U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Massachusetts (Feb. 16)

(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Massachusetts.

*** SyneCor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- SyneCor, Chapel Hill, N.C., has been assigned a patent (8,372,325) developed by Michael S. Williams, Santa Rosa, Calif., Robert S. Langer, Newton, Mass., and Yadong Wang, Mableton, Ga., for a "highly convertible endolumenal prostheses and methods of manufacture." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body." The patent application was filed on April 22, 2008 (12/148,895). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,325&OS=8,372,325&RS=8,372,325 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Integra Biosciences Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Integra Biosciences, Hudson, N.H., has been assigned a patent (8,372,356) developed by Julian Warhurst, Ashland, Mass., Gary Nelson, Hollis, N.H., and Richard Cote, Bolton, for a "manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipetting system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipetting system is designed to transfer liquids from a standard multi-well plate, deep-well plate or reservoir into another multi-well plate. The preferred pipetting head includes an array of 96-tip fittings. A deck with at least one but preferably two or more wellplate nesting receptacles holds one or more multi-well plates or reagent reservoirs for access by an array of disposable pipette tips mounted to the pipetting head. The electronic motion control system includes a control handle that is mounted to a load cell, the carriage for the pipetting head and is held in the palm of the user. In use, the user grasps the control handle and operates the system in a manner similar to one using a handheld electronic pipettor." The patent application was filed on May 3, 2011 (13/099,782). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,356&OS=8,372,356&RS=8,372,356 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Merck Sharp & Dohme Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Merck Sharp & Dohme, Rahway, N.J., has been assigned a patent (8,372,402) developed by four co-inventors for a "mammalian receptor proteins DCRS5; methods of treatment." The co-inventors are Madaline Chirica, Dedham, Mass., Robert A. Kastelein, Portola Valley, Calif., Kevin Moore, Palo Alto, Calif., and Christi L. Parham, Menlo Park, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described." The patent application was filed on Jan. 13, 2012 (13/350,641). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,402&OS=8,372,402&RS=8,372,402 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Waters Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Waters Technologies, Milford, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,373,115) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for identifying proteins in mixtures." The co-inventors are Scott J. Geromanos, Middletown, N.J., Marc Victor Gorenstein, Needham, Mass., Jeffrey Cruz Silva, Beverly, Mass., and Guo-Zhong Li, Westborough, Mass.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Protein identification in a complex sample begins by selecting a database having proteins likely to be in the sample. In-silico digestion is performed and a target peptide is selected from produced peptides. The masses of the Y- and B-ion fragments of the target peptide are determined. These masses are used to search previously obtained low- and high-energy AMRTs obtained from LC/MS analysis of the complex sample for masses on the list. Any mass observed in the data within a detection threshold are considered a hit. If enough hits accumulate in a given retention time, the target peptide is identified as being in the sample. The list of peptides identified in the complex sample can be used to identify the proteins present in the sample, track the chromatographic retention times of peptides between samples, and quantitate the peptides and proteins present in complex samples." The patent application was filed on April 30, 2012 (13/460,128). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,373,115&OS=8,373,115&RS=8,373,115 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** DePuy Spine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- DePuy Spine, Raynham, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,119) developed by Daniel Huan Kim, Mountain View, Calif., and Michael Carl Michielli, Medway, Mass., for "dual rod cross connectors and inserter tools." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector." The patent application was filed on Oct. 9, 2008 (12/248,389). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,72,119.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,119&RS=PN/83,72,119 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** 480 Biomedical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- 480 Biomedical, Watertown, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,133) developed by five co-inventors for a "polymeric implant delivery system." The co-inventors are Nareak Douk, Lowell, Mass., Rany Busold, Charlestown, Mass., Lee Core, Cambridge, Mass., Kicherl Ho, Acton, Mass., and My Le, Pawtucket, R.I.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Delivery systems for a polymeric tubular implant, kits that include such delivery systems, and methods of treating patients by implanting tubular implants using the delivery systems. The delivery systems include an inner shaft, an expandable member slidably disposed about the inner shaft and configured to receive the tubular implant, and a tubular outer shaft disposed about the inner shaft." The patent application was filed on Oct. 5, 2009 (12/573,687). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,72,133.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,133&RS=PN/83,72,133 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, has been assigned a patent (8,372,127) developed by Daniel M. Merfeld, Lincoln, Mass., for an optical vestibular stimulator.