Please note: some of these technologies are jointly owned with other institutions.
For more information contact:
Lisa Putukian
lisa_putukian@meei.harvard.edu
617-573-4404 (direct); 617-573-3091 (fax)
| TITLE |
INVENTOR(S) |
DEVELOPMENT
PHASE |
PATENT
STATUS |
MARKETS
INCLUDE |
DESCRIPTION |
|
MEDICAL DEVICES, ocular |
|
|
|
|
|
| Retinal
Prosthesis |
Rizzo, Joseph; Wyatt, John; Edell,
David J.; Shire, Douglas; Kelly, Shawn (varies per patent) |
Advanced Prototypes |
US patents issued and pending |
Macular Degeneration; Retinitis
Pigmentosa; Other Blindness; Low Vision; Neural Prostheses |
Part of a patent portfolio involving an
implantable retinal prosthesis designed to electronically stimulate
retinal tissue and send signals to the optic nerve, bypassing
faulty 'sensors' and allowing the blind or visually impaired to
see. Some non-prosthesis applications include an intraocular lens
that could auto-focus, brain stem implants, etc. see also:
www.bostonretinalimplant.org |
| (part of multiple
patent portfolio) 93/000A-B; 95/011; 95/013; 98/018; 00/028;
02/033; 01/041 |
|
|
#5,411,540,
#5,597,381; #5,476,494; #5,575,813; #5,800,530; #6,120,538;
#6,368,349; #6,976,998; #7,295,872 |
|
Method and Aparatus for
Preferential Neuron Stimulation; Methods for Epi-Retinal
Implantation; Low Pressure Neural Contact Structure; Intra-Ocular
Lens System Including Microelectric Components; Chronically
Implantable Retinal Prosthesis; Inflatable Prosthesis. Power
efficient electrical tissue stimulation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Medication
Dispensing Intraocular Lens 95/012 |
Rizzo, Joseph |
Prototype |
US patent issued; 9/10/1996;
#5,554,187 |
cataract surgery; potentially
other retinal diseases |
Medication dispensing Intraocular
Lens would be used to dispense medication directly into the ocular
cavity post cataract surgery or other capsular/ocular surgery.
Direct placement of drug results in smaller doses, better patient
compliance, better delivery to the target tissue. Drugs emitted
close to desired target area, and using proven adherence methods,
avoiding complications associated with 'floating' components. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Drug Delivery
using Microspheres 019F; 019 |
Carrasquillo, Karen et al |
preclinical |
patents filed; pub WO 03/092665;
US-2005-0175708 |
macular degeneration; macular
edema; glaucoma; diabetic retinopathy; retinitis pigmentosa; other
retinal disorders |
Ocular Drug Delivery Systems
(PLGA). Related to a patent portfolio designed to deliver drugs to
the back of the eye in a controlled and sustained fashion over
time, allowing treatment of chronic retinal disorders. Molecules of
a certain size such as aptamers and nucleic acids are of particular
interest, however delivery of large proteins also in development.
Drug delivery devices in development include several mechanical as
well as osmotic approaches. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Implantable
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Device (part of multiple patent portfolio)
01/019A |
Adamis, Anthony; Gragoudas,
Evangelos; Miller, Joan W.; Borenstein, Jeff; Mescher, Mark, et
al |
Prototype |
multiple PCT and patents filed;
pub 03/0069560 WO02/089767 WO04/073551 WO0040089 US01/023247
2005-0208103; 2006167435 |
macular degeneration; macular
edema; glaucoma; diabetic retinopathy; retinitis pigmentosa; other
retinal disorders |
Implantable Drug Delivery Device,
transscleral drug delivery consists of a micromechanical drug
delivery system. Part of a patent portfolio designed to deliver
drugs to the back of the eye in a controlled and sustained fashion
over time, allowing treatment of chronic retinal disorders.
