R & D Investment Opportunities
The MIMD Commission supports the commercialization of medical discoveries as a means of advancing quality patient care and the growth of the medical industry in central Illinois. The Commission does not endorse any of the technologies listed below, but rather provides a central posting site for regional institutions.
- Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 B10 as a Novel Marker for Colorectal Cancer
- Biomedical Research Initiative (BRI)
- Flavones as Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors, Cyclooxegenase-2 Inhibitors and Potassium Channel Activators
- A Genetic Selection System for Identification of microRNA Target Genes
- Laser Resistant Calculus/Material Retrieval Device and Method of Using
- Methods for Treatment and Prevention of Ototoxicity by siRNA
- Nutrient Medium for Maintaining Neural Cells in Injured Nervous System (Neuregen)
- Picture Memory Recognition Test for Dementia Patients
- Stem Cell Targeting of Cancer, Methods, and Compositions Therfor
- Technology Transfer Database
- The Use of Transplatin in Hearing Loss
Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 B10 as a Novel Marker for Colorectal Cancer
Project Leader(s): Deliang Cao
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology
Brief Description:
The aldo-keto reductase family 1 B10 (AKR1B10 or ARL-1) protein is normally expressed in mature epithelial cells of healthy colon tissue. AKR1B10 expression is noticeably decreased or absent in colorectal cancer and precancerous conditions. This invention applies this finding in order to use the AKR1B10 protein as a novel biomarker for colorectal cancer and other precancerous conditions. This biomarker would be extremely useful in screening high risk populations, such as those with predisposing conditions of colon cancer, such as Crohn’s disease, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Intellectual Property Status:
Patent pending
Potential Commercial Uses:
The colon cancer survival rate depends on either early diagnosis and removal surgery or prevention through screening and removal of premalignant adenomatous polyps. Although several tumor biomarkers currently exist, the high sensitivity and specificity of AKR1B10 make it a superior screening tool. Supporting data is available for AKR1B10 expression, but further tests on a screening method are needed.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873
Biomedical Research Initiative (BRI)
History: In the summer of 2004, Drs. Brad Schwartz and Ajay Mahajan recognized the opportunity for Southern Illinois University (SIU) to create a Center for Biomedical Device Research and Development and formed the Biomedical Research Initiative (BRI). The BRI was initially funded by SIU-SOM, SIUC and private industry. Over the ensuing 3 years, they have collaborated with multiple physicians and basic scientists to produce 5 patent applications, two additional invention disclosures, over $70,000 in support and grant receipts, the awarding of a masters degree and two doctoral research projects and the formation of a Portfolio company which has licensed two of these products. The BRI has bridged the two campuses and engaged in high level device research that has resulted in the formation of a private company of which SIU is a major share holder. The continuation of this vision depends upon increasing support at various levels including federal, state, local and university sources.
Vision: It is our hope that in the next year we can secure the designation of “Center” by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and secure the necessary funding. In 2-5 years we hope to start reaping the benefits of signed licensing, sales and consulting fees. In 5 years, this should be a free-standing Center with Regional and National influence. Financial support from governmental agencies should decrease over this time however, their recognition and partnership will be vital to its success. The diagram above is our vision for participant integration of this Center.
Contact:
The products and IP currently available can be discussed if one wishes to contact us.
For information regarding the BRI / BRC, please contact Dr. Brad Schwartz, Associate Professor of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
bschwartz@siumed.edu
(217)545-7362
Flavones as Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors, Cyclooxegenase-2 Inhibitors and Potassium Channel Activators
Project Leader(s): Tony Lee
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Pharmacology
Brief Description:
Sepsis occurs when a bacterial presence or infection creates an inflammatory response throughout the entire body. In normal conditions, the inflammatory response is shut down as soon as the infection has been controlled. In sepsis, continued activation of the inflammatory pathway sustains the release of chemicals that increase permeability of blood vessel walls. This process can eventually lead to leaky blood vessels, lowered blood pressure, inadequate blood supply throughout the body, major organ failure, and even death. Several key compounds in this inflammatory pathway include inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) and cyclooxegenase-2 (COX-2). The current invention relates to the finding that certain flavones can inhibit the expression of these key compounds and can help treat sepsis and septic shock in a patient.
