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This technology includes the use of a new class of molecules (nanomolar ALK2 inhibitor) to impede bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) signaling for the treatment of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). FOP is a rare disease, characterized by malformation of the great (big) toes during embryonic development. Individuals with FOP have an identical heterozygous activating mutation (R206H) in the gene encoding ACRV1 (also known as ALK2), a BMP type 1 receptor.

This technology includes methods for screening compounds and compositions useful for inhibiting or reducing platelet deposition, adhesion, and/or aggregation. The present invention further relates to methods of treatment or prophylaxis of thrombotic disorders, including stroke, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, abrupt closure following angioplasty or stent placement, thrombosis induced by peripheral vascular surgery, peripheral vascular disease or thrombotic disorders resulting from atrial fibrillation or inflammation.

This technology includes processes for the synthesis of VBP15 (17a,21-dihydroxy-16a-methyl-pregna-1,4,9(11)-triene-3,20-dione) of high purity and large quantities as a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The synthesis of VBP15 has several deficiencies which has hindered larger-scale preparation for clinical evaluation and potential manufacturing. The deficiencies included formation of significant levels of undesired epoxide impurity, formation of undesired ketone impurity, and resultant need for costly chromatographic purification.

This technology includes a system that allows for robust differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into motor neurons within a time frame of 7 to 10 days. To differentiate the iPSC, a stable transgene is inserted into the CLYBL safe harbor locus in the human genome using TALENs. The transgene allows for doxycycline-inducible expression of the transcription factors (NGN2, ISL1, and LHX3) that are needed for the cells to differentiate to motor neurons. The technology is described in detail in the protocol paper published by Fernandopulle et al, cited below.

This technology includes a series of diphenylpropanamides as potent and selective RORgt inhibitors for the treatment of Th17-related autoimmune diseases. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor RORgt plays an important role in the differentiation of thymocytes, lymphoid tissue inducer cells, and inflammatory T helper-expressing interleukin 17a (Th17) cells. Small molecule RORgt inhibitors may provide means to regulate Th17 mediated immune response. The novel molecules have potential to treat Th17-related autoimmune diseases.

This technology includes a series of diphenylpropanamides as potent and selective RORgt inhibitors for the treatment of Th17-related autoimmune diseases. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor RORgt plays an important role in the differentiation of thymocytes, lymphoid tissue inducer cells, and inflammatory T helper-expressing interleukin 17a (Th17) cells. Small molecule RORgt inhibitors may provide means to regulate Th17 mediated immune response.

This technology includes a series of diphenylpropanamides as potent and selective RORgt inhibitors for the treatment of Th17-related autoimmune diseases. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor RORgt plays an important role in the differentiation of thymocytes, lymphoid tissue inducer cells, and inflammatory T helper-expressing interleukin 17a (Th17) cells. Small molecule RORgt inhibitors may provide means to regulate Th17 mediated immune response.

This technology includes a new class of compounds, called remodelins, which can be used to prevent airway remodeling and prevent lung fibrosis. Currently no effective therapies are available for lung fibrosis. This compound could also be employed as a treatment for asthma.

This technology includes a series of small molecule organic compounds, called remodelins, that are synthetic derivative analogs of a parent compound discovered by screening of a Chembridge library. The novel synthetic derivative analogs were generated through multiple iterations of compounds directed by in vitro experiments. The invention also includes use of these or related molecules to treat cancer and/or glaucoma.

This technology includes novel systemic adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CRISPR gene therapy technology. While some diseases (e.g., retinal diseases) can be treated through local gene transfer, many diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) require systemic therapy. The CRISPR technology has two components, the Cas9 endonuclease, and the gRNA. To explore systemic CRISPR therapy, we co-delivered the AAV.Cas9 and AAV.gRNA vector to mdx mice, a mouse DMD model. Direct delivery to muscle yielded efficient gene correction.