Identification of Pyrazinamide-Resistant Mycobacteria and Methods for Treating Mycobacterial Infections Invented by: Ying Zhang, Angelo Scorpio Abstract: Conventional methods for treating tuberculosis include administration of drugs such as pyrazinamide (PZA), isoniazid (INH), rifampicin, streptomycin, and ethambutol. PZA is particularly effective in that it targets semi-dormant mycobacteria that are not susceptible to other drug treatments. PZA frequently is administered in conjunction with a combination of INH and rifampicin, and its inclusion in this multi-drug regimen shortens the standard course of therapy. Nonetheless, the emergence of drug-resistant mycobacteria has complicated efforts to control tuberculosis. Since PZA is a commonly used drug, strains of PZA-resistant mycrobacteria have evolved. Investigators at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have recently identified the molecular basis of PZA-resistance in both naturally PZA-resistant mycobacterial strains (M. bovis) and acquired PZA-resistant strains (M. tuberculosis). Potential Commercial Uses: This technology may be used for the diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis infections. This technology encompasses the methods and reagents for the identification mycobacteria resistant to pyrazinamide due to alterations in the pncA gene in M. tuberculosis and M. bovis . Questions about this invention? Identification of a Novel Class of Proteins That Inhibit Apoptosis Invented by: J. Marie Hardwick , Emily H.-Y. Cheng, B. Nelson Chau Abstract: Apoptosis is the fundamental cellular process for the self-destruction of cells. Modulation of cell survival is essential to tissue development and homeostasis with aberrations of this process accounting for many pathological conditions such as cancer. Apoptosis is a complex, multi-step event involving proteins that both inhibit and initiate cell death. Inhibition of apoptosis primarily has been attributed to proteins of the Bcl-2 family; however, the exact mechanisms by which these proteins inhibit cell death remain unknown. Recently, a new class of anti-apoptotic factors has been identified. The prototype protein, Aven, binds to both Bcl-xl and the caspase regulator Apaf-1, suggesting that Aven impairs the Apaf-1-mediated activation of caspases. Aven thus represents a novel target for therapies designed to modulate cell survival. Potential Commercial Uses: This technology provides a novel protein that acts to inhibit mammalian cell apoptosis. This technology may be used to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of pathological conditions such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections. Further, this technology may be used to modulate the commercial production of biomolecules. Questions about this invention?
Compositions and Methods for Preventing Transepithelial Transmission of HIV Invented by: Richard Markham , Kristen Khanna Abstract: Most newly acquired cases of HIV-1 infection result from sexual, primarily heterosexual, transmission. While mechanical barriers, such as condoms, can be very effective in preventing sexual transmission, this male-dependent method of protection is frequently not accepted or is impractical for use by the women at greatest risk. Understanding the mechanisms of sexual transmission of HIV-1 is important for limiting the AIDS pandemic worldwide. Vaginal and cervical epithelium provide the initial barrier to sexually-acquired HIV-1 infection of women, understanding the interactions between infected cells or cell-free virus to the epithelium is critical. The inventors have discovered that the activity of anti-ICAM-1 antibodies to inhibit transepithelial transmission of cell-associated HIV-1 in both in vitro and in vivo (scid mouse) model systems. Antibodies are a versatile prophylactic intervention particularly suited for application to a variety of sites in the body, and in particular to mucosal surfaces. This technology provides the methods, composition and articles of manufacture for blocking transepithelial transmission of HIV to at the site of exposure to the virus. Potential Commercial Uses: Anti-ICAM-1 antibodies could be used as a vaginal microbicide that would prevent transepithelial transmission of HIV-1. Opportunities for Investors
Questions about this invention? Inhibitor of Double-Strand Break Repair in Mammalian Cells Invented by: Gary Ketner , Julie Boyer, Charles S. H. Young Abstract: DNA damaging agents such as ionizing radiation and chemotherapeutics cause double-strand breaks in cellular DNA. These double-strand breaks interfere with the processes of DNA replication and chromosome segregation and thus are lethal if not repaired. An efficient system to repair double-strand breaks in DNA exists in most mammalian cells. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying double-strand break repair, although several proteins have been implicated in the process. Recently, scientists at Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University have identified a protein from the adenovirus which acts as an inhibitor of the mammalian double-strand break repair system. The adenoviral E4 34-kDa protein inhibits the action of the double-strand break repair system on broken chromosomal DNA as well as on exogenous DNA introduced into the cell. This protein is the first identified inhibitor of double-strand break repair in mammalian cells. Potential Commercial Uses: This technology provides for the use of the adenoviral E4 34-dDa protein an inhibitor of double-strand break repair system in mammalian cells. This technology may have applications in areas of cancer chemotherapy, gene delivery, and immunotherapy. Questions about this invention?
