[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 182 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 65183]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-20479]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health


Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing and 
Collaboration

AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The invention described below presents an advancement 
concerning osteoclast fusion; osteoclasts are responsible for human 
skeletal remodeling and their dysfunction is a key factor for both rare 
and common bone diseases. The invention covers methods for modulating 
osteoclast fusion and bone resorption through the Lupus autoantigen 
(La) protein. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child 
Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, 
has conducted conceptual in-vitro studies and is now seeking potential 
licensees and collaborators for further development and advancement.

ADDRESSES: Inquiries relating to this licensing and collaboration 
opportunity should be directed to: Heather Gunas, JD, MPH, Senior 
Technology Transfer Manager, National Cancer Institute (NCI) Technology 
Transfer Center, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 1E446, Rockville, MD 
20850 (for overnight mail) or Bethesda, MD 20892 (for regular mail), 
Telephone: (240) 276-5530; Facsimile: (240) 276-5504; Email: 
[email protected]. A Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be 
required to receive copies of unpublished information regarding this 
invention.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following and all continuing U.S. and 
foreign patents/patent applications thereof are available for 
licensing: PCT Application No. PCT/US22/018639, filed March 3, 2022, 
and entitled ``La protein as a novel regulator of osteoclastogenesis.'' 
The Lupus autoantigen (La) protein is a master regulator of 
osteoclasts. The technology involves a novel mechanism for precise 
regulation of osteoclastogenesis through the manipulation of surface La 
protein. The ability of osteoclasts to remodel bone can be modulated 
by: (1) administering an effective amount of La protein or (2) 
administering an agent that modulates La protein expression or 
activity. Current solutions for bone diseases are usually broad-
spectrum treatments that either coat the skeletal system or inhibit 
osteoclast development and these approaches can result in off-target 
side effects. This technology's approach to regulating osteoclast 
fusion and osteoclastogenesis by targeting the La protein should bypass 
many side effects. The technology has been supported by conceptual in-
vitro data and lead optimization is ongoing; further research and 
development are required to advance it towards disease-specific 
preclinical and clinical stages.
    Potential Commercial Application: Treatment of common and rare bone 
diseases, including osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, fibrous 
dysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteopetrosis, osteomyelitis, or 
metastatic bone disease.
    Development Stage: In-vitro study completed and lead optimization 
ongoing.

    Dated: September 18, 2023.
Richard U. Rodriguez,
Associate Director, Technology Transfer Center, National Cancer 
Institute.
[FR Doc. 2023-20479 Filed 9-20-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P