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IP Update: Recent RNAi- and microRNA-Related Patents and Patent Applications: Oct 27, 2011

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Title: Short Interfering RNAs Targeted to T-LAK Cell-Originated Protein Kinase Polynucleotide

Patent Number: 8,044,193

Filed: April 1, 2009

Lead Inventor: Yusuke Nakamura, Oncotherapy Science

The invention, the patent's abstract states, comprises an “objective method for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of a [breast cancer]-associated gene that discriminates between [breast cancer] cells and normal cells. In another embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of a [breast cancer]-associated gene that discriminates among [breast cancer] cells, between [ductal carcinoma in situ] and [invasive ductal carcinoma] cells.”

The invention further comprises a “means for predicting and preventing breast cancer metastasis using [breast cancer]-associated genes having unique altered expression patterns in breast cancer cells with lymph-node metastasis. Finally, the ... invention provides methods of screening for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of breast cancer, methods of treating breast cancer, and method for vaccinating a subject against breast cancer.”


Title: Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acids

Application Number: 20110256088

Filed: April 6, 2011

Lead Inventor: Yin Ren, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

“Aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for delivering nucleic acids to target cells,” the patent application's abstract states.


Title: Amino Lipids and Methods for the Delivery of Nucleic Acids

Application Number: 20110256175

Filed: Oct. 9, 2009

Lead Inventor: Michael Hope, University of British Columbia (Tekmira Pharmaceuticals)

The invention provides “superior compositions and methods for the delivery of therapeutic agents to cells,” according to the patent application's abstract. “In particular, these include novel lipids and nucleic acid-lipid particles that provide efficient encapsulation of nucleic acids and efficient delivery of the encapsulated nucleic acid to cells in vivo. The compositions of the ... invention are highly potent, thereby allowing effective knock-down of specific target proteins 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: Chemically Modified Oligonucleotides and Small Molecules for Use in Reducing microRNA Activity Levels and Uses Thereof

Application Number: 20110257244

Filed: Jan. 16, 2009

Lead Inventor: Muthiah Manoharan, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

“This invention relates generally to chemically modified oligonucleotides useful for modulating activity of microRNAs and pre-microRNAs,” the patent application's abstract states. “More particularly, the invention relates to single stranded chemically modified oligonucleotides for inhibiting microRNA and pre-microRNA activity and to methods of making and using the modified oligonucleotides.”


Title: RNAi-Mediated Inhibition of HIF1A for Treatment of Ocular Angiogenesis

Application Number: 20110257246

Filed: May 23, 2011

Lead Inventor: Jon Chatterton, Alcon

“RNA interference is provided for inhibition of HIF1A mRNA expression for treating patients with ocular angiogenesis, particularly for treating retinal edema, diabetic retinopathy, sequela associated with retinal ischemia, posterior segment neovascularization, and neovascular glaucoma, and for treating patients at risk of developing such conditions,” the patent application's abstract states.


Title: RNAi-Mediated Inhibition of TNFa Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Ocular Angiogenesis

Application Number: 20110257248

Filed: June 27, 2011

Lead Inventor: Jon Chatterton, Alcon

“RNA interference is provided for inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by silencing TNF-alpha cell surface receptor TNF receptor-1 mRNA expression, or by silencing TNF-alpha converting enzyme mRNA expression,” the patent application's abstract states. “Silencing such TNF-alpha targets, in particular, is useful for treating patients having a TNF-alpha-related condition or at risk of developing a TNF-alpha-related condition, such as ocular angiogenesis, retinal ischemia, and diabetic retinopathy.”

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