Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing, 54394-54396 [05-18168]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
54394
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Notices
TABLE 1.—ESTIMATED ANNUAL REPORTING BURDEN1
No. of
Respondents
21 CFR Section
100.2(d)
1 There
Annual
Frequency per
Response
1
Total Annual
Responses
1
1
Hours per
Response
Total Hours
10
10
are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.
The reporting burden for § 100.2(d) is
insignificant because enforcement
notifications are seldom used by States.
During the last 3 years, FDA has not
received any enforcement notifications.
Since the enactment of section 403A(b)
of the act (21 U.S.C. 343–1(b)) as part of
the Nutrition Labeling and Education
Act of 1990, FDA has received only a
few enforcement notifications. Although
FDA believes that the burden will be
insignificant, it believes these
information collection provisions
should be extended to provide for the
potential future need of a State
government to submit enforcement
notifications informing FDA when it
intends to take enforcement action
under the act against a particular food
located in the State.
Dated: September 7, 2005.
Jeffrey Shuren,
Assistant Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 05–18223 Filed 9–13–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160–01–S
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Government-Owned Inventions;
Availability for Licensing
National Institutes of Health,
Public Health Service, DHHS.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The inventions listed below
are owned by an agency of the U.S.
Government and are available for
licensing in the U.S. in accordance with
35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious
commercialization of results of
federally-funded research and
development. Foreign patent
applications are filed on selected
inventions to extend market coverage
for companies and may also be available
for licensing.
ADDRESSES: Licensing information and
copies of the U.S. patent applications
listed below may be obtained by writing
to the indicated licensing contact at the
Office of Technology Transfer, National
Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive
Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville,
Maryland 20852–3804; telephone: 301/
VerDate Aug<18>2005
16:17 Sep 13, 2005
Jkt 205001
496–7057; fax: 301/402–0220. A signed
Confidential Disclosure Agreement will
be required to receive copies of the
patent applications.
Soluble Fragments of the IGF1R
Ectodomain
Dimiter S. Dimitrov et al. (NCI)
HHS Reference No. E–144–2005/0—
Research Tool
Licensing Contact: Michelle A. Booden;
301/451–7337;
boodenm@mail.nih.gov.
The type 1 insulin-like growth factor
(IGF) receptor (IGF1R) is over-expressed
by many tumors and mediates
proliferation, motility, and protection
from apoptosis. Agents that inhibit
IGF1R expression or function can
potentially block tumor growth and
metastasis.
The present invention relates to the
identification of soluble fragments of the
IGF1R ectodomain, where these
fragments bind IGF-I, IGF-II, or the
various other ligands of IFG1R. The
identified fragment may be useful for
identifying agents that block IGF1R and
may act as a strong dominant negative
inhibitor of tumor growth by blocking
the IGF1R pathway. The invention also
encompasses other IGF1R fragments or
derivatives of the original fragments,
methods of identifying IGF1R fragments
or other similar fragments in the IGF1R
ectodomain, methods of using said
fragments to block binding of ligands,
and methods of producing antibodies
against the IGF1R fragments.
The technology is available for
licensing under a biological material
license. In addition to licensing, the
technology is available for further
development through collaborative
research opportunities with the
inventors.
Polymer-Linked Pseudomonas Exotoxin
Immunotoxin
Ira Pastan (NCI) et al.
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/
636,007 filed 12 Dec 2004 (HHS
Reference No. E–121–2005/0-US–01)
Licensing Contact: Jesse Kindra; 301/
435–5559; kindraj@mail.nih.gov.
Molecules based on monoclonal
antibodies hold the promise of highly
selective therapeutics. However, their
efficacy can be limited by poor tissue
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
penetration, rapid renal clearance and
an immune response to the antibody.
The present technology provides an
immunotoxin that is modified to
overcome such limitations.
The technology relates to polymerconjugated immunotoxins targeted to
the mesothelin tumor cell antigen.
