<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Latest technologies from The Methodist Hospital Research Institute</title><link>http://tmhri.technologypublisher.com</link><description>Be the first to know about the latest inventions and technologies available from Houston Methodist</description><language>en-US</language><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:23:32 GMT</pubDate><lastBuildDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:08:11 GMT</lastBuildDate><docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs><webMaster>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</webMaster><copyright>Copyright 2026, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute</copyright><item><title>Method for Vascular Regeneration and Wound Treatment</title><caseId>OTT202123</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56736</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;Asset/Technology Type

Therapeutic Strategy

Description of Invention

The invention is a therapeutic approach for modulating cellular trans-differentiation and potentially angiogenesis by modulating O-glcnacylation (GlcNAc) of proteins, to treat various conditions. The inventors used existing small molecules to prove the concept&nbsp;in vitro&nbsp;and&nbsp;in vivo.&nbsp;The projected use includes (a) wound or fracture healing and&nbsp;treating&nbsp;vascularization (ischemic tissues, coronary, cerebral and peripheral arterial disease) by enhancing O-glcnacylation pathway, potentially enh...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:08:11 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56736</guid></item><item><title>Systems and Methods for Whole Brain Net Water Uptake Imaging using Non-Contrast CT Scans</title><caseId>OTT202216</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56735</link><description><![CDATA[Software

Description of Invention

The inventors in this technology have developed software to allow the direct visualization of net water uptake in edema. In acute ischemic stroke, vessel occlusion leads to progressive edema in the brain, which is an increase of water content in the affected brain tissue. If left untreated, the progressive edema eventually becomes life threatening when tissue water content exceeds the thresholds that the specific brain tissues can hold, and the damage becomes irreversible.&nbsp; Therefore, water content is an important indicator of the edema level in brain t...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:03:47 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56735</guid></item><item><title>A multimedia artificial intelligence method of deep learning for detection of stroke using patient facial video and voice</title><caseId>OTT202040</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56728</link><description><![CDATA[Software

Description of Invention

Stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease and is a leading cause of death in the US. The current best method for diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke is magnetic resonance imaging, which is expensive, limited by patient factors, and not readily available in all care settings. The typical stroke evaluation relies on evaluation of the patients&#39; facial expression, as well as a standard physical exam of language, motor, sensation, and vision tests to detect the presence/absence of stroke. This process depends heavily on examiner expertise and can vary among p...]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:30:56 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56728</guid></item><item><title>A method of computed tomography (CT) noise reduction using different CT scans from the same person and convolutional neural network</title><caseId>OTT202009</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56727</link><description>Software 

Description of Invention

Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to image different parts of the body with or without contrast injection. Its image quality is directly related to the amount of ionizing radiation dose. It is especially limited in CT of the brain where increased radiation is known to cause damage and hamper brain development. Therefore, brain CT is known for excessive image noise and low image contrast.

Brain CT can be done quickly for diagnosis of different neurological conditions (stroke, hemorrhage, and it is especially useful in emergency settings to identify ...</description><pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:12:01 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56727</guid></item><item><title>IRF4-Engineered T Cells Induce T Cell Function As a Treatment Strategy for Solid Tumors</title><caseId>OTT201714</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56601</link><description><![CDATA[
Asset/Technology Type

New Therapeutic Strategy

&nbsp;

Description of Invention

The invention includes compositions and methods of delivering therapeutic anti-tumor T cells by forcing them to overexpress interferon regulatory factor (IRF4) as a treatment for various solid tumors, including but not limited to melanoma, lymphoma, and colon cancer. The inventors have discovered that IRF4 is a master transcriptional determinant of anti-tumor T cell function. Increased expression of IRF4 in therapeutic T cells suppresses cancer growth by promoting tumor infiltration and effector function of bot...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:58:51 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56601</guid></item><item><title>Neural/Glial Cell-Derived Nanoparticles to Restore Neural Function in Alzheimer’s Disease</title><caseId>OTT201935</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56600</link><description><![CDATA[
Asset/Technology Type

Therapeutic/Drug Delivery Agent

&nbsp;

Description of Invention

The invention is an engineered biomimetic nanoparticle (NP) that integrates neural or glial cell membrane proteins into lipid-based nanoparticles (a.k.a. neurosomes). The integration of these neural/glial cell proteins within the NP shell enables precise targeting to treat a variety of neurological disorders resulting from trauma, neurodegeneration, and/or neuroinflammation. Currently, the NPs are used to achieve targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory agents to&nbsp; inflamed astrocytes as a treatment st...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:54:33 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/56600</guid></item><item><title>LVAD Plug</title><caseId>OTT202036</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/53236</link><description><![CDATA[&shy;

