Archemix is Granted Two European Patents for the Identification and Use of Therapeutic Aptamers

14-Mar-2007

Archemix Corp. announced the issuance of two key, broad patents by the European Patent Office ("EPO"). The patents, EP 0 786 469 and EP 0 668 931, broadly cover methods for the identification and use of aptamers for therapeutic applications. These claims are the foundation for the fundamental methods of selecting aptamer therapeutics using the SELEX platform. Diagnostic claims were also allowed in this action. The diagnostic rights are owned by Archemix collaborator SomaLogic.

ARC1779 represents a novel therapeutic principle - the reduction of platelet aggregation and thrombosis by inhibition of von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Previously completed experiments in human blood samples and in animal models of disease have shown that ARC1779 binds specifically to activated vWF and blocks the binding of vWF to blood platelets, resulting in the inhibition of platelet-dependent clot formation at sites of arterial vessel injury, while preserving normal platelet function and blood clotting in the remainder of the body.

Specifically, EP 0 668 931 includes claims that cover methods for identifying aptamers with improved characteristics such as decreased size, improved stability, improved target binding, resistance to clearance, the capability to cross tissue or cell membrane barriers, or the ability to modify the biological activity of the target.

EP 0 786 469 includes claims that cover the use of aptamers in the manufacture of a therapeutic agent. Specific uses of therapeutic aptamers covered by EP 0 786 469 include uses wherein the aptamer modifies, e.g., inhibits or activates, a function of the target molecule, affects the catalytic activity of enzymes, affects the functionality of protein receptors, affects the formation of protein multimers, inhibits binding to receptors, modifies the specificity of binding to receptors, modifies hormone action, modifies the transport properties of proteins, or acts as a drug delivery vehicle.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/62737/archemix-is-granted-two-european-patents-for-the-identification-and-use-of-therapeutic-aptamers.html