US-based biotechnology company Veritas Bio received a patent related to in vivo delivery of nucleic acids from the European Patent Office.
Inventor Dr Pachuk noted the allowed claims cover transfecting nucleic acids into skin or muscle cells under conditions wherein nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding nucleic acids, such as, DNA siRNA, mRNA, oligonucleotides and other nucleic acid molecules are delivered to the liver.
"The delivery of the nucleic acid can be for treating any disease or condition of the liver. These include down regulating endogenous liver genes associated with a disease condition and the genes of liver pathogens and the promoters of these genes.
"The allowed claims also cover the delivery of DNA, expression vectors, mRNA and vectors encoding mRNA for gene therapy. This proprietary technology is applicable for the rapid development of RNA therapeutics for the treatment of infectious liver diseases and other liver diseases," added Pachuk.
Pachuk said the company's technology solves one of the biggest hurdles for the development of RNAi and other nucleic acid-based drugs by providing a safe and effective delivery system for effector RNA molecules and other nucleic acid molecules.
"This technology enables the utilization of the body's innate delivery system to transport effector RNA molecules," Dr Pachuk added.
Veritas Bio's new technology allows the utilization of exovesicles that can be targeted to specific cell types and tissues through the use of ligands.
