[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 61 (Wednesday, March 30, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-7472]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 30, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
 

Opportunity for a License: Identification of a Suppressor of 
Atherogenic Apolipoprotein

AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Institutes of Health seeks licensee(s) (in 
accordance with 35 U.S.C. 207) for a new invention which relates to the 
identification of a genetic sequence for a region of the apolipoprotein 
B gene which suppresses the transcription of apolipoprotein B. 
Apolipoprotein B is the primary cholesterol-associated protein in human 
blood linked with cardiovascular disease. Polypeptides that bind to the 
suppressor, the cis-element ABUSS, have been identified and 
characterized. This element binds to transactivating elements, is 
tissue specific, and has been demonstrated to inhibit the expression of 
the bacterial enzyme chloramphenical acetyl transferase, which is 
driven by the promotion of the thymidine kinase gene.
    Using the developed construct, it would be possible to develop a 
simple in vitro assay system that would allow biotechnology and 
pharmaceutical companies to quickly and inexpensively evaluate 
candidate substances which lead to the inhibition of apolipoprotein B 
gene expression. Agents that suppress the transcription of this genetic 
sequence could then be used as novel therapeutic or prophylactic agents 
in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.
    NIH is the assignee of the patent rights for this technology 
covered by U.S. Patent Application 07/601,931 and developed by Drs. 
Ross and Hoeg of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

ADDRESSES: Licensing information and a copy of the U.S. patent 
application may be obtained by contacting Carol Lavrich, Technology 
Licensing Specialist, National Institutes of Health, Office of 
Technology Transfer, Box OTT, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 (telephone 301/
496-7735; fax 301/402-0220). A signed confidentiality agreement will be 
required to receive copies of the patent application.

    Dated: March 16, 1994.
Donald P. Christoferson,
Acting Director, Office of Technology Transfer.
[FR Doc. 94-7472 Filed 3-28-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-M