licensing opportunities have been submitted to the Federal Register.
To obtain licensing information, and copies of the U.S. patent issuances or applications listed below, contact the OTT licensing specialist indicated.
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Naphthalene Alkaloid Antiviral Agents
Michellamines are a structurally novel class of naphthalene tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids isolated from the plant Ancistrocladus korupensis that act as antiviral agents. Michellamine B, the most potent agent, inhibits HIV-induced killing of infected cells and both wild-type and mutant HIV reverse transcriptases, which are resistant to several non-nucleoside inhibitors.
U.S. Patent: 5,654,432
Issued: 8/5/97
Inventors: Boyd, M.R., et al.
Contact: Carol Salata, (301) 496-7735, ext. 232
Antimalarial Korupensamines
Korupensamines, which are isolated from new species of the plant genus Ancistrocladus, possess both in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity. These agents effectively inhibit the growth, reproduction, and pathologic effects of a broad spectrum of Plasmodium parasites when given alone or in conjunction with currently available antimalarial agents.
U.S. Patent: 5,409,938
Issued: 4/25/95
Inventors: Boyd, M.R., et al.
Contact: Carol Salata, (301) 496-7735, ext. 232
Anti-HIV Dimeric Arylisoquinoline Alkaloids
Dimeric arylisoquinoline alkaloids, which are members of the general class known as naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, inhibit HIV replication and possess antimalarial activity. Both the structures and methods of chemical synthesis of these compounds have been determined.
U.S. Patent: 5,786,482
Issued: 7/28/98
Inventors: Bringmann, G., et al.
Contact: Carol Salata, (301) 496-7735, ext. 232
Antimicrobial Monomeric Arylisoquinoline Alkaloids
Monomeric derivatives of C-8'-7 linked naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid dioncophylline D and C-4 substituted monomeric arylisoquinolone alkaloid derivatives are useful as building blocks or intermediates for the synthesis of dimeric compounds. These compounds have antimicrobial activity.
Application: 09/001,801
Filed: 12/31/97
Inventors: Bringmann, G., et al.
Contact: Carol Salata, (301) 496-7735, ext. 232
Synthesis Methods for Monomeric Naphthylisoquinoline Alkaloids
Monomeric naphthyliosquinoline alkaloids have limited availability because they are obtained from scarce plants which have a limited geographic distribution. Thus, methods to synthesize these agents have been developed.
U.S. Patent: 5,763,613
Issued: 6/9/98
Inventors: Bringmann, G., et al.
Contact: Carol Salata, (301) 496-7735, ext. 232
Synthesis Methods for Dimeric Naphthylisoquinoline Alkaloids
Synthesis methods have been developed for homodimeric and heterodimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids and their derivatives. These methods permit the in vitro synthesis of these compounds, which are isolated from the rare Central American tropical vine Ancistrocladus korupensis.
U.S. Patent: 5,789,594
Issued: 8/4/98
Inventors: Bringmann, G., et al.
Contact: Carol Salata, (301) 496-7735, ext. 232
Protection Of Antigen-Presenting Cells From Inhibition By Tumors
Tumors and pathogens escape detection by T cells through local inhibition of antigen-presenting cells. This effect is mediated by sustained intracellular expression of the inhibitory nuclear regulatory molecule called inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). ICER-mediated immunosuppression can be reduced using ICER antisense therapy.
Application: 60/076,293
Filed: 2/27/98
Inventors: Cohen, P.A., et al.
Contact: Girish C. Barua, (301) 496-7057, ext. 263
Antimalarial Naphthylisoquinoline Alkaloids
Plant species of the Ancistrocladaceae and Dioncophyllaceae families produce naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids that have antimalarial properties. These compounds can be used against resistant strains of Plasmodium.
U.S. Patent: 5,639,761
Issued: 6/17/97
Inventors: Francois, G., et al.
Contact: Carol Salata, (301) 496-7735, ext. 232
Monoclonal Antibodies That Specifically
Bind Cytochrome P450 1A2
Monoclonal antibodies have been developed that are highly specific for human cytochrome P450 1A2. These antibodies do not cross-react with 11 other P450 cytochromes and they inhibit greater than 85 percent of the activity of cytochrome P450 1A2. These antibodies can be used as diagnostic probes that determine the distribution of cytochrome P450 1A2 in human populations, thus identifying enzyme-deficient individuals who would be sensitive to drugs metabolized by this cytochrome. They can also be used to identify carcinogens, xenobiotics and drugs under commercial development that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 in the liver.
Application: 06/093,913
Filed: 6/23/98
Inventors: Gelboin, H.V., et al.
Contact: Dennis Penn, (301) 466-7056, ext. 211
Monoclonal Antibodies That Specifically Bind Cytochrome P450 2A6
Monoclonal antibodies have been developed that are highly specific for human cytochrome P450 2A6. These antibodies do not cross-react with 12 other P450 cytochromes and they inhibit greater than 90 percent of the activity of cytochrome P450 2A6. These antibodies can be used as diagnostic probes that determine the distribution of cytochrome P450 2A6 in human populations, thus identifying enzyme-deficient individuals who would be sensitive to drugs metabolized by this cytochrome. They can also be used to identify carcinogens, xenobiotics and drugs under commercial development that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 2A6 in the liver.
Application: 60/093,936
Filed: 7/23/98
Inventors: Gelboin, H.V., et al.
Contact: Dennis Penn, (301) 466-7056, ext. 211
Water-Soluble Analogs Of Cancer Chemotherapy Agents
The development of many potential cancer chemotherapy drugs is abandoned because these agents are insoluble. Methods are provided that attach a polar moiety via a thiol ether bond with a heterobifunctional linking molecule to such agents in order to greatly increase the water solubility of chemotherapy agents.
