[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 18 (Thursday, January 27, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4921-4923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1671]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 4922]]

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.

A Computer Program To Predict Optimal Sites on Protein Sequences for 
Production of Peptide-Directed Antibodies (NHLBI AbDesigner)

    Description of Technology: The invention offered for licensing is a 
computer program called ``NHLBI AbDesigner'' that allows the user to 
input a unique identifier for an individual mammalian protein to be 
analyzed in order to find out what short peptides in its amino sequence 
would most likely result in a strong immunogenic response when injected 
into a research animal. The software displays standard predictors of 
immunogenicity and antigenicity in easy-to-view heat maps and also 
allows users to choose peptides most likely to elicit antibodies that 
are specific to said protein. The computer code is written in Java and 
would be made available in the form of jar files.
    For additional information please refer to: https://dirweb.nhlbi.nih.gov/labs/LKEM_G/LKEM/Pages/Antibodydesignsoftware.aspx.
    Applications:
     Design and production of antibodies for research or 
therapeutic purposes.
     Bioinformatic analysis of protein structure and functions.
     Analysis and interpretation of proteomic data.
    Advantages: This program allows the user to identify tradeoffs in 
the decision making process by aligning various types of information 
with the amino acid sequence, constituting an improvement over present 
ad hoc methods of accumulating and relating different type of 
information regarding immunogenicity, uniqueness of sequences, 
conservation of sequences, and presence of post-translational 
modifications.
    Development Status: Fully developed.
    Inventors: Mark A. Knepper (NHLBI) et al.
    Patent Status: HHS Reference No. E-251-2010/0--Software. Patent 
protection is not being pursued for this technology.
    Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
    Licensing Contacts:
     Uri Reichman, PhD, MBA; 301-435-4616; [email protected].
     Michael Shmilovich, Esq.; 301-435-5019; 
[email protected].
    Collaborative Research Opportunity: The NHLBI is seeking statements 
of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative 
research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize this 
technology. Please contact Brian Bailey, Ph.D. at 301-594-4094 or 
[email protected] for more information.

Nanoparticle Probes and Mid-Infrared Chemical Imaging for DNA 
Microarray Detection

    Description of Technology: The technology offered for licensing is 
a faster, more flexible, cost-effective microarray visualization. The 
invention describes and claims the mid-infrared chemical imaging (IRCI) 
to detect nanostructure-based DNA microarrays, which can be utilized in 
the life science research arena to examine gene expression and single 
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as to characterize entire 
genomes. The IRCI improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) obtained for 
hybridized microarrayed spots compared to the commonly used 
fluorescence detection method. The improved method of this invention 
results in the sensitivity and precision for detecting pathogenic 
bacterial genes and can be utilized to detect low-expressing genes 
which cannot be identified by fluorescent-based DNA microarrays. 
Furthermore, the automated IRCI systems can also be fabricated for the 
dedicated detection of other (protein, tissue, biochemical, or 
chemical) microarrays.
    Applications: DNA microarrays can be applied to the areas of 
environmental sciences, agriculture research, bio-defense, diagnostics, 
forensics, pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics.
    Advantages: The invention provides a cost-effective, faster, more 
flexible, and less labor intensive microarray technology.
    Development Status:
     The invention is fully developed.
     Need to develop a commercialized kit and protocol.
    Inventors: Magdi M. Mossoba, et al. (FDA).
    Patent Status: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/395,635 filed 15 
Oct 2010 (HHS Reference No. E-127-2010/0-US-01).
    Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
    Licensing Contact: Susan Ano, PhD; 301-435-5515; [email protected].

Fluoroquinolone Derivatives as Inhibitors of Human Tyrosyl-DNA 
Phosphodiesterase (Tdp1)

    Description of Technology: Chemotherapy can provide therapeutic 
benefits in many cancer patients, but it often ultimately fails to cure 
the disease since cancer cells can become resistant to the 
chemotherapeutic agent. To overcome these limitations, additional 
strategies are needed to restore or amplify the effect of antitumor 
agents. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) is a DNA repair enzyme 
involved in the repair of DNA lesions created when the activity of the 
Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) is inhibited. Tdp1 has been regarded as a 
potential therapeutic co-target of Top1 in that it seemingly 
counteracts the effects of Top1 inhibitors, such as camptothecin. By 
reducing the repair of Top1-DNA lesions, Tdp1 inhibitors have the 
potential to augment the anticancer activity of Top1 inhibitors.
    The NIH investigators discovered fluoroquinolone derivatives as 
specific Tdp1 inhibitors that could potentiate the pharmacological 
action of Top1 inhibitors, which are currently used in cancer 
treatment. The instant invention discloses a method of treating cancers 
with a therapeutically effective amount of a Top1 inhibitor, and a 
fluoroquinolone derivative that inhibits Tdp1 activity.
    Applications and Market:
     This invention may provide a new combination of drugs to 
target various cancers for treatment.
     Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. 
The National Cancer Institute estimates the overall annual costs for 
cancer in the U.S. at $107 billion; development of more effective 
cancer therapies is always in high demand.
    Development Status: Pre-clinical stage of development.
    Inventors: Yves G. Pommier, Christophe R. Marchand, Thomas S. 
Dexheimer (NCI), et al.
    Related Publications:
    1. Dexheimer TS, Antony S, Marchand C, Pommier Y. Tyrosyl-DNA 
phosphodiesterase as a target for

