Methods of Treating Giardiasis Using FDA-Approved Compounds

This technology includes a group of at least twenty-nine, diverse, commercially available compounds that are newly identified for activity against Giardia lamblia parasites. At least six of the candidate compounds, Bortezomib, Decitabine, Hydroxocobalamin, Amlexanox, Idarubicin, and Auranofin have preexisting FDA approval for human use for other (non-Giardia) conditions. Another three compounds, Fumagillin, Nitarsone and Carbadox have preexisting approval for veterinary use for non-Giardia conditions.

Use of Antihistamine Compounds for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus

The vast majority of people infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) will have chronic infection. Over decades, this can lead to liver disease and liver cancer. In fact, HCV infection is the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S. Several new drugs have recently come into the market that will likely change the HCV treatment paradigm. However, the effectiveness of these new drugs can vary depending on the HCV genotype. Thus, there is still the need for additional new therapeutics against HCV.

Polyclonal Antibodies to Apolipoprotein L1 for Use in Basic Science Research

This technology includes antibodies to apolipoprotein L1 (ApoL 1) to be used in basic science laboratory studies. ApoL 1 is a protein that is present within cells and circulates as component of high-density lipoprotein. Its functions are not well understood. Recently APOL 1 genetic variants have been shown to be highly associated with kidney disease in African Americans.

Monoclonal Antibodies to HIV-1 Vpr

Available for licensing are monoclonal antibodies against HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) and the respective hybridoma cell lines expressing the same. The antibodies provide a means for detecting HIV-1 Vpr. Currently, the mechanism of HIV pathogenesis believed to involve viral replication inside immune cells and other cells. At present, there are no clinical assays for detecting HIV-1 Vpr. Vpr circulates at detectable levels in the blood and is likely derived from degraded virions or released from infected cells. Vpr facilitates viral replication and disrupt normal cell function.

Enhanced Stability and Efficacy of Pfs48/45 Domain III Protein Variants for Malaria Vaccine Development Using SPEEDesign Technology

The technology includes modifying the Plasmodium falciparum Pfs48/45 Domain III protein sequence to enhance its stability and efficacy to aid in malaria vaccine development. This approach successfully overcomes previous production challenges by increasing the thermostability of the antigen and eliminating the need for additional modifications that could impair vaccine effectiveness. Crucially, the technology maintains the essential neutralizing epitope of Pfs48/45, ensuring its effectiveness in preventing malaria transmission as a transmission-blocking vaccine.

A Highly Efficient Differentiation Protocol for Placental Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

This technology includes a robust and highly efficient protocol that differentiates human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into the developmental precursor of placental cells, the trophectoderm (TE), under chemically defined conditions. The in vitro generation of TE cells holds great promise for modeling diseases of the placenta, drug screening, and cell-based therapies.