Miller School of Medicine >> UM Innovation >> Technology Transfer >> For Industry   All Technologies   Aerodynamics and Space Sciences ID# UMF-23 More Details Contact Technology Pre-Rotation of Aircraft Landing Gear Wheels Scientific Relevance In this invention, the aircraft tires’ sidewalls are modified to include an airfoil shaped impeller. The impeller blades are co-extruded from rubber material during tire manufacturing. The airfoils are aligned with the relative flow at an optimum angle of attack in the front portion of the tire to maximize the force and movement generating area, which covers the front half circumference of the tire. Commercial Opportunity This invention may capture a part of commercial aircraft tires market. Competitive Advantage The present invention increases aircraft tires service life and improves safety by reducing the possibility of tires’ failure during landing. Inventors Gecheng Zha Allergy ID# UMF-01 More Details Contact Technology Immunomodulating Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 25 (TNFR25) Agonists, Antagonists and Immunotoxins Scientific Revelance The invention uses immunomodulating agents that can both stimulate the immune system or have an immunosuppressive effect.  TNFR25 agonists and antagonists have pro and anti-inflammatory action, respectively.  TNFR25 agonists can support tumor vaccination, while TNFR25 antagonists can treat disease caused by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease). Commercial Opportunity Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cost between $3-5 billion annually to treat. To have a novel approach to these diseases that would also apply to transplantation autoimmunity is a unique commercial opportunity.  Competitve Advantage Tumor vaccines that are currently available are often suppressed in the tumor environment.  This approach increases the vaccine’s ability to act on the tumor due to increased stability.   The myriad of biological effects that this immunomodulating agent can achieve is far superior to anything currently in use. Inventors Vadim Deyev, Robert B. Levy and Eckhard R. Podack ID# UMF-31 More Details Contact Technology Transgenic Mice Expressing A Real-Time Reporter For Cellular Camp In A Tissue-Selective And Inducible Manner Scientific Revelance Cyclic AMP (cAMP) mediates the response to hormones, neurotransmitters and other molecules in practically every tissue of the body.  The inventors have generated a unique transgenic mouse that is able to express an inducible fluorescent cAMP reporter in targeted cells and tissues.  To achieve this, transgenic mice carrying the newly generated and unique cAMP reporter are mated with mice carrying an appropriate, tissue-specific, antibiotic-sensitive triggering mechanism in their genome.  Mice tailored to a specific tissue can be readily generated. By injecting a commonly available antibiotic, researchers can then induce the synthesis of the cAMP reporter in pre-specified cells.  Using this mouse model, cAMP can be examined in intact organs, tissues and cells both in vitro and in vivo. The transgenic mouse will make it possible to monitor how intracellular cAMP levels change in response to metabolites, transmitters, hormones, and drugs in real time and with high spatial resolution (i.e., single cells and even subcellular regions).  Commercial Opportunity This mouse is an important drug discovery tool.  Pharmaceutical industry scientists as well as academic researches can use this mouse to monitor responses to existing drugs and develop new ones. Additionally, this mouse could be used to test the effects of treatments affecting the brain, spinal cord, or autonomic nervous system. Competitve Advantage This only mouse model available that allows responses to drugs, metabolites, transmitters, hormones, pharmaceuticals, etc. to be monitored visually in vivo.   Furthermore, the response can be seen in real time with high spatial resolution. Inventors Nirupa Chaudhari, and Stephen D. Roper Biologics ID# UMD-20 More Details Contact Technology Microparticles as a Treatment Method for Bleeding Disorders Scientific Relevance Microparticles (MP) derived from blood can be administered to a patient to help stop bleeding and decrease blood clotting time.  This would be important in cases involving internal bleeding, trauma, surgery, and chemotherapy, where the patient’s own blood prior to treatment could be banked for later use. Commercial Opportunity This technology addresses a critical need because of the endless need, and short supply, of blood and its products.  The market for a platelet substitute product is significant.  