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are a promising alternative to cardiac transplantation in patients in patients with end stage heart failure. These devices are implanted as a bridge to transplant, bridge to recovery and as a destination therapy. The potential of cardiac recovery after using such mechanical support is the most desired goal in the treatment of end-stage heart failure with LVADs, allowing device explantation and avoiding cardiac transplantation and lifelong mechanical support, with reduced complications. There is a critical need for a device for effectively transiti...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:37:07 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/53236</guid></item><item><title>Modulating the AIBP-CAV1-VEGFR3 axis to treat lymphatic disorders</title><caseId>OTT202021</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/44676</link><description><![CDATA[This invention is a method of promoting lymphangiogenesis in order to treat lymphatic disorders, namely lymphedema and Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease (AD). VEGFC-induced VEGFR3 signaling is the major driver of lymphangiogenesis, however the distinct molecular mechanisms determining how VEGFR3 signaling controls lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) fate remains unknown. Our studies demonstrated that ApoA1 binding protein (AIBP) dictates lymphatic vessel formation by accelerating cholesterol efflux and AIBP-regulated cholesterol efflux disrupts lipid rafts/caveolae thereby reducing caveolin-1 (CAV-1) bio...]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:15:18 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/44676</guid></item><item><title>Leukocyte-Derived Nanoparticles to Treat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer</title><caseId>OTT202106</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/43179</link><description><![CDATA[This invention is an engineered biomimetic lipid-based nanoparticle (NP) functionalized with leukocyte membrane proteins (a.k.a. leukosomes) which are capable of targeting vascular inflammation. The ratio at which these leukocyte proteins are integrated within the NP shell dictates the biological behavior of the leukosomes. This particular formulation has been optimized to selectively target triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors. Ongoing studies are underway to determine which therapeutic cargo will be most effective at treating TNBC tumors when loaded into our novel NP formulation. &nbs...]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:16:00 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/43179</guid></item><item><title>Specific PD-1 DNA Aptamers as Immunotherapeutic Agents in the Treatment of Cancers</title><caseId>OTT201522</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/41447</link><description><![CDATA[The invention are therapeutic PD-1 DNA aptamers used to block PD-1 activity and enhance T-cell cytotoxicity against leukemias and solid tumors. Stage of Development &nbsp;In vitro data: Several aptamers were developed using SELEX technology against endogenous immunoprecipitated PD-1 and they were found to have highly conserved regions using high throughput sequencing.&nbsp; Six PD-1 specific aptamers were then assessed for target validation using leukemic cell lysates (cell lines and primary patient samples) and were found to bind to the PD-1 in its native state.&nbsp;  In vitro cytotoxicity T...]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:23:06 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/41447</guid></item><item><title> Aptamer-Based Assay for Rapid Detection of Mycoplasma-infected cells</title><caseId>OTT201908</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40855</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;The technology is an aptamer-based reagent for rapid detection mycoplasma-infected cultured and primary cells for biomedical study and clinical uses.&nbsp;Stage of Development &nbsp;In vitro data: Flow cytometry analysis showed that the synthetic aptamer probes selectively bind to mycoplasma-infected cultured and primary human cells. The aptamer probes can specifically stain mycoplasma-infected cells with a higher sensitivity than the commercially available Hoechst dye method. Additionally, the aptamer probe-mediated test takes less time than currently-used DNA PCR method, while showing ...]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:42:33 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40855</guid></item><item><title>Microfibrillar-associated Protein 5 (MFAP5)-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies as Therapeutic Agents in Ovarian and Pancreatic Cancers</title><caseId>OTT201835</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40854</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;The invention are therapeutic monoclonal antibodies directed against microfibrillar-associated fibroblast-derived secreted protein 5 (MFAP-5) for the treatment of ovarian and pancreatic cancer.&nbsp; Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor stromal microenvironment exhibit altered secretion of extracellular proteins, which modify the tumor environment and promote cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.&nbsp; MFAP-5 has been shown to be up regulated in CAF of multiple tumor types and is associated with poor prognosis.&nbsp;Stage of Development &nbsp;In vitro data: Mon...]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:37:30 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40854</guid></item><item><title>Nanovaccine for Heart Failure</title><caseId>OTT201812</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40853</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;This Invention is a vaccine therapy using a combination of a nanoparticle delivery and human peptides to immunize against the development of heart failure or cardiac disease.&nbsp;Stage of Development &nbsp;In vivo data: A non-ischemic heart failure mouse model was used in which mice are vaccinated before the initiation of the heart failure protocol.&nbsp; These mice were then imaged by MRI to determine any effects on contractile properties of the heart with the vaccine in comparison to unvaccinated heart failure mice and control mice.&nbsp; The ejection fraction of the heart decreased i...]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:33:05 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40853</guid></item><item><title>Aptamer-engineered Natural Killer Cells for Adaptive Immunotherapy</title><caseId>OTT201810</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40852</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;The invention is a unique technology to engineer Natural Killer (NK) cells with synthetic oligonucleotide aptamers for tumor cell-specific cancer immunotherapy. &nbsp;Stage of Development &nbsp;In vitro Study:&nbsp; The aptamer-engineered NK (ApEn-NK) cells could be generated via a simple one-step process in minutes. The generated ApEn-NK cells were able to specifically bind to and thus, kill tumor cells with negligible toxic effects on off-target cells.&nbsp; Pre-clinical studies with primary human NK cells confirmed the high potential of ApEn-NK cells to target and induce death of tumo...]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:25:50 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40852</guid></item><item><title>A DNAzyme that targets the CAG repeat RNA in polyglutamine diseases</title><caseId>OTT201823</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40810</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;The invention is a synthetic single-stranded DNA molecule that functions as a specific RNA-cleaving DNA enzyme (or DNAzyme) as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of polyglutamine diseases. The binding arms of this synthetic DNAzyme are complementary to the CAG repeats found in the pathological expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the translated region of unrelated genes. Proof of concept was demonstrated when pathological polyQ protein clones were transfected into HEK293T cells. Complete knockdown of expression of these proteins was observed when the cells were subsequently t...