These polymer-immunotoxin conjugates
possess an enhanced therapeutic index
and may provide improved methods of
treating tumors and cancers expressing
the mesothelin antigen.
Tumor Suppressor Gene Caliban
Mark A. Mortin et al. (NICHD)
U.S. Provisional Application filed 06
Jun 2005 (DHHS Reference No. E–
118–2005/0-US–01)
Licensing Contact: Jesse S. Kindra; 301/
435–5559; kindraj@mail.nih.gov.
This invention relates to the
identification of a tumor suppressor
gene named Caliban from Drosophila
melanogaster. The inventors have
demonstrated that Caliban is very
similar to the corresponding human
gene and they have shown that the
human gene is inactive in human lung
cancer cells but active in normal lung
cells. For the first time, it has been
shown that when full length Caliban is
expressed in human lung cancer cells
they lose many of their tumorigenic
properties. Hence, using gene therapy to
replace the inactive gene with full
length Caliban may treat cancer. Details
of this were published in Bi et al.,
‘‘Drosophila caliban, a nuclear export
mediator, can function as a tumor
suppressor in human lung cancer cells,’’
Oncogene advance online publication,
August 15, 2005; doi:10.1038/
sj.onc.1208962.
This invention also provides a
biomarker assay that can be used to
determine if the fly or human tumor
suppressor Caliban gene product is
functioning in cells. This assay uses a
peptide from the fly gene Prospero,
named HDA, which when fused to a
reporter such as green fluorescent
protein, is exported from the nucleus
when Caliban is working.
In addition to licensing, the
technology is available for further
development through collaborative
research opportunities with the
inventors.
E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM
14SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Notices
SIPA–1 Gene and SIPA–1 Inhibitor for
the Treatment, Prevention and
Diagnosis of Cancer
Kent Hunter et al. (NCI)
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/
649,365 filed 02 Feb 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E–082–2005/0-US–01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/
657,943 filed 02 Mar 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E–082–2005/1–US–01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/
695,024 filed 29 Jun 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E–216–2005/0–US–01)
Licensing Contact: Mojdeh Bahar; 301/
435–2950; baharm@mail.nih.gov.
The technology relates to methods
and compositions of matter used to
identify and treat metastatic cancer.
Using genetics, the inventors identified
the mouse Sipa-1 gene as a possible
metastasis modifying gene. Further
analyses revealed that Sipa-1 expression
levels correlate with metastasis. The
inventors developed compounds that
modulate Sipa-1 expression and reduce
metastasis in animal models. The
inventors also identified single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
present in the mouse Sipa-1 gene that,
if also present in humans, could serve
as the basis for diagnosing cancer and
metastasis.
In addition to licensing, the
technology is available for further
development through collaborative
research opportunities with the
inventors.
Diagnostic Tool for Diagnosing Benign
Versus Malignant Thyroid Lesions
Steven K. Libutti et al. (NCI)
PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US05/
12289 filed 11 Apr 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E–124–2004/2–PCT–
01)
Licensing Contact: Mojdeh Bahar; 301/
435–2950; baharm@mail.nih.gov.
The present invention relates to
methods for the diagnosis and staging of
thyroid cancer. The invention employs
analysis of gene expression using
microarrays or quantitative RT-PCR to
distinguish between malignant and
benign tumors. Primer and probe
sequences are described that represent a
six gene or ten gene model for
diagnosing benign and malignant
thyroid cancer. Analysis of the
expression of these genes in thyroid
lesions taken from patients could be
used for molecular classification of the
lesions. As analysis of thyroid lesions
by traditional means, such as fine
needle biopsy with cytologic
examination, can result in
indeterminate results, the current
invention may provide a superior
VerDate Aug<18>2005
16:17 Sep 13, 2005
Jkt 205001
method for molecular diagnoses of
thyroid cancer.
This research is described, in part, in
Mazzanti et al., ‘‘Using gene expression
profiling to differentiate benign versus
malignant thyroid tumors,’’ Cancer Res.
