Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing, 46604-46606 [E9-21786]
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46604
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 174 / Thursday, September 10, 2009 / Notices
Dated: September 3, 2009.
Robert Sargis,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E9–21718 Filed 9–9–09; 8:45 am]
provides a means to create a more
intense and effective T Cell response.
This would have the end result of
improving the overall response of a
patient’s immune system to the
presence of tumor-associated antigens.
With T Cell signaling being important
in the body’s immune response to
bacterial and viral antigens it may also
be possible to harness the modified LAT
molecules to improve the immune
response in developing immunotherapy
for infectious disease.
BILLING CODE 4184–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Government-Owned Inventions;
Availability for Licensing
National Institutes of Health,
Public Health Service, HHS.
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/
496–7057; fax: 301/402–0220. A signed
Confidential Disclosure Agreement will
be required to receive copies of the
patent applications.
erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with NOTICES
Use of a Modified Adaptor Molecule
LAT to Improve Immunotherapy for
Cancer and Other Diseases
Description of Technology: One
problem with the development of
immunotherapy for cancer or other
diseases is the inability to stimulate a
sufficient immune response in patients
to tumor associated antigens. The Linker
Adapted for T Cell Signaling molecule
(LAT) has been shown to be an
important molecule in T cell signaling.
The inventions described and claimed
in this patent application illustrate a
new supportive role for LAT which may
be harnessed to improve a patient’s
immune response to tumor-associated
antigens.
A number of approaches to improving
the immune response in cancer
immunotherapy have been investigated.
One such approach is to be able to
influence the potency of T Cell
Signaling. This invention exploits the
role of LAT in T Cell signaling and
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Applications
• As an adjuvant with
immunotherapeutic agents to improve
the overall response of a patient’s
immune system to tumor associated
antigens.
• As an adjuvant with
immunotherapeutic agents to improve
the overall response of a patient’s
immune system to bacterial associated
antigens.
• As an adjuvant with
immunotherapeutic agents to improve
the overall response of a patient’s
immune system to viral associated
antigens.
Advantages: Enhanced T Cell
Signaling should improve the overall
effectiveness of immunotherapy
producing a more robust patient
response.
Development Status: Early stage,
significant development efforts required
to reach proof of principle.
Inventors: Lawrence E. Samelson et
al. (NCI).
Publication: This work has not yet
been published.
Patent Status
• U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/176,231 filed May 7, 2009 (HHS
Reference No. E–159–2009/0–US–01).
• Interested parties wishing to review
the U.S. Patent Application will need to
sign a CDA.
Related Technologies: The NIH also
has three patents related to the basic
LAT molecule (HHS Reference No. E–
010–1998)—US 7,118,889, AU 750543,
and AU 776495—and several pending
applications in the US published as
20060073562 A1 and 20070134749 A1
and corresponding applications in
Canada (2316769) and Europe (1 141
281 A1).
Licensing Status: Available for
licensing.
Licensing Contact: Susan S. Rucker;
301–435–4478; ruckersu@mail.nih.gov.
Immunogenic Tumor-Associated
Antigen SPANX–B for Selective Cancer
Immunotherapy
Description of Technology:
Researchers at the National Institutes of
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Health (NIH) have characterized a novel
tumor-associated antigen, SPANX–B,
that is naturally immunogenic and is
expressed in a variety of human
malignancies, including melanoma and
lung, colon, renal, ovarian and breast
carcinomas. In melanoma specifically,
SPANX–B expression is associated with
advanced and metastatic disease.
Moreover, the researchers have found
several agonist epitope peptides from
SPANX–B which can be used to activate
the immune system to eradicate tumors
utilizing T cells. SPANX–B peptides
have significant clinical and
immunotherapeutic potential for the
development of cancer diagnostic assays
and potent protective and/or therapeutic
vaccines to combat a wide-range of
cancers.
Applications
• In vitro diagnostic assays for highlymetastatic melanomas or other cancers.
• Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
• Cancer vaccine development.
Advantages
• Immunogenic: SPANX–B peptides
are naturally able to elicit immune
response.
• Expressed in a wide-range of
cancers.
• Use of epitope peptides facilitates
the activation of cells of the more
therapeutically effective branch of the
immune system.
• Small epitope peptides: Can be
more easily manufactured in contrast to
recombinant proteins.
Development Status: Pre-clinical.
Market: Cancer; Cancer, Therapy;
Cancer, Diagnostics/Prognostics.
Inventors: Arya Biragyn (NIA) and
Vladimir Larionov (NCI).