Molecules of a certain size such as aptamers and nucleic acids are
of particular interest, however delivery of large proteins also in
development. Drug delivery devices in development include several
mechanical as well as osmotic approaches. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Vision Prosthesis
(part of multiple patent portfolio) 037, 059, 037B, 037D,
037F |
Azar, Dimitri T. |
Prototype |
** Issued patents; US pub US
20050256571; 20050256570; 20050256571; 20060089713; 2006206205;
20060206204; 20060224238; 20070261736; WO pub 2006 107817;
2006-047232; 2007131014;AU2006232341; EP1819302 |
Presbyopia; Myopia; Hyperopia |
Provides for a lens that will
automatically change its focal point, particularly appropriate for
those who have lost elasticity (presbyopia) and those over the age
of 45 with one or more pairs of glasses. Several embodiments,
including implantable as well as external approaches (latter being
interim steps, and faster to market). Portfolio of patents on file.
_________________________________________ **US patent issued
10/28/2003 #6,638,304; IOL positioning patent #7,041,133;
polarization sensitive patent #7,141,065 issued 11/28/06;
Intraocular lens position patent #7,229,476 issued 6/12/07; vision
prosthesis with artificial muscle actuator patent #7,261,736 issued
8/28/07; polarization sensitive vision prosthesis patent #7,270,677
issued 9/18/07; additional patent applications allowed and
pending. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Corneal Flap Slicer
044 |
Azar, Dimitri T. |
Concept |
US patent issued; 7/6/2004;
#6,758,852 |
Refractive (Lasik/Lasek/etc.)
Surgery |
Quick, reliable, safe method to
uniformly create corneal flaps for use in Lasik/Lasek, etc.
refractive surgery. Avoids stretching of epithelium tissue.
Inexpensive disposable unit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Shunt with Enclosed
Pressure-Relief Valve 60 |
Dohlman, Claes H. |
Prototypes |
US patents issued; 1/2/07
7,156,821, 3/6/07 7,186,233 |
dry eye, corneal transplant |
These patents cover two modified
design of an existing glaucoma shunt (New World Medical) that is
used for end-stage dry-eye patients and end-stage corneal
transplant rejection patients that are typically fitted with
keratoprostheses. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Keratoprosthesis
(Boston Kpro) |
Dohlman, Claes H. |
Commercial product |
|
Corneal Graft Failure; advanced
corneal blindness; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; advanced uveitis;
severe rheumatoid arthritis; phthisis; ocular cicatricial
pemphigoid; ocular chemical burns; End-stage dry eye |
The Dohlman Keratoprosthesis has been
successfully implanted in thousands of patients over several
decades with excellent long term results. This is the only
treatment available to retain sight for a relatively small patient
population that have typically experienced corneal transplant
failure(s). The Type I device is manufactured and currently
available through the Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary at cost. The Type
II device (for more problemmatic and active disease candidates) is
continually being improved and also yields positive results. The
FDA has inspected and approved manufacturing and distribution of
the Dohlman Keratoprosthesis which has been available worldwide on
a limited basis since 1976. A commercial partner interested in
marketing and distribution of this device to cornea specialists is
sought. |
|
THERAPEUTIC/DIAGNOSTIC, ophthalmic |
|
|
|
|
|
| Methods and
Compositions for Treating Conditions of the Eye (part of multiple
patent portfolio) 99/023 |
Miller, Joan W.; Gragoudas,
Evangelos; Renno, Reem |
preclinical |
several patents issued and filed;
pub 20030185834; 20030175282; WO0158240; pub AU2006 203044;
10/24/06 7,125,542 |
Macular Degeneration; Other
Blindness; Low Vision; Retinal Disorders; Angiogenesis |
Methods and Compositions for
Treating Conditions of the Eye, particularly back of the eye and
retinal disorders. Patent portfolio includes combination therapies
that include photodynamic therapy, targeting mechanisms, and
apoptosis regulation and inhibition. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Methods and
Compositions for Preserving Photoreceptor Viability 032 |
Miller, Joan W.; Zacks, David
N. |
preclinical |
patents filed; pub WO03061519; pub
2005/0129684 |
retinal disorders; retinal
detachment |
Methods and Compositions for