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus to stimulate the vestibular system of an individual. The apparatus comprises an optical stimulator configured to optically stimulate a nerve area affecting a person's balance, and a control module coupled to the optical stimulator, the control module being configured to control the optical stimulator." The patent application was filed on Feb. 10, 2009 (12/368,548). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,72,127.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,127&RS=PN/83,72,127 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Smith & Nephew Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tenn., has been assigned a patent (8,372,124) developed by David A. Paulk, Hopedale, Mass., and Richard Lunn, Kingston, Mass., for an anchor.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes an outer member including a body having an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity includes a proximal portion configured for receipt of a delivery device and a distal portion having area of increased diameter. The anchor also includes an inner member coupled to the outer member, wherein the inner member includes a proximal portion having a projection configured for receipt in the area of increased diameter and a distal portion having a transverse through hole. A delivery device and method for tissue repair are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on July 15, 2009 (12/503,394). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,72,124.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,124&RS=PN/83,72,124 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** W.L. Gore & Associates Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz., has been assigned a patent (8,372,113) developed by Steven W. Opolski, Carlisle, Mass., for a "curved arm intracardiac occluder." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed herein are devices and methods for occluding intracardiac defects, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The devices according to the invention have various features that enhance the flexibility of the device and improve the device's ability to conform to the location of the intracardiac defect. In particular, intracardiac occluders with curved arms are disclosed." The patent application was filed on March 16, 2006 (11/377,038). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,72,113.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,113&RS=PN/83,72,113 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Warsaw Orthopedic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Warsaw Orthopedic, Warsaw, Ind., has been assigned a patent (8,372,157) developed by Kenneth C. Petersen, Brick, N.J., Thomas Einhorn, Boston, and David L. Reed, Syracuse, N.Y., for a joint revision implant.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An osteoconductive backing implant for joint revisions is provided that may enhance bone healing and, for cementless implants, bony integration of the implant. The backing implant comprises a generally planar surface that may be formed into a generally hemispherical shape. In one embodiment, the backing implant comprises a disc having an inner hole and an outer edge, at least one slit extending from the inner hole to the outer edge. The disc may be formed from a coherent mass of elongate, mechanically entangled demineralized bone particles." The patent application was filed on Feb. 11, 2008 (12/526,871). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,72,157.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,157&RS=PN/83,72,157 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Spinefrontier Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Spinefrontier, Beverly, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,118) developed by four co-inventors for a "spinous process fixation implant." The co-inventors are Kingsley R. Chin, Riviera Beach, Fla., Christine Reif, Ipswich, Mass., Ernie Corrao, Bethel, Conn., and Todd Saunders, Boston.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable spinous process fixation device includes an elongated component, top and bottom pivoting wing components, arranged opposite and parallel to the elongated component and separated from it by a spacer. First and second spinous processes of first and second adjacent vertebras are clamped between a top portion of the elongated component and the top pivoting wing and between a bottom portion of the elongated component and the bottom pivoting wing, respectively, by pivoting the top and bottom pivoting wings toward the top and bottom portions of the elongated component. The clamping of the spinous processes stabilizes the positions of the adjacent vertebras and prevents them from moving relative to each other." The patent application was filed on Dec. 11, 2009 (12/635,811). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,72,118.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,118&RS=PN/83,72,118 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,846) developed by Patrick R. Connelly, Harvrad, Mass., Sherry Collier, Flemington, N.J., and Michael Tauber, Allston, Mass., for "co-crystals and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention relates to compositions and co-crystals each comprising (1S,3aR,6aS)-2-[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-Cyclohexyl-2-(pyrazine-2-carbonylamino)ac- etyl]amino]-3,3-dimethylbutanoyl]-N-[(3S)-1-(cyclopropylamino)-1,2-dioxohe- xan-3-yl]-3,3a,4,5,6,6a-hexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyrrole-1-carboxamide having the structure: ##STR00001## and the co-crystal former 4-amino salicylic acid. Also within the scope of this invention are methods of making and using the same." The patent application was filed on Oct. 10, 2011 (13/269,841). