Using Artificial Intelligence To Diagnose Uveitis

Summary: 
The National Eye Institute seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for a deep learning algorithm that can identify retinal vasculitis using color fundus images.

Description of Technology: 
Uveitis is caused by inflammation in the eye that can cause pain and reduce vision. The rate of uveitis in the United States is 1 in every 200 people with eye-related irritation. Permanent symptoms such as vision loss can occur if untreated. Therefore, early detection is crucial. 

Using FDA-approved Small Molecule Drug Reserpine and related compounds (especially Halofantrine) To Protect Photoreceptors In Inherited Retinal Degenerations And Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Summary: 
The National Eye Institute seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for a therapy using an FDA-approved small molecule drug reserpine (and related compounds especially halofantrine) that prevents photoreceptor cell death in retinal degenerations.

Interleukin-27 Producing B-Cell Population and Uses Thereof

Summary: 
The National Eye Institute (NEI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees to advance the production and uses of interleukin-27 (IL-27) producing B-regulatory cell (i27-Breg) therapy for immune related autoimmune disorders. These disorders include but are not limited, to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and transplant rejection.

Methods To Regulate Metabolism For Treatment Of Neural Injuries and Neurodegeneration

Axonal injury and subsequent neuronal death underpin the pathology of many neurological disorders from acute neural injuries (motor vehicle crashes, combat related injuries, traumatic brain injuries) to neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, glaucoma). In the central nervous system (CNS), microglia help respond to CNS injuries by mediating the immune response and increasing inflammation at the site of injury. 

Novel Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists and Methods of Their Use

Investigators at the NIH have identified a series of novel, small molecule antagonists of the dopamine D2 receptor. Among the dopamine receptor (DAR) subtypes, D2 DAR is arguably one of the most validated drug targets in neurology and psychiatry. For instance, all receptor-based anti-Parkinsonian drugs work via stimulating the D2 DAR, whereas all FDA approved antipsychotic agents are antagonists of this receptor. Unfortunately, most agents that act as antagonists of D2 DAR are problematic, either they are less efficacious than desired or cause multiple adverse effects.

Camel VHH Nanobodies Bind the S2 Subunit of SARS-CoV-2 and Broadly Neutralize Variants including Omicron

Since its emergence in 2019, COVID-19 infected over 600 million people and over 6 million people have died from the disease. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Neutralizing antibodies have been developed to bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD) on the spike (S) protein. Blocking the interaction of the RBD and the ACE2 receptor, is critical in neutralizing the virus. However, the S2 subunit, is also critical for viral infection and entry into human cells.

Novel Antigen for Use as Vaccine Against Nematode Infection

This invention describes a new vaccine against Strongyoides stercoralis, which establishes a parasitic infection that affects an estimated 100-200 million people worldwide. The potential for fatal disease associated with S. stercoralis infection and the difficulty in treating hyperinfection underscores the need for prophylactic vaccines against the disease. This vaccine uses S. stercoralis immunoreactive antigen (SsIR); a novel antigen capable of providing 70-90 % protection for mice immunized with the antigen.

Diagnostic Assays and Methods of Use for Detection of Filarial Infection

The effort targeting the mosquito borne neglected tropical disease lymphatic filariasis for elimination through mass drug administration by 2020 will require accurate, cost effective methods for detecting early infections. The World Health Organization-recommended immunochromatographic test detects adult Wuchereria bancrofti (Wb) antigen in blood, but shows variable efficacy due to the complex life cycle of the parasites and cross reactivity with other organisms. This variability may hinder effective lymphatic filariasis elimination efforts.