Preserving Photoreceptor Viability. When put into practice, these
methods and compounds provide neuroprotection of retina. This
approach holds promise for any retinal indications where detachment
of retina could occur. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Chlamydia
Pneumoniae Associated Chronic Intraocular Disorders and Treatment
thereof 042 |
Kalayoglu, Murat |
preclinical |
patents filed; pub WO
2004073492 |
vascular ocular disorders; macular
degeneration |
Chlamydia Pneumoniae Associated
Chronic Intraocular Disorders and Treatment thereof. This patent
relates to the correlation between c.pneumoniae and certain
vascular ocular conditions including age-related macular
degeneration. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Methods and
Compositions for Preserving Photoreceptor Viability,
Neuroprotection Compounds (part of multiple patent portfolio) 032A,
032B, 050, 051, 056, 066, 067 |
Adamis, Anthony; Gragoudas,
Evangelos; Illiaki, Eirini; Joussen, Antonia; Miller, Joan W.;
Nakazawa, Toru; Poulaki, Vassiliki |
preclinical |
multiple patents filed and in
filing process (various inventors); pub US 20050267087;
20060204504; WO pub 2006091666; 03061519; 2007097839 |
retinal disorders; retinal
detachment; macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy;
neurodegenerative disease, angiogenesis, inflammatory neovascular
diseases; uveitis, vasculitis; some in combination with PDT and
some w/o PDT |
This active portfolio of patents
(some in the process of being filed) describe a number of different
compounds and actions including certain cytokines, growth factors,
VCAM and other small molecules, and neuroprotective agents that
either target structural elements (e.g. photoreceptor cells) and/or
aspects of the degenerative chain of events associated with
disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, inflammatory diseases,
neovascular diseases, arthritis, lupus, retinitis pigmentosa, other
retinal ocular disorders, etc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Azurocidin
inhibition; prevention and treatment of ocular vascular leakage
077 |
Hafezi-Moghadam, Ali; Gragoudas,
Evangelos; Skondra, Dimitra; Noda, Kousuke |
preclinical |
multiple patents filed and in
process; US pub 2007/0248646; WO pub 2007097961 |
blood retinal barrier; retinal
disorders; posterior segment disorders, macular edema, uveitis,
diabetic retinopathy, AMD, eschemic retinopathies, CNV |
Methods and compositions for
reducing vascular permeability and/or leakage of an ocular blood
vessel. Vascular leakage is a common feature of AMD which is the
leading cause of blindness in people over 55 in the developed
world. Azurocidin (a.k.a. heparin binding protein or CAP37) is an
inactive protease inhibitor and multifunctional protein with
antimicrobial and chemotactic properties. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TNF-alpha and
glaucoma 085 |
Nakazawa, Toru |
preclinical |
patent filed; Journal of
Neuroscience publication |
glaucoma; neuroprotection |
Method of preserving ocular cells
in patients having or at risk of having glaucoma, a leading cause
of blindness. This method involves impacting activity of microglial
cells, oligodendrocyte loss, and viability of retinal ganglion
cells using highly selective antagonists. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Neostatin as
anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor agent 047 (026) |
Azar, Dimitri T.; Chang, Jin-Hong
(Robert) |
preclinical |
patents filed; US pub
20070015242 |
angiogenesis; wound healing;
neovascular disorders, neoplasms, cancer, infection |
These molecules have proven
antiangiogenesis capability and are also being tested as an
anti-tumor agent. Some of the characteristics mimic those seen with
endostatin. Several anti-angiogenic factors are derived from
proteolytic processing of large molecules including endostatin from
type XVIII collagen and angiostatin from plasminogen. These
neostatin compounds (MMP derived, matrilysin) believed to have
antiangiogenic effects. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Methods and
compositions for preventing vessel regression 070, 070A |
Albe, Elena; Azar, Dimitri T.;
Chang, Jin-Hong (Robert) |
preclinical |
patents filed; pub WO2006 091930;
pub US 20060211057 |
neovascularization, cancer
therapy |
Identification of Novel Proteins
that contribute to the hyaloid vascular system using proteomics
analysis of the lens and vitreous during postnatal development.