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2020 08:18:50 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40810</guid></item><item><title>Biomimetic Anti-Inflammatory Membrane for Chronic Wound Healing</title><caseId>OTT201919</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40106</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;The invention is a collagen membrane functionalized with mannose for the treatment of chronic wounds. Due to its mannose coating, this membrane is able to induce the polarization of macrophages to an anti-inflammatory state, resulting in less overall inflammation during wound repair. &nbsp;Stage of Development &nbsp;In vitro data: Membrane synthesis and characterization studies have demonstrated the stability of the mannosylated membrane. In vitro studies indicated that the mannosylated membrane was able to successfully polarize macrophages to the M2 phenotype and reduce pro-inflammatory...]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:23:02 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40106</guid></item><item><title> Glycolytic Modulators for Therapeutic Regulation of Cell Fate</title><caseId>OTT201829</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40105</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;This invention is a glycolysis enhancement strategy using glycolytic modulators to improve cell fate transitions. Applied topically, systemically, or in combination with a biocompatible scaffold, the glycolytic enhancers are expected to improve wound healing, vascularity, and tissue regeneration as well as reduce fibrosis. In another application, a glycolysis repression strategy may be used to inhibit cell fate transitions when they are pathological, such as in the case of dysplasia or pre-malignancy. &nbsp;Stage of Development&nbsp;In vitro data: Seahorse and metabolomics flux assays we...]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:22:27 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40105</guid></item><item><title>SREBP2 Inhibitors for Treating T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia</title><caseId>OTT201736</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40104</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;This invention is a method of inhibiting sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) in order to treat, prevent, reverse, and/or ameliorate conditions associated with an improper number of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). SREBP22 is traditionally known as a transcription factor that plays a role in cholesterol homeostasis. However, this invention provided the first evidence that cholesterol metabolism, via the activation of SREBP2 and downstream Notch signaling, controls HSPC emergence and may be used as a therapeutic target to treat hematological malignancies, s...]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:22:00 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40104</guid></item><item><title>Implantable Patch for Controlled Drug Delivery</title><caseId>OTT201505</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40102</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;This invention is a biocompatible, biodegradable, multi-layer implantable patch for the controlled delivery of bioactive molecules. The biocompatibility of this patch facilitates the release of a precise amount of drug or other bioactive molecule to a specific region of the body over a desired period of time. The implantable patch has been utilized in multiple medical applications including localized delivery of analgesics to treat postoperative pain, sustained delivery of growth factors to promote vascularization, and even to direct tissue regeneration through the self-direction of auto...]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:21:21 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40102</guid></item><item><title>Apoliprotein-B Functionalized Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery to Atherosclerotic Plaques</title><caseId>OTT201719</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40069</link><description>This invention is a proteolipid nanoparticle platform functionalized with apolipoprotein B-100 for localized delivery of therapeutic compounds to atherosclerotic plaques, termed aposomes. Apolipoprotein B-100 is a crucial functional and structural component of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) and therefore plays a critical role in cholesterol transport and atherosclerosis pathophysiology, making it an attractive candidate for targeted drug delivery to atherosclerotic plaques. The aposome platform described herein incorporates plasma derived apolipoprotein B onto the surface of liposomes, allowi...</description><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2020 12:09:38 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40069</guid></item><item><title>Perme ICU Mobility Scoring System for Evaluating the Mobility Status of Patients in the ICU</title><caseId>OTT201006</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40068</link><description><![CDATA[The Perme ICU Mobility Score (Perme Score) is a fifteen-point assessment scale specifically tailored to measure important parameters for assessing the functional mobility of patients during an intensive care unit (ICU) stay.&nbsp; The Perme Score, which ranges from 0 to 32, is derived from 15 items grouped into seven categories: mental status, potential mobility barriers, functional strength, bed mobility, transfers, gait, and endurance. The score is practical and can be quickly completed after mobility interventions.&nbsp; The Perme Score has demonstrated inter-rater reliability for the Cardi...]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2020 11:33:28 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40068</guid></item><item><title>Periosteum-Like Scaffold for Bone Regeneration</title><caseId>OTT201420</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40056</link><description>This invention is an implantable, biomimetic scaffold which mimics the native structure of the human periosteum and is independently capable of regenerating bone tissue. This periosteum-like scaffold is composed of three layers comprising 1) a non-porous compact collagen layer, or a fibroblastic zone; 2) a collagen/elastin layer, which permits vascularization and recapitulates the elastic features of periosteum; and 3) a biomineralized collagen layer, which preferably exploits the presence of hydroxyapatite to induce bone formation. In total, these properties promote the formation and growth o...</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2020 09:51:07 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40056</guid></item><item><title>PSMA-Targeted CAR-T Therapy for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer</title><caseId>OTT201918</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40055</link><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;&nbsp;This invention includes ten novel PSMA-targeted CAR-T therapies to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer. The CAR-T constructs were generated using scFvs from five different mouse hybridomas. We have further enhanced the lead PSMA-targeted CAR-T therapy by co-expressing IRF4 to regulate effector T cell activity and tissue infiltration. The co-expression of these two biological components facilitates more selective and potent therapeutic effects.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stage of Development &nbsp;In vitro data: 8 out of 10 of the PSMA-specific CAR-T therapies displayed higher toxici...]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2020 09:47:52 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/40055</guid></item><item><title>Multivalent ligands targeting VEGFR</title><caseId>MKT201408</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/15537</link><description><![CDATA[

