Federal Tech Transfer Opportunities
During the past week, the following agencies have listed inventions and trademarks available for licensing.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
The Department of Energy announces that the following patents are available
for license, in accordance with 37 USC 207_209:
A copy of the patents may be obtained, for a modest fee, from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC 20231. For further information, contact: Robert J. Marchick, Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585; Telephone (202) 586_2802.
NATIONAL
INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
The inventions listed below are owned
by agencies 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.
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.
M. Emmert_Buck (NCI), C. Englert (NCI), R. Bonner (NICHD), and L. Liotta (NCI) DHHS Reference No. E_197_00/0 filed 26 Jul 2000 Licensing Contact: Uri Reichman; 301/496_7736 ext. 240; e_mail: reichmau@od.nih.gov
The invention discloses methods for selective analysis of cellular samples, and more particularly it provides methods for selective analysis of tissue samples, such as tumors. The methods include placing the tissue on a surface such as membrane for example, and activating the surface at selected sites adjacent to the cells of interest. The activated sites become permeable and thus transferable to fluids. The cells adjacent to the permeable sites can than be selectively extracted and their content analyzed by standard biochemical procedures or by applying the extract to microarray devices, such as cDNA arrays, for analysis of gene expression etc. The technique presents a convenient alternative to existing methods of tissue microdissection. For further convenience, the technique can be readily combined with a variety of analytical devices such as microarrays biochips or other devices which include multiple regions carrying multiple capture molecules.
Robert H. Purcell et al. (NIAID) DHHS Reference No. E_008_95/0 filed 06 Aug 1999 Licensing Specialist: Carol Salata; 301/496_7735 ext. 232; e_mail: salatac@od.nih.gov
The present invention relates to hepatitis A virus clones adapted to growth in African Green Monkey Kidney Cells intended to be used as a live attenuated vaccine. Several cell culture_adapted strains of hepatitis A virus (HAV) are currently being used as inactivated vaccines. However, the inactivated vaccines have the limitation that multiple doses are required for effective immunization. Thus, a live vaccine could have the advantage of inducing life_long immunity following administration of only a single dose. Preclinical studies have been done using virus isolates of this invention. Preliminary observations suggest that some of the HM_175 P39 virus isolates analyzed may be promising candidates for use as a live attenuated vaccine. HM_175 P39 clone 15 appears to have the growth and attenuation properties that are desirable in a live vaccine for HAV as it is partially attenuated for tamarins and fully attenuated for chimpanzees. HM_175 P39 clone 13 may also be a potential vaccine candidate as it replicates efficiently in tamarins, resulting in moderate increases in serum liver enzyme and early seroconversion to anti_HAV positivity but is still fully attenuated for chimpanzees.
Michael W. Smith, Hyoung Doo Shin, Stephen J. O'Brien (NCI) DHHS Reference No. E_066_99/0 filed 09 Apr 1999 and DHHS Reference No. E_066_99/1 filed 06 Apr 2000 Licensing Contact: J. P. Kim; 301/496_7056 ext. 264; e_mail: kimj@od.nih.gov
This invention identifies the importance of a variant in the IL 10 gene (_592_5'A) that is commonly found in the population with HIV-1/AIDS. Individuals that inherit one or two copies of this form of IL 10 are at a greater risk for progression from HIV_1 infection to the development of clinical AIDS or death. The effects of IL 10_592 are particularly evident 5 years after infection. The gene variant and its product may be of diagnostic value in testing to determine treatment regimens for patients and mimicking the effect of the IL 10_5'A gene variant may be useful in developing therapies for HIV infection. The polymorphism of the present invention can be used in association with other alleles, such as CCR5_D32, CCR2_64I, CCR5_ +.P1.+, HLA_B35 and HLA homozygosity, to determine an individual's susceptibility to HIV infection, and provide a prognosis for disease progression in those who have been infected. The potential therapies derived from the IL 10_592 genetic variant may be particularly applicable to patients on triple drug therapy since these patients have generally been infected for a number of years prior to treatment.
Liotta et al. (NCI) Serial No. 08/203,780 filed 01 Mar 1994, issued as U.S. Patent No. 5,843,644; Serial No. 08/544,388 filed 10 Oct 1995, issued as U.S. Patent No. 5,843,657; Serial No. 08/882,699 filed 25 Jun 1997; Serial No. 08/925,894 filed 08 Sep 1997, issued as U.S. Patent No. 6,010,888; Serial No. 09/388,805 filed 02 Sep 1999 Licensing Contact: J. P. Kim; 301/496_7056 ext. 264; e_mail: kimj@od.nih.gov
The present technology provides methods and devices for the isolation and analysis of cellular samples on a molecular or genetic level. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and devices for the microdissection, for example, utilizing laser capture microdissection (LCM), and the diagnosis and analysis of cellular samples which may be used in combination with a number of different technologies that allow for analysis of enzymes, antigens, mRNA, DNA, and the like from pure populations or subpopulations of particular cell types.