Publication: G Almanzar et al. Spermderived SPANX–B is a clinically
relevant tumor antigen that is expressed
in human tumors and readily
recognized by human CD4+ and CD8+ T
cells. Clin Cancer Res. 2009 Mar
15;15(6):1954–1963.
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/156,435 filed
February 27, 2009 (HHS Reference No.
E–089–2009/0–US–01).
Licensing Status: Available for
licensing.
Licensing Contact: Patrick P. McCue,
Ph.D.; 301–435–5560;
mccuepat@mail.nih.gov.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Institute on Aging,
Laboratory of Immunology, is seeking
statements of capability or interest from
parties interested in collaborative
research to further develop, evaluate, or
commercialize the use of SPANX–Bbased therapeutic approaches to combat
E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM
10SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 174 / Thursday, September 10, 2009 / Notices
cancers. Please contact John D. Hewes,
PhD at 301–435–3121 or
hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more
information.
erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with NOTICES
¨
Biomarkers for Sjogren’s Syndrome
Description of Technology: This
technology provides differentiallyexpressed microRNAs that may be
utilized for the development of
diagnostics and therapeutics for
¨
Sjogren’s syndrome.
¨
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune
disorder in which immune cells attack
and destroy the glands that produce
tears and saliva. The hallmark
symptoms of this disorder are dry
mouth and dry eyes, but it can also
cause serious complications throughout
¨
the body. Sjogren’s syndrome affects as
many as four million people in the
United States, making it the second
most common autoimmune rheumatic
disease. Unfortunately, there is
¨
currently no cure for Sjogren’s
syndrome, nor is there a specific
treatment to restore gland secretion.
Treatment is generally symptomatic and
supportive, including moisture
replacement therapies and the use of
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
to treat musculoskeletal symptoms. For
individuals with severe complications,
corticosteroids or immunosuppressive
drugs are often prescribed, but these
drugs can have serious side effects.
The inventors have identified
microRNAs that are differentially
¨
expressed in patients with Sjogren’s
syndrome compared to the normal
population; these biomarkers can be
¨
used to diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome,
and are potential targets for treatment of
this disease. The inventors have also
identified microRNAs associated with
high or low salivary flow in this patient
population; these markers may serve as
targets for therapeutics that restore
salivary flow.
Applications: Development of
diagnostics and therapeutics for
¨
Sjogren’s syndrome.
Development Status: Discovery stage.
¨
Market: Sjogren’s syndrome affects
four million people in the United States.
Inventors: Ilias Alevizos and Gabor G.
Illei (NIDCR).
Related Publication: A Michael et al.
Exosomes from human saliva as a
source of microRNA biomarkers. Oral
Dis. 2009 Jul 15. Epub ahead of print,
doi: 10.1111/j.1601–0825.2009.01604.x.
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/165,142 filed March
31, 2009 (HHS Reference No. E–018–
2009/0–US–01).
Licensing Status: Available for
licensing.
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15:13 Sep 09, 2009
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Licensing Contact: Tara Kirby, PhD;
301–435–4426; tarak@mail.nih.gov.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The NIDCR is seeking statements of
capability or interest from parties
interested in collaborative research to
further develop, evaluate, or
commercialize differentially-expressed
microRNAs. Please contact David
Bradley at bradleyda@nidcr.nih.gov.
Treatment of Airway Diseases,
Including Asthma and COPD, by
Targeting Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Description of Technology: This
technology provides methods of
treatment for airway diseases, including
asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), utilizing
molecules that target the airway
hyperresponsiveness (AHR) pathway.
Airway diseases are a major health
burden in the developed world. A major
component of airway disease is airway
hyperresponsiveness (AHR), defined as
the exaggerated airway constrictive
response to external triggers. The
inventors have shown that inter-alphatrypsin inhibitor (IaI), a mammalian
protein involved in tissue inflammation
and repair, is necessary for the
development of AHR, and that
inhibitors of IaI prevent the
development of AHR. Specifically, the
inventors tested their hypothesis that IaI
inhibition or absence modifies airway
smooth muscle cell binding to
hyaluronan, a molecule known to
contribute to the response to noninfectious lung injury, which also
mediates induced AHR.
Claims in the provisional patent
application are directed to methods of
treating an airway disease or disorder by
administering an inhibitor of IaI, such as
an antibody, a polypeptide, a
carbohydrate, a small molecule, or an
antisense compound.
Applications: Development of
therapeutics for airway diseases,
including asthma and COPD.