2004 Apr 15 64(8):2898–2903.
In addition to licensing, the
technology is available for further
development through collaborative
research opportunities with the
inventors.
Recombinant Vaccinia Viruses
Expressing IL–15 and Methods of Using
the Same
Liyanage Perera et al. (NCI)
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/
433,703 filed 16 Dec 2002 (HHS
Reference No. E–243–2002/0–US–01);
PCT Application No. PCT/US03/
39967 filed 15 Dec 2003, which
published as WO 2004/058278A1 on
15 Jul 2004 (HHS Reference No. E–
243–2002/1–PCT–01); U.S. Patent
Application filed 14 Jun 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E–243–2002/1–US–02)
Licensing Contact: John Stansberry; 301/
435–5236; stansbej@mail.nih.gov.
Vaccinia-based vaccines have a
proven record of being effective
vaccines in humans as well as in
animals. However, accumulating
evidence reveals the need for
technology to improve the immune
responses such vaccines generate.
The present invention discloses
recombinant vaccinia viruses capable of
expressing interleukin 15 (IL–15), and
methods for modulating immune
responses using such viruses. This
invention shows that by inserting the
human IL–15 gene into the vaccinia
genome, more effective vaccines can be
generated against infectious agents and
cancer. Currently, IL–2 has been
approved by the FDA for use in the
treatment of patients with metastatic
renal cell carcinoma or with metastatic
melanoma. It has been used as a
component of cancer vaccines and in
various approaches for the treatment of
AIDS. However, administration of IL–2
is associated with activation-induced
cell death (AICD), and may lead to death
of T-cells that recognize the antigens
expressed in the tumor cells. Thus, IL–
15 may be a superior agent in the
treatment of cancer, or as a component
of a vaccine directed towards cancer or
infectious agents. Co-expression of IL–
15 with antigens during the
immunization process, according to the
current invention, leads to induction of
CD8+ memory T cells with higher
avidity that proliferate more effectively
in vivo and persist much longer in the
immunized individual in addition to
enhancing the levels and persistence of
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
54395
antigen specific antibodies thus
providing substantially longer lasting
cellular and humoral immunity.
This invention has the potential to be
used in a variety of ways, including: (i)
an improved, more efficacious vaccine
candidate for smallpox, (ii) for
incorporation into existing vaccinia
based vaccines to enhance and confer
superior long lasting immune response
to viral and cancer antigens, or (iii) as
a valuable source material for IL–15
production, especially should IL–15 be
proven as an alternate of more
efficacious cytokine than IL–2.
This research has been described, in
part, in SK Oh et al., ‘‘Coadministration
of HIV vaccine vectors with vaccinia
viruses expressing IL–15 but not IL–2
induces long-lasting cellular
immunity,’’ Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA
2003 Mar 18;100(6):3392–3397, online
publication 10.1073/pnas.0630592100.
In addition to licensing, the
technology is available for further
development through collaborative
research opportunities with the
inventors.
Amelioration of Inflammatory Arthritis
Targeting the Pre-ligand Assembly
Domain (PLAD) of Tumor Necrosis
Factor Receptors
Michael J. Lenardo et al. (NIAID)
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/
694,015 filed 24 Jun 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E–095–2000/2–US–01)
Licensing Contact: Mojdeh Bahar; 301/
435–2950; baharm@mail.nih.gov.
The invention relates to compositions
of matter and methods for treating
arthritis by modulating Tumor Necrosis
Factor Alpha (TNFalpha) signaling.
TNFalpha plays a key role in the
pathogenesis of numerous diseases
including rheumatoid and septic
arthritis, and other autoimmune and
inflammatory diseases. TNFalpha
mediates its effects through receptors
that contain a Pre-ligand Assembly
Domain (PLAD). The inventors have
discovered compounds that interfere
with PLAD can block the effects of
TNFalpha in vitro. Treatment of mice
with these compounds in vivo
ameliorated disease in several models of
arthritis. Therefore, the compositions
and methods of the current invention
may lead to novel arthritis treatments.