&nbsp;
Invention
The invention consists of novel compounds for angiogenesis-targeted therapy and imaging particularly for diseases such as cancer where increased angiogenesis is deleterious. The compounds target the VEGF receptor (VEGFR) with 100-fold improvement in binding affinity, higher specificity and tumor cell uptake and improved blood clearance. The compounds can be used to improve the targeting of imaging agents and therapeutic agents to tumor cells.
&nbsp;
Background
Angiogenesis is a critical component for growth and metastatic spread of tumors and one of the most important regula...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:25:22 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/15537</guid></item><item><title>Sustained delivery of doxorubicin to tumors</title><caseId>MKT201205</caseId><link>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/13201</link><description><![CDATA[




&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Invention
The invention provides an efficient and sustained release of doxorubicin in a tumor. The invention is a polymer linked to doxorubicin, packaged inside a porous particle. High local concentrations of doxorubicin can be achieved at the site of the tumor which avoids the toxic effects of the drug on other tissues. Other cancer drugs may be attached to the polymer for chemotherapy. The polymer-linked doxorubicin enters the tumor cells via vesicular transport system, and is released from the pH-sensitive polymer only in acidic environment of the lysosomes, circu...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:48:18 GMT</pubDate><author>sraghuraman@houstonmethodist.org</author><guid>https://tmhri.technologypublisher.com/technology/13201</guid></item></channel></rss>