Development Status: Discovery stage.
Market: Asthma affects over six
percent of the U.S. population, and
COPD affects approximately five
percent. The combined asthma/COPD
market is expected to reach over $25
billion in 2017.
Inventors: Stavros Garantziotis
(NIEHS) et al.
Related Publication: S Garantziotis et
al. Hyaluronan mediates ozone-induced
airway hyperresponsiveness in mice. J
Biol Chem. 2009 Apr 24;284(17):11309–
11317.
Patent Status: PCT Application Serial
No. PCT/US09/039157 filed April 1,
2009 (HHS Reference No. E–009–2009/
0–PCT–02).
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46605
Licensing Status: Available for
licensing.
Licensing Contact: Tara Kirby, PhD;
301–435–4426; tarak@mail.nih.gov.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The NIEHS Division of Intramural
Research is seeking statements of
capability or interest from parties
interested in collaborative research to
further develop, evaluate, or
commercialize this technology. Please
contact Dr. Elizabeth M. Denholm,
Director of the Office of Technology
Transfer, at denholme@neihs.nih.gov for
more information.
MRI Coil Holder for Both Dynamic and
Static Imaging of Joints
Description of Technology: Two new
designs of the MRI coil, each of which
can be used for both dynamic and static
imaging of joints, particularly knee and
ankle joints, have been developed. The
first design is based on the current
cylindrical coil designs: While
maintaining the overall shape, the top
portion of the coil can slide, providing
room for joint movement during a
dynamic exam. To improve the signalto-noise ratio, the adjustable section
would be able to transmit and receive
the MRI signal. The second design
describes a coil in the form of a
rectangular prism. The sides would be
adjustable so that the size and
proportion of the coil can be changed.
The top of the coil can slide, providing
room for a bent knee. All four sides of
the coil would be able to transmit and
receive the MRI signal.
Applications: MRI (human and
veterinary).
Advantages: Allows for higher quality
dynamic imaging while maintaining
current quality of static imaging,
particularly useful for imaging knee and
ankle joints while they move. Housing
is adjustable to allow for bent joints
while maintaining a favorable signal-tonoise ratio.
Development Status: Detailed design
drawings have been completed.
Inventors: Frances T. (Sheehan)
Gavelli and Nicole A. Wilson (NIHCC).
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/151,300 filed
February 10, 2009 (HHS Reference No.
E–298–2008/0–US–01).
Licensing Status: Available for
licensing.
Licensing Contact: Bruce Goldstein,
J.D., M.S.; 301–435–5470;
goldsteb@mail.nih.gov.
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46606
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 174 / Thursday, September 10, 2009 / Notices
Dated: September 1, 2009.
Richard U. Rodriguez,
Director, Division of Technology Development
and Transfer, Office of Technology Transfer,
National Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. E9–21786 Filed 9–9–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Applications
• Bacterial detection and diagnostics,
including clinical or environment
samples.
• Food safety and biodefense.
National Institutes of Health
Government-Owned Inventions;
Availability for Licensing
Advantages
AGENCY: National Institutes of Health,
Public Health Service, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with NOTICES
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.
Rapid Diagnostic Applications of Phage
Description of Technology: The NIH
has available for licensing two
techniques for rapid detection of a
particular bacteria strain. Similar
detection using currently available
technologies take 1–2 days; this
technology reduces the time to less than
one hour. These technologies utilize
phage, which has no pathogenic effect
on higher plants and animals and are
part of approved food-preparation
formulations, indicating their known
safety profile and an existing regulatory
pathway. The first technique involves a
phage that incorporates a reporter gene
(e.g., luciferase) that will be expressed
only when the phage successfully
infects a bacterium. This technique is
particularly useful where only bacteriakilling (‘‘lytic’’) phages are known
because the method also deactivates the
lytic genes, enabling infection and
subsequent detection. The second
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technique involves an engineered phage
that will bind with quantum dots upon
infection of bacteria; if a sample is
treated first with this phage and then
with quantum dots, the sample will
only respond if the bacteria are present.
Both techniques can be used to diagnose
a clinical sample (tissue, blood, etc.) or
an environmental isolate.
• Detection methods are novel, rapid,
and potentially applicable in many
contexts (e.g., clinic, food preparation,
bioterror response).
• Phage is easy and inexpensive to
cultivate.
• Phage is on sale in the US for foodpreparation formulations and thus has a
known regulatory pathway.
Development Status: A range of
phages have been synthesized, many of
which have been tested proof-ofprinciple using major standardized
testing systems.