[[Page 4923]]

anticancer therapy. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2008 May;8(4):381-389. 
[PubMed: 18473723]
    2. Dexheimer TS, et al. 4-Pregnen-21-ol-3,20-dione-21-(4-
bromobenzenesulfonate) and related novel steroid derivatives as 
tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase (Tdp1) inhibitors. J Med Chem. 2009 Nov 
26;52(22):7122-7131. [PubMed: 19883083]
    3. Marchand C, et al. Identification of phosphotyrosine mimetic 
inhibitors of human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I by a novel 
AlphaScreen high-throughput assay. Mol Cancer Ther. 2009 Jan;8(1):240-
248. [PubMed: 19139134]
    Patent Status: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/407,325 filed 07 
Oct 2010 (HHS Reference No. E-199-2010/0-US-01).
    Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
    Licensing Contact: Betty B. Tong, PhD; 301-594-6565; 
[email protected].
    Collaborative Research Opportunity: The Center for Cancer Research, 
Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, is seeking statements of 
capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative 
research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize tyrosyl-DNA-
phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Please contact John Hewes, PhD at 301-
435-3121 or [email protected] for more information.

HMG3 for Detecting and Treating Diabetes

    Description of Technology: This invention relates to the use of 
High Mobility Group N 3 (HMGN3) as a marker for detecting diabetes and 
as a therapeutic agent for treating diabetes.
    Diabetes is disabling largely because commonly available anti-
diabetic drugs do not adequately control blood sugar levels to 
completely prevent the occurrence of high and low blood sugar levels. 
Inappropriate blood sugar levels can be toxic and can cause long-term 
complications including renopathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and 
peripheral vascular disease. Those with diabetes are also at risk for 
developing related conditions such as obesity, hypertension, heart 
disease and hyperlipidemia.
    This invention relates to the discovery that reduced expression of 
HMGN3 (also called TRIP7) gives rise to elevated blood glucose levels, 
reduced serum insulin levels and impaired glucose tolerance.
    Applications: Diagnostic and therapeutic for diabetes.
    Development Status: Early stage.
    Inventors: Michael Bustin et al. (NCI).
    Related Publication: Ueda T, Furusawa T, Kurahashi T, Tessarollo L, 
Bustin M. The nucleosome binding protein HMGN3 modulates the 
transcription profile of pancreatic beta cells and affects insulin 
secretion. Mol Cell Biol. 2009 Oct;29(19):5264-5276. [PubMed: 19651901]
    Patent Status: PCT Application No. PCT/US2009/039406 filed 03 Apr 
2009 (HHS Reference No. E-338-2008/0-PCT-01).
    Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
    Licensing Contact: Fatima Sayyid, M.H.P.M.; 301-435-4521; 
[email protected].
    Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Cancer Institute, 
Laboratory of Metabolism, is seeking statements of capability or 
interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further 
develop, evaluate, or commercialize HMGN and related chromatin-binding 
proteins in the function of pancreatic islet cells. Please contact John 
Hewes, PhD at 301-435-3121 or [email protected] for more information.

Molecular Motors Powered by Proteins

    Description of Technology: The technology available for licensing 
and commercial development relates to molecular motors powered by 
proteins. Some implementations describe a molecular motor in which 
multiple concentric cylinders or nested cones rotate around a common 
longitudinal axis. Opposing complementary surfaces of the cylinders or 
cones are coated with complementary motor protein pairs, such as actin 
and myosin. The actin and myosin interact with one another in the 
presence of ATP to rotate the cylinders or cones relative to one 
another, and this rotational energy is harnessed to produce work. Speed 
of movement is controlled by the concentration of ATP and the number of 
nested cylinders or cones. The length of the cylinders or cones can 
also be used to control the power generated by the motor.
    Another configuration forms the motor out of a set of stacked 
disks, much like CDs on a spindle. The advantage of this form is 
extreme simplicity of construction compared to the nested cylinders or 
cones. In yet another configuration, which has aspects of both of the 
previous forms, the surfaces are broken into annular rings in order to 
overcome that the inner surfaces rotate at a different rate than the 
outer surfaces. This belt form may ultimately be used in molecular 
manufacturing.
    Applications:
     Supplying power to prosthetic implants and other medical 
devices without external power sources.
     Many other applications that could use a motor in other 
biotechnological areas, in addition to the medical applications.
     The inventions can be implemented on either a microscopic 
or macroscopic scale.
    Development Status: Very early stage of development.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Schneider and Ilya G. Lyakhov (NCI).
    Relevant Publications: ``Molecular Motor'', Patent Publication Nos. 
WO 2001/009181 A1, published 02/08/2001; CA 2380611A1, published 02/08/
2001; AU 6616600A, published 02/19/2001; EP 1204680A1, published 05/15/
2002; and U.S. 20020083710, published 07/04/2002.
    Patent Status:
     HHS Reference No. E-018-1999/0--International Application 
Number PCT/US 2000/20925 filed 31 Jul 2000; granted Application AU 
2002/18688 B2, and the corresponding European and Canadian applications 
being prosecuted, all entitled ``Molecular Motor''
     HHS Reference No. E-018-1999/1--U.S. Patent No. 7,349,834 
issued 25 Mar 2008, and U.S. Patent Application No. 12/011,239 filed 24 
Jan 2008, both entitled ``Molecular Motor''
    Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
    Licensing Contact: Susan Ano, PhD; 301-435-5515; [email protected].
    Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Cancer Institute, 
Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program is seeking statements of 
capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative 
research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize the Molecular 
Rotation Engine. Please contact John D. Hewes, PhD at 301-435-3121 or 
[email protected] for more information.

    Dated: January 19, 2011.
Richard U. Rodriguez,
Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of 
Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. 2011-1671 Filed 1-26-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P