TS-003709 — This IP is an innovative computer software tool designed to streamline the modification of digital slide image labels formatted as Leica/Aperio SVS data files. It allows users to electronically overwrite the original label contents with text and associated barcodes through an intuitive user interface and offers several advantages over existing methods (particularly in the field of digital pathology). Traditionally, modifying a digital image label required deleting the existing image and re-imaging the original glass slide with a revised paper label affixed. However, the IP eliminates the need for this cumbersome process, saving time and resources while enhancing workflow efficiency. Key features of this software include the ability to input and edit text, incorporate barcodes, and overwrite original label information directly within the digital slide image. By leveraging this technology, pathologists, and researchers can easily update label information without the need for physical manipulation of glass slides, reducing the risk of errors and preserving valuable specimen integrity. The tool offers potential applications beyond digital pathology, such as in research laboratories, educational institutions, and healthcare settings where digital slide imaging is utilized. Its user-friendly interface and versatile functionality make it a valuable asset for any organization seeking to optimize slide labeling processes. The IP presents a value proposition for organizations looking to enhance their digital pathology capabilities. Its ability to streamline workflow processes, improve accuracy, and save time aligns with the growing demand for innovative solutions in healthcare and research.

TS-003708 — This IP seeks to treat omodysplasia by targeting the Wnt signaling pathway. Through the creation of mouse models with variants in the Frizzled2 gene—which mimic the human omodysplasia phenotype—preliminary data has shown that administering a small molecule intra-peritoneally to pregnant dams can rescue some skeletal defects in mouse embryos. By leveraging the known effects of Wnt agonists on skeletal development, the IP holds promise for addressing the skeletal defects associated with omodysplasia. As research progresses, the potential applications of this IP may extend beyond omodysplasia to other skeletal dysplasias and related conditions. The ability to target the Wnt signaling pathway opens doors to a range of therapeutic possibilities, offering hope to patients and clinicians seeking effective treatments for skeletal disorders. The IP embodies a significant advancement in the field of skeletal dysplasia research and holds promise for translating pre-clinical findings into potential therapeutic interventions. With continued development and collaboration, it has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals affected by omodysplasia and related conditions.

TS-003707 — This IP enhances anti-tumor immune responses using a chimeric herpes simplex virus (HSV) expressing human interleukin 21 (hIL21). The virus, designated as C021, is engineered to express hIL21, which is inserted into the ICP34.5 locus under the control of a potent MND promoter. Unlike previous generation oHSV, the transcripts produced by C021 are actively translated into cytokines within the tumor environment, leading to higher levels of cytokine production. Preliminary studies in immune-competent mouse tumor models have demonstrated that the expression of IL21 by C021 enhances immune-mediated anti-tumor activity. It increases Natural Killer (NK) and T cell activity in both flank and orthotopic brain tumor models. Additionally, C021 augments the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) response of NK and CAR-NK cells, with ongoing studies anticipated to show similar effects on CAR-T cells. This versatility positions C021 as a standalone therapeutic or as a complementary treatment alongside adoptive cellular or engineered cellular therapies. The advantages of C021 over existing methods include improved immune activity and anti-tumor efficacy, making it a promising candidate for cancer therapy. Its potential applications extend to CAR therapy markets and beyond, given its compatibility with various engineered cytotoxic therapies.

TS-003705 — This IP solution aims to enhance the efficacy of Natural Killer (NK) cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy. By targeting the ADAM17 gene using CRISPR technology, it intends to maintain the expression of CD16 on NK cells, crucial for antibody-directed cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) against tumor cells. Cryopreserved ADAM17 knockout (KO) NK cells demonstrated significantly higher CD16 expression post-thaw, leading to enhanced ADCC against cancer cell lines when combined with antibodies. This advancement addresses a critical issue in cancer immunotherapy and ensures sustained antitumor activity of NK cells even after cryopreservation. It holds potential applications in various off-the-shelf adaptive NK cell products, catering to a wide range of cancer types and patient needs. Companies in cellular immunotherapy may find this IP valuable for developing next-generation NK cell therapies with improved efficacy and versatility. With further development and testing planned—including evaluation in in vivo models and expansion using different cytokines—the IP presents a promising avenue for advancing cancer treatment strategies.

TS-003701 — This IP is a notable departure from conventional clinical research practices and introduces a new model that brings the research directly to individuals’ homes. The approach eliminates logistical challenges and potential disruptions associated with traditional on-site research visits. Certified staff ensure study compliance, maintaining the integrity of data collection and study protocols. By facilitating research participation from the comfort of home, the technology enhances participant recruitment and retention rates. It mitigates the occurrence of missed study visits and biological sample collections, streamlining the research process and improving overall study completion rates. These benefits not only expedite the research timeline but also contribute to more accurate and reliable research outcomes. The paradigm shift towards personalized and convenient clinical trial participation is the IP’s standout feature. By eliminating the need for frequent travel to research sites, Clinical Research Delivered addresses a longstanding challenge in clinical research. This approach not only augments the efficiency and effectiveness of research endeavors; it also fosters a more participant-centric model, ultimately enhancing the value proposition for both study sponsors and participants.

