Title: Modified Polynucleotides for Reducing Off-Target Effects in RNA Interference
Number: 20050223427
Filed: Dec. 22, 2004
Inventor: Devin Leake, Dharmacon
The patent application, its abstract states, covers "methods and compositions for performing RNA interference with decreased off-target effects. The methods and compositions permit effective and efficient applications of RNA interference to applications such as diagnostics and therapeutics through the use of modifications to the siRNA. Uniquely modified siRNAs have been developed that reduce off-target effects incurred in gene-silencing," the abstract notes. "The modifications comprise 2'-O-alkyl or mismatch modification(s) at specific positions on the sense and/or antisense strands."
Title: Topical Administration of At Least One Double-Stranded RNA Oligonucleotide
Number: 20050222071
Filed: Dec. 2, 2004
Inventor: Albert Duranton, L'Oreal
The patent application, its abstract states, claims "expression of a messenger RNA which encodes a protein which is expressed by differentiated cells, notably the cells of the skin or appendages thereof, is inhibited by topically administering to said differentiated cells a thus effective amount of at least one double-stranded RNA oligonucleotide, formulated into a topically applicable, physiologically acceptable medium therefore.
"Such regime or regimen is useful for treating a variety of afflictions or conditions, e.g., combating the signs of skin aging, stimulating hair growth or retarding loss thereof, inhibiting cellular proliferation and/or differentiation, etc.," the abstract adds.
Title: RNA Interference-Mediated Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Gene Expression Using Short Interfering Nucleic Acid
Number: 20050222066
Filed: Oct. 12, 2004
Inventor: Ivan Richards, Sirna Therapeutics
"This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating VEGF and/or VEGFR gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid molecules," the patent application's abstract states. "This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of VEGF and/or VEGFR gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid, short interfering RNA, double-stranded RNA, microRNA, and short hairpin RNA molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of VEGF and/or VEGFR genes."
Title: Polycationic Compositions for Cellular Delivery of Polynucleotides
Number: 20050222064
Filed: July 9, 2004
Inventor: Chandra Vargeese, Sirna Therapeutics
"The … invention relates to delivery of biologically active molecules to cells," the patent application's abstract states. "Specifically, the invention relates to polycationic compositions, polymers, and methods for delivering nucleic acids, polynucleotides, and oligonucleotides such as RNA, DNA, and analogs thereof, including short interfering RNA, ribozymes, and antisense, or peptides, polypeptides, proteins, antibodies, hormones, and small molecules, to cells by facilitating transport across cellular membranes, epithelial tissues, and endothelial tissues. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in therapeutic, research, and diagnostic applications that rely upon the efficient transfer of biologically active molecules into cells, tissues, and organs."
Title: Means and Methods for the Specific Inhibition of Genes in Cells and Tissue of the CNS and/or Eye
Number: 20050222061
Filed: April 18, 2005 PCT Filed: April 16, 2003
Inventor: Ralf Wilhelm Schulte, Lynkeus BioTech
"Described is a method for the specific modulation of the expression of target genes in cells and/or tissues of the CNS and/or eye, wherein a composition comprising one or more doubled stranded oligoribonucleotides is introduced into the cell, tissue, or organism outside the blood-brain or blood-retina barriers," according to the patent application's abstract. "Furthermore, a method for the identification and validation of the function of a gene is provided, wherein the method provides a test cell, test tissue or test organism, which allow information to be gained on the function of the target gene. In addition, compositions and kits are described useful for those methods. In particular, components and methods for the diagnostic use and/or therapy of disorders related to the CNS and/or eye are provided which are based on RNA interference."