Singapore, May 14, 2008: Calando Pharmaceuticals, a majority owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation has received Chinese patent called “Methods and compositions for therapeutic use of RNA interference.”

 

The Chinese patent broadly covers all methods of using any RNA interference construct formulated “in a supramolecular complex” to attenuate the expression of any target gene. Supramolecular complex formulations are any that are formed with any type of polymer. The patent also broadly covers all pharmaceutical compositions of matter containing RNAi constructs “adapted for pulmonary or nasal delivery” to the lungs.

 

The therapeutic potential of RNAi-based drugs cannot likely be fulfilled unless they can effectively be delivered to target tissues. The Chinese patent provides a basis for delivery of RNAi-based drugs in patients of the world’s most populous country; and with respect to respiratory pharmaceuticals, the Chinese patent is not limited to any specific mode of siRNA delivery.

 

“We are pleased that the Chinese Patent Office has affirmed the pioneering efforts of Calando in the area of RNAi delivery,” said James Hamilton, Calando’s CEO. “This patent greatly enhances Calando’s dominant international intellectual property position with respect to the delivery of RNAi-based drugs.” Calando’s CALAA-01 has been cleared by the FDA to begin phase I clinical trials and is on track to be the first clinical study using targeted, systemic delivery of siRNA and the first siRNA trial in oncology.”