TS-003700 — This IP revolves around utilizing oncolytic viruses (OVs) to enhance adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) for combating various cancers. Specifically, the innovation focuses on employing oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (oHSV) to selectively target cancer cells, triggering a chemokine and inflammatory response, thereby attracting immune cells to the infected site and bolstering their activity against the tumor. By precisely timing the oHSV infection and engineering the virus to express elevated levels of specific cytokines, notably interleukin-21 (IL-21), the effectiveness of cellular therapies, such as CAR-T and CAR-NK, in targeting cancer cells is significantly improved. This IP holds promise in addressing the challenges posed by aggressive cancers like neuroblastoma, sarcomas (osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma), and malignant gliomas. By synergizing the anti-tumor effects of OV therapy with engineered NK cell therapeutics, preliminary studies suggest a substantial enhancement in anti-tumor activity. The approach offers a novel strategy to combat cancers with poor prognoses, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment paradigms. The safety profile of the virus platform and the rapid translation of CAR-based therapies into clinical applications underscore the immediate human application potential of this technology. The technology is currently at the pre-clinical testing stage, with planned activities including in vivo synergy studies in murine models, cGMP production of the OV platform, biotox testing, and regulatory approvals for Phase I studies of the combination therapy. The technology presents licensing opportunities for companies involved in biopharmaceuticals, immunotherapy, and cancer treatment. Immediate applications include advancing the technology towards clinical trials, with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment protocols. The intersection of OV therapy and cellular immunotherapy opens avenues for innovative product development and service offerings aimed at improving patient outcomes in oncology.

TS-003699 — The Duchenne Heart App is a new approach aiming to assist families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in understanding and monitoring cardiac health. Unlike existing methods, this application allows DMD families to assess disease progression by comparing their child’s cardiac function to a group of boys of similar age who have undergone cardiac MRI studies. The primary advantage of the app is that it can provide personalized insights into disease progression, particularly concerning cardiac health, which is a critical aspect of DMD management. By offering a user-friendly interface for assessing relative disease severity, the app empowers families to make informed decisions regarding treatment and care for their loved ones. The app signifies a unique opportunity for pharmaceutical companies developing DMD therapeutics or foundations focused on DMD research and support. By incorporating the app into patient education initiatives, these organizations can enhance engagement and improve outcomes for individuals living with DMD and their families. Potential for further development includes enhancing the app’s functionality and usability. Future iterations may include additional features for tracking disease progression over time and integrating with electronic health records for seamless data sharing and analysis.

TS-003698 — This IP is an innovative advancement in the field of cochlear implantation. Traditionally, the manual insertion of cochlear implant electrodes poses a risk of trauma to delicate cochlear structures, potentially leading to loss of residual hearing. The IP technology addresses this challenge by introducing a robotic system designed to make precise, surgeon-directed movements during the implantation process. Key advantages and improvements over existing methods include the reduction of surgeon hand tremors, consistent insertion rates, and enhanced dexterity for modifying insertion parameters (e.g., pitch, rotation, and yaw). By automating the insertion process, this system aims to minimize trauma to the inner ear, thereby preserving residual hearing and improving patient outcomes. Beyond immediate use in cochlear implant surgeries, the IP has the potential to revolutionize the field of otolaryngology by reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. As the technology matures, it may find applications in other surgical procedures where precision and delicate manipulation are paramount. It offers a compelling value proposition to healthcare providers, highlighting its potential to improve patient safety, reduce surgical complications, and enhance overall surgical precision. Partnerships with leading cochlear implant manufacturers facilitate the integration of this technology into existing cochlear implant systems, further expanding its market reach. Continued development and collaboration with experts in mechanical engineering and otolaryngology will be essential to refine the technology, validate its efficacy through pre-clinical testing, and ultimately bring it to market.

TS-003697 — This IP is a significant advancement in cancer therapy, specifically targeting neuroblastoma—a tumor commonly found in children. The innovative oncolytic virus has been engineered to improve immune recognition of neuroblastoma antigens while enhancing the body’s natural immune response. What sets this IP apart is its utilization of a chimeric HSV backbone, which allows for improved viral gene expression. By expressing the neuroblastoma antigen (Phox2B), the virus aims to improve native immune activity against the tumor, similar to its approach with EphA2 for other tumors. The virus is intended to work in tandem with an engineered CAR-T cell that recognizes the virus-expressed antigen, thereby increasing CAR-T and native T cell activity against the tumor. The potential applications of this technology are broad. As a standalone therapy, it offers a promising treatment option for patients with neuroblastoma. When used in combination with CAR-T therapy, it holds the potential to significantly enhance anti-tumor activity, addressing a critical need in pediatric oncology. The IP is entering proof of principle and pre-clinical testing stages at CHOP with collaborators.

TS-003696 — This IP is significant advancement in cancer therapy, specifically targeting neuroblastoma—a tumor commonly found in children. This innovative oncolytic virus has been engineered to improve immune recognition of neuroblastoma antigens while enhancing the body’s natural immune response. What sets this IP is its utilization of a chimeric HSV backbone, which allows for improved viral gene expression. By expressing the neuroblastoma antigen (Phox2B) along with human IFNγ, the virus aims to upregulate MHCI associated with Phox2B antigens, thereby enhancing T cell activity against the tumor. This approach not only boosts the efficacy of CAR-T therapy but also stimulates native T cell responses, ultimately enhancing immune-mediated anti-tumor activity. The potential applications of this technology are wide-ranging. As a standalone therapy, it offers a promising treatment option for patients with neuroblastoma. When used in combination with CAR-T therapy, it holds the potential to significantly enhance anti-tumor activity, addressing a critical need in pediatric oncology. The IP is entering pre-clinical testing, with plans to assess its efficacy in conjunction with CAR-T cells at CHOP.