[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 13, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 42027] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-20521] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Opportunity for Licensing: Homologous Recombination and Cloning of DNA and Control of Gene Expression AGENCY: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, DHHS. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Institutes of Health is seeking licensees and/or CRADA partners for the further development, evaluation, and commercialization of homologous recombination and cloning of DNA and control of gene expression. The inventions claimed in the patents and patent applications referenced below under Supplementary Information are available for either exclusive or non-exclusive licensing (in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 207 and 37 CFR Part 404) and/or further development under a CRADA for clinical and research applications. ADDRESSES: Questions about this licensing opportunity should be addressed to: Larry Tiffany, J.D., Technology Licensing Specialist, Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, Maryland 20852-3804; telephone: 301/496-7735, ext. 206; fax: 301/402-0220. Questions about a CRADA opportunity should be addressed to: Dr. Cyrus R. Creveling, Director, Office of Technology Transfer, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Building 31, Room 9A35, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892; telephone: 301/496- 5360; fax: 301/496-2830. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The isolation and cloning of genomic DNA fragments is a fundamental technique in molecular biology. Several methods are available to amplify and isolate selected DNA fragments, the common being polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Major limitations in PCR are its error rate and the small fragment size which may be reliably amplified. The E. coli enzyme RecA has the ability to specifically target single-stranded DNA to complementary target duplex DNA to create a three-stranded complex. The present technology involves the use of E. coli RecA protein and peptides derived from it for: (1) Targeting restriction endonuclease cleavage to unique predetermined sites, (2) sequence specific mapping and manipulation of complex genomes, (3) diagnosing a genetic mutation, and (4) developing therapeutics: site specific gene inactivation, correction of gene mutations, control of gene expression. These inventions are embodied in the following patents and patent applications: U.S. Patent 5,460,941--``Method of Targeting DNA'' U.S. Patent 5,510,473--``Cloning of the RecA Gene from Thermus Aquaticus YT-1''--and its DIV, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/ 446,413 U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/483,115--``RecA Peptide'' U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/001,384--``RecA Assisted Cloning of DNA'' Information about the patent applications and pertinent information not yet publicly described can be obtained under a Confidential Disclosure Agreement. Respondees interested in licensing the invention(s) will be required to submit an Application for License to Public Health Service Inventions. To expedite the research, development, and commercialization of these compounds, the National Institutes of Health will also consider a CRADA with a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company in accordance with the regulations governing the transfer of Government-developed agents. Any proposal to use or develop these compounds will be considered. Respondees interested in submitting a CRADA proposal should be aware that it may be necessary to secure a license to the above patent rights in order to commercialize products arising from a CRADA. Dated: August 5, 1996. Barbara M. McGarey, Deputy Director, Office of Technology Transfer. [FR Doc. 96-20521 Filed 8-12-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-M