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,846&OS=8,372,846&RS=8,372,846 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Enanta Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent for Fluorinated Macrocyclic Compounds as Hepatitis C Virus Inhibitors ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Watertown, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,802) developed by Yonghua Gai , North Grafton, Mass., Yat Sun Or, Watertown, Mass., and Zhe Wang, Hockessin, Del., for "fluorinated macrocyclic compounds as hepatitis C virus inhibitors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention discloses compounds of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: ##STR00001## which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention." The patent application was filed on March 19, 2009 (12/407,461). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,802&OS=8,372,802&RS=8,372,802 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent for Quinolines Useful as Modulators of ION Channels ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,843) developed by Andreas Termin, Encinitas, Calif., Dean Wilson, Bedford, Mass., and Pramod Joshi, San Diego, for a "quinolines useful as modulators of ION channels." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders." The patent application was filed on Feb. 2, 2010 (12/698,186). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,843&OS=8,372,843&RS=8,372,843 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** ISTA Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,814) developed by Mark Abelson, Andover, Mass., and Kirk McMullin, Villa Park, Calif., for "ophthalmic formulations and uses thereof." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Provided by the present invention are compositions or formulations suitable for application to a patient's eyes which utilizes a topical ophthalmically-acceptable formulation comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of an ophthalmically-active antimicrobial agent, and an ophthalmically-active anti-inflammatory or steroidal agent in combination with physiologic levels of serum electrolytes in an ophthalmic formulation for the treatment of changes in the normal eye condition. The invention also includes methods of treating patient's having an ophthalmic disease, injury or disorder, utilizing the compositions or formulations. Also provided are kits comprising the compositions or formulations and a means of applying the compositions or formulation to the patient's eyes." The patent application was filed on June 7, 2005 (11/146,652). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,814&OS=8,372,814&RS=8,372,814 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge,, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,850) developed by Juan Miguel Jimenez, Abingdon, United Kingdom, Philip N. Collier, Cambridge, Mass., and Andrew Miller, Upton, United Kingdom, for "aminopyridines and aminopyrimidines useful as inhibitors of protein kinases." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions." The patent application was filed on May 1, 2009 (12/433,998). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,850&OS=8,372,850&RS=8,372,850 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Stryker Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,372,805) developed by David C. Rueger, Southborough, Mass., Marjorie M. Tucker, Holliston, Mass., and An-Cheng Chang, Westborough, Mass., for "osteogenic devices and methods of use thereof for repair of endochondral bone, osteochondral and chondral defects." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed herein are improved osteogenic devices and methods of use thereof for repair of bone and cartilage defects. The devices and methods promote accelerated formation of repair tissue with enhanced stability using less osteogenic protein than devices in the art. Defects susceptible to repair with the instant invention include, but are not limited to: critical size defects, non-critical size defects, non-union fractures, fractures, osteochondral defects, subchondral defects, and defects resulting from degenerative diseases such as osteochondritis dessicans." The patent application was filed on Aug. 20, 2007 (11/894,725). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,805&OS=8,372,805&RS=8,372,805 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** University of Southern California Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, has been assigned a patent (8,372,046) developed by Ellis Meng, Pasadena, Calif., and Ronalee Lo Mann, Somerville, Mass., for a "drug delivery device with in-plane bandpass regulation check valve in heat-shrink packaging." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A drug delivery device may include a drug reservoir configured to contain and controllably deliver a fluidic drug. A tube may be configured to deliver the fluid from the drug reservoir through a lumen in the tube to another location. A valve wholly within the lumen of the tube may regulate the flow of the fluid through the tube without substantially diverting the direction in which the fluid flows through the tube. The valve may contain only a single member which moves during operation of the valve. The valve may be configured to regulate the flow of fluid in a bandpass manner by allowing fluid to flow through the valve only when the pressure of the fluid is above a minimum and below a maximum. The valve may be held in place within the tube solely by frictional force between the valve and a wall of the tube." The patent application was filed on Feb. 19, 2010 (12/709,188). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,046&OS=8,372,046&RS=8,372,046 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,873) developed by six co-inventors for "inhibitors of serine proteases." The co-inventors are Kevin M. Cottrell, Cambridge, Mass., John Maxwell, Hingham, Mass., Qing Tang, Acton, Mass., Anne-Laure Grillot, Somerville, Mass., Arnaud Le Tiran, Lexington, Mass., and Emanuele Perola, Brookline, Mass.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): ##STR00001## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds inhibit serine protease, particularly the hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease." The patent application was filed on March 29, 2011 (13/074,772). