Therapeutic Applications of Interleukin-12 (IL-12)

Inventor: Giorgio Trinchieri and Bice Perussia

Tech ID: TG8829 and SP9487

Description: IL-12, a cytokine that may be useful for treatment of certain diseases or for enhancing the immune response, was developed by researchers at The Wistar Institute. IL-12 is a heterodimeric protein, composed of a heavy chain (p40 subunit) and a light chain (p35 subunit) and was originally described as Natural Killer Stimulatory Factor (NKSF). Wistar is an owner of a series of U.S. and international patents on the IL-12 genes, IL-12 proteins (p35 and p40 subunits) and the uses of these compositions for treatment of a variety of conditions such as cancer and infection. Additionally, Wistar is an owner of a series of issued patents for the use of IL-12 as an adjuvant. These patents are available for license to companies developing products that incorporate IL-12.

Key Words: Therapeutic, cancer, immunotherapy, vaccine, adjuvant.

Applications and Advantages: IL-12, in combination with other agents, may have applications for cancer therapy, immunotherapy and vaccine adjuvant use.

Intellectual Property Status: This technology is protected by U.S. Patents 5,457,038; 5,569,454; 5,571,515; 5,648,072; 5,648,467; 5,723,127; 5,811,523; 5,976,539; 6,300,478 and 6,168,923 and related international patents.

Licensing Opportunity: A non-exclusive license to the technology is available for organizations that are developing products containing one or more IL-12 subunits or a gene expressing an IL-12 subunit.

Contact:

Meryle J. Melnicoff
Director, Business Development
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-0049
Fax: (215) 573-2456
melnicoff@wistar.org

Last Updated: Feb-03