Inventors: Dr. Carl Merrill (NIMH), Dr.
Sankar Adhya (NCI), et al.
commercialize this technology. Please
contact John D. Hewes, PhD at 301–435–
3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more
information.
Therapeutic Antibacterial Applications
of Phage
Description of Technology: The NIH,
in collaboration with others, has
developed three groups of inventions
related to the use of bacteriophages in
therapeutic situations. The first group is
a method of adapting phages to survive
in the body substantially longer than
wild-type phages, using serial passaging
and/or genetic engineering. The second
group involves phages designed to bind
the toxins and cytokines that killed
bacteria release into the bloodstream,
reducing the pathogenic properties of
the bacteria. The third group is a
method of engineering a phage to have
multiple binding sites, such that a single
phage can target multiple types of
bacteria.
Application: Therapeutic applications
of phage to treat bacterial infection.
Advantages
1. R Edgar et al. High-sensitivity
bacterial detection using biotin-tagged
phage and quantum-dot nanocomplexes.
Proc Natl Acad Sci. USA 2006 Mar
28;103(13):4841–4845.
2. C Merril et al. The prospect for
bacteriophage therapy in Western
medicine. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2003
Jun;2(6):489–497.
• Improved efficacy through longer
circulation.
• Additional antibacterial functions.
• Can be used independently or as an
adjuvant to another antibacterial
therapy.
Development Status: A range of
phages have been synthesized and
tested in vivo. A Phase 1 study of a
phage targeting vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium was completed by
Exponential Biotherapies, Inc., with no
adverse effects reported.
Inventors: Dr. Carl Merrill (NIMH), Dr.
Sankar Adhya (NCI), et al.
Patent Status
Publications
HHS Reference No. E–169–2004—U.S.
Patent Application No. 11/547,587 filed
05 Oct 2006.
HHS Reference No. E–281–2005—U.S.
Patent Application No. 11/884,604 filed
17 Aug 2007.
HHS Reference No. E–318–2000—
Research Materials (patent protection is
not being pursued for this technology):
‘‘Method for Determining Sensitivity to
a Bacteriophage.’’
Licensing Status: Technologies are
available for licensing, either
individually or as a package.
Licensing Contact: Bruce Goldstein,
J.D., M.S.; 301–435–5470;
goldsteb@mail.nih.gov.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The NCI Laboratory of Molecular
Biology is seeking statements of
capability or interest from parties
interested in collaborative research to
further develop, evaluate, or
1. C Merril et al. The prospect for
bacteriophage therapy in Western
medicine. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2003
Jun;2(6):489–497.
2. B Biswas et al. Bacteriophage
therapy rescues mice bacteremic from a
clinical isolate of vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium. Infect Immun.
2002 Jan;70(1):204–210.
3. C Merrill et al. Long-circulating
bacteriophage as antibacterial agents.
Proc Natl Acad Sci. USA 1996 Apr
16;93(8):3188–3192.
Publications
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4703
Patent Status
HHS Reference No. E–110–1993—U.S.
Patent No. 5,688,601 issued 19 Jun
1997; U.S. Patent No. 7,332,307 issued
19 Feb 2008.
HHS Reference No. E–257–2000—U.S.
Patent No. 7,163,818 issued 16 Jan 2007.
HHS Reference No. E–178–1996—
Research Materials (patent protection is
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 174 (Thursday, September 10, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46604-46606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-21786]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing
AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, HHS.
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.
Use of a Modified Adaptor Molecule LAT to Improve Immunotherapy for
Cancer and Other Diseases
Description of Technology: One problem with the development of
immunotherapy for cancer or other diseases is the inability to
stimulate a sufficient immune response in patients to tumor associated
antigens. The Linker Adapted for T Cell Signaling molecule (LAT) has
been shown to be an important molecule in T cell signaling. The
inventions described and claimed in this patent application illustrate
a new supportive role for LAT which may be harnessed to improve a
patient's immune response to tumor-associated antigens.
A number of approaches to improving the immune response in cancer
immunotherapy have been investigated. One such approach is to be able
to influence the potency of T Cell Signaling. This invention exploits
the role of LAT in T Cell signaling and provides a means to create a
more intense and effective T Cell response. This would have the end
result of improving the overall response of a patient's immune system
to the presence of tumor-associated antigens.
With T Cell signaling being important in the body's immune response
to bacterial and viral antigens it may also be possible to harness the
modified LAT molecules to improve the immune response in developing
immunotherapy for infectious disease.
