Small interfering RNA (“siRNA”) therapy uses small molecules designed to pair with the sequence of messenger RNA that encodes disease-related proteins. The biotechnology industry has applied for and received hundreds of U.S. patents related to the nanoscale technologies to help with effective siRNA delivery. For example, Tekmira Pharmaceuticals has a patent portfolio for its lipidoid nanoparticle siRNA delivery technology, while Arrowhead Research has obtained patents covering its RONDEL platform of self-assembled siRNA-containing nanoparticles. This article summarizes some of the most visible siRNA delivery technologies and their patents in the current landscape.
This article originally appeared in volume 11, issue 1 of Nanotechnology Law & Business, www.nanolabweb.com. All rights reserved.