Technologies Available for License : Biotechnology
Gene Sequences of the Chlamydia trachomatis
Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP)
Tech ID: 05-84-10
Technology Description:
C. trachomatis is a human pathogen that causes chlamydia, the most common bacterial sexually-transmitted disease in the U.S. Because the symptoms of chlamydia infection can be difficult to detect, a high number of carriers are unaware of their infection and thus go untreated. The lack of early diagnosis and treatment leads to the continued spread of C. trachomatis through the sexually-active population, particularly among adolescents. Untreated chlamydia can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease, the major cause of preventable sterility in women.
C. trachomatis infection of the eye, or trachoma, is the leading cause of blindness in the developing world. Although trachoma is preventable by improving sanitation, prevention programs are difficult to sustain and have not been entirely effective. Trachoma is treatable with antibiotics; however, treatment depends on access to medical personnel and drugs, both of which are in short supply in the developing world.
The spread of C. trachomatis infection, and the incidence of blindness and infertility, could be reduced by an effective vaccine. The MOMP gene may be useful as the basis for a recombinant vaccine. The MOMP gene and recombinant protein may also be used in diagnostics.
Application:
- Recombinant production of synthetic vaccines against C. trachomatis
- Use of MOMP gene constructs in DNA probe diagnosis of C. trachomatis
- Use of recombinant polypeptides from serotype-specific MOMP variable sequences for rapid seroepidemiological testing
Technology Offer:
The Washington Research Foundation is seeking commercial partners to develop
therapeutics based on the technology. License or option arrangements are
negotiable. US rights to the technology are available.
Patents/Publications:
U.S. Patent Nos. 5,770,714 5,821,055, and 6,030,799 cover the MOMP sequence and recombinant MOMP polypeptides, as well as methods and compositions for nucleic acid-based diagnostics and immunoassays. WRF is seeking qualified potential licensees to develop and market products derived from this technology. The potential exists for research collaborations between licensees and researchers.
For additional information, please contact:
Beth G. Etscheid, Ph.D.
Director of Licensing
Washington Research Foundation
2815 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98102
Tel: 206.336.5600
Fax: 206.336.5615
betschei@wrfseattle.org