Baruch Velan

Title: Baruch Velan: Innovator in Organophosphate Scavenging Technologies

Introduction

Baruch Velan is a notable inventor based in Tel Aviv, Israel, recognized for his contributions to the field of biochemistry and pharmacology. He holds three patents that focus on innovative solutions for organophosphate poisoning, showcasing his expertise in developing effective therapeutic agents.

Latest Patents

One of Velan's latest patents is titled "Uniformly conjugated serine hydrolases." This invention provides an organophosphate scavenger with an extended residence time in mammalian circulation, which can be utilized in both preventive and therapeutic treatments for organophosphate poisoning. The scavenger is a uniformly pegylated serine hydrolase, where specific lysine residues are replaced through site-directed mutagenesis. This careful selection ensures that the hydrolase surface retains at least one free amino acid for PEG coupling from all possible views of a 3-D model generated for the hydrolase.

Another significant patent is "Uses of chemically-modified cholinesterases for detoxification of organophosphorus compounds." This patent describes a circulatory long-lived cholinesterase (ChE) protein, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), modified with a non-antigenic polymer. The ChE may be derived from mammalian or non-mammalian origins, and the recombinant AChE may be mutated at one or more amino-acid residues to enhance its efficacy.

Career Highlights

Baruch Velan has worked with esteemed organizations, including the Israel Institute for Biological Research and the State of Israel Prime Minister's Office. His work in these institutions has significantly contributed to advancements in biological research and public health.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Velan has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Ofer Cohen and Chanoch Kronman. These partnerships have fostered innovation and development in his research endeavors.

Conclusion

Baruch Velan's innovative work in organophosphate scavenging technologies highlights his significant contributions to biochemistry and public health. His patents reflect a commitment to developing effective treatments for organophosphate poisoning, showcasing the importance of his research in the field.