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,873&OS=8,372,873&RS=8,372,873 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** University of Illinois Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- The University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill., has been assigned a patent (8,372,636) developed by four co-inventors for "yeast cell surface display of proteins and uses thereof." The co-inventors are K. Dane Wittrup, Chestnut Hill, Mass., David M. Kranz, Champaign, Ill., Michele Kieke, Urbana, Ill., and Eric T. Boder, Media, Pa.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides a genetic method for tethering polypeptides to the yeast cell wall in a form accessible for binding to macromolecules. Combining this method with fluorescence-activated cell sorting provides a means of selecting proteins with increased or decreased affinity for another molecule, altered specificity, or conditional binding. Also provided is a method for genetic fusion of the N terminus of a polypeptide of interest to the C-terminus of the yeast Aga2p cell wall protein. The outer wall of each yeast cell can display approximately 10.sup.4 protein agglutinins. The native agglutinins serve as specific adhesion contacts to fuse yeast cells of opposite mating type during mating. In effect, yeast has evolved a platform for protein-protein binding without steric hindrance from cell wall components. As one embodiment, attaching an scFv antibody fragment to the Aga2p agglutinin effectively mimics the cell surface display of antibodies by B cells in the immune system for affinity maturation in vivo. As another embodiment, T cell receptor mutants can be isolated by this method that are efficiently displayed on the yeast cell surface, providing a means of altering T cell receptor binding affinity and specificity by library screening." The patent application was filed on Dec. 16, 2008 (12/316,916). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,636&OS=8,372,636&RS=8,372,636 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Gloucester, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,737) developed by Nicholas P.T. Bateman, Reading, Mass., Benjamin B. Riordon, Newburyport, Mass., and Atul Gupta, Beverly, Mass., for an "use of a shadow mask and a soft mask for aligned implants in solar cells." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved method of implanting a solar cell is disclosed. A substrate is coated with a soft mask material. A shadow mask is used to perform a pattern ion implant and to set the soft mask material. After the soft mask material is set, the mask is removed and a blanket implant is performed." The patent application was filed on June 28, 2011 (13/170,792). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,737&OS=8,372,737&RS=8,372,737 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Assigned Patent for USJ Techniques with Helium-treated Substrates ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Gloucester, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,735) developed by Christopher Hatem, Salisbury, Mass., Ludovic Godet, North Reading, Mass., and Alexander Kontos, Lynn, Mass., for "USJ techniques with helium-treated substrates." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of using helium to create ultra shallow junctions is disclosed. A pre-implantation amorphization using helium has significant advantages. For example, it has been shown that dopants will penetrate the substrate only to the amorphous-crystalline interface, and no further. Therefore, by properly determining the implant energy of helium, it is possible to exactly determine the junction depth. Increased doses of dopant simply reduce the substrate resistance with no effect on junction depth. Furthermore, the lateral straggle of helium is related to the implant energy and the dose rate of the helium PAI, therefore lateral diffusion can also be determined based on the implant energy and dose rate of the helium PAI. Thus, dopant may be precisely implanted beneath a sidewall spacer, or other obstruction." The patent application was filed on May 27, 2005 (12/339,295). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,735&OS=8,372,735&RS=8,372,735 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Zink Imaging Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Zink Imaging, Bedford, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,782) developed by four co-inventors for imaging system. The co-inventors are William T. Vetterling, Lexington, Mass., Chien Liu, Wayland, Mass., Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Shrewsbury, Mass., Brian David Busch, Sudbury, Mass., and Stephen Telfer, Arlington, Mass.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "There are disclosed imaging members wherein a chemical compound in a crystalline form is converted, at least partially, and preferably substantially completely or completely, to an amorphous form that has intrinsically a different color from the crystalline form. Also described are imaging methods utilizing the imaging members. The conversion of the compound from the crystalline form to an amorphous form can be effected by laser exposure." The patent application was filed on Oct. 5, 2009 (12/573,850). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,782&OS=8,372,782&RS=8,372,782 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** MC10 Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- MC10, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,726) developed by four co-inventors for "methods and applications of non-planar imaging arrays." The co-inventors are Bassel de Graff, San Juan, Trinidad, William J. Arora, Boston, Gilman Callsen, Malden, Mass., and Roozbeh Ghaffari, Cambridge, Mass.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "System, devices and methods are presented that provide an imaging array fabrication process method, comprising fabricating an array of semiconductor imaging elements, interconnecting the elements with stretchable interconnections, and transfer printing the array with a pre-strained elastomeric stamp to a secondary non-planar surface." The patent application was filed on Jan. 12, 2010 (12/686,076). