Christopher T Evans

US Patent:

6413511, Jul 2, 2002

Filed:

Jun 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

08/466932

Inventors:

Joseph C. Glorioso - Cheswick PA
Christopher H. Evans - Pittsburgh PA
Paul D. Robbins - Pittsburgh PA
Richard Kane - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61K 4800

US Classification:

424 9321, 424 932, 435325, 800 9

Abstract:

The subject invention concerns a method of introducing at least one DNA sequence expressing a protein or protein fragment which substantially alleviates articular cartilage defects. This method involves in vitro culture of chondrocytes, transfection of the chondrocytes with a recombinant vector housing the DNA sequence to be expressed, and delivery of the transfected chondrocytes to the damaged cartilage region. This method can also be used in tandem with synovial cell delivery techniques of the present invention. This method is also useful as a model in animal studies regarding joint pathologies.

US Patent:

7037492, May 2, 2006

Filed:

Dec 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/731175

Inventors:

Joseph C. Glorioso - Cheswick PA, US
Christopher H. Evans - Pittsburgh PA, US
Paul D. Robbins - Pittsburgh PA, US

Assignee:

University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61K 35/00
C12N 5/00
C12N 15/63
C12N 15/09

US Classification:

424 932, 4353201, 435325, 435455, 435456

Abstract:

Methods for introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one target cell of a mammalian host for use in treating the mammalian host are disclosed. These methods include employing recombinant techniques to produce a vector molecule that contains the gene encoding for the product, and infecting the target cells of the mammalian host using the DNA vector molecule. A method to produce an animal model for the study of connective tissue pathology is also disclosed.

US Patent:

20010006948, Jul 5, 2001

Filed:

Nov 25, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/199978

Inventors:

JAMES D. KANG - PITTSBURGH PA, US
CHRISTOPHER H. EVANS - PITTSBURGH PA, US
KOTARO NISHIDA - PITTSBURGH PA, US
PAUL D. ROBBINS - PITTSBURGH PA, US

International Classification:

A61K048/00

US Classification:

514/044000, 435/320100, 435/325000, 435/069100, 424/193100, 424/093100

Abstract:

Methods for transferring a gene to an intervertebral disc are disclosed. Such methods find application in the treatment of patients for degenerative disc disorders, by use of a gene encoding a product that imparts a therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefit. The present methods also find application in the establishment of an animal model for the study of degenerative disc disease. A genetically modified intervertebral disc cell is also disclosed.

US Patent:

20030220283, Nov 27, 2003

Filed:

Feb 12, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/366123

Inventors:

Joseph Glorioso - Cheswick PA, US
Christopher Evans - Pittsburgh PA, US
Paul Robbins - Pittsburgh PA, US
Steven Ghivizzani - Allison Park PA, US

Assignee:

University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61K048/00
C07H021/04

US Classification:

514/044000, 424/093210, 536/023500

Abstract:

Methods for treating a connective tissue disorder by introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one target cell of a mammalian host for use in treating the mammalian host are disclosed. These methods include employing recombinant techniques to produce a vector molecule containing the DNA sequence encoding for the product and infecting the target cell of the mammalian host using the vector. The injection can be done in vivo, by directly injecting the vector into the host, or can be done in vitro by transfecting a population of cultured target cells with the vector and transplanting them each into the host. Nonviral means can also be used to introduce the DNA sequence to the host. Administration of more than one gene of interest results in an enhanced therapeutic benefit. Also disclosed is a method for treating a connective tissue disorder by introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one target cell of a joint of a host for use in treating multiple joints of the host. Injection of a vector molecule containing the DNA sequence encoding for a product of interest, or non-viral introduction of such a DNA sequence, to one joint of a mammalian host results in a therapeutic benefit in that joint as well as other joints in the host.

US Patent:

20040161416, Aug 19, 2004

Filed:

Feb 26, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/086068

Inventors:

Christopher Evans - Pittsburgh PA, US
Paul Robbins - Pittsburgh PA, US

Assignee:

University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61K048/00

US Classification:

424/093210, 514/044000

Abstract:

The present invention relates to methods of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of connective tissue diseases by systemic or local delivery of a nucleic acid sequence to a mammalian host. Expression of the nucleic acid sequence results in the systemic delivery of a biologically active protein or peptide which acts to antagonize inflammatory, hypertrophic and erosive phenomenon associated with connective tissue disease. Systemic delivery of such gene products results in sustained treatment of connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

US Patent:

62283561, May 8, 2001

Filed:

Jul 23, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/685212

Inventors:

Joseph C. Glorioso - Cheswick PA
Christopher H. Evans - Pittsburgh PA
Paul D. Robbins - Pittsburgh PA
Geethani Bandara - Milburn NJ

Assignee:

University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education

International Classification:

A01N 6300
A61K 4800

US Classification:

424 932

Abstract:

The subject invention concerns a method of introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one cell of a connective tissue of a mammalian host for use in treating the mammalian host including employing recombinant techniques to produce a DNA vector molecule which contains the gene encoding for the product and infecting the connective cell of the mammalian host using the DNA vector molecule using the gene coding for the product. A method is provided for introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one cell of a connective tissue of a mammalian host employing non-viral methods. A method to produce an animal model for the study of connective tissue pathology is also disclosed. Additionally, this invention provides a method of using in vivo a gene encoding and extracellular interleukin-1 binding domain of an interleukin-1 receptor.

US Patent:

58583556, Jan 12, 1999

Filed:

Jan 27, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/381603

Inventors:

Joseph C. Glorioso - Cheswick PA
Christopher H. Evans - Pittsburgh PA
Paul D. Robbins - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61K 4800
C12N 1500

US Classification:

424 9321

Abstract:

The subject invention concerns a method of introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one cell of a connective tissue of a mammalian host for use in treating the mammalian host including employing recombinant techniques to produce a DNA vector molecule which contains the gene encoding for the product and infecting the connective cell of the mammalian host using the DNA vector molecule using the gene coding for the product. A method is provided for introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one cell of a connective tissue of a mammalian host employing non-viral means. In a specific example, isolated synovial cells were infected with a retrovirus comprising a DNA sequence encoding IRAP and the transfected cells administered to an arthritic joint. A method to produce an animal model for the study of connective tissue pathology is also disclosed. Additionally, this invention provides a method of using in vivo a gene encoding and extracellular interleukin-1 binding domain of an interleukin-1 receptor.

US Patent:

61563048, Dec 5, 2000

Filed:

Sep 5, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/924777

Inventors:

Joseph C. Glorioso - Cheswick PA
Christopher H. Evans - Pittsburgh PA
Paul D. Robbins - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A01N 6300

US Classification:

424 932

Abstract:

Methods for introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one target cell of a mammalian host for use in treating the mammalian host are disclosed. These methods include employing recombinant techniques to produce a vector molecule that contains the gene encoding for the product, and infecting the target cells of the mammalian host using the DNA vector molecule. A method to produce an animal model for the study of connective tissue pathology is also disclosed.