Agents Capable of Inhibiting Ras and Uses Thereof Invented by: David Levin , Andrew Sobering Abstract: This technology provides a novel protein that inhibits mutationally activated Ras (which is locked in the GTP-bound state) implicated in approximately 30% of human cancers. The novel protein, designated RIN2, is in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which associates specifically with active Ras (GTP-Ras), and inhibits its ability to signal. Rin2 is a 68 amino acid protein encoded by a previously unrecognized, non-annotated ,open reading frame (nORF). A null mutant in RIN2 displays a variety of phenotypes that result from hyperactive Ras signaling. These include constitutive filamentous and invasive growth, and failure of quiescent cells to acquire resistance to heat shock. Genetic evidence indicates that RIN2 is a negative regulator of RAS function. Specifically, each of the above phenotypes of a rin2 mutant is suppressed by downregulation of Ras signaling. Conversely, overexpression of Rin2 suppresses the heat shock sensitivity associated with constitutive Ras signaling, indicating that Rin2 inhibits Ras pathway activity. We have shown that Rin2 specifically associates with the active, GTP-bound form of Ras, and not with the inactive GDP-bound form. Moreover, Rin2 associates with the effector loop of active Ras, which is exposed upon GTP binding, and normally interacts with targets of Ras signaling. This invention provides an agent capable of blocking the interaction between GTP-Ras and RIN2. In one embodiment, the agent comprises at least a portion of the RIN2 sequence. This invention provides a nucleic acid which encodes such agents. This invention also provides uses of the agents for treating cancer. Potential Commercial Uses: A Cancer Therapy for malignancies involving mutationally activated Ras proteins (approximately 30% of human malignancies) that specifically binds to GTP-bound Ras, that inhibits specific molecular targets in different tumor types and that inhibits Ras by direct binding not by preventing proper localization. Questions about this invention? Anti-Viral and Immunostimulatory Polynucleotide Duplex and Use Thereof Invented by Paul Ts'o , Laure Aurelian Abstract: Genital Herpes is a viral diseaseafffecting an estimated 45 million Americans. Current reports indicate that the incidence of this disease has increased with an estimated 500,000 new cases occuring annually. Genital Herpes results from infection with the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 primarily via sexual transmission. This disease is characterized by the presence of lesions during the active stage of infection followed by the establishment of an asymptomatic, latent stage of the disease. Those individuals in the latent stage are at risk for recurrent episodes. Currently, there is no cure for genital herpes; however, therapies do exist which lessen the symptoms associated with active infection. This technology provides novel compositions of matter and methods of treatment for viral infections, specifically HSV-2, based on the use of polynucleotide duplexes. Animal studies suggest that these novel anti-viral compounds significantly reduce the severity of primary disease as well as reduce the incidence of recurrent episodes. Therefore, this technology provides novel methods to treat both primary and recurrent HSV-2 infection. Potential Commercial Uses: This technology may be used alone in conjunction with other anti-viral compounds for the treatment of primary and recurrent HSV-2 infection. This technology encompasses the use of polynucleotide duplexes in the prophylactic treatment of viral diseases and in the modulation of the natural killer cell activity of the human immune system. Questions about this invention?