These proteins may be extremely useful for treating ocular,
retinal, and corneal neovascularization and cancer therapy.
Additional work includes ALK1. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Genes associated
with Age-Related Macular Degeneration 053 |
Thaddeus P. Dryja; Joan W. Miller;
Margaret DeAngelis |
preclinical |
patents filed |
age-related macular
degeneration |
Genes associated with Age-Related
Macular Degeneration, will prove useful with diagnosis and
treatment modalities, identification of targets for potential
therapies. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SNPs strongly
associated with Macular Degeneration 088 |
DeAngelis, Margaret |
preclinical |
patents filed |
age-related macular
degeneration |
Genes associated with Age-Related
Macular Degeneration, will prove useful with diagnosis and
treatment modalities, identification of targets for potential
therapies. Treating/slowing progression of AMD by reducing
expression or activity of identified snps. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Relationship
between CRP and AMD 058 |
Seddon, Johanna |
clinical |
patents filed; pub. WO
2005/084188; WO 2005/083430; US 2005-0250745 (A1) |
macular degeneration; Stargardt's
Disease |
C-reactive Protein and other
elements have recently been associated with age-related macular
degeneration. Various compounds (such as statins) that regulate CRP
can thus be used to alter AMD progression. Certain elements can be
developed as biomarkers to track progression of degeneration and/or
disease arrestation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| LOXL1 Oxidase-Like
(LOXL)-1 and Elastogenesis 057 |
Tiansen Li; Xiaoqing Liu |
preclinical |
US patents issued; pub. WO
2005/069975; EP1706139, 8/14/07 7,255,856, 8/14/07 7,255,857 |
Pulmonary disease; Cosmetic
markets; COPD; pelvic organ prolapse; macular degeneration;
vascular disease; UI, etc. |
LOXL1 has been identified as a key
positive regulator of elastic fiber formation in adult tissues.
LOXL1 enhancement represents an attractive therapeutic strategy for
all conditions where loss of or decrease in elastic fibers
constitutes a major part of the pathology (skin elasticity,
wrinkles and loose skin, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
including emphysema, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence,
vascular diseases including aortic dissection, aneurisms, systolic
high blood pressure, and ocular disorders. COPD is the 4th leading
cause of death in the US, the roughly 12M Americans diagnosed with
COPD are thought to represent only 50% of those afflicted. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reduction of body
fat 080 |
Grosskreutz, Cynthia; Pasquale,
Louis; Singer, Michael S.; Kalayoglu, Murat V. |
early clinical |
patents filed; WO pub
2007111806 |
reduction of fat cells;
oculoplastics; cosmetic enhancement; AIDS adjuvant (removal of
undesirable side effects) |
Certain compounds approved and
used for ocular conditions have been found to have additional
effects that can enhance fat cell reduction and appearance, akin to
a chemical blepharoplasty. These agents can likewise be used on
other parts of the body for cosmetic enhancement. Applications
include: chemical blepharoplasty, chemical orbital decompression
for thyroid ophthalmopathy, chemical removal of xanthelasma (fat
deposits in the lids), chemical removal of lipodystophic lesions in
AIDS patients, targeted weight reduction, chemical reduction of
cellulite. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Angiographic Method
Using Green Porphyrins in Primate Eyes 94/014C |
Miller, Joan W.; Gragoudas,
Evangelos; Young, Lucy |
work completed |
US patent issued; 1/13/1998;
#5,707,986 |
Degenerative retinal diseases
including age related macular degeneration |
Angiographic Method Using Green
Porphyrins in Primate Eyes. This method was first developed for use
in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using photodynamic
therapy and green porphyrin dyes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diagnosis of
