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IP Update: Recent Patents, Patent Applications Awarded to Rosetta Genomics, Tekmira, Bayer CropScience, and More

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Title: Compositions and Methods for siRNA Inhibition of HIF-1 Alpha

Patent Number: 8,236,775

Filed: Dec. 3, 2009

Lead Inventor: Samuel Reich, University of Pennsylvania (Opko Health)

“RNA interference using small interfering RNAs [that] target HIF-1 alpha mRNA inhibit expression of the HIF-1 alpha gene,” according to the patent's abstract. “As HIF-1 alpha is a transcriptional regulator of VEGF, expression of VEGF is also inhibited. Control of VEGF production through siRNA-mediated down-regulation of HIF-1 alpha can be used to inhibit angiogenesis, particularly in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and many types of cancer.”


Title: microRNAs and Uses Thereof

Patent Number: 8,236,939

Filed: Feb. 8, 2010

Lead Inventor: Isaac Bentwich, Rosetta Genomics

The invention, the patent's abstract states, comprises “polynucleotides associated with prostate and lung cancer. The polynucleotides are miRNAs and miRNA precursors. Related methods and compositions that can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of those medical conditions are disclosed. Also described herein are methods that can be used to identify modulators of prostate and lung cancer.”


Title: siRNA Targeting Glucagon Receptor

Patent Number: 8,236,942

Filed: April 13, 2010

Lead Inventor: Anastasia Khvorova, Dharmacon (Thermo Fisher Scientific)

“Efficient sequence-specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology,” the patent's abstract states. “By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene-silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for GCGR.”


Title: Compositions and Methods for Silencing Apolipoprotein B

Patent Number: 8,236,943

Filed: June 30, 2010

Lead Inventor: Amy Lee, Protiva Biotherapeutics (Tekmira Pharmaceuticals)

The invention, the patent's abstract states, “provides compositions and methods for the delivery of interfering RNAs that silence apoB expression to liver cells. In particular, the nucleic acid-lipid particles provide efficient encapsulation of nucleic acids and efficient delivery of the encapsulated nucleic acid to cells in vivo. The compositions of the present invention are highly potent, thereby allowing effective knockdown of apoB at relatively low doses. In addition, the compositions and methods of the ... invention are less toxic and provide a greater therapeutic index compared to compositions and methods previously known in the art.”


Title: Stress-Related microRNA Molecules and Uses Thereof

Patent Number: 8,237,017

Filed: May 10, 2007

Lead Inventor: Marc Bots, Bayer CropScience

The patent, its abstract states, claims “naturally occurring and synthetic novel stress-related miRNAs … which can be used to modify the stress tolerance of plants.”


Title: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Molecules

Application Number: 20120196925

Filed: June 4, 2010

Lead Inventor: Jennifer Gamble, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology

The invention, the patent application's abstract states, “relates to methods for modulating angiogenesis [by] administering ... one or more miRNA, or precursors, or variants thereof” of a predefined sequence. “Also provided are methods of diagnosis of conditions associated with abnormal angiogenesis, or determining predisposition thereto. Suitable pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.”


Title: Methods and Products for Expression of microRNAs

Application Number: 20120196924

Filed: Dec. 15, 2011

Lead Inventor: Chang-Zheng Chen, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research

“The invention relates to microRNAs, methods of producing microRNAs, and methods for using microRNAs,” the patent application's abstract states.

The Scan

Positive Framing of Genetic Studies Can Spark Mistrust Among Underrepresented Groups

Researchers in Human Genetics and Genomics Advances report that how researchers describe genomic studies may alienate potential participants.

Small Study of Gene Editing to Treat Sickle Cell Disease

In a Novartis-sponsored study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that a CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment targeting promoters of genes encoding fetal hemoglobin could reduce disease symptoms.

Gut Microbiome Changes Appear in Infants Before They Develop Eczema, Study Finds

Researchers report in mSystems that infants experienced an enrichment in Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Finegoldia and a depletion of Bacteroides before developing eczema.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Specificity Enhanced With Stem Cell Editing

A study in Nature suggests epitope editing in donor stem cells prior to bone marrow transplants can stave off toxicity when targeting acute myeloid leukemia with immunotherapy.