Applications
As an adjuvant with immunotherapeutic agents to improve
the overall response of a patient's immune system to tumor associated
antigens.
As an adjuvant with immunotherapeutic agents to improve
the overall response of a patient's immune system to bacterial
associated antigens.
As an adjuvant with immunotherapeutic agents to improve
the overall response of a patient's immune system to viral associated
antigens.
Advantages: Enhanced T Cell Signaling should improve the overall
effectiveness of immunotherapy producing a more robust patient
response.
Development Status: Early stage, significant development efforts
required to reach proof of principle.
Inventors: Lawrence E. Samelson et al. (NCI).
Publication: This work has not yet been published.
Patent Status
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/176,231 filed May 7,
2009 (HHS Reference No. E-159-2009/0-US-01).
Interested parties wishing to review the U.S. Patent
Application will need to sign a CDA.
Related Technologies: The NIH also has three patents related to the
basic LAT molecule (HHS Reference No. E-010-1998)--US 7,118,889, AU
750543, and AU 776495--and several pending applications in the US
published as 20060073562 A1 and 20070134749 A1 and corresponding
applications in Canada (2316769) and Europe (1 141 281 A1).
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contact: Susan S. Rucker; 301-435-4478;
ruckersu@mail.nih.gov.
Immunogenic Tumor-Associated Antigen SPANX-B for Selective Cancer
Immunotherapy
Description of Technology: Researchers at the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) have characterized a novel tumor-associated antigen,
SPANX-B, that is naturally immunogenic and is expressed in a variety of
human malignancies, including melanoma and lung, colon, renal, ovarian
and breast carcinomas. In melanoma specifically, SPANX-B expression is
associated with advanced and metastatic disease. Moreover, the
researchers have found several agonist epitope peptides from SPANX-B
which can be used to activate the immune system to eradicate tumors
utilizing T cells. SPANX-B peptides have significant clinical and
immunotherapeutic potential for the development of cancer diagnostic
assays and potent protective and/or therapeutic vaccines to combat a
wide-range of cancers.
Applications
In vitro diagnostic assays for highly-metastatic melanomas
or other cancers.
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
Cancer vaccine development.
Advantages
Immunogenic: SPANX-B peptides are naturally able to elicit
immune response.
Expressed in a wide-range of cancers.
Use of epitope peptides facilitates the activation of
cells of the more therapeutically effective branch of the immune
system.
Small epitope peptides: Can be more easily manufactured in
contrast to recombinant proteins.
Development Status: Pre-clinical.
Market: Cancer; Cancer, Therapy; Cancer, Diagnostics/Prognostics.
Inventors: Arya Biragyn (NIA) and Vladimir Larionov (NCI).
Publication: G Almanzar et al. Sperm-derived SPANX-B is a
clinically relevant tumor antigen that is expressed in human tumors and
readily recognized by human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Clin Cancer Res.
2009 Mar 15;15(6):1954-1963.
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/156,435 filed
February 27, 2009 (HHS Reference No. E-089-2009/0-US-01).
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contact: Patrick P. McCue, Ph.D.; 301-435-5560;
mccuepat@mail.nih.gov.
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Institute on
Aging, Laboratory of Immunology, is seeking statements of capability or
interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further
develop, evaluate, or commercialize the use of SPANX-B-based
therapeutic approaches to combat
[[Page 46605]]
cancers. Please contact John D. Hewes, PhD at 301-435-3121 or
hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information.
Biomarkers for Sj[ouml]gren's Syndrome
Description of Technology: This technology provides differentially-
expressed microRNAs that may be utilized for the development of
diagnostics and therapeutics for Sj[ouml]gren's syndrome.
Sj[ouml]gren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune
cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva. The
hallmark symptoms of this disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes, but it
can also cause serious complications throughout the body.
Sj[ouml]gren's syndrome affects as many as four million people in the
United States, making it the second most common autoimmune rheumatic
disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Sj[ouml]gren's
syndrome, nor is there a specific treatment to restore gland secretion.
Treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive, including moisture
replacement therapies and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs to treat musculoskeletal symptoms. For individuals with severe
complications, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs are often
prescribed, but these drugs can have serious side effects.
The inventors have identified microRNAs that are differentially
expressed in patients with Sj[ouml]gren's syndrome compared to the
normal population; these biomarkers can be used to diagnose
Sj[ouml]gren's syndrome, and are potential targets for treatment of
this disease. The inventors have also identified microRNAs associated
with high or low salivary flow in this patient population; these
markers may serve as targets for therapeutics that restore salivary
flow.
