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Biotech / Medical : Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: SemiBull who wrote (3175)	12/12/2001 7:34:44 PM
From: SemiBull	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 4676

Isis Pharmaceuticals Receives Key Antisense Technology Patent - New Patent Strengthens Isis' Functional Genomics and RNase H Intellectual Property Portfolio biz.yahoo.com CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISIP - news) announced today the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted the company an additional key patent covering the activity of antisense inhibitors that work through the RNase H mechanism. The patent covers modified antisense agents that activate any RNase H used for functional genomics screening activities in cells. RNase H is a cellular enzyme that degrades RNA when antisense inhibitors bind to RNA. The patent adds to Isis' substantial intellectual property position in antisense gene functionalization and target validation. The issued patent, U.S. Patent 6,326,199, covers a method of modifying RNA in a cell containing RNase H with antisense inhibitors that have a DNA component that can utilize the RNase H mechanism, and have been modified to have nuclease resistance and increased binding properties. Such antisense inhibitors are widely used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry for functional genomics purposes. The inventors of this patent are Phillip Dan Cook and Brett P. Monia of Isis Pharmaceuticals. ``As the leader in antisense technology, Isis has worked diligently to establish a broad intellectual property portfolio that covers the use of antisense for gene functionalization, target validation and drug discovery and development,'' said B. Lynne Parshall, Isis' Executive Vice President. ``We believe this patent estate is an invaluable asset to the company and our shareholders. We continue to leverage our intellectual property estate to generate new collaborative relationships for Isis' GeneTrove(TM) division, and to generate licensing revenues from companies that recognize the value of using antisense in their own internally-based research programs.'' This patent is one in a suite of issued patents and patent applications that broadly cover the RNase H mechanism of action of antisense and the use of antisense inhibitors as a genomics tool for understanding gene function and for validating genes as good drug targets. Isis' functional genomics patent suite is comprised of approximately 50 patents and applications. The company's functional genomics suite of patents represents a subset of Isis' overall intellectual property estate of nearly 900 issued patents that Isis owns or exclusively licenses, covering RNA-based drug discovery and development. This functional genomics suite of patents broadly covers the use of RNA/DNA oligonucleotides, or antisense inhibitors, in gene functionalization and target validation, including: chemistries; antisense inhibitor designs called ``motifs;'' methods of use of antisense inhibitors; and mechanisms of action by which antisense inhibitors inactivate an RNA target. Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is exploiting its expertise in RNA to discover and develop novel human therapeutic drugs. The company has commercialized its first product, Vitravene® (fomivirsen), to treat CMV-induced retinitis in AIDS patients. In addition, Isis has 13 products in its development pipeline with two in Phase III and seven in Phase II human clinical trials. ISIS 3521, an inhibitor of PKC-alpha, is in Phase III trials for non-small cell lung cancer and as discussed in this release alicaforsen (ISIS 2302), an ICAM-1 inhibitor, is also in Phase III trials for Crohn's disease. Isis has a broad patent estate as the owner or exclusive licensee of nearly 900 issued patents worldwide. Isis' GeneTrove(TM) division uses antisense to assist pharmaceutical industry partners in validating and prioritizing potential gene targets through customized services and access to an extensive gene function database. Ibis Therapeutics(TM) is a division focused on the discovery of small molecule drugs that bind to RNA. Additional information about Isis is available at www.isip.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the intellectual property position of Isis Pharmaceuticals' Inc. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, particularly those inherent in the process of conducting functional genomics activities and in discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics and financing such activities. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in this release. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Isis' research and development programs are described in additional detail in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10Q, for the period ended September 30, 2001, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the company. Vitravene® is a trademark of Novartis AG. GeneTrove(TM) and Ibis Therapeutics(TM) are trademarks of Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. SOURCE: Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.