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[news 2001-
2002]
July 12, 2002
Eleven patents issued for Queen's-generated
discoveries
KINGSTON, ON -- Eleven patents for developments arising
out of Queen's University research in the fields of
life sciences, biology and computing have been issued
to Queen's inventors during the first half of 2002.
The patents -- nine U.S., one Canadian and one Indian
-- were issued for methods and products ranging from
a new treatment for female sexual dysfunction and a
new method for diagnosing premature labour to the development
of an anaesthetic-laced cement for easing the localized
pain of orthopedic surgery.
The patents were issued to the following:
Michael Adams and Jeremy Heaton for Methods for the
Normalization of Sexual Response and Amelioration of
Long-term Genital Degradation; and for Method and Compositions
for the Treatment or Amelioration of Female Sexual Dysfunction
( two U.S. patents). These patents result from the researchers'
investigations into new uses for apomorphine for the
treatment of different types of sexual dysfunction.
Their work with apomorphine for the treatment of male
erectile dysfunction led to the development of the impotence
drug Uprima™, currently on sale in 46 countries
worldwide.
Michael Adams, Jeremy Heaton, and Charles Graham for
Method for Diagnosing a Vascular Condition (U.S. patent).
This patent has applications in the diagnosis of premature
labour and hypoxia (oxygen starvation of tissues).
James Banting, Jeremy Heaton and Michael Adams for Antagonism
of Endothelin Actions (U.S patent). This method for
controlling the age-related thickening of the walls
of the vascular tissue in the genital area has applications
in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
David Bond and John Rudan, for Anaesthetic Bone Cement
(U.S. patent). The researchers' patented method employs
a bone cement mixed with an anaesthetic such as lidocaine
that, when applied, provides sustained localized pain
relief following an orthopedic surgical procedure such
as an implant. The invention is under exclusive license
to DePuy Orthopedics, Inc. of Warsaw, Indiana.
Kenneth Edgecombe and Alan Ableson, for Method and Apparatus
for Determining Multi-Dimensional Structure (U.S. patent).
This mathematics-based technology can be used for analysis
in a wide range of data fields including protein crystallography,
fluid dynamics, edge detection (the enhanced interpretation
of computerized images), and financial markets. The
technology is exclusively licensed to Molecular Mining
Corp.
Laurie A. Graham, Yih-Cherng Liou, Virginia Walker and
Peter Davies, for Tenebrio Antifreeze Proteins (U.S.
patent). This patent results from the researchers' discovery
of the genes encoding novel antifreeze proteins of the
mealworm beetle. These proteins lower the freezing point
of the solutions containing them, offering promise in
the development of freeze-resistant food products, crops,
fish stocks, and biologics such as blood plasma and
organs for transplant. The technology is exclusively
licensed to AF Proteins of Waltham, Mass.
Kenton Ko and Peng Pang for Enhanced Transport with
a Plastid Membrane Transport Protein (U.S. patent).
This method provides enhanced means of transport of
molecules (such as proteins) into and/or across cellular
membranes. It is particularly useful for increasing
the secretion of proteins across plant membranes. The
technology is exclusively licensed to Performance Plants,
Inc. of Kingston and Saskatoon.
Martin Petkovich, Jay White, Barbara Beckett and Glenville
Jones for Retinoid Metabolizing Protein. (Indian patent).
This the fourth patent issuing from the researchers'
work on a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of Vitamin
A. The technology is exclusively licensed to Cytochroma
of Kingston, ON and forms the basis for a partnership
with Allergan, Inc. of Irvine, Calif.
Roy Pottier, James Kennedy and Michel Ringuet for Porphyrin
Derivative (Canada). This patent relates to the researchers'
work in the treatment of malignant tissue abnormalities
through selective targeting of cancer cells using photo-chemotherapeutic
agents derived from the iron-carrying molecule, porphyrin.
This patent builds on previous work by the researchers
in the field of photodynamic therapy using aminolevulinic
acid (ALA), a porphyrin-based treatment for skin cancer
exclusively licensed to DUSA Pharmaceuticals Inc. of
Toronto and now on sale throughout the U.S.
Gregory Thatcher, Brian Bennett, James Reynolds, Roland
Boegman and Khem Jhamandas for Nitrate Esters and Their
Use for Neurological Conditions (U.S. patent). This
patent relates to the researchers' work in the field
of nitrate esters, and their potential use as treatment
for a wide range of diseases characterized by neurodegeneration
and loss of mental capacity. Of particular note is the
ability of the technology to enhance cognition, holding
promise for the treatment of such conditions as Alzheimer's,
epilepsy, stroke, AIDS-induced dementia, and other diseases
that cause loss of mental function. This technology
is exclusively licensed to GBtherapeutics of Kingston.
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For information, please contact:
Carol Miernicki-Steeg
Vice-President, Intellectual Property
PARTEQ Innovations
(613) 533-2342
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