Curiosity is at the heart of invention 💡 🌿💊

I share some special news about my lab's research.

Today, the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) revealed the list of 2023 Fellows, comprised of 162 academic inventors. I am thrilled to be one of them!

Election as an Academy Fellow is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. - National Academy of Inventors

What have I invented?

Over the past decade, I have been issued seven patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), with an additional four patents currently in process (under review).

Research in my laboratory focuses on building a better understanding of the chemistry of nature and how bioactive molecules from plants target different causes of infectious disease. While an insatiable curiosity about the natural world drives my fundamental research, it is my passion for translation to the clinic that keeps me motivated.

My first patent pertained to a composition of ellagic acid glycoside compounds found in blackberry roots. These molecules serve as potent biofilm inhibitors, preventing bacteria from adhering to surfaces.

Why do we care if bacteria stick to surfaces? It is this ability to adhere that makes some microbes resistant to antibiotics. This is especially important for individuals with implanted devices, such as knee or hip replacements, or even IV catheters. These sites are at a greater risk of infection because bacteria tend to adhere to them. My first startup company, PhytoTEK LLC, has partnered with Alira Health to develop a medicated bandage containing these molecules for wound care in chronic, non-healing wounds.

Other patents that I’ve been issued pertain to small molecule inhibitors of bacterial quorum sensing. Quorum sensing is a system of communication that bacteria use to coordinate their behavior.

Why do we care if bacteria communicate? It is through this communication system that they coordinate the production of harmful toxins, which destroy human tissues and enable infections to spread throughout the body, creating serious health challenges and even leading to death. My team and I have discovered molecules that can block this system and render certain bacteria harmless. This technology has been licensed to my second startup company, Verdant Scientific, for the development of a first-in-class drug for atopic dermatitis, or eczema.

My most recent issued patent pertains to a potent antifungal molecule that is also effective against highly drug-resistant bacteria implicated in wound infections. My hope is to see this developed into a drug to treat everything from minor scrapes to battlefield wounds.

On the horizon, other patents include new technologies for treating viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

Why is it important to patent inventions?

The path from laboratory discovery to a new medicine is long, arduous, and costly. Some estimates suggest that it can cost between $800 million and $1 billion USD to take a drug from the lab to FDA-approved use in the clinic. As you can imagine, due to the significant expense and highly risky nature of pharmaceutical research and development, companies are only willing to invest funds and expertise into inventions that have a strongly protected intellectual property stake. Simply put, without patents, new medicines aren't possible.

The Takeaway

I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the recognition of being named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. The path to invention is based on years of hard work in the lab, and I hold deep gratitude for the incredible team members in my lab, both past and present. Many of them are named inventors, along with me, on these patents.

If you would like to support future discoveries, we are always appreciative of donations to our research account. Tax deductible donations can be made at Emory University secure giving website. If you prefer to send a gift through standard mail, print a gift form, add the appeal code W6CCQ.

Yours in health, Dr. Quave

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Cassandra L. Quave, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, speaker, podcast host, wife, mother, explorer, and professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She teaches college courses and leads a group of research scientists studying medicinal plants to find new life-saving drugs from nature. She hosts the Foodie Pharmacology podcast and writes the Nature’s Pharmacy newsletter to share the science behind natural medicines. To support her effort, consider a paid or founding subscription, with founding members receiving an autographed 1st edition hardcover copy of her book, The Plant Hunter.

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