Newly Allowed Claims Demonstrate GeneSegues’ Innovation in Targeted Oligonucleotide Therapeutics
MINNEAPOLIS (08/31/2015) — GeneSegues Therapeutics, a leader in the targeted delivery of RNA and DNA therapeutics in cancer and infectious disease, announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) has issued a Notice of Allowance related to the company’s proprietary GS-10 program, for protection of claims that cover methods of inhibiting the targeted Casein Kinase 2 (“CK2”) enzyme in tumor cells.
This proprietary technology relates to the discovery that modified anti-CK2 single-stranded oligonucleotides encapsulated in non-viral 20 nanometer nanocapsules can be efficiently delivered to the perinuclear region of targeted cells in mouse tumor models, engaging RNAi and RNAseH mechanisms and significantly inhibiting growth of primary as well as metastatic lesions. These findings established the strategy of targeting the important CK2 enzyme using genetic cargo advantageously delivered to intracellular sites of action. “The company’s nanocapsule platform is differentiated from other delivery technologies in terms of size, structure, and versatility, and provides GeneSegues and its partners unique pathways to address cancer and other serious diseases,” said Dr. Gretchen M. Unger, Chief Scientific Officer.
“GeneSegues continues to build and strengthen its intellectual property position,” said Laura Brod, Chief Executive Officer. “This Notice of Allowance is another important milestone in the development of our lead cancer drug candidate, which has the potential to be transformative for patients with cancer, and we plan to continue to extend further protections on our therapeutic and drug delivery technologies.” GeneSegues’ patent portfolio includes claims directed to protections around sub-50 nanometer nanocapsule technology and targeted cancer therapies.
Following a Notice of Allowance, the process resulting in final issuance of a patent involves several administrative steps that are typically completed within a year. The issued patent from this application will provide an exclusivity period through January 2028.
About GS-10
GS-10 is a single-stranded RNA/DNA therapeutic encapsulated in tumor-targeted sub-50 nanometer nanocapsules for the treatment of primary and metastatic solid tumors. GS-10 is being developed in a series of IND-directed studies, including studies funded through an SBIR contract with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, aimed at bringing the therapeutic into Phase I clinical trials.
About GeneSegues Therapeutics
Minneapolis-based GeneSegues is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the innovation of RNA- and DNA-based therapeutics, incorporating GeneSegues’ sub-50 nanometer (s50) nanocapsule technology platform. The company is using its novel 50 platform to develop proprietary cancer therapeutics and partnered genetic therapeutics and vaccines using intravenous, subcutaneous and topical delivery approaches.
