Technology Transfer

Thomas H. Shaffer, MSE, PhD, Director

What is the Office of Technology Transfer?

It is the mission of Nemours to provide leadership, institutions, and services to improve the health of children. As a part of that mission, Nemours Biomedical Research has a long-standing commitment to scholarly and scientific endeavors directed towards improving the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric medical conditions. The tremendous research efforts undertaken at Nemours have resulted in the development of new technologies, new approaches, and new devices. The Office of Technology Transfer works to bring these to the marketplace.

Nemours is interested in commercializing its patents and will consider equity in lieu of licensing fees, running royalties, or patent costs.

Highlights of Some Recent Patents

Multi-Dimensional Proteomic Analysis Method

Robert Akins, Jr., PhD

A multi-dimensional proteomic analysis method utilizing cationic electrophoresis is described. The method includes separating proteins in one direction using cationic electrophoresis and separating the proteins in a second orthogonal direction using other electrophoresis separation methods such as denaturing electrophoresis and electrophoresis subsequent to proteolytic cleavage or isofocusing. The two-dimensional array may be used to determine various protein-protein interactions in a sample.

Chromosome 1p36 Polymorphisms and Low Bone Mineral Density

Marcella Devoto, Katia Sol-Church, PhD, Loretta Spotila

The invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing risk of low BMD and risk of osteoporosis based on the detection of SNP identity for human chromosome 1p36 polymorphisms designated in the NCBI SNP database (dbSNP) as rs2794328, rs446529, rs397559 and rs1802353.

Electrical Current Induced Inhibition of Bone Growth

George Dodge, Richard Bowen, MD

A method and device is disclosed for inhibiting bone growth, including inducing epiphysiodesis or hemiepiphysiodesis, using electrical current. The device includes a power source and one or a series of electrodes for applying a current sufficient to reduce or stop the growth of a bone to selected regions of the bone. The method and device may be used to correct growth discrepancies in extremities such as the arms or legs, as well as correct the curvature of the spine in scoliosis patients.

Method of Diagnosing Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Vicky Funanage, PhD, Mena Scavina

A diagnostic method for determining whether an individual is affected with spinal muscular atrophy involves evaluating the relative amounts of exon 5 of neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) and exon 7 of centromeric and telomeric survival motor neuron (SMN) genes in a genomic sample from the subject. A PCR analysis employing NAIP5F, NAIP5R, SMNX7DRA and SMNR111 primers is used to amplify the desired genes. The PCR product is digested with an enzyme that recognizes only the centromeric SMN sequence, and the digested product can be separated by electrophoresis. The novel method allows multiplex analysis for both NAIP and SMN genes in the same sample work up. The analytical procedure further permits the digestion to be carried out without prior purification of the PCR product. Very importantly, the analytical procedure provides for the ability to diagnose the heterozygous telomeric SMN phenotype and thus allows the non-affected carrier of spinal muscular atrophy to be identified.

Method for Treating Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Vicky Funanage, PhD, Sandra G. Hassink, MD, Susan Kirwin and Darlise O'Connor

The invention provides a method for treating infants, children or adults suffering from pulmonary distress caused by low or insufficient production of surfactant. It is particularly suitable for treating premature infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome. The method includes administering a leptin compound to an individual with impaired surfactant production for a time and in an amount sufficient to enhance surfactant production. The method may be used for treatment of any mammal with impaired lung surfactant production.

Single-use Disposable Eyelid Speculum, Eye Examination Kit and a Mentod for Examining a Patients' Eyes

Robert Hered, MD

The present invention relates to a single-use disposable eyelid speculum and scleral depressor. The eyelid speculum includes an elongated curved arm formed from an elastic single piece element. The elongated curved arm terminates in integrally formed spoons, with each spoon being configured to engage an eyelid. The eyelid speculum and scleral depressor may be provided as a kit with either separate or combined packing in a sterilized condition. The kit is intended to be disposable after a single use.

Surgical Site Stamp

Robert Hered, MD

Specifically designed stamp to clearly mark limbs and other body parts before surgery.

Administration of Leptin

Vicky Funanage, PhD, Susan Kirwin

A method and composition for administering leptin. The invention includes suspending isolated native leptin-containing milk fat globules in a suitable medium for administering to a subject. The suspended milk fat globules may be administered orally as well as by intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, other enteral routes of administration, and other parenteral routes of administration. The invention includes a method for treating growth or maturational-related disorders in newborns as well as subjects with conditions that can be treated by the administration of leptin.

Improving Intestinal Function using Leptin

Marshall Z. Schwartz, MD and Darlise O'Connor

The present invention relates broadly to enhancing the functions of the small intestine and the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases by the administration of leptin therapy.

Measurement of Gastric Emptying Using Stable Isotopes

Devendra I. Mehta, MD

The present invention provides a diagnostic test for gastrointestinal disorders by providing a safe, convenient, reliable method for measuring gastric emptying.

Tissue Engineered Cardiac Constructs

Robert E. Akins, Jr., PhD

This invention relates to tissue-engineered construction, and more particularly to bioactive cardiac constructs that may be implanted into a patient to augment cardiac tissue or may be used for in vitro pharmacological testing.

Brace Compliance Feedback Monitor

Tariq Rahman, PhD and J. Richard Bowen, MD

This invention relates to a method of measurement of the exact time of brace wear to provide data substantiating patient compliance while documenting the time worn, correlating the progression of the brace treatment of scoliosis.

View a list of all issued and pending patents available through Nemours Biomedical Research.

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