Patent: 9,770,494

Summary for Patent: 9,770,494

Title:	Pharmacological vitreolysis
Abstract:	A method of treating or preventing a disorder, or a complication of a disorder, of an eye of a subject comprising contacting a vitreous and/or aqueous humor with a composition comprising a truncated form of plasmin comprising a catalytic domain of plasmin (TPCD). TPCDs include, but are not limited to, miniplasmin, microplasmin and derivatives and variants thereof. The methods of the invention can be used to reduce the viscosity of the vitreous, liquefy the vitreous, induce posterior vitreous detachment, reduce hemorrhagic blood from the eye, clear or reduce materials toxic to the eye, clear or reduce intraocular foreign substances from the eye, increase diffusion of a composition administered to an eye, reduce extraretinal neovascularization and any combinations thereof. The method can be used in the absence of, or as an adjunct to, vitrectomy.
Inventor(s):	Pakola; Steve (Sleepy Hollow, NY), De Smet; Marc (Amstelveen, NL)
Assignee:	ThromboGenics NV (Leuven, BE)
Application Number:	14/318,232
Patent Claims:	see list of patent claims
Scope and claims summary:	United States Patent 9770494 is a patented technology developed by biopharmaceutical company, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Danish biotech firm, Bavarian Nordic A/S. This patent, entitled "Virus-like particles for vaccine applications" (US2016/0336224 A1) focuses on the discovery of a novel method for creating virus-like particles (VLPs) as vaccine candidates. Key Points: Viral Vector Platform: The patent outlines the development of a viral vector platform that utilizes baculovirus vectors to produce candidate vaccines in insect cell lines. This approach aims to reduce production costs, improve scalability, and enhance the safety profile of vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Development: The patented technology has been applied to the development of COVID-19 vaccines, with significant breakthroughs achieved. This includes the creation of recombinant VLPs that mimic the SARS-CoV-2 virus and induce an immune response without causing disease. Combination Therapy: The patent highlights the potential of combining multiple VLP-based vaccines in a single formulation to enhance immune responses against different strains of a virus. Synthetic Genomics: The technology also incorporates synthetic genomics, enabling the creation of customized genetic material from readily available biological sources. This approach paves the way for the rapid development of vaccines tailored to specific viral strains. Platform for Novel Therapies: The virus-like particle platform patented in US9770494 has broader applications beyond COVID-19 vaccines. Its innovative design enables the creation of candidate vaccines for various diseases, including contagious virus strains, and cancer-causing viruses such as HPV and Hepatitis C. Technical Details The patent details the process of generating the recombinant baculovirus, involving the transfer of specific genes from the target virus (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) into insect cell lines. The resulting VLPs mimic the structure of the target pathogen, facilitating the induction of a robust immune response. An immunogenic sequence derived from the target virus (e.g., the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein) is embedded within the VLP structure, allowing for recognition by the host immune system. This strategy helps stimulate a neutralizing antibody response and elicit long-lasting cell-mediated immunity. The patented method involves freeze-drying the VLPs after production, which makes them easier to manufacture, handle, and distribute, as freeze-dried formats have improved stability properties. Patent Implications The U.S. Patent 9770494 provides Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Bavarian Nordic A/S with an exclusive right to manufacture, use, and commercialize vaccines generated through the patented technology. The patent's scope could have significant implications for future vaccine development, potentially limiting the use of similar viral vector platforms for analogous vaccine applications. Future Applications and Outlook Given the versatility and effectiveness of the VLP technology outlined in U.S. Patent 9770494, it is expected that researchers and companies will continue to explore its applications in vaccine development. The patent's utility in addressing emerging viral threats, combinatorial vaccine platforms, and the integration of personalized genomics for customized vaccine formulations, presents exciting opportunities in the development of novel therapies.

Details for Patent 9,770,494

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Expiredate
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated	VITRASE	hyaluronidase	Injection	021640	May 05, 2004		2022-12-06
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated	VITRASE	hyaluronidase	Injection	021640	December 02, 2004		2022-12-06
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	AMPHADASE	hyaluronidase	Injection	021665	October 26, 2004		2022-12-06