In addition to licensing, the
technology is available for further
development through collaborative
research opportunities with the
inventors.
E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM
14SEN1
54396
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Notices
Disubstituted Levendustin A Analogs
(Including Adaphostin) and
Pharmaceutical Compositions
Comprising the Analogs
Venkatacha L. Narayanan et al. (NCI)
U.S. Patent Application No. 09/623,000
filed 25 Aug 2000 (DHHS Reference
No. E–013–1998/0–US–07)
Licensing Contact: John Stansberry;
(301) 435–5236;
stansbej@mail.nih.gov.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
is almost universally associated with a
translocation that juxtaposes the Bcr
and Abl genes. Because the resulting
kinase, p210 Brc/Abl, is found exclusively
in malignant hematopoietic cells there
has been considerable interest in
identifying inhibitors of this enzyme.
Adaphostin induces cytotoxicity in
human leukemia cells by downregulating p210 Bcr/Abl, inducing DNA
damage and initiating apoptosis.
Adaphostin exhibits selectivity for CML
myeloid progenitors in vitro and
retained its catholicity when
cytotoxicity mesylate-resistant K562
cells were examined. Adaphostin may
kill a wide range of human leukemia
cells and may be effective against other
cancer types. The present invention
provides pharmaceutical compositions
comprising effective amounts of
adaphostin. The compound and
composition of the present invention
may be used for treating human
leukemia and other proliferative
diseases.
In addition to licensing, the
technology is available for further
development through collaborative
research opportunities with the
inventors.
Heterologous Boosting Immunizations
Ronald S. Chamberlain et al. (NCI)
U.S. Patent Application No. 09/171,086
filed 22 Jan 1999 (HHS Reference No.
E–087–1996/0-US–04); U.S. Patent
Application No. 09/838,987 filed 20
Apr 2001 (HHS Reference No. E–087–
1996/0–US–05); U.S. Patent
Application No. 11/007,115 filed 08
Dec 2004 (HHS Reference No. E–087–
1996/0–US–06); PCT Application No.
PCT/US97/06632 filed 21 Apr 1997,
which published as WO 97/39771 on
30 Oct 1997 (HHS Reference No. E–
087–1996/0–PCT–02); and Canadian
Patent Application Serial No.
2,252,406 (HHS Reference No. E–087–
1996/0–CA–03)
Licensing Contact: Michelle A. Booden;
301/451–7337;
boodenm@mail.nih.gov.
The identification of tumor-associated
antigens and the cloning of DNA
sequences encoding them have enabled
VerDate Aug<18>2005
16:17 Sep 13, 2005
Jkt 205001
the development of anticancer vaccines.
Such vaccines target tumors by
stimulating an immune response against
the antigens. One method of vaccination
involves the delivery of antigenencoding DNA sequences, and a number
of recombinant vectors have been used
for this purpose. To optimize the
efficacy of recombinant vaccines, Dr.
Steve Rosenberg and colleagues at the
NCI have developed treatment regimens
that use two different vectors (i.e.,
heterologous boosting).
The present invention describes the
method of heterologous boosting
immunizations, which in essence is the
use of a priming vaccination and a
boosting vaccination using two different
recombinant vectors that contain a
similar or different tumor associated
antigen (TAA). The use of different
recombinant vectors unexpectedly
increases and maintains the immune
response to most tumor-associated
antigens included in the vectors. The
claims are directed, but not limited to,
various recombinant viral vectors:
poxvirus, vaccine, adenovirus, etc.
Additional embodiments and claims are
directed, but not limited to, melanoma
tumor antigens such as Mart1, gp100, or
Hep B surface antigen. These tumor
antigen expressing recombinant vectors
are coupled with distinctly different
recombinant vectors, which express
various cytokines and co-stimulatory
and accessory molecules such as B7–1,
B7–2, ICAM–1, etc. This therapeutic
intervention could be directed toward
multiple human carcinomas but, with
respect to this technology, has been
customized as a therapeutic
intervention for melanoma.
