Benitec locks in US and UK patents for RNAi tech

Gene silencing company Benitec has locked in place US and UK patents for the technology which underpins a recent global licensing pact signed by the Brisbane biotech.

The patents cover Benitec's method for silencing genes using DNA-directed RNA interference ddRNAi.

Both patents contain world-first claims that describe the effect of RNAi in human cells and the DNA constructs which trigger RNAi, according to the company. Granting of the patents opens the way for the company to secure further commercialisation opportunities, add to its licensing partners and expand its efforts to develop ddRNAi targets for drug development, said chairman and CEO John McKinley.

Benitec's gene silencing IP was central to the breakthrough global licensing agreement it signed in April giving US life sciences supplier Promega Corp exclusive rights to develop, sell and distribute products based on Benitec's propriety technology.

One reason for the importance of RNAi technology to the biopharma industry lies in its claim to be the simplest and most precise method of gene silencing, according to Benitec R&D director Ken Reed. In addition, the most versatile method for triggering RNAi in human cells is offered by ddRNAi, he said.

Unlike RNAi induction using double-stranded RNA, ddRNAi does not provoke the natural interferon response in cells, he said.

Its versatility extends to manipulating gene silencing for either transient or permanent effect, reducing gene expression or silencing it completely. It also has more versatility in terms of delivery vehicles which provides more options in therapeutics development. And as a bonus, manufacturing costs are significantly less, Reed said.