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MEEI Business Development Office: Technology Licensing


List of Licensable Technologies


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












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.






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.






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.






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.






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.






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.






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.






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.






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.






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