Hereditary Retinal Degenerative Diseases (part of multiple patent
portfolio) 89/000C |
Berson, Eliot; Dryja,
Thaddeus |
ongoing |
several issued patents;
#5,225,546; #5,498,521; #5,262,529 |
Retinitis Pigmentosa and other
degenerative retinal diseases |
Part of a patent portfolio
involving genes and processes associated with retinal degeneration,
including cGMP phosphodiesterase, RDS gene, and rhodopsin The most
highly correlated genetic factors to retinitis pigmentosa which
affects over one million people are included in this
portfolio. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Preserving
Viability of Photoreceptor Cells 072 |
Grosskreutz, Cynthia |
ongoing |
patents filed; US pub 20070032427;
WO pub 2007- 019427 |
neuroprotection, retinal
detachment, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, retinal disorders,
retinoblastoma |
Calcineurin activation and the
presence of calcineurin is increased in the retina following
retinal detachment. The calcineurin pathway and
modulation/inhibition of the cascade is described, including
various methods and compositions. Preserving viability of
photoreceptor cells has implications for retinal detachment,
retinal ischemia, pathological myopia, hemorrhage, trauma,
preservation of vision, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, CNV, and
other retinal disorders. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Noninvasive and
early test for Glaucoma 00/029 |
Pasquale, Louis et al |
prototype |
US patent issued; 7/6/2004;
#6,758,823 |
Glaucoma, especially early stage
glaucoma |
Certain phenomenon have been
observed with glaucoma patients perception of light and captured
into a test that is administered on a computer in a dark room. This
test is totally non-invasive, does not require dilation, and could
be provided remotely, over the internet, or in multiple settings
including libraries, town buildings and schools, tremendously
increasing diagnosis of disease, and allowing for much earlier
diagnosis. Roughly 50% of those with glaucoma currently are thought
to be undiagnosed, and the challenges of diagnosing glaucoma are
significant in certain patient populations. Glaucoma is one of the
leading causes of preventable blindness in the world. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Molecular Imaging Methods for
Diagnosis and Evaluation of Ocular and Systemic Diseases
089 |
Hafezi-Moghadam, Ali |
preclinical |
patent filed |
Diabetic retinopathy, diagnostic
method |
Minimally invasive in vivo methods
of detecing one or more ligands on an intraluminal surface of a
blood vessel. These methods are capable of detecting endothelial
and leukocyte antigens (predictive of diabetic retinopathy) in
conjunction with scanning laser ophthalmoscope. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PDT/ciliary body
for glaucoma 065 |
Miller, Joan W.; Husain, Deeba;
Matsubara, Akihisa |
preclinical |
patent filed; pub US 2006
0021623 |
Glaucoma |
ARVO abstracts have published |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Gene Transfer
Methods and Compositions 039 |
Rosenblatt, Mark Irvin; Azar,
Dimitri T.; Chang, Jin-Hong |
preclinical |
patents filed; pub US
2005/0106729 |
Dry eye, AMD, Fuch's dystrophy,
skin/GI/joint diseases, vitreoretinopathy |
Gene Transfer Methods and
Compositions Potential markets include dry eye, AMD, Fuch's
dystrophy, vitreoretinopathy, skin/GI/joint disease. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Treatment for
Ocular Inflammation 008 |
Hu, Mark (Shixing) |
preclinical |
US patent issued; National Phase;
5/6/1997; #5,627,195; pub DE69635708T |
Ocular Inflammation |
Chinese herbal medication with
proven activity in ocular uses, tetrandrine. Market potential not
insignificant. Work done under supervision of C. Stephen Foster,
M.D. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| LASEK surgery
solutions and devices (part of multiple patent portfolio)
038 |
Azar, Dimitri |
preclinical |
several patents filed; patent
allowed |
Refractive (Lasik/Lasek/etc.)
