UCLA TECHs - LifeSci/Biotech

UCLA PATENTS AND INVENTIONS AVAILABLE FOR LICENSING

Novel Small Molecule Antiparasitic Effective Against Apicomplexan Parasites

		Monday, 10 August 09 - 10:12 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

Researchers at UCLA have discovered a small molecule that is highly effective in inhibiting attachment, invasion and motility of apicomplexan parasites. This molecule functions by blocking lipid fusion events, indicating that this small molecule inhibitor blocks the secretion of parasite proteins required for attachment, invasion and motility, thereby opening an entirely new approach for controlling Toxoplasma and related parasites.[ MORE 2009-769 ]

Protein Nanogels for Long-term Protein Delivery into Cells

		Wednesday, 25 February 09 - 09:47 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA scientists have developed a system of nanogels that may greatly improve protein delivery efficiency and long-term effect in protein therapy. Experiments have demonstrated that nanogels are safe, efficient in protein delivery, stable and active inside cells. Therefore, these nanogels have great potential applications in protein therapy.

Researchers at UCLA have developed a nanogel system that delivers proteins into cells with high efficiency and enhances long-term effect of proteins inside cells. Nanogels have core-shell structures that protect protein cores from chemical, mechanical, and thermal stress but allow substrates to enter the nanogels. They are very small and can be easily transmitted through cell membranes. These nanogels also have low cytotoxicity and good stability inside cells. When administrated in vivo, these nanogels are distributed in various tissues and do not accumulate in any particular organ. MORE [2009-082]

Supporting Cell Lines that Improve Gamete Production from Human Pluripotent Cells

		Thursday, 29 January 09 - 12:27 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA investigators have derived six human supporting cell lines that can be used in differentiation strategies to generate gametes from pluripotent stem cells.

Pluripotent stem cells refer to any cell type that is capable of self-renewal and differentiation into embryonic and germ cell layers. Examples of pluripotent stem cells include stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of human blastocysts or stem cells derived from alternate methods such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells or stem cells derived from culture-induced reprogramming such as testicular stem cells or embryonic germ cells. The ability to differentiate pluripotent cells into gametes (germ cells) can be used to study the molecular regulation of gamete development in humans. Unfortunately, the current methods of generating gametes from pluripotent cells are inefficient and highly variable.

Researchers at UCLA have derived six cell lines that can be used as a supporting cell layer in two dimensional adherent differentiation assays to generate gametes from pluripotent stem cells. MORE [2009-299]

Novel Method for Enhanced Needle Localization During Image-guided Interventions

		Tuesday, 16 December 08 - 12:23 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA scientists have developed a novel method for healthcare providers to accurately and easily visualize and track in real-time a needle in relation to surrounding tissue for improved accuracy, efficacy, and safety of needle-based medical procedures.

The result of an interdisciplinary applied research effort, this invention uses a novel image processing algorithm that can be easily programmed into existing HCUS units to provide healthcare providers the ability to reliably and easily, in real-time, track the distal tip of an inserted needle.  The ability of a healthcare provider to more clearly identify and track the distal tip of a needle during image-guided interventions will significantly improve the accuracy and precision of medical procedures. MORE[2009-222]

Volumetric Analysis of Multi-demensional Images

		Tuesday, 25 November 08 - 10:21 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA investigators have identified an effective and accurate algorithm for calculating the volume and surface of irregularly shaped 3D structures from points selected on an image. This method can be used to calculate geometric information for a wide range of multi-dimensional objects and has been tested accurately on calculating the size of brain aneurysms.

Researchers at UCLA have identified a modified illusory surface algorithm that uses the curvature and a few points on the surface of an irregular 3D object to accurately calculate its volume. By segmenting images given to the computer using user-selected points, the algorithm quickly and accurately obtains geometrical information about the structure with minimal user interaction. After the algorithm has calculated its estimate of the volume, a new image can be generated with the calculated data for comparison to the original image, verifying the accuracy of the calculations visually. This imaging system can segment and compute the geometry of aneurysms, tumors, thromboses, inflammations, foreign objects, organs and any other structures which can be identified in images or reconstructed into 3D objects. MORE [2008-681]

Novel Broad-spectrum Antiviral that Prevents Infection of HIV, Ebola, Influenza A and Other Lipid-enveloped Viruses

		Friday, 10 October 08 - 11:09 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA investigators have discovered a novel, broad-spectrum small molecule inhibitor that prevents infection of lipid-enveloped viruses. It is non-cytotoxic, specifically targets the viral membrane, and has been extensively tested in vitro and in vivo.

