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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 15596]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-04424]

[[Page 15596]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing

AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The invention listed below is owned by an agency of the U.S. 
Government and is available for licensing to achieve expeditious 
commercialization of results of federally-funded research and 
development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected 
inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be 
available for licensing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Benjamin Hurley at 240-276-5489 or 
[email protected]. Licensing information may be obtained by 
communicating with the Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property 
Office, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 5601 
Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852: tel. 301-496-2644. A signed 
Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required to receive copies of 
unpublished information related to the invention.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Technology description follows:

Vaccinia Virus Strain WR With Deletion of Growth Factor Genes 
(``vSC20'')

    Description of Technology:
    This technology relates to mutant vaccinia virus expression 
vectors. Researchers at NIAID have developed a recombinant vaccinia 
virus in which the growth factor genes were deleted from both ends of 
the genome. The recombinant vaccinia virus is attenuated and can 
replicate efficiently in rapidly dividing cells such as tumors.
    The mutation in the recombinant virus was confirmed through various 
tests, including Southern blot analysis and growth factor assays. The 
mutant expression vectors show diminished virus replication in non-
dividing cells and attenuation in animal models compared to other 
vaccinia virus expression vectors. They may have use as vaccines, 
cancer therapies as well as for gene delivery.
    This technology is available for licensing for commercial 
development in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR part 404, as 
well as for further development and evaluation under a research 
collaboration.
    Potential Commercial Applications:
     Recombinant vaccinia virus with deletion of growth factor 
genes can be used for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
    Competitive Advantages:
     The recombinant vaccinia virus is attenuated and can 
replicate efficiently in rapidly dividing cells, such as tumors.
     Applications include use in tumor-directed gene therapy, 
given the enhanced safety profile, tumor selectivity, and the oncolytic 
effects after systemic delivery.
    Development Stage:
     Pre-Clinical.
    Inventors: Bernard Moss, M.D., Ph.D. and Sekhar Chakrabarti, Ph.D., 
both of NIAID.
    Publications: Buller, R M et al. ``Deletion of the vaccinia virus 
growth factor gene reduces virus virulence.'' Journal of virology vol. 
62,3 (1988): 866-74. doi:10.1128/JVI.62.3.866-874.1988; McCart, J A et 
al. ``Systemic cancer therapy with a tumor-selective vaccinia virus 
mutant lacking thymidine kinase and vaccinia growth factor genes.'' 
Cancer research vol. 61,24 (2001): 8751-7.
    Intellectual Property: HHS Reference No. E-028-2021. U.S. Patent 
8506947B2, issued on August 13, 2013.
    Licensing Contact: To license this technology, please contact 
Benjamin Hurley at 240-276-5489 or [email protected] and 
reference E-028-2021.
    Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Institute of 
Allergy and Infectious Diseases is seeking statements of capability or 
interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further 
develop, evaluate, or commercialize this technology. For collaboration 
opportunities, please contact Benjamin Hurley at 240-276-5489 or 
[email protected].

    Dated: February 14, 2024.
Surekha Vathyam,
Deputy Director, Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Office, 
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
[FR Doc. 2024-04424 Filed 3-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
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