It is estimated that over 10,000,000 units of platelets were transfused in the United States last year at an average cost of $50 per unit, which equates to an a market potential of $500 million annually. Competitive Advantage At present, no synthetic microparticles or blood cells have emerged as being clinically useful.  In addition, since the patient’s own blood can be used, the risk of acquiring infectious agents from an external blood supply is decreased substantially. Inventors Wenche Jy, Joaquin Jimenez, Lawrence Horstman, Yeon Ahn, and Eugene Ahn Biomedical Engineering ID# UMF-25 More Details Contact Technology Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Index to Assess the Severity of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Scientific Relevance The invention is a method of predicting a pathological medical condition using an algorithm based on HRV and several other routinely measured physiological variables. Commercial Opportunity According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, of the 1.4 million who sustain a TBI each year in the United States: 50,000 die, 235,000 are hospitalized, and 1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department. Competitive Advantage The method provides an algorithm that can be normalized to a simple scale for interpretation by a health care provider, such as an ambulance technician. The technology is an automated triage tool that aids decision making about the severity of trauma. Inventors Kenneth G. Proctor and Robert C. Duncan Cancer ID# UM0-28 More Details Contact Technology A Novel Immune Enhancing Peptide, IEP11 Scientific Relevance The invention involves an 11 amino acid peptide (IEP11) which corresponds to a unique region of the secreted form of human mucin protein (sec-mucin).  The 11 amino acid peptide can be used as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance in vivo immune responses, to induce the production of cytokines, as a mitogen of one or more cell subpopulations, or to enhance cellular cytotoxicity. Commercial Opportunity Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. with over 500 thousand per year. Competitive Advantage This small protein drug has the potential to be a universal adjuvant for use with or without traditional chemotherapy.  Immunomodulation to help one’s body fight cancer can reduce the need to toxic chemotherapy and increase the survival rate and quality of life. Inventors Diana Lopez, Lynn Herbert, Mantley Dorsey Jr., Gunter Kraus, & James Hnatyszyn ID# UMD-21 More Details Contact Technology Early Detection of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Scientific Relevance This invention is a saliva based test (ELISA) incorporating a panel of four biomarkers that can detect early stage HNSCC and very early pre-cancerous lesions.  At this early stage the cancer or pre-cancer is treatable or reversible.  At this point, the complete biomarker panel has 93% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Commercial Opportunity HNSCC accounted for $3 billion in expenditures in 2004 or 4.4% of all cancer expenditures. 85% of HNSCC occurs in drinkers and smokers.  There are currently 56 million smokers and 15 million alcohol abusers in the U.S and significantly more worldwide. Competitive Advantage This early detection panel of biomarkers is simple and low cost, detects cancer without visual examination of the patient by a primary care provider or dentist. Inventors Elizabeth Franzmann, Vinata Lokeshwar, Erika Reategui and Rakesh Sihgal ID# UMF-12 More Details Contact Technology Hyaluronidase Inhibitors as Anti-Cancer Agents Scientific Relevance This invention demonstrates that hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibitors may be used to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and/or progression through the cell cycle.  These inhibitors are being developed to treat cancer or a precancerous condition with special emphasis on solid tumors.  In addition these compounds may be anti-angiogenic and reduce the risk of cancer cell metastases.  These compounds are likely to be effective with little or no side effects. Commercial Opportunity Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. with over 500 thousand per year. Competitive Advantage This non-toxic anti-cancer therapeutic can be administered alone or as an adjunct traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy.  This feature allows for reduced use of toxic chemotherapy and an improved quality of life. Inventors Vinata Lokeshwar ID# UMF-32 More Details Contact Technology Method Of Treating Multiple Myeloma By Targeting CD28 Scientific Relevance Targeting CD28 on myeloma cells can be used as a single agent for the treatment of multiple Myeloma. This approach can also be used in combination with other chemotherapy. Commercial Opportunity Multiple Myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy behind non-Hodgkin' lymphoma, with 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year.  