This technology is available under an
exclusive or non-exclusive license. In
addition to licensing, the technology is
available for further development
through collaborative research
opportunities with the inventors.
Dated: September 2, 2005.
Steven M. Ferguson,
Director, Division of Technology Development
and Transfer, Office of Technology Transfer,
National Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. 05–18168 Filed 9–13–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Center for Complementary &
Alternative Medicine; Notice of Closed
Meeting
Pursuant to section 10(d) of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice
is hereby given of the following
meeting.
The meeting will be closed to the
public in accordance with the
provisions set forth in sections
552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C.,
as amended. The grant applications and
the discussions could disclose
confidential trade secrets or commercial
property such as patentable material,
and personal information concerning
individuals associated with the grant
applications, the disclosure of which
would constitute a clearly unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy.
Name of Committee: National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Special Emphasis Panel, Clinical Science.
Date: October 20–21, 2005.
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: Bethesda Park Hotel, 8400
Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Contact Person: Jeanette M. Hosseini,
Scientific Review Administrator, National
Center For Complementary and Alternative
Medicine, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 401,
Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–594–9096.
Dated: September 6, 2005.
Anthony M. Coelho, Jr.,
Acting Director, Office of Federal Advisory
Committee Policy.
[FR Doc. 05–18171 Filed 9–13–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140–01–M
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Library of Medicine; Notice of
Meeting
Pursuant to section 10(a) of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended (5 U.S.C. appendix 2), notice
is hereby given of the tenth and final
meeting of the Commission on Systemic
Interoperability.
The meeting will be open to the
public, with attendance limited to space
available. Individuals who plan to
attend and need special assistance, such
as sign language interpretation or other
reasonable accommodations, should
notify the Contact Person listed below
in advance of the meeting.
The mission of the Commission on
Systemic Interoperability is to submit a
report to the Secretary of Health and
Human Services and to Congress on a
comprehensive strategy for the adoption
and implementation of health care
information technology standards that
includes a timeline and prioritization
for such adoption and implementation.
In developing that strategy, the
E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM
14SEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 177 (Wednesday, September 14, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54394-54396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18168]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing
AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, DHHS.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The inventions listed below are owned by an agency of the U.S.
Government and are available for licensing in the U.S. in accordance
with 35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results
of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent
applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage
for companies and may also be available for licensing.
ADDRESSES: Licensing information and copies of the U.S. patent
applications listed below may be obtained by writing to the indicated
licensing contact at the Office of Technology Transfer, National
Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville,
Maryland 20852-3804; telephone: 301/496-7057; fax: 301/402-0220. A
signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required to receive
copies of the patent applications.
Soluble Fragments of the IGF1R Ectodomain
Dimiter S. Dimitrov et al. (NCI)
HHS Reference No. E-144-2005/0--Research Tool
Licensing Contact: Michelle A. Booden; 301/451-7337;
boodenm@mail.nih.gov.
The type 1 insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor (IGF1R) is
over-expressed by many tumors and mediates proliferation, motility, and
protection from apoptosis. Agents that inhibit IGF1R expression or
function can potentially block tumor growth and metastasis.
The present invention relates to the identification of soluble
fragments of the IGF1R ectodomain, where these fragments bind IGF-I,
IGF-II, or the various other ligands of IFG1R. The identified fragment
may be useful for identifying agents that block IGF1R and may act as a
strong dominant negative inhibitor of tumor growth by blocking the
IGF1R pathway. The invention also encompasses other IGF1R fragments or
derivatives of the original fragments, methods of identifying IGF1R
fragments or other similar fragments in the IGF1R ectodomain, methods
of using said fragments to block binding of ligands, and methods of
producing antibodies against the IGF1R fragments.
The technology is available for licensing under a biological
material license. In addition to licensing, the technology is available
for further development through collaborative research opportunities
with the inventors.
Polymer-Linked Pseudomonas Exotoxin Immunotoxin
Ira Pastan (NCI) et al.