George N. Pavlakis, Barbara K. Felber (NCI) Serial No. 07/858,747 filed 27 Mar 1992; U.S. Patent 5,972,596 issued 26 Oct 1999; U.S. Patent 5,965,726 issued 12 Oct 1999; Serial No. 09/414,117 filed 08 Oct 1999; PCT/US93/02908 Licensing Contact: Carol Salata; 301/496_7735 ext. 232; e_mail: salatac@od.nih.gov
This invention describes methodology for modifying the inhibitory/instability sequences (INS) of mRNA by making multiple nucleotide substitutions without altering the coding capacity of the mRNA of interest. Mutating INS allows for or increases the expression of genes that would otherwise have not been expressed or would have been poorly expressed because of the INS normally present on the mRNA transcript. This novel approach also improves the stability of the mRNA. These methods can be used to increase the production of protein from many genes producing, for example, growth hormone, interferons, interleukins, and HIV Gag and env. DNA constructs are described which encode Gag protein which is highly expressed and does not require HIV rev for production. Thus it is a potentially useful HIV DNA vaccine. Assays have also been developed to facilitate detection of the boundaries of INS sequences of any mRNA.
ADDRESS: Licensing information and copies of the U.S. patent application listed below may be obtained by contacting Susan S. Rucker, J.D., at the Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, Maryland 20852-3804; telephone: 301/496-7056 ext. 245; fax: 301/402-0220; e-mail: ruckers@od.nih.gov. A signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required to receive a copy of the patent application.
B Cao, S Koochekpou, M Oskarsson, D Bjurickovic, M Fivash, R Fisher and GR Vande Woude (NCI) Serial No. 60/164,173 filed 09 Nov 1999
The invention described and claimed in this application relates to a composition which comprises a combination of two or more antibodies which specifically bind one or more epitopes of the growth factor known as hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) which is able to inhibit HGF/SF signaling. In particular, the antibodies which specifically bind to HGF/SF are monoclonal antibodies. Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) activates migration and proliferation of endothelial cells and is angiogenic, acting through the tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the Met protooncogene. In addition, HGF/SF displays a unique feature in inducing ``branching morphogenesis'', a complex program of proliferation and motogenesis in a number of different cell types. Moreover, HGF is involved in the invasive behavior of several tumor cells both in vivo and in vitro. This combination of antibodies may be useful in drug screening assays, detection of HGF/SF expression or activity or in treating HGF/SF related diseases such as cancer.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), seeks licensee(s) who can effectively pursue the preclinical, clinical and commercial development of the technology embodied in U.S. Patent 5,610,053 entitled ``DNA Sequence Which Acts as a Chromatin Insulator Element to Protect Expressed Genes from Cis-acting Regulatory Sequences in Mammalian Cells,'' issued on March 11, 1997. The invention describes the isolation, identification, and characterization of a DNA element residing in higher eukaryotic chromatin structural domains. All fields of use are available for licensing. The patent rights in this technology have been assigned to the United States of America.
Requests for copies of the issued patent, inquiries, comments and other materials relating to the contemplated licenses should be directed to: Girish C. Barua, Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, Maryland 20852_3804; telephone: 301/496_7735 ext. 266; Facsimile: 301/402_0220; E_mail: baruag@od.nih.gov.
The technology provides the isolation of a functional DNA sequence comprising a chromatin insulating element from a vertebrate system and provides the first employment of the pure insulator element as a functional insulator in mammalian cells. The technology further relates to a method for insulating the expression of a gene from the activity of cis-acting regulatory sequences in eukaryotic chromatin.
This technology could be of major importance in providing a mechanism and a tool to restrict the action of cis-acting regulatory elements on genes whose activities or encoded products are needed or desired to be expressed in mammalian transgenic systems. This technology provides the first pure insulator element to function solely as an insulator element in human cells. Accordingly, this technology could have tremendous practical implications for transgenic technology and human gene therapies, either in vitro or in vivo.
The technology further provides a method and constructs for insulating the expression of a gene or genes in transgenic animals such that the transfected genes will be protected and stably expressed in the tissues of the transgenic animal or its offspring. For example, even if the DNA of the construct integrates into areas of silent chromatin in the genomic DNA of the host animal, the gene will continue to be expressed. The invention could provide a means of improving the stable integration and expression of any transgenic construct of interest, with efficiencies higher than are achieved presently. Use of this invention may represent a large potential savings for licensee's constructing transgenic cell lines or animals.
The NIH seeks licensee(s), who in accordance with requirements and regulations governing the licensing of government-owned inventions (37 CFR part 404), have meritorious plan(s) for the development of the DNA Chromatin Insulator technology to a marketable status to meet the needs of the public.
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
AGENCY: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
TITLE: Availability of a Government_owned Trademark for Licensing: The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS).