It is currently incurable.  Patients characteristically respond initially to chemotherapy, but then relapse with increasingly more chemoresistant disease.  Thus novel therapies that can bypass the underlying resistance mechanisms are clearly needed. Competitive Advantage Targeting CD-28 on myeloma cells could be a single agent treatment as opposed to the existing highly toxic treatments available. Inventors Lee, K and Boise, L.H. ID# UMF-01 More Details Contact Technology Immunomodulating Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 25 (TNFR25) Agonists, Antagonists and Immunotoxins Scientific Revelance The invention uses immunomodulating agents that can both stimulate the immune system or have an immunosuppressive effect.  TNFR25 agonists and antagonists have pro and anti-inflammatory action, respectively.  TNFR25 agonists can support tumor vaccination, while TNFR25 antagonists can treat disease caused by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease). Commercial Opportunity  Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cost between $3-5 billion annually to treat. To have a novel approach to these diseases that would also apply to transplantation autoimmunity is a unique commercial opportunity.  Competitve Advantage Tumor vaccines that are currently available are often suppressed in the tumor environment.  This approach increases the vaccine’s ability to act on the tumor due to increased stability.   The myriad of biological effects that this immunomodulating agent can achieve is far superior to anything currently in use. Inventors Vadim Deyev, Robert B. Levy and Eckhard R. Podack ID# UMF-10 More Details Contact Technology  Perforin 2 Proteins as a Novel Antibacterial therapy Scientific Revelance This invention relates to the fields of antibiotics, anti-cancer agents and drug discovery. More specifically, it relates to a compound useful in activating the body’s natural defenses to both infections and tumors. Commercial Opportunity The incidences of serious bacterial infections are increasing at home and in hospitals due to the development of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, there are certain bacteria such as those causing tuberculosis that are naturally resistant to most antibiotics. For biological reasons alone, there is an urgent need to discover novel antibacterial agents.  Antibiotics, many of which have patents that will expire in the next few years, are currently a multi billion dollar industry. Competitve Advantage This is a unique antibacterial approach in that it will not lose efficacy due to the development of resistance. Inventors Vadim Deyev and Eckhard R. Podack ID# UME-42 More Details Contact Technology Antibody NKG2D Ligand Fusion Protein For Cancer Therapy Scientific Revelance Certain anticancer drugs (e.g. Herceptin for breast cancer) act by attaching to specific receptors (HER2/neu) and thereby destroy tumor cells that express the receptor.  However, these drugs have reduced efficacy when the target antigen is inadequately expressed, or if immune function is impaired. One approach to overcome this, is to take advantage of a protein NKG2D-Ligand (NKG2D-L) that is ubiquitously expressed during times of infection and stress.  When NKG2D-L is bound to its specific receptor, there is increased cell killing potential.  Linking anti-tumor antibodies to NKG2D-L proteins increases the ability of immune effector cells to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. This approach could be used for a variety of anti-oncogenic applications. Commercial Opportunity Adjuvant therapy for cancer is a multi billion dollar industry.  In the near future, as the population ages it is expected that expenditure for this type of drug will increase at a faster rate than any other category of medication. Competitve Advantage Targeting molecules for cancer therapy allow much lower concentration of the toxic chemotherapeutic agent to be used. The advantage of this approach over non targeted molecules is its stability and the ability to use lower concentration. Inventors Joseph D. Rosenblatt, Seung-Uon Shin, and Khaled A. Tolba ID# UMF-31 More Details Contact Technology Transgenic Mice Expressing A Real-Time Reporter For Cellular Camp In A Tissue-Selective And Inducible Manner Scientific Revelance Cyclic AMP (cAMP) mediates the response to hormones, neurotransmitters and other molecules in practically every tissue of the body.  