Immunogenic Hepatitis E Virus Polypeptides for Vaccine and Diagnostics Development

This technology comprises specific hepatitis E virus (HEV) antigenic polypeptides. HEV causes epidemic and sporadic cases of hepatitis outbreaks with a mortality rate as high as 20% for pregnant women. In order to address this problem, CDC scientists carried out thorough HEV antigen screenings and subsequently developed recombinant proteins that efficiently model major HEV neutralization epitope(s). These recombinant proteins may be considered as candidates for the development of an HEV subunit vaccine, as well as for the development of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests.

Real-time PCR Assays for Human Bocavirus Detection and Diagnosis

CDC researchers have developed a real-time PCR assay for the detection and viral-load quantitative estimations of human bocavirus (HBoV) from clinical specimens. At present, there have been few reports on the epidemiology, geographic distribution or clinical features of HBoV infection. Additionally, symptoms affiliated with bocavirus infections overlap with numerous other respiratory illnesses. This CDC assay provides sensitive, specific, and quantitative detection of HBoV in patients with respiratory illness by a method of real-time PCR targeting the HBoV NS1 and NP-1 genes.

Therapeutic, Bifunctional Janus Microparticles with Spatially Segregated Surface Proteins and Methods of Production

CDC researchers have developed a fabrication process to create bifunctional microparticles displaying two distinct proteins that are spatially segregated onto a single hemispheric surface. At present, there is no described way of producing biological microparticles with two distinct types of separated proteins. Bifunctional Janus particles generated by the CDC approach possess biologically relevant, native conformation proteins attached to a biologically unreactive and safe substrate.

Heterocyclic P2Y14 Antagonists for the Treatment of Various Conditions

The technology discloses composition of compounds that are highly selective P2Y14 receptor antagonists,
with moderate affinity with insignificant antagonism of other P2Y receptors. These compounds might provide a
treatment for patients for various disease conditions, including lung inflammation, kidney inflammation,
asthma, diabetes, obesity, and neuropathic pain of diverse states. In vivo data using mouse lines with the
receptor knocked out in specific tissues showed that P2Y14 receptor antagonists act on adipocytes to improve

A Novel Therapy/Companion Diagnostic (BAM15 And mtDNA) for Sepsis and Sepsis-induced Acute Kidney Injury

This technology includes a therapy and companion diagnostic which can be used for the early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis and sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Mitochondrial damage plays a key role in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury BAM15 [2-ftuorophenyl){6-[(2- fluorophenyl)am ino]{1 ,2,5-oxadiazolo[3,4-e]pyrazin-5-yl)}amine] is a mitochondrial uncoupler that protects mitochondria with more specificity and less cytotoxicity than other uncouplers. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a damage associated molecular pattern that is increased in human sepsis.

P2Y14 Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases, Including Pulmonary and Renal Conditions and Chronic Pain

This technology includes the development of selective P2Y14R antagonists for the treatment of asthma, sterile inflammation of the kidney, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. The P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14R) is a target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including pulmonary and renal conditions. Selective P2Y14R antagonists have demonstrated efficacy in animal models of asthma, pain, diabetes, and acute kidney injury. However, the prototypical antagonist is not optimal for in vivo administration, as it displays a low oral bioavailability.

ApoA-1 Mimetic Peptides Promoting Lipid Efflux from Cells for Treatment of Vascular Disorders

This invention involves ApoA-1 mimetic peptides with multiple amphipathic alpha-helical domains that promote lipid efflux from cells and are useful in the treatment and prevention of dyslipidemic, inflammatory and vascular disorders. IND-enabling studies for one of the peptides, named Fx-5A, are completed in preparation for an IND filing at the FDA, to be followed by a Phase I clinical trial planned for 2017.

Therapeutic Peptide Treatment for Dyslipidemic and Vascular Disorders

This invention is directed to use of certain peptide analogs comprising multiple amphipathic helical domains that are able to promote cellular lipid efflux and stimulate lipoprotein lipase activity. As a result, administration of invention peptides lead to reduced incidences of hypertriglyceridemia without inducing toxicity. Existing peptides that stimulate efflux of lipids from cells exhibit unacceptably high toxicity. Invention peptides are superior to existing peptides and can also be used to treat or prevent a vast range of vascular diseases, and their dyslipidemic precursors.

Device for Selective Partitioning of Frozen Cellular Products

Cryopreservation using liquid nitrogen frozen polyvinyl bags allows for storing cellular materials for extended periods while maintaining their activity and viability. Such bags are commonly used in the clinic to store blood products including blood cells, plasma, hematopoietic stem cells, umbilical cord blood for future uses including transplantation. These materials, typically obtained in limited quantities, may be of great therapeutic value, as is the case of stem cells or cord blood derived cells which can be used to potentially treat a number of diseases.

Antagonists of Hyaluronan Signaling for Treatment of Airway Diseases

Airway diseases, such as Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), constitute a major health burden worldwide. It is estimated, for example, that nearly 15.0% of the adult population in the US are affected with such diseases, and the economic cost burden is over $23 billion annually. Unfortunately, the current options for treatment of such diseases are quite limited, consisting only of bronchodilators and inhaled steroids. The need for a novel and more effective class of therapeutics agents is imperative.
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