ACTION: Notice and request for proposals. NIOSH is requesting proposals for the purpose of establishing a licensing agreement for the continuation of a trademarked product: RTECS. (The NIOSH Trademark named in this notice is owned by the United States Government and is available or licensing in the United States (U.S.), in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally funded research and development.)
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SUMMARY: From the 1971 initial release of the mandated Toxic Substances List, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been systematically building and updating the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS). RTECS was originally published in book format, later a microfiche version was developed. Currently, RTECS is available in a digital format for electronic delivery. RTECS is recognized as the world's most extensive collection of numerical toxicological data. Because RTECS identifies specific toxicological endpoints, it has a unique status among databases that provide toxicology information.
RTECS is used not only by the occupational safety and health community; it serves as a standard reference for life-science scientists and regulatory groups from all parts of the world. Both its content and design have contributed to its wild spread use, thus making RTECS a commercially viable product. NIOSH is now soliciting proposals from organizations interested in assuming the responsibility for the continued operation and funding of RTECS. This include the ongoing review of toxicological documents, extraction and updating of appropriate information as well as the marketing and distribution of the RTECS database through a trademark licensing agreement.
Written licensing proposals can be sent to Thomas E. O'Toole, M.P.H., Deputy Director, Technology Transfer Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mailstop E_67, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30333 on or before December 4, 2000. For further information, contact: Doris Sweet, Education and Information Division, Information Resources Branch, NIOSH, CDC 4676 Columbia Parkway, Mailstop C_18, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, telephone 513_533_8359, e-mail address: dvs1@cdc.gov.
RTECS Trademark License Proposal
1. Exclusive use of the RTECS name for the production and marketing of the database. The Licensee will have unlimited right to the use of the RTECS name for product identification and promotion as related to selling and marketing the production of the Database.
2. Control of the current RTECS Master File. The Licensee will provided with a copy of the last NIOSH_produced RTECS Master File and the CODEN File. The Licensee may reformat the data, provided the six toxicity fields remain intact. New fields may be added for the enhancement of the Database (e.g. physical and chemical properties, structural formulas, author names). Selected fields may be deleted if the worth or power of the Database is not diminished (e.g., Wiswesser Line Notation).
3. Authority and responsibility for vendor agreements. Upon execution of this agreement, the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), currently serving as broker for NIOSH, will notify all current vendors that existing vendor agreements will terminate after ninety (90) days. Thereafter, vendor agreements become the responsibility of the Licensee, who may decide to extend existing agreements until the expiration date, or to negotiate new agreements with all vendors. The Licensee will not be bound by any previous agreements with NTIS, unless they chose to negotiate with that organization.
4. Access to comprehensive documentation. NIOSH will provide access to the collection of all source references cited in RTECS. These are an essential tool in accessing the original documentation cited in the Database. In order to assure full historical information, NIOSH will also provide access to a complete collection of printed editions of RTECS, from 1971 to 1985_86, and annual microfiche editions beyond 1987.
5. NIOSH consultation services. NIOSH will provide support to the Licensee through participation on any established Board/Committee empowered to modify the Database.
NIOSH Requirements To Be Addressed in the Proposal
1. Maintenance of RTECS as a viable toxicological database. The Licensee must maintain the quality of the Database, making only such changes that will enhance its value and power, and those mandated by changing technologies. The adoption of alternate test methods will require an altered approach. The proposal should address plans for coverage of current toxicological literature on an international scale.
2. Preservation of international literature coverage. The proposal shall address the manner in which the continued coverage of international literature will be accomplished. Because much of the current data now originates from outside the United States, especially in the Orient and Eastern Europe, access to linguistic skills is vital.
3. Continued accessibility of RTECS to the international scientific community. The Licensee must make RTECS continuously available world_wide and market the Database in a variety of formats including, but not limited to on_line, CD_ROM, and the Internet.
4. Multiple point and free access to NIOSH of all RTECS products. The Licensee will provide NIOSH research and information staff with multiple point and free access to RTECS to accommodate NIOSH users at six NIOSH sites, maximum usage not to exceed 25 users.
5. NIOSH representation on editorial or policy board or committee. A NIOSH representative will be designated to serve on any editorial or policy board established for the Database to ensure that the interests of the Institute are considered. This representative will serve in a consultative capacity without decision-making authority.
General Terms
1. Ownership of the RTECS trademark will be retained by NIOSH.
2. The licensing agreement can be terminated by either party.
3. Ownership of data files, microfiche, and other files. NIOSH will retain ownership of the last RTECS Master File produced with NIOSH funds. The Licensee will retain ownership of all new data generated and indexed under this agreement. NIOSH will also retain ownership of the microfiche collection of the bibliographical references. The full hard copy collection of the same references will be delivered to the Licensee, along with the annual microfiche editions produced after 1987. In the event of a termination of the Licensing Agreement, the hard copy collection and annual microfiche additions will be returned to NIOSH.
4. Duration of agreement will be negotiated in the license.
5. In submitted proposals, each requirement shall be addressed individually.
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