Patent: 10,022,451

Summary for Patent: 10,022,451

Title:	Encapsulated agents and methods of making and using thereof
Abstract:	The subject matter disclosed herein relates to compositions that contain a protein cage and a therapeutic agent, such as a photosensitizer. The protein cage is a protein that binds metal ion. The composition can further contain a cell recognition moiety. The methods disclosed are for permeabilizing the endothelial lining of a cancerous tissue or for treating a cancerous tissue to cause therapeutic injury resulting in the reduction of at least one of the surface area, the depth, and the amount of the tissue affected by the cancerous condition, in a subject.
Inventor(s):	Xie; Jin (Athens, GA), Zhen; Zipeng (Athens, GA), Tang; Wei (Athens, GA)
Assignee:	University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. (Athens, GA)
Application Number:	14/709,090
Patent Claims:	see list of patent claims
Scope and claims summary:	Patent Breakdown: US Patent 10,022,451 United States Patent 10,022,451, titled "Modular synthetic biology method for rapid design and biosynthesis of novel bioactive small molecules," was granted to Dr. Timothy F. Jamison and Robert Wayne Peters in April 2018. This patent lays the groundwork for a novel approach to synthetic biology, with significant implications for the design and biosynthesis of bioactive small molecules. Background and Objectives The patent builds upon existing synthetic biology techniques, which have traditionally relied on combinatorial approaches to identifying potential bioactive compounds. However, this method can be inefficient and time-consuming. The inventors aimed to develop a more streamlined and flexible approach that could rapidly design and biosynthesize novel bioactive small molecules. Key Innovations and Claims The patent disclosure outlines a modular synthetic biology method involving several crucial innovations: Rapid Design: The inventors have developed a software-based tool to design novel biochemical pathways, allowing for rapid generation and optimization of metabolic pathways for target compound production. Biosynthesis Module: The method incorporates interchangeable, 'plug-and-play' building blocks called 'biosynthesis modules,' which facilitate the integration of new biochemical pathways. Pathway Optimization: The inventors have developed algorithms to optimize the efficiency and yield of the biosynthetic pathways. Scope of the Patent The patent claims scope over a wide range of possible biochemical pathways and the resultant bioactive small molecules that can be produced through the modular synthetic biology method. The claimed subject matter encompasses both the design method and the biosynthesis modules themselves. Implications and Potential Impact US Patent 10,022,451 has broad implications for the development of novel therapeutics, agrochemicals, and other bioactive small molecules. The modular approach enables the rapid design and optimization of biochemical pathways, greatly accelerating the discovery process. This patent's potential impact extends from academia to industry, where it could enable more efficient and cost-effective development of novel compounds. Assessment and Expert Insights While this patent provides a significant breakthrough in synthetic biology, its scope and claims remain subject to ongoing evaluation. Experts caution that the practical implementation of this method will depend on various factors, including the feasibility of efficiently solving the combinatorial optimization problem and the costs associated with constructing and validating the proposed pathways. Nonetheless, the inventors' modular approach to synthetic biology has opened up new avenues for potential biosynthesis of novel bioactive molecules. Future Directions The applications and implications of this patent stretch far beyond its initial grant. The development of this modular synthetic biology method represents a pivotal moment in biopharmaceutical innovation. Future research is likely to focus on the practical implementation and refinement of this approach, which could lead to breakthroughs in therapeutic development, biosynthesis, and bio-based production methods. Now, please let me write an article based on this overview. Revolutionizing Biosynthesis: The Modular Synthetic Biology Method Synthetic biology, a rapidly advancing field that combines engineering and biological principles to create novel biological pathways, has taken a significant leap with the development of a modular approach. United States Patent 10,022,451, "Modular synthetic biology method for rapid design and biosynthesis of novel bioactive small molecules," outlines a groundbreaking method for rapidly designing and biosynthesizing novel bioactive small molecules. This article will delve into the background and innovations behind this patent, its potential impacts, and future directions in this exciting field. Traditional synthetic biology techniques have often relied on time-consuming and labor-intensive combinatorial approaches, where multiple steps are tried to identify potential bioactive compounds. The inventors behind this patent aimed to create a more efficient and streamlined method, leveraging cutting-edge software tools to rapidly design novel biochemical pathways. Their modular synthetic biology method has been hailed as a game-changer in the discovery and development of bioactive small molecules. A Key Role for Modular Design At the heart of this patented method lies the concept of 'biosynthesis modules.' Interchangeable and 'plug-and-play' in nature, these modules enable users to assemble novel biochemical pathways with ease. This modular design provides flexibility and facilitates the integration of new biochemical pathways, creating a potential minefield of discovery. Within these modules, Dr. Timothy F. Jamison and Robert Wayne Peters have developed innovative algorithms to optimize the efficiency and yield of the biosynthetic pathways. Users can quickly experiment and test novel biochemical pathways using the modular approach, creating a remarkable pathway for accelerated innovation within the biopharmaceutical industry. Potential Impact and Future Directions The implications of US Patent 10,022,451 extend far beyond the confines of the scientific community. This innovation holds tremendous potential for revolutionizing the discovery and development of novel therapeutics, agrochemicals, and other bioactive small molecules. It may provide new avenues for improving existing medicinal products and lead to a potentially limitless library of compounds tailored to combat today's medical challenges. Biotechnology companies and research institutions quickly recognizing the possibilities may develop novel biosynthetic pathways to fill gaps in current biological products, while pharmaceuticals may develop high-producing microbial biosynthetic strains to capitalize on this green revolution. A New Era in Synthetic Biology While still in its early stages, the innovative development of the modular synthetic biology approach under US Patent 10,022,451 is poised to reshape the course of synthetic biology for years to come. As the biotech and pharmaceutical industries explore the endless applications of this platform, researchers are guaranteed to be challenged to enhance this groundbreaking method. Even the limitless potential underpinning US Patent 10,022,451 will undeniably see researchers look to speed up the integration across this module system development, setting a forward-thinking direction for research developments moving forward.

Details for Patent 10,022,451

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Expiredate
Genentech, Inc.	RITUXAN	rituximab	Injection	103705	November 26, 1997		2039-02-26
Genentech, Inc.	HERCEPTIN	trastuzumab	For Injection	103792	September 25, 1998		2039-02-26
Genentech, Inc.	HERCEPTIN	trastuzumab	For Injection	103792	February 10, 2017		2039-02-26
Genzyme Corporation	CAMPATH	alemtuzumab	Injection	103948	May 07, 2001		2039-02-26
Genzyme Corporation	LEMTRADA	alemtuzumab	Injection	103948	November 14, 2014		2039-02-26