Intellectual Property Status:
U.S. Patent No. 6,806,257 issued October 19, 2004 (earliest priority date October 20, 1999), term extended 399 days
Potential Commercial Uses:
In addition to treating sepsis and septic shock, flavones can also be used to inhibit the overall expression of iNOS and/or COX-2, activate potassium channels, reduce general inflammation, treat or prevent aneurysms, and inhibit the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme, which promotes vasoconstriction and can lead to high blood pressure.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873
A Genetic Selection System for Identification of microRNA Target Genes
Project Leader(s): Yin-Yuan Mo and Fangting Wu
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology/SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute
Brief Description:
This invention relates to a novel genetic selection system for determining microRNA target genes. This system utilizes a specially constructed plasmid that contains tetO-Pu (which codes for puromycin resistance), tTR-KRAB (which blocks expression of tetO-Pu), and cDNA for a gene of interest. The plasmid is transfected into host cells along with a vector expressing a miRNA. If the cDNA contains a miRNA target, tTR-KRAB expression will be blocked, tetO-Pu will be expressed, and the cells will live in the presence of puromycin (which is normally toxic to cells). If the cDNA does not contain a miRNA target, tTR-KRAB expression will block tetO-Pu expression and the cells will die in the presence of puromycin. Target verification can be accomplished with purification and PCR cloning of the miRNA target sequences, further puromycin resistance testing and luciferase assays. This method can be used with various cDNAs and miRNAs of interest as a rapid screening tool that provides clear and measurable results.
Intellectual Property Status:
Patent pending
Potential Commercial Uses:
Currently, miRNA target determination largely relies on computer-aided algorithms, which are based on the nucleotide base pairing of a miRNA sequence and the 3’-untranslated regions (3’-UTRs) of a potential target gene. However, predicted targets for a given miRNA vary from one program to another. Recent evidence also indicates that even perfect base pairing may not necessarily be a reliable predictor for miRNA-target interactions. The advantage of this technology is the ability to experimentally determine miRNA targets quickly and easily without having to perform separate testing steps on each possible target one at a time and without having to rely on computer-based predictions. This invention could be sold either as individual plasmids or a kit. The construction of a kit containing this plasmid would save researchers weeks to months in the lab constructing such a library.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873
Laser Resistant Calculus/Material Retrieval Device and Method of Using
Project Leaders: Brad Schwartz, Ajay Mahajan and Jarlen Don
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Surgery; College of Engineering, Carbondale- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes
Brief Description:
This technology relates to a medical device for improved material retrieval consisting of a basket assembly with an elongated member, a lumen for the possible introduction of an additional medical device, and a handle. The basket assembly consists of several supporting members and a flexible sheet fastened to the supports so that an opening is present between two supports for material introduction. The flexible sheet forms an enclosed area for material entrapment. In a collapsed state, the sides of the opening are pressed together to ensure material enclosure, while the opening is exposed in an expanded state. The flexible sheet can be made of laser-resistant material, allowing for use of the laser lithotripsy device and leading to improved stone removal from the kidneys or other organs.
The operation of the retrieval device is efficient and effective. The retrieval device is first inserted into the desired area of the body in the collapsed state. Next, the basket assembly is expanded and used to collect the calculus. After the basket is partially collapsed, the laser lithotripsy device may be inserted and used to break up the calculus, which will remain enclosed in the basket assembly. Finally, the basket is fully collapsed, trapping the material for removal from the body.