Surgery |
Separating Epithelium from Stroma
in LASEK Surgery: several methods are described, including certain
customized solutions and flap devices, all designed for optimal
performance, recovery, best outcomes and minimized
complications. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Wavefront based
customized excimer laser corneal profiles of ablation 052;
52A |
Dimitri T. Azar; Damien Gatinel;
Jacques Malet |
|
US patent issued; pub
US2006-0176449; WO2006-014624; EP1786312, 2/19/08 7,331,668;
3/11/08 7,341,345 |
Refractive (Lasik/Lasek/etc.)
Surgery |
Wavefront based customized excimer
laser corneal profiles of ablation. Certain algorithms that will
optimize laser surgery for presbyopia and ametropia. These
algorithms would be of great interest to refractive surgery
manufacturers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Methods and
Compositions for Treating Conditions Associated with Angiogenesis
using VAP-1 Inhibitor 093 |
Hafezi-Moghadam, Ali |
preclinical |
patent filed |
Etinal diseases including macular
degeneration; choroidal neovascularization |
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
THERAPEUTIC/DIAGNOSTIC, otolaryngologic |
|
|
|
|
|
| Stimulation of
hair cell differentiation of non-hair cells in the inner ear by
sonic hedgehog protein (Shh-N) and by hedgehog agonists (part of
multiple patent portfolio) 045 |
Heller, Stefan et al |
preclinical |
patents filed |
Hearing Loss; Vestibular
disorders |
Stimulation of hair cell
differentiation of non-hair cells in the inner ear by sonic
hedgehog protein (Shh-N) and by hedgehog agonists. The use of stem
cells to regenerate hair cells constitutes an extremely promising
method of truly addressing hearing loss and other degenerative
disorders of the ear and vestibular system. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Hair cell
generation (stem cells with neurogenic potential) (part of multiple
patent portfolio) 084 |
Edge, Albert |
preclinical |
patents filed |
Hearing Loss; Vestibular
disorders |
Methods for generating cells of the inner ear,
e.g., hair cells and supporting cells, from stem cells, e.g.,
mesenchymal stem cells, as well as compositions including the inner
ear cells. Methods for the therapeutic use of the inner ear cells
for the treatment of hearing loss are also described. Related IP
includes the development of a new mouse for inducible cell
targeting. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Small molecules
that increase conversion of stem cells to inner ear cells (part of
multiple patent portfolio) 049 |
Albert Edge et al |
preclinical |
patent pending; pub US 2005
0287127; WO 2006026570 |
Hearing Loss; Vestibular
disorders |
Small molecules that increase
conversion of stem cells to inner ear cells stem cell assay. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Evaluating
Intelligibility of Speech Reproduction and Transmission across
Multiple Listening Conditions 94/009 |
Thornton, Aaron; Hou, Zezhang |
prototype |
US patent issued; 3/17/1998;
#5,729,658 |
Hearing Loss |
This complex software program
allows the user to facilitate the analysis of hearing loss and the
fitting of hearing aid devices to best match the particular
deficiencies (articulation index, intelligibility of speech and
transmission) of the hearing impaired person to the best device
suited to meet those particular needs and to help predict the
extent to which individuals will likely benefit from having hearing
aids. Could be tailored for remote applications with proper
audiological support. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Artifact Rejection
for Electrophysiologic Data Acquisition and Signal Processing
Method for Simultaneous Stimulation Recording of Evoked Potential
(part of multiple patent portfolio) 01/030; 99/024 |
Thornton, Aaron |
|
US patents issued: 6/1/2004;
#6,743,183; 4/6/2004; #6,718,199; 11/22/05; #6,968,228 |
Hearing Loss |
Measurement of Electrophysiologic
Response by optimization of signal to noise; Signal Processing
Method for Simultaneous Stimulation Recording of Evoked Potential.