Application: 60/093,284
Filed: 7/17/98
Inventors: Ho, D.K., et al.
Contact: Girish C. Barua, (301) 496-7057, ext. 263
Protecting Bone Marrow Against Chemotherapy Agents Using TGF-beta
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is administered at the same time as chemotherapy or radiation treatment in order to reduce the myelotoxic effect of the latter treatments on hematopoietic stem cells. Using this growth factor improves the ability to regenerate granulocytes after bone marrow ablation therapy.
U.S. Patent: 5,278,145
Issued: 1/11/94
Inventors: Keller, J.R., et al.
Contact: Jaconda Wagner, (301) 496-7735, ext. 284
Automated System For Diagnosis Of Mycobacterial Infection
Digitized photomicrographic images of specimens treated with acid-fast stains are automatically analyzed to find structures of elongated shape that are associated with mycobacteria. Upon identification of such structures, an alarm sounds and the section identified is displayed by the system, thus automating the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections.
Application: 60/066,234
Filed: 11/20/97
Inventors: Lash, A.E., et al.
Contact: John Fahner-Vihtelic, (301) 496-7057, ext. 270
Anti-HIV Nucleoside
The nucleoside analog 9-(2,3-dideoxy-2-fluoro-beta-D-threo-pentafuranosyl)adenine has clinically useful anti-HIV activity. Synthesis methods have been developed.
Application: 60/067,765
Filed: 12/10/97
Inventors: Siddiqui, M.A., et al.
Contact: J. Peter Kim, (301) 496-7056, ext. 264
Oligonucleotides That Bind Retroviral Nucleocapsid Proteins
Oligonucleotides that bind to retroviral nucleocapsid proteins are high-affinity, molecular decoys that block the association of these proteins with genomic RNA. As a result, these oligonucleotides can effectively inhibit viral replication.
Application: 60/017,128
Filed: 5/20/96
Inventors: Rein, A., et al.
Contact: J. Peter Kim, (301) 496-7056, ext. 264
Nitroxide Free Radicals for Preventing Cataracts
Cataract formation appears to involve damage induced by free radicals. A treatment has been developed using nitroxide free radicals or their hydroxylamine derivatives in combination with a thiol reducing agent to counteract the effects of damaging free radicals.
Application: 60/010,637
Filed: 1/26/96
Inventors: Zigler, J.S., Jr., et al.
Contact: David Sadowski, (301) 496-7735, ext. 288
NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE
Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 5-Based Vectors
Vectors derived from adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) are able to be produced at higher levels compared to adeno-associated virus serotype 2, making them superior gene therapy vectors. In addition, the ability of AAV5-based vectors to integrate at a distinct genomic locus is a significant clinical advantage.
Application: 60/087,029
Filed: 5/28/98
Inventors: Chiorini, J.A., et al.
Contact: Susan S. Rucker, (301) 496-7056, ext. 245
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Inhibiting Interleukin-12 Production Using Complement Receptors
Interleukin (IL)-12 production can be modulated via the complement receptors CR3 and CR4. By binding a ligand, such as an antibody, to these complement receptors, an IL-12 inflammatory response can be modulated, thus making this a useful strategy for treating autoimmune disease.
Application: 60/066,238
Filed: 11/20/97
Inventors: Kelsall, B., et al.
Contact: Jaconda Wagner, (301) 496-7735, ext. 284
Variant T Cell Receptor Ligands That Selectively Induce Apoptosis
Variant peptide ligands for the T cell receptor act as partial agonists. These variants induce T cell apoptosis without the concommitant production and release of non-death inducing cytokines. This selective elimination of specific T cell populations can be used to treat immunologically-based diseases.
Application: 60/072,952
Filed: 1/29/98
Inventors: Lenardo, M.J., et al.
Contact: Jaconda Wagner, (301) 496-7735, ext. 284
Swine Hepatitis E Virus
Swine hepatitis E virus is genetically and serologically related to human hepatitis E virus. The capsid protein of this virus, expressed in insect cells, is useful in the detection of and vaccination against this hepatitis E virus.
Application: 60/053,069
Filed: 7/18/97
Inventors: Meng, X.-J., et al.
Contact: Carol Salata, (301) 496-7735, ext. 232
Enhancing Oral Tolerance By Using Interleukin-12 Inhibitors
Oral administration of antigens causes tolerance by generating suppressive T cells that produce antigen nonspecific cytokines and inducing clonal deletion and/or anergy. By administering antigens associated with autoimmunity, allergy, or organ rejection in combination with an inhibitor of interleukin-12, oral tolerance can be enhanced.
Application: PCT/US96/16007
Filed: 10/11/96
Inventors: Strober, W., et al.
Contact: Jaconda Wagner, (301) 496-7735, ext. 284
NATIONAL INST. OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES
Signal Transduction Inhibitors Of Allergic Reactions
Introduction of a unique portion of the N-terminal region of Lyn A kinase into cells inhibits receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Without this receptor phosphorylation, immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reactions cannot occur, thus making this Lyn A kinase fragment a potential allergy inhibiting agent.
Application: 09/020,116
Filed: 2/6/98
Inventors: Vonakis, B., et al.
Contact: Kai Chen, (301) 496-7057, ext. 247
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptors
Human and rat gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors and encoding gene sequences are disclosed. Disruption of these seven transmembrane domain G protein-coupled receptors is implicated in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, making them potentially useful for developing drugs.
Application: 60/087,274
Filed: 5/29/98
Inventors: Clark, J., et al.
Contact: Charles Maynard, (301) 496-7057, ext. 243
- Compiled By Chester Bisbee