Sirna Granted U.S. Patent Covering Synthesis and Manufacturing of RNA
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Sirna Therapeutics, Inc. has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have granted Sirna U.S. Patent No. 6,989,442 for the chemical synthesis and manufacturing of ribonucleic acids (RNA).
The patent broadly covers a process for the synthesis, deprotection and purification of nucleic acids with one or more ribonucleotides.
The patent further expands Sirna's position in the area of synthesis and manufacturing of GMP quality RNA which is required for both chemically modified and unmodified siRNA-based therapeutics.
"The process detailed in this patent was invented and developed by the team here at Sirna," stated Chandra Vargeese, PhD, Sirna's Vice President of Chemistry.
"One of the great challenges in developing siRNA-based therapeutics is efficient manufacturing of large quantities of GMP quality RNA at commercially viable costs."
"Sirna has made tremendous progress in overcoming this challenge through its pioneering research in the chemistry, process development and manufacturing of oligonucleotides."
"The manufacture of a siRNA requires a 150 step chemical synthesis. We have achieved chemical yields in excess of 60% while maintaining high purity. This chemical yield is unparalleled in the area of oligonucleotide synthesis and clearly establishes Sirna as the world leader in RNA chemistry and manufacturing."
"This patent adds to our 48 issued and over 240 pending patent applications covering all aspects of siRNA technology," stated Bharat Chowrira, PhD, Sirna's Vice President, Legal Affairs and Chief Patent Counsel.
"This new patent expands Sirna's broad coverage on the processes for the efficient synthesis and manufacturing of RNA and strengthens Sirna's leadership position in the development of RNAi-based therapeutics."
