Celltech R&D of Bothell, Wash, has been awarded US Patent 7,226,902, “Ligands for TGF-beta binding proteins and uses thereof.”
The inventors listed on the patent are David Winkler, John Latham, John Skonier, Diana Shpektor, Trenton Hayes, and James Geoghegan.
The patent covers “compositions and methods that relate to the unexpected specific association of (i) the TGF-beta binding protein sclerostin with the BMP antagonist protein chordin to form a complex; and (ii), the TGF-beta binding protein sclerostin with the BMP antagonist protein noggin to form a complex. Neither complex is capable of binding to a TGF-beta superfamily member such as a BMP,” according to its abstract. “The invention provides isolated complexes for use in screening assays to identify agents that modulate bone mineralization, and offers other related advantages.”
The General Hospital Corporation in Boston has been awarded US Patent 7,226,730, “Transgenic animals and cell lines for screening drugs effective for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.”
The inventors listed on the patent are Suzanne De La Monte and Jack Wands.
The abstract states that the patent covers ”transgenic animals and transfected cell lines expressing a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease, neuroectodermal tumors, malignant astrocytomas, and glioblastomas. Also disclosed is the use of such transgenic animals and transfected cell lines to screen potential drug candidates for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease, neuroectodermal tumors, malignant astrocytomas, and glioblastomas. The invention also relates to new antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, triplex forming DNA, and external guide sequences that can be used to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease, neuroectodermal tumors, malignant astrocytomas, and glioblastomas.”