Ideal for audiologic testing of hearing loss; processes multiple
auditory stimulation simultaneously in the same ear. Also useful
for diagnostic ABR or BEAR. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Method of reducing
facial laxity and rhytids 74 |
Gliklich, Richard |
preclinical |
patent pending; pub
WO2007-019365 |
cosmetic surgery, reconstructive
surgery, |
Relatively non-invasive method
that does not involve compounds or toxins to reduce facial
wrinkles, folds, and other cosmetic results due to aging and/or
trauma. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Methods and
Compositions for Treating Polyps 098 |
Stankovic, Tina; Metson,
Ralph |
preclinical |
patents filed |
Sinusitus; asthma, polyps |
Gene targets associated with
pathogenesis of polyps associated with chronic rinosinusitus and
asprin-sensitive asthama identified; facilitating future ongoing
work for novel therapies for these common, large market,
debilitating disease possible. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Enhanced Atoh1 (Math-1) Expression
097 |
Edge, Albert |
preclinical |
patent filed |
hearing loss; therapeutics; regeneration; stem
cells; inner-ear disease |
Methods and therapeutic agents
that can be used with stem cells to regenerate inner-ear hair
cells. |
| MEDICAL
DEVICES, otolaryngology |
|
|
|
|
|
| Micromechanical
System with Recirculating Flow for Intracochlear Drug Delivery
055 |
Michael McKenna, Jason Fiering,
Mark Mescher, Sharon Kujawa, William Sewell, Anthony Mikulec |
preclinical |
patents filed |
Middle/Inner Ear Disorders;
Hearing Loss; Meniere's |
Intracochlear Drug Delivery
(two-way, recirculating). This device allows for programmable, long
term delivery to either the middle or inner ear which would allow
the local (versus systemic) delivery of bioactive compounds
(including macromolecules) for the treatment of hearing loss and
other disorders of hearing and vestibular function. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Generation of a
Body Structure (part of multiple patent portfolio) 02/046 |
Eavey, Roland; Vacanti, Charles et
al |
preclinical |
patents filed; pub US 2005 0112760
(A1); US 2005 0123520 (A1) |
Cosmetic surgery |
Generation of a Body Structure:
currently customized for development of artificial ears. Several
different methods and several patents filed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Voice Neural
Prosthesis (electrolarynx) 03/048 |
Hillman, Robert E.; Zeitels,
Steven M.; Kobler, James B.; Heaton, James Tracey; Goldstein, Ehab
A. |
early human work |
patents filed; pub US 2005 0281412
(A1) |
Voice Disorders |
Voice Neural Prosthesis,
electrolarynx. This device dramatically improves the quality and
functionality of the conventional electrolarynx (used by those that
have had their larynx removed due to cancer and other trauma). The
voice prosthesis modulates tone and delivers a far more human sound
with less manual interface. |
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| Aerodynamic Vocal
Fold Driver 54 |
Heaton, James; Kobler, James |
early human work |
patent filed; pubUS 2006 - 0079737
(A1) |
Voice Disorders, tissue
pliability, cosmetic surgery, disorders of the palate |
Related to voice restoration
work/portfolio. This device allows the accurate diagnosis of tissue
pliability, tested and used specifically for vocal fold
manipulation, but with other applications such as plastic surgery
and tissue pliability of the palate possible. |
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| Balance Prosthesis
and Sensory Stimulation Device for Meniere's Disease and Balance
Disorders (part of multiple patent portfolio) 98/020; 040;
062 |
Wall, Conrad; Merfeld, Daniel M.;
Rauch, Steven D.; Weinberg, Marc; Gong, Wangsong; Sienko,
Kathleen |
Prototype; WINNER MIT 2005 $50K
competi-tion (Balico) |
US patent issued; 4/8/2003;
#6,546,291; other patents pending; US pub 20040199214;
20060129206;2007-0027405; 2007-0027465; 2007-0055331; 2007-0060983;
2007-0038268; 2008/0015462; WO pub 2007/016061; 2007/015778;
2007-030337; 2007-021766; 2007-033290; 2007-016061;
2007-143531 |
Balance Disorders; Meniere's
Disease; chronic conditions of the aging; gait disorders; fall
prevention |
Sensory Stimulation Devices for
Meniere's Disease and Balance Disorders and Vestibular Prosthesis
Based on Micromechanical Sensors and various modes of stimulation.