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/636,007 filed 12 Dec 2004 (HHS
Reference No. E-121-2005/0-US-01)
Licensing Contact: Jesse Kindra; 301/435-5559; kindraj@mail.nih.gov.
Molecules based on monoclonal antibodies hold the promise of highly
selective therapeutics. However, their efficacy can be limited by poor
tissue penetration, rapid renal clearance and an immune response to the
antibody. The present technology provides an immunotoxin that is
modified to overcome such limitations.
The technology relates to polymer-conjugated immunotoxins targeted
to the mesothelin tumor cell antigen. These polymer-immunotoxin
conjugates possess an enhanced therapeutic index and may provide
improved methods of treating tumors and cancers expressing the
mesothelin antigen.
Tumor Suppressor Gene Caliban
Mark A. Mortin et al. (NICHD)
U.S. Provisional Application filed 06 Jun 2005 (DHHS Reference No. E-
118-2005/0-US-01)
Licensing Contact: Jesse S. Kindra; 301/435-5559; kindraj@mail.nih.gov.
This invention relates to the identification of a tumor suppressor
gene named Caliban from Drosophila melanogaster. The inventors have
demonstrated that Caliban is very similar to the corresponding human
gene and they have shown that the human gene is inactive in human lung
cancer cells but active in normal lung cells. For the first time, it
has been shown that when full length Caliban is expressed in human lung
cancer cells they lose many of their tumorigenic properties. Hence,
using gene therapy to replace the inactive gene with full length
Caliban may treat cancer. Details of this were published in Bi et al.,
``Drosophila caliban, a nuclear export mediator, can function as a
tumor suppressor in human lung cancer cells,'' Oncogene advance online
publication, August 15, 2005; doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1208962.
This invention also provides a biomarker assay that can be used to
determine if the fly or human tumor suppressor Caliban gene product is
functioning in cells. This assay uses a peptide from the fly gene
Prospero, named HDA, which when fused to a reporter such as green
fluorescent protein, is exported from the nucleus when Caliban is
working.
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further
development through collaborative research opportunities with the
inventors.
[[Page 54395]]
SIPA-1 Gene and SIPA-1 Inhibitor for the Treatment, Prevention and
Diagnosis of Cancer
Kent Hunter et al. (NCI)
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/649,365 filed 02 Feb 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E-082-2005/0-US-01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/
657,943 filed 02 Mar 2005 (HHS Reference No. E-082-2005/1-US-01); U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/695,024 filed 29 Jun 2005 (HHS Reference
No. E-216-2005/0-US-01)
Licensing Contact: Mojdeh Bahar; 301/435-2950; baharm@mail.nih.gov.
The technology relates to methods and compositions of matter used
to identify and treat metastatic cancer. Using genetics, the inventors
identified the mouse Sipa-1 gene as a possible metastasis modifying
gene. Further analyses revealed that Sipa-1 expression levels correlate
with metastasis. The inventors developed compounds that modulate Sipa-1
expression and reduce metastasis in animal models. The inventors also
identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in the mouse
Sipa-1 gene that, if also present in humans, could serve as the basis
for diagnosing cancer and metastasis.
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further
development through collaborative research opportunities with the
inventors.
Diagnostic Tool for Diagnosing Benign Versus Malignant Thyroid Lesions
Steven K. Libutti et al. (NCI)
PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US05/12289 filed 11 Apr 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E-124-2004/2-PCT-01)
Licensing Contact: Mojdeh Bahar; 301/435-2950; baharm@mail.nih.gov.
The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and
staging of thyroid cancer. The invention employs analysis of gene
expression using microarrays or quantitative RT-PCR to distinguish
between malignant and benign tumors. Primer and probe sequences are
described that represent a six gene or ten gene model for diagnosing
benign and malignant thyroid cancer. Analysis of the expression of
these genes in thyroid lesions taken from patients could be used for
molecular classification of the lesions. As analysis of thyroid lesions
by traditional means, such as fine needle biopsy with cytologic
examination, can result in indeterminate results, the current invention
may provide a superior method for molecular diagnoses of thyroid
cancer.