Applications: Development of diagnostics and therapeutics for
Sj[ouml]gren's syndrome.
Development Status: Discovery stage.
Market: Sj[ouml]gren's syndrome affects four million people in the
United States.
Inventors: Ilias Alevizos and Gabor G. Illei (NIDCR).
Related Publication: A Michael et al. Exosomes from human saliva as
a source of microRNA biomarkers. Oral Dis. 2009 Jul 15. Epub ahead of
print, doi: 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2009.01604.x.
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/165,142 filed
March 31, 2009 (HHS Reference No. E-018-2009/0-US-01).
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contact: Tara Kirby, PhD; 301-435-4426;
tarak@mail.nih.gov.
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The NIDCR is seeking statements
of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative
research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize differentially-
expressed microRNAs. Please contact David Bradley at
bradleyda@nidcr.nih.gov.
Treatment of Airway Diseases, Including Asthma and COPD, by Targeting
Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Description of Technology: This technology provides methods of
treatment for airway diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), utilizing molecules that target the airway
hyperresponsiveness (AHR) pathway.
Airway diseases are a major health burden in the developed world. A
major component of airway disease is airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR),
defined as the exaggerated airway constrictive response to external
triggers. The inventors have shown that inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor
(IaI), a mammalian protein involved in tissue inflammation and repair,
is necessary for the development of AHR, and that inhibitors of IaI
prevent the development of AHR. Specifically, the inventors tested
their hypothesis that IaI inhibition or absence modifies airway smooth
muscle cell binding to hyaluronan, a molecule known to contribute to
the response to non-infectious lung injury, which also mediates induced
AHR.
Claims in the provisional patent application are directed to
methods of treating an airway disease or disorder by administering an
inhibitor of IaI, such as an antibody, a polypeptide, a carbohydrate, a
small molecule, or an antisense compound.
Applications: Development of therapeutics for airway diseases,
including asthma and COPD.
Development Status: Discovery stage.
Market: Asthma affects over six percent of the U.S. population, and
COPD affects approximately five percent. The combined asthma/COPD
market is expected to reach over $25 billion in 2017.
Inventors: Stavros Garantziotis (NIEHS) et al.
Related Publication: S Garantziotis et al. Hyaluronan mediates
ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in mice. J Biol Chem. 2009 Apr
24;284(17):11309-11317.
Patent Status: PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US09/039157 filed
April 1, 2009 (HHS Reference No. E-009-2009/0-PCT-02).
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contact: Tara Kirby, PhD; 301-435-4426;
tarak@mail.nih.gov.
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The NIEHS Division of
Intramural Research is seeking statements of capability or interest
from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop,
evaluate, or commercialize this technology. Please contact Dr.
Elizabeth M. Denholm, Director of the Office of Technology Transfer, at
denholme@neihs.nih.gov for more information.
MRI Coil Holder for Both Dynamic and Static Imaging of Joints
Description of Technology: Two new designs of the MRI coil, each of
which can be used for both dynamic and static imaging of joints,
particularly knee and ankle joints, have been developed. The first
design is based on the current cylindrical coil designs: While
maintaining the overall shape, the top portion of the coil can slide,
providing room for joint movement during a dynamic exam. To improve the
signal-to-noise ratio, the adjustable section would be able to transmit
and receive the MRI signal. The second design describes a coil in the
form of a rectangular prism. The sides would be adjustable so that the
size and proportion of the coil can be changed. The top of the coil can
slide, providing room for a bent knee. All four sides of the coil would
be able to transmit and receive the MRI signal.
Applications: MRI (human and veterinary).
Advantages: Allows for higher quality dynamic imaging while
maintaining current quality of static imaging, particularly useful for
imaging knee and ankle joints while they move. Housing is adjustable to
allow for bent joints while maintaining a favorable signal-to-noise
ratio.
Development Status: Detailed design drawings have been completed.
Inventors: Frances T. (Sheehan) Gavelli and Nicole A. Wilson
(NIHCC).
Patent Status: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/151,300 filed
February 10, 2009 (HHS Reference No. E-298-2008/0-US-01).
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Licensing Contact: Bruce Goldstein, J.D., M.S.; 301-435-5470;
goldsteb@mail.nih.gov.
[[Page 46606]]
Dated: September 1, 2009.
Richard U. Rodriguez,
Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of
Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. E9-21786 Filed 9-9-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