The inventors have generated a unique transgenic mouse that is able to express an inducible fluorescent cAMP reporter in targeted cells and tissues.  To achieve this, transgenic mice carrying the newly generated and unique cAMP reporter are mated with mice carrying an appropriate, tissue-specific, antibiotic-sensitive triggering mechanism in their genome.  Mice tailored to a specific tissue can be readily generated. By injecting a commonly available antibiotic, researchers can then induce the synthesis of the cAMP reporter in pre-specified cells.  Using this mouse model, cAMP can be examined in intact organs, tissues and cells both in vitro and in vivo. The transgenic mouse will make it possible to monitor how intracellular cAMP levels change in response to metabolites, transmitters, hormones, and drugs in real time and with high spatial resolution (i.e., single cells and even subcellular regions).  Commercial Opportunity This mouse is an important drug discovery tool.  Pharmaceutical industry scientists as well as academic researches can use this mouse to monitor responses to existing drugs and develop new ones. Additionally, this mouse could be used to test the effects of treatments affecting the brain, spinal cord, or autonomic nervous system. Competitve Advantage This only mouse model available that allows responses to drugs, metabolites, transmitters, hormones, pharmaceuticals, etc. to be monitored visually in vivo.   Furthermore, the response can be seen in real time with high spatial resolution. Inventors Nirupa Chaudhari, and Stephen D. Roper ID# UMH-01 More Details Contact Technology Antibody-endostatin fusion protein and its variants. Scientific Revelance This invention relates to compositions and methods for targeting and modulating the activity of tumor cells.  In particular, the invention relates to chimeric fusion molecules which have a tumor antigen targeting domain and an anti-tumor effector function domain. Commercial Opportunity The sale of anti angiogenic molecules have reached the $600 million level and it is predicted by Forbes magazine to reach the billion dollar level in the next few years when it becomes applicable to colon, bladder, head and neck and prostate cancer. This approach is a huge improvement over these drugs. Competitve Advantage As effective as anti angiogenic molecules are they have half life and concentration problems that this technology addresses. Inventors Sherrie Morrison, Joseph D. Rosenblatt, and Seung-uon Shin Cardiology ID# UME-15 More Details Contact Technology Papillary Muscle Attachment Device for the Purpose of Left Ventricular Reduction in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Scientific Relevance This invention is a novel minimally invasive methods and instruments to treat a common and deadly heart disease (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) that is currently difficult to treat and control.  A small tether in implanted in the left ventricle chamber of the heart to prevent further abnormal expansion of the chamber. Commercial Opportunity Cardiomyopathy is a growing public health problem. In the United States alone, 3 million people are currently living with cardiomyopathy, and another 400,000 are diagnosed each year. Competitive Advantage This less invasive surgery to treat cardiomyopathy reduces the use of drugs and the risk of heart failure.  The competitive treatment drugs have side effects and do not alter the course of the disease.  This procedure is much less invasive than a heart transplant. Inventors Eduardo De Marchena Cell Therapy ID# UMF-31 More Details Contact Technology Transgenic Mice Expressing A Real-Time Reporter For Cellular Camp In A Tissue-Selective And Inducible Manner Scientific Revelance Cyclic AMP (cAMP) mediates the response to hormones, neurotransmitters and other molecules in practically every tissue of the body.  The inventors have generated a unique transgenic mouse that is able to express an inducible fluorescent cAMP reporter in targeted cells and tissues.  To achieve this, transgenic mice carrying the newly generated and unique cAMP reporter are mated with mice carrying an appropriate, tissue-specific, antibiotic-sensitive triggering mechanism in their genome.  Mice tailored to a specific tissue can be readily generated. By injecting a commonly available antibiotic, researchers can then induce the synthesis of the cAMP reporter in pre-specified cells.  Using this mouse model, cAMP can be examined in intact organs, tissues and cells both in vitro and in vivo. The transgenic mouse will make it possible to monitor how intracellular cAMP levels change in response to metabolites, transmitters, hormones, and drugs in real time and with high spatial resolution (i.e., single cells and even subcellular regions).  