This research is described, in part, in Mazzanti et al., ``Using
gene expression profiling to differentiate benign versus malignant
thyroid tumors,'' Cancer Res. 2004 Apr 15 64(8):2898-2903.
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further
development through collaborative research opportunities with the
inventors.
Recombinant Vaccinia Viruses Expressing IL-15 and Methods of Using the
Same
Liyanage Perera et al. (NCI)
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/433,703 filed 16 Dec 2002 (HHS
Reference No. E-243-2002/0-US-01); PCT Application No. PCT/US03/39967
filed 15 Dec 2003, which published as WO 2004/058278A1 on 15 Jul 2004
(HHS Reference No. E-243-2002/1-PCT-01); U.S. Patent Application filed
14 Jun 2005 (HHS Reference No. E-243-2002/1-US-02)
Licensing Contact: John Stansberry; 301/435-5236;
stansbej@mail.nih.gov.
Vaccinia-based vaccines have a proven record of being effective
vaccines in humans as well as in animals. However, accumulating
evidence reveals the need for technology to improve the immune
responses such vaccines generate.
The present invention discloses recombinant vaccinia viruses
capable of expressing interleukin 15 (IL-15), and methods for
modulating immune responses using such viruses. This invention shows
that by inserting the human IL-15 gene into the vaccinia genome, more
effective vaccines can be generated against infectious agents and
cancer. Currently, IL-2 has been approved by the FDA for use in the
treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma or with
metastatic melanoma. It has been used as a component of cancer vaccines
and in various approaches for the treatment of AIDS. However,
administration of IL-2 is associated with activation-induced cell death
(AICD), and may lead to death of T-cells that recognize the antigens
expressed in the tumor cells. Thus, IL-15 may be a superior agent in
the treatment of cancer, or as a component of a vaccine directed
towards cancer or infectious agents. Co-expression of IL-15 with
antigens during the immunization process, according to the current
invention, leads to induction of CD8+ memory T cells with higher
avidity that proliferate more effectively in vivo and persist much
longer in the immunized individual in addition to enhancing the levels
and persistence of antigen specific antibodies thus providing
substantially longer lasting cellular and humoral immunity.
This invention has the potential to be used in a variety of ways,
including: (i) an improved, more efficacious vaccine candidate for
smallpox, (ii) for incorporation into existing vaccinia based vaccines
to enhance and confer superior long lasting immune response to viral
and cancer antigens, or (iii) as a valuable source material for IL-15
production, especially should IL-15 be proven as an alternate of more
efficacious cytokine than IL-2.
This research has been described, in part, in SK Oh et al.,
``Coadministration of HIV vaccine vectors with vaccinia viruses
expressing IL-15 but not IL-2 induces long-lasting cellular immunity,''
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 2003 Mar 18;100(6):3392-3397, online
publication 10.1073/pnas.0630592100.
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further
development through collaborative research opportunities with the
inventors.
Amelioration of Inflammatory Arthritis Targeting the Pre-ligand
Assembly Domain (PLAD) of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors
Michael J. Lenardo et al. (NIAID)
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/694,015 filed 24 Jun 2005 (HHS
Reference No. E-095-2000/2-US-01)
Licensing Contact: Mojdeh Bahar; 301/435-2950; baharm@mail.nih.gov.
The invention relates to compositions of matter and methods for
treating arthritis by modulating Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFalpha)
signaling. TNFalpha plays a key role in the pathogenesis of numerous
diseases including rheumatoid and septic arthritis, and other
autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. TNFalpha mediates its effects
through receptors that contain a Pre-ligand Assembly Domain (PLAD). The
inventors have discovered compounds that interfere with PLAD can block
the effects of TNFalpha in vitro. Treatment of mice with these
compounds in vivo ameliorated disease in several models of arthritis.