Intellectual Property Status:
U.S. Patent Application No. 11/320,420 filed January 10, 2006 (earliest priority date April 27, 2005) and U.S. Patent Application No. 11/328,945 filed January 10, 2006 (earliest priority date April 27, 2005)
Potential Commercial Uses:
Existing calculus retrieval devices and products are not designed for use with laser blast fragmentation. First, a calculus must be fragmented into smaller pieces, and the pieces must then be removed with the retrieval device in a separate procedure. Most material retrieval devices employ several wires to compose a basket assembly. The lack of flexible sheeting in existing material retrieval devices creates an open basket assembly that requires targeting of single pieces of material, rather than groups of material. This procedure is time-consuming and tedious. Additionally, some calculus fragments may be irretrievable after laser fragmentation. The advantage of the current design is the incorporation of laser fragmentation and calculus retrieval into one procedure. Another advantage of the current design is the enclosed area of the basket assembly, which facilitates entrapment of unwanted material. Because of the basket assembly, fragmented material can be removed together in one application, instead of one piece at a time. The proposed technology eliminates the need for many procedures by trapping numerous pieces of material together for removal.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873
Methods for Treatment and Prevention of Ototoxicity by siRNA
Project Leader(s): Vickram Ramkumar, Debashree Mukherjea, Leonard Rybak
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Surgery
Brief Description:
Cisplatin is an ototoxic drug used to treat many types of cancer. One of the dose limiting side effects of this treatment is hearing loss and other ototoxicities, which are caused by an increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation and the interrelated increased expression levels of NOX-3 and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). The current technology is a method of delivering short interfering (si) RNA strands that effectively reduces expression of TRPV1 and NOX-3, which in turn helps break the feedback cycle that leads to increased ROS, TRPV1 and NOX-3 and causes hearing loss. This technology can be applied to other platinum-containing anti-tumor drugs, as well as aminoglycoside antibiotics and noise exposure, which cause hearing loss via the same mechanism.
Intellectual Property Status:
Patent pending
Potential Commercial Uses:
Strands of siRNA targeted against TRPV1, NOX-3, or a combination, can be directly administered to the ear, producing localized hearing loss protection from platinum-containing anti-tumor drugs, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and noise exposure. Administration can be achieved through round window application, a commonly used procedure. Furthermore, since the administration is local and specifically targeted, the siRNA is not anticipated to cause systemic side effects the way traditional pharmaceutical drugs can. Animal data has been collected and human cell studies are in progress.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873
Nutrient Medium for Maintaining Neural Cells in Injured Nervous System (Neuregen)
Project Leader(s): Greg Brewer
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology
Brief Description:
Neuregen is a nutrient medium of salts, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and other ingredients that has been optimized to promote neuron growth and survival. The medium is designed for use with both brain and spinal cord tissue to help improve viability after surgery or injury. Specifically, animal data has shown Neuregen to prevent neurodegeneration and significantly inhibit gliosis adjacent to a cortical aspiration lesion.
Intellectual Property Status:
U.S. Patent Application No. 11/115,479 filed April 27, 2005 (earliest priority date October 2, 2001)
Potential Commercial Uses:
Neuregen has potential applications in neuroscience research as a culture medium as well as clinical applications. During brain surgery, incisions in the brain are frequently irrigated with normal saline. Any trauma can cause edema, or swelling of the brain, which can in turn lead to constricted blood vessels, lowered blood supply, altered brain function, and even death. Neuregen can potentially be used to irrigate injured brain or spinal cord tissue in surgery and could specifically be used to reduce brain edema during craniotomies. Initial animal data is available and additional studies are being planned.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873
Picture Memory Recognition Test for Dementia Patients
Project Leader(s): Geunyeong Pyo
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Psychiatry
Brief Description:
This technology is a recognition memory test that uses pictures or images of everyday objects. First, an individual is shown a series of pictures and asked to identify the name of each one. This first step is useful in assessing the basic ability of the individual to participate in the test. The next step is to test the immediate recognition memory of the individual by showing them another series of pictures with distracter pictures mixed in. The challenge of this section is for the individual to correctly identify each original picture in the presence of the distracter pictures. The final step is to wait for a period of time and then re-test the individual with the series of pictures containing distracter pictures. This step tests the delayed recognition memory of an individual.