Commercial Opportunity This mouse is an important drug discovery tool.  Pharmaceutical industry scientists as well as academic researches can use this mouse to monitor responses to existing drugs and develop new ones. Additionally, this mouse could be used to test the effects of treatments affecting the brain, spinal cord, or autonomic nervous system. Competitve Advantage This only mouse model available that allows responses to drugs, metabolites, transmitters, hormones, pharmaceuticals, etc. to be monitored visually in vivo.   Furthermore, the response can be seen in real time with high spatial resolution. Inventors Nirupa Chaudhari, and Stephen D. Roper Chemical Engineering ID# UME-20 More Details Contact Technology Fossil Fuel Desulfurization Scientific Relevance The current invention provides a novel method for reducing the sulfur content of fossil fuel.  The method uses low cost materials in ambient, temperature conditions, without the use of dangerous concentrated acid. Commercial Opportunity Current desulfurization technology can reduce the sulfur level in diesel fuel to 300-500 (weight) ppm, but this level of sulfur content will soon become unacceptable under recently established regulations. For instance, the sulfur content limits in gasoline and diesel fuel have been set at 30-50 ppm in Europe and the United States starting in 2005; further reduction of these limits is expected in coming years. Competitive Advantage This chemical process uses less hazardous reagents and milder conditions than competitive processes.  In addition this process and method provides for more efficient removal of sulfur from diesel fuel. Inventors Tong Ren and Julia Barker ID# UME-23 More Details Contact Technology Fast and Stable Photochromic Switch Scientific Relevance The invention includes a family of ultra-fast and remarkably stable photochromic compounds. These molecules operate at nanosecond switching speeds and survive thousands of switching cycles in air with no sign of decomposition. Commercial Opportunity Ultra-fast photochromic materials make it possible to engineer new optical devices, such as photonic switches, which can be used instead of conventional electronic switches. This approach will significantly increase performance of computing equipment and capture a market share of conventional computer components. Competitive Advantage The present invention makes it possible to build ultra-fast optical switching elements, as well as improve existing photochromic applications such as photochromic lenses and films. Inventors Francisco M. Raymo and Massimiliano Tomasulo ID# UMF-03 More Details Contact Technology Colorimetric Detection of Cyanide Scientific Relevance A proprietary compound of the present invention acts as a colorimetric detection agent for cyanide in water samples. Commercial Opportunity Cyanides are fast-acting poisons that can be lethal. Cyanides and cyanide-containing compounds are used in industry and manufacturing and contribute to water pollution. The estimated 2004 annual U.S. production of sodium cyanide and hydrogen cyanide were 286 million pounds and more than 1.8 billion pounds, respectively. Competitive Advantage The proposed kit is unique in that micromolar concentrations of cyanide dissolved in water can be detected immediately in the field. Inventors Francisco M. Raymo and Massimiliano Tomasulo ID# UMF-13 More Details Contact Technology Chemosensors Based on Quantum Dots and Oxazine Compounds Scientific Relevance The invention uses quantum dots for biosensing applications by adjusting quantum dots emission properties to environmental conditions and signaling certain analytes. Commercial Opportunity In recent years we have witnessed an unprecedented growth in research in the area of nanoscience. There is an increasing optimism that nanotechnology applied to medicine will bring significant advances in diagnosis and treatment. Competitive Advantage The invention offers several improvements over organic dyes used in conventional biosensing applications, such as improved light absorption, increased spatial resolution, increased luminescence, and tunable emission bands. Inventors Francisco Raymo, Massimiliano Tomasulo, Ibrahim Yildiz ID# UMF-36 More Details Contact Technology Mechanism to Signal Receptor–Ligand Interactions with Luminescent Quantum Dots Scientific Relevance This invention uses quantum dots for biosensing applications by adjusting quantum dots emission properties to environmental conditions and signaling certain analytes. In particular, it offers the opportunity to signal protein–ligand interactions with significant