Title: Eukaryotic Cell Division Genes and Their Use in Diagnosis and Treatment of Proliferative Diseases. Number: 20040048277. Filed: Sept. 8, 2003 (PCT Filed: Nov. 9, 2001). Lead Inventor: Christophe Echeverri, Cenix Bioscience.
According to the patent application’s abstract, the invention “relates to the significant functional role of several C. elegans genes and of their corresponding gene products in cell division and proliferation processes that could be identified by means of RNA-mediated interference, and to the identification and isolation of functional orthologs of said genes including all biologically-active derivatives thereof.”
The abstract adds that the invention “further relates to the use of said gene products (including said orthologs) in the development or isolation of anti-proliferative agents, particularly their use in appropriate screening assays, and their use for diagnosis and treatment of proliferative diseases.”
Title: Compositions and Methods for Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Diseases. Number: 20040049021. Filed: June 4, 2003. Lead Inventor: Kevin Anderson, Isis Pharmaceuticals.
The patent application, its abstract states, covers “antisense oligonucleotides … which are complementary to and hybridizable with at least a portion of HCV RNA and which are capable of inhibiting the function of the HCV RNA.”
The patent application specifically claims a double-stranded “RNA compound between eight and 80 nucleobases in length targeted to HCV genomics or messenger RNA.”