Mitchell H Finer

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Mitchell H. Finer

Introduction

Mitchell H. Finer is a prominent inventor based in San Carlos, CA, known for his significant contributions to the field of biotechnology. With a total of 12 patents to his name, Finer has made remarkable advancements in viral production and genetic engineering.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents is a method for the production of high titer virus and high efficiency retroviral mediated transduction of mammalian cells. This invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, where retroviral packaging plasmids and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids after stable or transient transfection in mammalian cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in these transfected mammalian cells, which can then transduce a mammalian target cell by cocultivation or supernatant infection. The methods of this invention include the use of the novel retroviral packaging plasmids and vectors to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and human hematopoietic stem cells, with foreign genes at high efficiencies. This invention is particularly useful for the rapid production of high titer viral supernatants and for transducing cells that are resistant to conventional transduction methods. Another notable patent is the hybrid yeast-bacteria cloning system and its uses. This patent discloses a recombinational approach and system for the cloning, manipulation, and delivery of large nucleic acids, utilizing vectors that rely on homologous recombination to mediate the isolation, manipulation, and delivery of large nucleic acid segments.

Career Highlights

Finer has worked with several notable companies, including Cell Genesys, Inc. His work has significantly impacted the biotechnology industry, particularly in the areas of gene therapy and viral vector development.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Finer has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Krisztina M. Zsebo and Deborah A. Farson, contributing to various innovative projects and research initiatives.

Conclusion

Mitchell H. Finer's contributions to biotechnology through his patents and collaborations have paved the way for advancements in viral production and genetic engineering. His work continues to influence the field and inspire future innovations.