luminescence enhancements. Commercial Opportunity In recent years we have witnessed an unprecedented growth in research in the area of nanoscience. There is an increasing optimism that nanotechnology applied to medicine will bring significant advances in diagnosis and treatment. Competitive Advantage The inventions offers several improvements over organic dyes, such as improved light absorption, increased spatial resolution, increased luminescence, and tunable emission bands. Inventors Francisco Raymo, Massimiliano Tomasulo, Ibrahim Yildiz Communications Technologies ID# UME-11 More Details Contact Technology Maximizing Channel Throughput and Fairness of Wireless Networks Scientific Relevance This invention addresses wireless networking, such as Wireless Local Area Networks and cellular communications. The proposed algorithm improves throughput of an RF channel shared by multiple wireless communication devices. It does so by reducing contention and expected waiting time between successful channel accesses. Commercial Opportunity Enhancements to wireless network infrastructure during the past few years have greatly expanded mobile computing. By the year 2010, there is expected to be one billion wireless subscribers worldwide on third-generation networks. Competitive Advantage The algorithm increases channel utilization and improves fairness among the communicating devices without adding computation overhead or hardware cost. Inventors Dilip Sarkar Diagnostics ID# UMD-21 More Details Contact Technology Early Detection of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Scientific Relevance This invention is a saliva based test (ELISA) incorporating a panel of four biomarkers that can detect early stage HNSCC and very early pre-cancerous lesions.  At this early stage the cancer or pre-cancer is treatable or reversible.  At this point, the complete biomarker panel has 93% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Commercial Opportunity HNSCC accounted for $3 billion in expenditures in 2004 or 4.4% of all cancer expenditures. 85% of HNSCC occurs in drinkers and smokers.  There are currently 56 million smokers and 15 million alcohol abusers in the U.S and significantly more worldwide. Competitive Advantage This early detection panel of biomarkers is simple and low cost, detects cancer without visual examination of the patient by a primary care provider or dentist. Inventors Elizabeth Franzmann, Vinata Lokeshwar, Erika Reategui and Rakesh Sihgal Drugs ID# UMF-29 More Details Contact Technology Peptides that enhance acetylcholinesterase expression Scientific Relevance This invention uses peptides based on the amino terminal domain of the acetylcholinesterase (AChe) subunits ColQ and PRiMA together with an endoplasmic reticulum localization signal. When these peptides are administered to tissue cultured cells the expression of AChe is enhanced several fold potentially neutralizing the toxic effect of nerve gas and pesticide poisoning. Commercial Opportunity There are close to 2 million acute pesticide poisonings reported per year with over 50,000 resulting in deaths.  Furthermore, the risk of terrorist poisoning is increasing continually.   An injectable peptide that can increase endogenous AChe levels is a potential therapy for nerve agent exposure of both military and civilian populations that has far reaching commercial and societal importance. Competitive Advantage This is the only method that neutralizes toxic effects of nerve gas and pesticides by increasing levels of a naturally occurring enzyme. Furthermore, this is the only approach that can be used preventively, thus increasing the chance of survival of first responders. Inventors Richard L. Rotundo and Carlos A. Ruiz ID# UMF-01 More Details Contact Technology Immunomodulating Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 25 (TNFR25) Agonists, Antagonists and Immunotoxins Scientific Revelance The invention uses immunomodulating agents that can both stimulate the immune system or have an immunosuppressive effect.  TNFR25 agonists and antagonists have pro and anti-inflammatory action, respectively.  TNFR25 agonists can support tumor vaccination, while TNFR25 antagonists can treat disease caused by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease). Commercial Opportunity  Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cost between $3-5 billion annually to treat. To have a novel approach to these diseases that would also apply to transplantation autoimmunity is a unique commercial opportunity.  Competitve Advantage Tumor vaccines that are currently available are often suppressed in the tumor environment.  