Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1987-1988
Title: The Innovations of Ted F Schaefer
Introduction
Ted F Schaefer is a notable inventor based in Collegeville, PA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the purification and immunogenicity of hepatitis B surface antigens. With a total of two patents to his name, Schaefer's work has had a profound impact on vaccine development.
Latest Patents
Schaefer's latest patents include a method for the purification of hepatitis pre-S antigens by polymerized serum albumin. This innovative process involves a rapid and efficient two-step chromatographic method. Yeast cells expressing recombinant pre-S-HBsAg are disrupted, and the cell contents are clarified and separated using polymerized human serum albumin affinity chromatography. The pre-S-HBsAg is further purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography with butyl agarose, resulting in a product that is greater than 90% pure.
Another significant patent focuses on the immunogenicity of HBsAg derived from transformed yeast. The surface antigen protein of the human Hepatitis B virus is synthesized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a 23,000-26,000 dalton polypeptide, which is essentially free of intermolecular disulfide bonds. This antigen is known to be a poor immunogen in both animals and humans. Schaefer's work describes the first example of converting this non-disulfide bonded antigen into a fully intermolecular disulfide bonded particle in vitro. This conversion enhances the immunogenicity of the antigen by approximately tenfold, making it practical to produce hepatitis B surface antigen from microorganisms using recombinant DNA methods.
Career Highlights
Ted F Schaefer is currently associated with Merck & Company, Inc., where he continues to contribute to advancements in biotechnology and vaccine development. His innovative approaches have paved the way for more effective treatments and preventive measures against hepatitis B.
Collaborations
Schaefer has collaborated with notable colleagues such as E Dale Lehman and William J McAleer, further enhancing the impact of his research through teamwork and shared expertise.
Conclusion
Ted F Schaefer's contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the purification and immunogenicity of hepatitis B surface antigens, highlight his role as a significant inventor. His work continues to influence vaccine development and improve public health outcomes.