Reversible canal plugging device for research applications. Sensor
alignment mechanisms. Balance problems are increasingly common with
advancing age. Roughly 50% of accidental death of the elderly in
the U.S. is attributed to a fall or complications therefrom. Part
of a patent portfolio, the micromechanical vestibular prosthesis is
designed to provide feedback to the user to correct inner ear
dysfunction and facilitate normal gait. Two independent devices:
one is fully implantable with multiple applications and stimulation
mechanisms, the other is currently designed as a belt and worn as a
vibrotactile device. Complementary technology related to hospital
supply market may also be of interest. |
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| Strategies for
Controlling Stimulation Levels in Cochlear Implant Sound Processing
064 |
Eddington, Donald K. Herrmann,
Barbara |
preclinical |
patent filed; WO pub
2007030329 |
Cochlear Implants, neural
prostheses |
(may be under agreement) These
strategies allow for integrated processing of sound inputs,
allowing for better source of sound and interpretation of signal.
By controlling stimulation levels, inputs from more than one source
can be integrated to enhance overall effectiveness of neural
stimulation devices such as cochlear implants. |
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| Spatially Focused Actuation in a
Neural Prosthesis 082 |
Whiten, Darren |
preclinical |
patents filed |
Cochlear Implants, electrode
design and evaluation |
Use of various methods for
stimulation of neurons within the cochlea by implanting electrode
arrays. Related work involves tools that can be used for electrode
design and evaluation. |
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| Clinical Device for Testing
Saccular Function 079 |
Merfeld, Daniel; Saginaw, Michael; Haburcakova,
Csilla |
early clinical |
patent filed; WO pub 2007143531 |
saccule testing; audiology |
A novel method using audible range oculoco saccule
testing to determine various diagnoses involving hearing
impairments. |
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| Devices for
Diagnosing Middle Ear Effusions 075 |
White, W. Matthew; Tearney,
Guillermo; Bouma, Brett; Goldberg, Brian |
early proof of principle |
patent filed |
otitis media; otolaryngology;
infection; devices; diagnostics; middle ear |
Use of various methods including Low-Coherence
Interferometry, laser speckle diagnosis, OCT, reflectance
specroscopy, and ratiometric diffuse optics to vastly improve
diagnosis of middle ear effusions. Otitis media is the most common
reason for a child to visit a PCP and totals more than 30 M clinic
visits per year. Roughly 80% of children in the US have at least
one episode of OM by age 3, and the cost of diagnosis and treatment
has been estimated at more than $5B dollars in the US. Some believe
OM is overdiagnosed in up to 30% of these children, resulting in
over-prescribing of antibiotics. |
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| Endoscope based
Holographic System for Tympanic Membrane and Middle Ear Function
Evaluation 087 |
Merchant, Saumil; Rosowski, John;
Furlong, Cosme |
early proof of principle |
patent filed |
otolaryngology; middle-ear
disease; conductive hearing loss; diagnostics |
Conductive hearing loss affects
nearly everyone at some point in time. Chronic middle-ear disease
accounts for a sizable fraction of these cases and is often treated
by surgery (mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, etc.). This technology
allows for differential diagnosis of multiple pathologies for these
hearing losses with an intact eardrum (otherwise problemmatic) and
allows for observation of middle ear behavior that provides easier
use and accurate measurements. Alternate screening methods are
known for significant high false positive rates. |
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| Tissue Retraction
Device 090 |
Hartnick, Christopher; Cunningham,
Michael |
prototype in process |
patent filed |
tissue retraction |
Uniquely designed device designed
to facilitate tissue retraction by a single operator. |
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| Cricothyrotomy
Device 092 |
Hartnick, Christopher; Cunningham,
Michael |
prototype in process |
patent filed |
medical devices; equipment;
emergency airways |
Specifically designed device
intended for use with adult and pediatric as part of an emergency
kit. |
Contact Info: Lisa Putukian, lisa_putukian@meei.harvard.edu,
617-573-4404
content updated: 4/28/08