This approach increases the vaccine’s ability to act on the tumor due to increased stability.   The myriad of biological effects that this immunomodulating agent can achieve is far superior to anything currently in use. Inventors Vadim Deyev, Robert B. Levy and Eckhard R. Podack ID# UMF-10 More Details Contact Technology  Perforin 2 Proteins as a Novel Antibacterial therapy Scientific Revelance This invention relates to the fields of antibiotics, anti-cancer agents and drug discovery. More specifically, it relates to a compound useful in activating the body’s natural defenses to both infections and tumors. Commercial Opportunity The incidences of serious bacterial infections are increasing at home and in hospitals due to the development of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, there are certain bacteria such as those causing tuberculosis that are naturally resistant to most antibiotics. For biological reasons alone, there is an urgent need to discover novel antibacterial agents.  Antibiotics, many of which have patents that will expire in the next few years, are currently a multi billion dollar industry. Competitve Advantage This is a unique antibacterial approach in that it will not lose efficacy due to the development of resistance. Inventors Vadim Deyev and Eckhard R. Podack ID# UME-42 More Details Contact Technology Antibody NKG2D Ligand Fusion Protein For Cancer Therapy Scientific Revelance Certain anticancer drugs (e.g. Herceptin for breast cancer) act by attaching to specific receptors (HER2/neu) and thereby destroy tumor cells that express the receptor.  However, these drugs have reduced efficacy when the target antigen is inadequately expressed, or if immune function is impaired. One approach to overcome this, is to take advantage of a protein NKG2D-Ligand (NKG2D-L) that is ubiquitously expressed during times of infection and stress.  When NKG2D-L is bound to its specific receptor, there is increased cell killing potential.  Linking anti-tumor antibodies to NKG2D-L proteins increases the ability of immune effector cells to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. This approach could be used for a variety of anti-oncogenic applications. Commercial Opportunity Adjuvant therapy for cancer is a multi billion dollar industry.  In the near future, as the population ages it is expected that expenditure for this type of drug will increase at a faster rate than any other category of medication. Competitve Advantage Targeting molecules for cancer therapy allow much lower concentration of the toxic chemotherapeutic agent to be used. The advantage of this approach over non targeted molecules is its stability and the ability to use lower concentration. Inventors Joseph D. Rosenblatt, Seung-Uon Shin, and Khaled A. Tolba ID# UMH-01 More Details Contact Technology Antibody-endostatin fusion protein and its variants. Scientific Revelance This invention relates to compositions and methods for targeting and modulating the activity of tumor cells.  In particular, the invention relates to chimeric fusion molecules which have a tumor antigen targeting domain and an anti-tumor effector function domain. Commercial Opportunity The sale of anti angiogenic molecules have reached the $600 million level and it is predicted by Forbes magazine to reach the billion dollar level in the next few years when it becomes applicable to colon, bladder, head and neck and prostate cancer. This approach is a huge improvement over these drugs. Competitve Advantage As effective as anti angiogenic molecules are they have half life and concentration problems that this technology addresses. Inventors Sherrie Morrison, Joseph D. Rosenblatt, and Seung-uon Shin ID# UMF-32 More Details Contact Technology Method Of Treating Multiple Myeloma By Targeting CD28 Scientific Relevance Targeting CD28 on myeloma cells can be used as a single agent for the treatment of multiple Myeloma. This approach can also be used in combination with other chemotherapy. Commercial Opportunity Multiple Myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy behind non-Hodgkin' lymphoma, with 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year.  It is currently incurable.  Patients characteristically respond initially to chemotherapy, but then relapse with increasingly more chemoresistant disease.  