Reference: Kulka, M., Smith, C.C., Aurelian, L., Fishelevich, R., Blake, K., Miller, P.S., and TS'O, P.O.P. 1989. Site specificity of the inhibitory effect of oligonucleotide methylphosphonates complementary to the acceptor splice junction of HSV-1 pre-mRNA 4. Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 86: 6868-6872
Helmet System Including at Least Three Accelerometers and Mass Memory and Method for Recording in Real-Time Orthogonal Acceleration Data of a Head Invented by: Walter Stewart, Nicholas Jones , Wolfer Schneider Abstract: A system designed to measure and record in real time data relating to translational and angular acceleration of an individual's head during normal sporting activity. One embodiment of the device includes three orthogonal accelerometers mounted within a sports helmetwhere three of the accelerometers are linear and three are rotational. The power supply is attached to the individual, while the third accelerometer supplies electrical power. There is means for recording in real-time, the data output from the acclerometers data is either recorded on a memory card or other mass memory means installed in the helmet, or is transmitted to a nearby receiver for reception and storage in a computer's drive or other cenventional mass storage device. Within the accleration monitoring device there is the system unit which contains the integral parts of the device. The system unit contains the accelerometers, a processor in communication with the accelerometers memory unit in communication with the processor so that the processor can store and retrieve data from the memory region, and the PCMCIA interface, with its swappable card. The processor processes digital signals which are converted from analog output signals by the a-d converter contained within the system unit. The power supply is electrically connected to the system unit. The device provides real-time storage of translational and angular acceleration data over a length of time such that cumulative exposure effects and thus limits can be established for the individiual's further or future participation in the sport. The data also allow detection of the precise motions of the head which precede occurrence of a severe head injury. Potential Commercial Uses: Professional Sport Leagues for Training and Safety, Athletic Leagues for Safety Measures Questions about this invention? Method and Device for Environmental Monitoring and Bio-Prospecting Invented by Rolf Halden Abstract: For the management of contaminated sites, the risk assessment of microorganisms introduced into natural environments, and the search for novel microorganisms/enzymes/compounds applicable to biotechnology, a monitoring tool and analysis strategy are disclosed allowing for the automated, rapid and simultaneous determination of the following parameters: (1) water quality and toxicity, (2) intrinsic bioremediation potential, (3) accelerated bioremediation potential following nutrient amendment, (4) effective bioaugmentation strategies for environmental cleanup, (5) turnover rates of natural compounds and environmental pollutants under natural and enhanced conditions, (6) DNA synthesis and protein expression, (7) growth/death rates and metabolic activity of native and introduced biological agents under natural and altered environmental conditions, (8) structure and dynamics of microbial communities indigenous to natural soil and water environments, (9) identity and activity of microorganisms of potential value for use in biotechnology. Potential Commercial Uses : The environmental monitoring tool and strategy could be sold as a license, product and/or service. The technology can be used to obtain in a one-step process a comprehensive assessment of contaminated waste sites based on which treatment strategies can be selected, implemented and then monitored, again using the new technology. The invention may be applied to assess the potential risk resulting from the release of pathogens and genetically engineered microorganisms into natural environments. In addition, it has potential value for discovering microorganisms, enzymes and natural products of relevance for the pharmaceutical industry and the biotechnology sector. Opportunities for Investors
Questions about this invention? PraPlus™ Screening Instrument
Invented by: Charles Boult, et al. The Pra™ is a screening instrument used to identify members of older populations who are at high risk for using health services heavily in the future. The Pra™ consists of - an 8-item questionnaire
- a scoring formula
- instructions for using the questionnaire and the formula
The PraPlus™ is a screening instrument used to identify members of older populations who are at high risk for using health services heavily in the future and to begin the process of evaluating their needs. The PraPlus™ consists of - a 17-item questionnaire (the eight questions of the Pra™, plus nine additional questions about medical conditions, functional ability, living circumstances, nutrition, and depression)
- the Pra™ scoring formula
- instructions for using the questionnaire and the formula.
Many organizations use the Pra™ or the PraPlus™ to screen older populations to identify individuals who are at risk for using health services heavily in the future. They then offer special forms of health care, such as case management, comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), or geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) to these at-risk individuals. The Pra™ and PraPlus™ instruments were developed by faculty at the University of Minnesota. Their copyrights and trademarks are owned by the University of Minnesota. The principle developer of these instruments is now a professor and researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. JHU has licensed rights from the University of Minnesota to exclusively sublicense the Pra™ and PraPlus™ instruments to others. Questions about this invention? Child Health and Illness Profile (CHIP) Invented by: Barbara Starfield, Anne Riley Abstract: The Child Health and Illness Profile (CHIP) is a family of self-report questionnaires designed to assess the health of children (Child Edition) and adolescents (Adolescent Edition) ages 6 through 17 years. Domains of health obtained from the CHIP reflect the complexity of children's health and describes aspects of health and influences on health that can be modified by healthcare systems, including school health centers. The CHIP instruments were conceptually derived and empirically refined to demostrate adequate-to-excellent levels of reliability and validity. Questions about this invention?
The ACG System Invented by: Barbara Starfield , Jonathan Weiner, Donald Steinwachs Abstract: The ACG System, which stands for Adjusted Clinical Groups Case-Mix System, in most widely used population-based diagnostic risk adjustment methods in the world that 250 organizations use ACGs to manage care for tens of millions of patients in many countries and for exchanges of billions of dollars annually. The ACGs are a risk assessment tool that enable health care providers, insurers, and health maintenance organizations describe or predict a population's past or future heatlh care utilization and costs widely used to set "risk adjusted" capitation payments for health plans and doctors make sure the budget mathces enrolled patient needs. Researchers at JHSPH have developed a new ACG-mediated computer software to help states manage Medicare more efficiently and effectively. ACG-Medicaid is a streamlined version of the of the Case Mix software used since 1991. Questions about this invention? JHSPH Press Release
For more information, please visit the ACG website .
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