Intradigm Announces Issuance of Key Patent Related to Enhancing Efficacy and
Potency of RNAi Therapeutics
Zamore Patent Covers Methods for Enhancing RNAi Structural Features and
Strengthens Intradigm's Competitive Position
PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Intradigm Corporation, a leading
developer of targeted, systemic RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, today
announced the issuance of United States patent 7,459,547, entitled "Methods
and Compositions for Controlling Efficacy of RNA Silencing." The issued
patent, which is based on the seminal research of Philip Zamore, Ph.D., the
Gretchen Stone Cook Chair of Biomedical Sciences and Professor of Biochemistry
& Molecular Pharmacology at University of Massachusetts Medical School,
generally claims methods of enhancing the RNA silencing activity of an RNAi
agent through certain structural modifications in various cell types,
including mammalian. The issued claims not only focus on siRNA but also
include specific claims directed to micro RNA (miRNA), pre-miRNA, and short
hairpin RNA (shRNA). This patent issues from a portfolio of several
applications disclosing efficacy-enhancing methods and structural elements of
RNAi therapeutics that Intradigm has exclusively licensed from the University
of Massachusetts Medical School.
"There is little dispute among those involved in the RNAi sector that
proper siRNA structure and design is taking on an increasingly important role
in the development of next generation RNAi therapeutics," said James Topper,
M.D., Ph.D., general partner at Frazier Healthcare Ventures and chairman of
Intradigm's board of directors. "Accordingly, the siRNA structure claims of
this issued patent provide Intradigm with another important tool in the
company's efforts to realize the tremendous therapeutic promise of RNA
interference."
"Ongoing scientific research has highlighted the importance of siRNA
structure as a critical component of an effective RNAi therapeutic and the
issuance of this patent provides Intradigm with a significant competitive
advantage in this area," said Mike Riley, Intradigm's vice president of
intellectual property and corporate development. "For Intradigm, this patent
becomes even more valuable when combined with the company's proprietary RNAi
sequences and delivery technologies. Ultimately, access to this intellectual
property will allow Intradigm to create a high value pipeline of well-
protected products developed by incorporating novel, enhanced RNAi sequences
into the company's innovative RNAi delivery systems."
Intradigm possesses one of the industry's strongest RNAi IP positions
including key assets strategically licensed from both the University of
Massachusetts Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT). The company's IP estate of issued patents and pending applications
broadly covers structural features for a next generation of RNAi molecules,
biodegradable polycationic polymers for the delivery of RNAi therapeutics, and
proprietary siRNA sequence applications.
ABOUT INTRADIGM
Intradigm is a private biotechnology company committed to the discovery,
development and delivery of targeted, systemic RNA interference (RNAi)
therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases with an initial focus on
oncology. Intradigm is unique, among private companies, with its comprehensive
RNAi therapeutics platform consisting of structural features for next-
generation of RNAi molecules, biodegradable polycationic polymers for the
delivery of RNAi therapeutics and proprietary siRNA sequence applications. Our
proprietary delivery technology is unique in its potential to offer safe and
effective systemic administration using a library of novel peptide-based
biodegradable polymers.
We have established an impressive proprietary portfolio of siRNA sequences
against more than 50 highly valued oncology and other disease targets. In
addition, we have secured an exclusive license to the Zamore patent family
from the University of Massachusetts, which covers broad structural features
of siRNA design for more potent next generation siRNA sequences. Our goal is
to grow Intradigm to become a leading company in enabling the development of
novel RNAi therapeutics against a broad range of therapeutic targets using our
siRNA sequences and delivery technology.
For more information on Intradigm, please visit http://www.intradigm.com.
SOURCE Intradigm Corporation
Phil Haworth of Intradigm Corporation, +1-650-855-1514,
phaworth@intradigm.com; or investors, Stephanie Diaz,
sdiaz@vidacommunication.com, or media, Tim Brons,
tbrons@vidacommunication.com, both of Vida Communication, +1-415-675-7400, for
Intradigm Corporation