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,726&OS=8,372,726&RS=8,372,726 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** X-Body Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- X-Body, Waltham, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,592) developed by Lance G. Laing, Belmont, Mass., Rafael Fernandez, Jamaica Plain, Mass., and Rick Wagner, Cambridge, Mass., for a "high resolution label free analysis of cellular properties." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns." The patent application was filed on Sept. 22, 2011 (13/240,406). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,592.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,592&RS=PN/8,372,592 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Massachusetts Institute of Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,470) developed by Anastasios John Hart, Somerville, Mass., Alexander Henry Slocum, Bow, N.H., and Lucas Carolus van Laake, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, for an "apparatus and methods for controlled growth and assembly of nanostructures." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus providing controlled growth and assembly of nanostructures is presented. A first substrate including at least one reaction site is provided. Energy is provided to the reaction site and a reaction species is introduced to the first substrate. A nanostructure is grown from the reaction site. The growth process of the nanostructure is controlled while continuously monitoring the properties of at least one of the nanostructure and the at least one reaction site, and by controlling process variables based on the monitored properties of the nanostructure and the at least one reaction site." The patent application was filed on Oct. 25, 2006 (11/586,310). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,470.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,470&RS=PN/8,372,470 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** General Hospital, GPB Scientific Verinata Health Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- General Hospital, Boston, GPB Scientific, Richmond, Va., and Verinata Health, Redwood City, Calif., have been assigned a patent (8,372,584) developed by four co-inventors for a "rare cell analysis using sample splitting and DNA tags." The co-inventors are Daniel Shoemaker, San Diego, Mehmet Toner, Wellesley, Mass., Ravi Kapur, Sharon, Mass., and Roland Stoughton, The Sea Ranch, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, e.g. aneuploidy. The present invention involves labeling regions of genomic DNA in each cell in said mixed sample with different labels wherein each label is specific to each cell and quantifying the labeled regions of genomic DNA from each cell in the mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying labeled DNA polymorphisms from each cell in the mixed sample." The patent application was filed on June 14, 2007 (11/763,421). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,584.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,584&RS=PN/8,372,584 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** General Hospital Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- General Hospital, Boston, has been assigned a patent (8,372,579) developed by Mehmet Toner, Wellesley, Mass., George Truskey, Durham, N.C., and Ravi Kapur, Sharon, Mass., for a "microfluidic device for cell separation and uses thereof." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme)." The patent application was filed on May 8, 2007 (11/800,940). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,579.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,579&RS=PN/8,372,579 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent for Immobilizing Objects in the Body ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,372,037) developed by Ronald Sahatjian, Lexington, Mass., Arthur Madenjian, Winchester, Mass., and Bill Little, Medway, Mass., for "immobilizing objects in the body." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body." The patent application was filed on June 16, 2011 (13/162,262). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,037&OS=8,372,037&RS=8,372,037 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** TEL Epion Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- TEL Epion, Billerica, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,489) developed by John J. Hautala, Beverly, Mass., for a "method for directional deposition using a gas cluster ion beam." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for depositing material on a substrate is described. The method comprises directionally depositing a thin film on one or more surfaces of a substrate using a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) formed from a source of precursor to the thin film, wherein the deposition occurs on surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of incidence of the GCIB, and deposition is substantially avoided on surfaces oriented substantially parallel to the direction of incidence." The patent application was filed on Sept. 28, 2007 (11/864,330). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,489.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,489&RS=PN/8,372,489 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Becton, Dickinson and Co. Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Becton, Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, N.J., has been assigned a patent (8,372,605) developed by eight co-inventors for an immuno-amplification. The co-inventors are James Nadeau, Ellicott City, Md., Tobin J. Hellyer, Westminster, Md., Dolores M. Berger, Baltimore, William Nussbaumer, Baltimore, Robert Rosenstein, Ellicott City, Md., Andrew Kuhn, Baltimore, Sha-Sha Wang, Wellesley, Mass., and Keith Edward Thornton, Owings Mill, Md.