Therefore, the compositions and methods of the current invention may
lead to novel arthritis treatments.
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further
development through collaborative research opportunities with the
inventors.
[[Page 54396]]
Disubstituted Levendustin A Analogs (Including Adaphostin) and
Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising the Analogs
Venkatacha L. Narayanan et al. (NCI)
U.S. Patent Application No. 09/623,000 filed 25 Aug 2000 (DHHS
Reference No. E-013-1998/0-US-07)
Licensing Contact: John Stansberry; (301) 435-5236;
stansbej@mail.nih.gov.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is almost universally associated
with a translocation that juxtaposes the Bcr and Abl genes. Because the
resulting kinase, p210 Brc/Abl, is found exclusively in
malignant hematopoietic cells there has been considerable interest in
identifying inhibitors of this enzyme. Adaphostin induces cytotoxicity
in human leukemia cells by down-regulating p210 Bcr/Abl,
inducing DNA damage and initiating apoptosis. Adaphostin exhibits
selectivity for CML myeloid progenitors in vitro and retained its
catholicity when cytotoxicity mesylate-resistant K562 cells were
examined. Adaphostin may kill a wide range of human leukemia cells and
may be effective against other cancer types. The present invention
provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising effective amounts of
adaphostin. The compound and composition of the present invention may
be used for treating human leukemia and other proliferative diseases.
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further
development through collaborative research opportunities with the
inventors.
Heterologous Boosting Immunizations
Ronald S. Chamberlain et al. (NCI)
U.S. Patent Application No. 09/171,086 filed 22 Jan 1999 (HHS Reference
No. E-087-1996/0-US-04); U.S. Patent Application No. 09/838,987 filed
20 Apr 2001 (HHS Reference No. E-087-1996/0-US-05); U.S. Patent
Application No. 11/007,115 filed 08 Dec 2004 (HHS Reference No. E-087-
1996/0-US-06); PCT Application No. PCT/US97/06632 filed 21 Apr 1997,
which published as WO 97/39771 on 30 Oct 1997 (HHS Reference No. E-087-
1996/0-PCT-02); and Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,252,406
(HHS Reference No. E-087-1996/0-CA-03)
Licensing Contact: Michelle A. Booden; 301/451-7337;
boodenm@mail.nih.gov.
The identification of tumor-associated antigens and the cloning of
DNA sequences encoding them have enabled the development of anticancer
vaccines. Such vaccines target tumors by stimulating an immune response
against the antigens. One method of vaccination involves the delivery
of antigen-encoding DNA sequences, and a number of recombinant vectors
have been used for this purpose. To optimize the efficacy of
recombinant vaccines, Dr. Steve Rosenberg and colleagues at the NCI
have developed treatment regimens that use two different vectors (i.e.,
heterologous boosting).
The present invention describes the method of heterologous boosting
immunizations, which in essence is the use of a priming vaccination and
a boosting vaccination using two different recombinant vectors that
contain a similar or different tumor associated antigen (TAA). The use
of different recombinant vectors unexpectedly increases and maintains
the immune response to most tumor-associated antigens included in the
vectors. The claims are directed, but not limited to, various
recombinant viral vectors: poxvirus, vaccine, adenovirus, etc.
Additional embodiments and claims are directed, but not limited to,
melanoma tumor antigens such as Mart1, gp100, or Hep B surface antigen.
These tumor antigen expressing recombinant vectors are coupled with
distinctly different recombinant vectors, which express various
cytokines and co-stimulatory and accessory molecules such as B7-1, B7-
2, ICAM-1, etc. This therapeutic intervention could be directed toward
multiple human carcinomas but, with respect to this technology, has
been customized as a therapeutic intervention for melanoma.
This technology is available under an exclusive or non-exclusive
license. In addition to licensing, the technology is available for
further development through collaborative research opportunities with
the inventors.
Dated: September 2, 2005.
Steven M. Ferguson,
Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of
Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. 05-18168 Filed 9-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