Researchers at UCLA have identified a small molecule that specifically targets the viral membrane, is non-cytotoxic at effective antiviral concentrations and prevents infection of HIV, Ebola, Influenza A, Rift Valley Fever and all other enveloped viruses tested. MORE [2008-770]

Engineered Antibody-quantum Dot Conjugates (ImmunoQdots) for Cancer Marker Detection

		Friday, 10 October 08 - 11:04 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

Researchers at UCLA have designed, engineered, and validated antibody-quantum dot conjugates (immunoQdots) for in vitro and in vivo detection of cancer cell markers by optical imaging.

Researchers at UCLA have modified quantum dots with tumor-specific engineered antibody fragments for in vitro and in vivo imaging of antigen surface markers on tumor cells. MORE [2008-659]

Reversing the Loss of Immune Function in Aged Populations Through the Induction of Antioxidant Activity by a Gene Regulatory Pathway

		Friday, 12 September 08 - 10:03 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA researchers have identified a small molecule that activates a molecular pathway that regulates antioxidant activity within immune cells. Antioxidant activity has been associated with a decrease in the loss of immune function in aged anima ls. Therefore, a new molecular entity that is determined to activate antioxidant pathways may provide for the development of novel neutraceutical supplements or adjuvants for use in older populations.

Sulforaphane (SFN), a chemical found in broccoli, is a known Nrf2 agonist that mediates the activation of antioxidant enzymatic pathways regulated by Nrf2. Recent evidence demonstrates that treatment with SFN reverses the decline of innate immune responses in aged mice. This observation was found in association with the restoration of redox equilibrium in SFN treated dendritic cells acquired from aged mice. Thus, this data suggests that activating Nrf2-mediated gene programs by SFN (or a yet undiscovered Nrf2 agonist) represents an approach that may be capable of reversing the decline in immune function in older human populations. The screening of available small molecule or natural product libraries may also uncover novel Nrf2 agonists that could be potentially developed and commercialized as antioxidant neutraceuticals. MORE [2008-560]

Methodology and System for Ubiquitous Teleconsulting in Healthcare

		Wednesday, 09 July 08 - 07:45 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

Researchers at UCLA have developed an information technology system that enables physicians to merge real-time patient data flow with teleconsultation. This teleconsulting system allows physicians to provide "on-demand" patient care over the phone, from locations both internal and external to the primary healthcare facility.

Researchers at UCLA have developed a comprehensive teleconsultation system that enables physicians secure access to patient data by utilizing cutting edge technology and a multitasking operating system. The system supports both voice and data simultaneously, and from the first time a patient registers at a facility to post-care questions after release, it captures and organizes patient data. The system continuously compiles and instantaneously broadcasts secure and customizable records containing patient identity, health care summary, lab results, images, procedures and diagnoses to the attending physician's device. This teleconsulting system allows for thorough and timely care and increased patient satisfaction. MORE[2007-479]

Peptide for Induction of Immune Tolerance as Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

		Monday, 07 July 08 - 11:06 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA investigators have invented the D form of an artificial synthetic peptide to induce suppressive T cells that prevent anti-DNA production in mice. The L form of the peptide is administered by injection; however, the new D form of the peptide is designed to be administered orally.

UCLA researchers have identified the D form of a peptide called “D-pCons” for the D form of pConsensus. When the L-form of this autoantibody-based peptide is administered to a mouse model of SLE, it induces regulatory T cells to prevent autoantibody production and nephritis. In vitro, the L form also expands regulatory T cells in patients with SLE. The D form of the peptide should be resistant to degradation by acid and proteases, so oral administration is possible. The route of administration and safety should have an advantage over the injected L form of the peptide. Recent studies using the D form show intravenous expression significantly reducing α-DNA production. Additionally, studies demonstrating the efficacy of D-pCons are underway. MORE [2008-211]

New Gene/Protein Targets for Antibiotics

		Monday, 07 July 08 - 11:03 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

Investigators at UCLA have identified a high throughput screening method that allows the rapid and facile determination of bacterial genes that can be targeted by small molecule inhibitors in order to increase antibiotic potency.