Thus novel therapies that can bypass the underlying resistance mechanisms are clearly needed. Competitive Advantage Targeting CD-28 on myeloma cells could be a single agent treatment as opposed to the existing highly toxic treatments available. Inventors Lee, K and Boise, L.H. ID# TT-179 More Details Contact Technology Repair and Regeneration for Spinal Cord Injury Scientific Relevance This invention is a novel three component combination therapy which entails 1) the use of specialized nerve growth promoter cells in a bridge-like manner grown from the patient's own cells (Schwann cell bridge), 2) a class of drugs to reduce the inhibition to heal (phosphodiesterase inhibitors) and 3) a specific protein activator (cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cAMP). Commercial Opportunity  In an average year, there are greater than 11,000 spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the U.S. About 40% occur in motor vehicle accidents and 25% result from violent encounters.  Approximately 250,000 - 400,000 people in the U.S. are paralyzed as a result of SCI. The economic impact is estimated at $9.7 billion each year and the cost of treating pressure sores alone is estimated at $1.2 billion. A therapeutic approach to a cure or an improvement would have an enormous socio-economic impact. Competitive Advantage This is the only treatment that uses the patient’s own cells to regenerate the central nervous system.  The combination of cells and bioactive agents is unique and together they bridge the gap of the injury and facilitate directional nerve growth. Inventors Mary Bunge and Damian Pearse ID# UM0-28 More Details Contact Technology A Novel Immune Enhancing Peptide, IEP11 Scientific Relevance The invention involves an 11 amino acid peptide (IEP11) which corresponds to a unique region of the secreted form of human mucin protein (sec-mucin).  The 11 amino acid peptide can be used as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance in vivo immune responses, to induce the production of cytokines, as a mitogen of one or more cell subpopulations, or to enhance cellular cytotoxicity. Commercial Opportunity Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. with over 500 thousand per year. Competitive Advantage This small protein drug has the potential to be a universal adjuvant for use with or without traditional chemotherapy.  Immunomodulation to help one’s body fight cancer can reduce the need to toxic chemotherapy and increase the survival rate and quality of life. Inventors Diana Lopez, Lynn Herbert, Mantley Dorsey Jr., Gunter Kraus, & James Hnatyszyn ID# UMF-12 More Details Contact Technology Hyaluronidase Inhibitors as Anti-Cancer Agents Scientific Relevance This invention demonstrates that hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibitors may be used to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and/or progression through the cell cycle.  These inhibitors are being developed to treat cancer or a precancerous condition with special emphasis on solid tumors.  In addition these compounds may be anti-angiogenic and reduce the risk of cancer cell metastases.  These compounds are likely to be effective with little or no side effects. Commercial Opportunity Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. with over 500 thousand per year. Competitive Advantage This non-toxic anti-cancer therapeutic can be administered alone or as an adjunct traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy.  This feature allows for reduced use of toxic chemotherapy and an improved quality of life. Inventors Vinata Lokeshwar ID# UMG-05 More Details Contact Technology Use of Tetracycline to Treat Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) Scientific Relevance The invention demonstrated that systemic administration of doxycycline reduces the progression of LAM, an aggressive and destructive, eventually fatal, lung disease of women by interfering with the mechanism of tissue destruction by decreasing the production of molecules involved in the progression of the disease (metalloproteases MMP-2 and MMP-9).  The preclinical testing is well advanced and preliminary human clinical trials have demonstrated proof of principle in twenty patients. Commercial Opportunity LAM is characterized by an unusual type of muscle cell that invades the tissue of the lungs, including the airways, blood and lymph vessels.  The only known cure for patients with this severe disease is lung transplantation. Over 1,000 women with LAM have been identified in the U.S.; however, the precise number of people who have LAM is unknown. Scientists who study LAM estimate that there are over 250,000 women with LAM worldwide. More recent estimates are close to 3,000,000 worldwide. Competitive Advantage This is the only known treatment for LAM which has the potential to delay or eliminate the need for lung transplant.  While being treated in preliminary clinical testing the patients were able to be more active and enjoyed a better quality of life. Inventors Marilyn K. Glassberg, Sharon J. Elliot and Michael Karl ID# UMC-05 More Details