John K Westwick

Title: Inventor Spotlight: John K. Westwick

Introduction

John K. Westwick, an esteemed inventor based in San Ramon, California, has made significant contributions to the field of drug discovery through his innovative research. With a portfolio that includes five patents, he has developed advanced methods for identifying compounds that activate or inhibit cellular pathways, particularly in the context of G-protein-coupled receptors.

Latest Patents

One of John K. Westwick's latest patents focuses on protein fragment complementation assays for high-throughput and high-content screening. This invention provides a novel approach to drug discovery, enabling the identification of compounds that influence cellular pathways. The assays can be run in high-throughput or high-content mode, utilizing automated screening of diverse compound libraries. Utilizing cDNA library screening and prior knowledge of specific pathways, the methods allow researchers to select suitable interacting protein pairs and appropriate PCA reporters. This flexibility makes it a valuable platform for screening compounds from various libraries, including combinatorial, natural product, and peptide libraries.

Another key patent by Westwick centers on fragment complementation assays specifically for G-protein-coupled receptors and their signaling pathways. This invention outlines a method to screen candidate drugs or biological extracts to identify agents that activate or inhibit these important receptors and pathways. By employing fluorescent protein fragment complementation assays, researchers can ascertain the effects of various compounds on the pathways of interest, facilitating the identification of drug leads that modulate G-protein-coupled pathways.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, John has worked with notable organizations, including Odyssey Thera Inc. and Signal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. His roles at these companies have allowed him to advance his research and collaborate on essential projects aimed at improving drug discovery techniques.

Collaborations

John K. Westwick has collaborated with distinguished colleagues such as Marnie L. MacDonald and Stephen William Watson Michnick. These collaborations have contributed to the breadth and depth of his research efforts in the field of biochemistry and pharmacology.

Conclusion

John K. Westwick is a noteworthy inventor whose contributions have significantly impacted drug discovery processes. His innovative approaches, particularly in the realm of protein fragment complementation assays, continue to play a crucial role in identifying potential therapeutic agents. As he progresses in his career, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the future advancements he will bring to the field.