Researchers at UCLA have identified a high-throughput screening method that can simultaneously identify a large number of genes that when inactive, can increase the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. Small molecules could then be designed to act as inhibitors that would render the desired gene(s) inactive. Therefore, these inhibitors would act as co-antibiotics (pharmaceutical agents that enhance antibiotic activity) and allow appropriate antibiotic treatments to work effectively. MORE [2008-014]

An Improved Novel Tactile Interface System for Use in Remote Sensory Processes

		Monday, 16 June 08 - 07:22 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA researchers have developed a pneumatic haptic feedback system that can be used for a variety of applications including remote or robotically-assisted surgical procedures, neuroprosthetics, video-gaming and virtual-reality simulation. The enhanced system design is modular and scalable thereby allowing for easier system re-configuration and integration at a lower cost structure.

A pneumatic haptic feedback system has been designed to be modular, scalable and miniaturized. When the operator applies a force upon an object to be manipulated, a sensor transmits a signal that results in the application of proportional pressure upon the hands of the operator. In addition, a control system has been engineered to regulate the signal input in proportion to the applied force. The adaptability of this system allows for straightforward custom redesigns and lower system integration expenses. In addition, this system has been constructed for wireless applications. MORE [2006-552]

Method for Patient-centric Views of Medical Data

		Saturday, 07 June 08 - 12:04 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

 UCLA researchers in the Medical Imaging Informatics Group have developed software that provides patient-centric views of medical data. This software will enable patients to fully utilize available medical information to make educated decisions about their own medical care.

Researchers at UCLA have developed software that is capable of integrating underlying medical data and presenting the information in a way that enhances the patient's ability to navigate and understand the data. The main component of the invention is the "visualization dictionary." As the patient interacts with the interface, the visualization dictionary makes decisions whether a piece of information is relevant to a given medical problem based on its own knowledge base, number of data elements related to the problem, and frequency and recency of events. MORE [2008-313]

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines and Method to Generate Human Embryonic Stem Cells from Dermal Fibroblasts

		Tuesday, 03 June 08 - 01:30 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA investigators have developed a method to generate human embryonic stem cell-like cells from human skin fibroblasts. These so-called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have tremendous potential to create custom-made human embryonic stem cells to treat individuals with degenerative diseases.

UCLA researchers have developed a method to generate human iPS cells from human dermal fibroblasts. Researchers were able to reprogram human somatic cells by overexpressing transcription factors in human skin fibroblasts to induce pluripotency. These cells can, just like ES cells, be differentiated into cells of all three germ layers. The method can also be used to create custom-made human embryonic stem cells from any person. For people with degenerative diseases, human iPS cells can be generated and differentiated, and then transplanted back in the same person to avoid immunological rejection. Researchers have generated multiple human induced pluripotent stem cell lines that can be used to study their differentiation potential. MORE [2008-246]

Selective Kinase Inhibitor Decreases Atherosclerosis

		Friday, 30 May 08 - 07:15 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions

UCLA investigators, from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, have discovered the mechanisms of how M-CSF contributes to atherosclerotic lesion development and how a selective kinase inhibitor decreases atherosclerosis. This research was sponsored by a NIH grant.

UCLA researchers have identified that a selective kinase inhibitor is able to suppress the development of atherosclerosis. As well, investigators are able to determine that vascular cell-derived M-CSF, rather than macrophage-derived M-CSF is primarily involved in atherosclerotic lesion formation. Selective kinase inhibitor experiments with mice have shown that inhibition of M-CSF signaling within artery walls decreases inflammation and lesion formation. These experiments also suggest that the mechanisms for M-CSF's effect on atherosclerosis involve monocyte recruitment and macrophage survival. The selective kinase inhibitor acts to decrease monocyte migration into artery walls and decrease macrophage survival within artery walls. MORE [2008-490]

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