Intellectual Property Status:
Copyright filed
Potential Commercial Uses:
This system can be used to test the recognition memory of individuals with moderate to severe mental retardation due to its simplicity over current memory tests, which are often too challenging to yield conclusive results in these patient populations. Additionally, the test may be used as a dementia screening tool to identify those with dementia from no other apparent cause, which may help identify individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873
Stem Cell Targeting of Cancer, Methods, and Compositions
Project Leader(s): Mary McAsey, Craig Cady (Bradley University) Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Brief Description:
The first aspect of this invention relates to the use of labeled stem cells as a method of cancer detection. Once administered to a patient, these cells preferentially migrate to malignant tissues and this distribution can then be detected using various imaging techniques. Specifically, the stem cells may be labeled with mono-crystalline iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONS) and detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The second aspect of this invention relates to the use of stem cells containing a therapeutic agent targeted against cancer. When the stem cells are administered with a prodrug, the therapeutic agent can convert the prodrug into an active anti-cancer drug. Specifically, a nucleic acid sequence can be inserted into the stem cells to induce expression of cytosine deaminase, which can convert the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine into the active drug 5-fluorouracil.
Intellectual Property Status:
Potential Commercial Uses:
Project Leader(s): Jon Holcomb
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs, Division of Research Services
Brief Description:
This technology utilizes a Microsoft Access database to easily track various technology transfer-related projects. The database can be used to track patent approval, patent prosecution, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and the licensing process. In addition, a wide variety of other projects, including Material Transfer Agreements, Confidential Disclosure Agreements, various administrative matters, educational activities and more, can be tracked with the database. Specific documents can be linked to specific projects, and an employee’s time spent on a particular project can also be recorded. Simple search functions can pull single projects or a group of projects according to several key factors. Report functions can be used to generate institutional reports as well as a categorized report containing much of the same information requested in the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) annual licensing survey.
Intellectual Property Status:
Copyright to be filed
Potential Commercial Uses:
Universities in need of a tracking system for projects can utilize this database to input project actions, keep track of correspondence, set reminders, and easily generate reports. The software is much less expensive and easier to use than much of the tracking software currently available on the market.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873
The Use of Transplatin in Hearing Loss
Project Leader(s): Vickram Ramkumar, Debashree Mukherjea, Leonard Rybak
Unit: School of Medicine, Springfield- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Surgery
Brief Description:
Cisplatin is a drug used to effectively treat many types of cancer. Unfortunately, the drug also causes numerous side effects and toxicities. The dose of cisplatin must be limited because of side effects caused by this treatment, including irreversible hearing loss and other ototoxicities. Cisplatin also causes nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Transplatin, the steroisomer of cisplatin, has long been regarded as clinically inactive against tumors and relatively non-toxic compared to cisplatin. The current technology includes a new use for transplatin based on the finding that transplatin can act as a protective/therapeutic agent against toxicities related to cisplatin and other platinum-containing anti-tumor compounds. Transplatin may also be useful against aminoglycoside-induced toxicities, noise and radiation-induced ototoxicity, diabetic neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and several other conditions.
Intellectual Property Status:
Patent pending
Potential Commercial Uses:
Transplatin may be used to prevent/treat a wide variety of toxicities from multiple causes. Transplatin has been shown to be effective in blocking toxicities when administered before cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, transplatin does not interfere with the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin. Supporting animal data is available for cisplatin-induced ototoxicities, but additional data is needed for the other applications of transplatin.
Contact: Rob Patino, SIU School of Medicine Office of Technology Transfer, (217) 545-8167, fax: (217) 545-7873