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte." The patent application was filed on March 25, 2011 (13/072,314). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,605.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,605&RS=PN/8,372,605 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Joslin Diabetes Center Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, has been assigned a patent (8,372,582) developed by Pedro Geraldes, Brookline, Mass., and George Liang King, Dover, Mass., for "methods of modulating metabolic memory." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Described are methods of identifying modulators of metabolic memory, for the treatment of microvascular complications of diabetes, as well as methods of use thereof. Also described are methods of treating microvascular complications of diabetes by decreasing expression and/or activity of SHP-1." The patent application was filed on Aug. 1, 2007 (12/375,901). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,582.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,582&RS=PN/8,372,582 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Cryovac Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Cryovac, Duncan, S.C., has been assigned a patent (8,372,459) developed by six co-inventors for a "cooking apparatus and method of cooking." The co-inventors are Joseph E. Owensby, Spartanburg, S.C., Vincent A. Piucci, Spencer, Mass., Charles R. Sperry, Leeds, Mass., Dennis F. McNamara, Walpole, N.H., Stephen D. Smith, Williamsburg, Mass., and Suzanne M. Scott, Springfield, Vt.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens, which may be arranged in a vertical orientation. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly." The patent application was filed on June 15, 2010 (12/816,022). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,459.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,459&RS=PN/8,372,459 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** New England Biolabs Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,619) developed by eight co-inventors for a "high fidelity restriction endonucleases." The co-inventors are Zhenyu Zhu, Beverly, Mass., Aine Blanchard, Wakefield, Mass., Shuang-Yong Xu, Lexington, Mass., Shengxi Guan, Ipswich, Mass., Hua Wei, Ipswich, Mass., Penghua Zhang, Lexington, Mass., Dapeng Sun, Arlington, Mass., and Siu-hong Chan, Ipswich, Mass.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Compositions and methods are provided for enzymes with altered properties that involve a systematic approach to mutagenesis and a screening assay that permits selection of the desired proteins. Embodiments of the method are particularly suited for modifying specific properties of restriction endonucleases such as star activity. The compositions include restriction endonucleases with reduced star activity as defined by an overall fidelity index improvement factor." The patent application was filed on July 14, 2008 (12/172,963). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,619.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,619&RS=PN/8,372,619 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Advanced Membrane Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Advanced Membrane Systems, North Billerica, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,545) developed by four co-inventors for a "separator for non-aqueous lithium-ion battery." The co-inventors are Garrin Samii, Laguna Hills, Calif., Abbas Samii, Belmont, Mass., Banafsheh Behnam, Cambridge, Mass., and David Veno, Woburn, Mass.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for manufacturing battery separators for use in a lithium-ion battery containing non-aqueous electrolytes, producing batteries being resistant to thermal runaway and explosion, includes the steps of preparing a dryblend comprising two UHMW Polyethylenes and Calcined Kaolin, feeding said dry-blend into an extruder, melt-kneading said dry blend in the extruder while feeding mineral oil, making a solution from a die into the form of a sheet, using casting rolls, thereby cooling the solution down, producing a thick gel sheet, stretching the gel sheet in both machine and transverse directions, producing a 20 micron thick gel sheet containing oil thereby, extracting the oil by use of a solvent and drying the film, heat-setting the film and producing a microporous membrane." The patent application was filed on Sept. 22, 2011 (13/240,967). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,545.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,545&RS=PN/8,372,545 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Wyeth Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Wyeth, Madison, N.J., has been assigned a patent (8,372,625) developed by nine co-inventors for "polynucleotides encoding antagonist antibodies against GDF-8." The co-inventors are Frank S. Walsh, Bryn Mawr, Pa., Margaret M. Zaleska, Narberth, Pa., David S. Howland, Yardley, Pa., Lioudmila Tchistiakova, Andover, Mass., Riyez Karim, North Andover, Mass., Pamela Kelley, Reading, Pa., Xiang-Yang Tan, Reading, Mass., Seung Poon Kwak, Ewing, N.J., and Menelas N. Pangalos, Pennington, N.J.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The disclosure provides novel molecules related to growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), in particular mouse and humanized antibodies, and antibody fragments, including those that inhibit GDF-8 activity and signaling in vitro and/or in vivo. The disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, ameliorating, preventing, prognosing, or monitoring degenerative orders of muscle, bone, and insulin metabolism, etc., in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such disorders by using the antibodies, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and vectors of the invention." The patent application was filed on March 2, 2011 (13/038,954). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,372,625.PN.&OS=PN/8,372,625&RS=PN/8,372,625 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

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