Targeted Genetics Corporation announced today issuance of U.S. patent #6,887,463, entitled, "Methods and Compositions for Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Defects in Lipoprotein Metabolism."
This patent covers adenovirus AAV (Ad-AAV) hybrid vectors encoding the receptor for very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). These vectors are potentially very efficient and useful in the production of AAV vectors to treat hyperlipidemia. The Ad-AAV hybrid vector covered by this patent could also be used as a standalone therapeutic. The patent was issued to University of Pennsylvania and is exclusively licensed to Targeted Genetics.
"Today's patent is an important addition to our preclinical hyperlipidemia program, which is designed to evaluate a number of therapeutic gene candidates delivered by AAV vectors, including the receptor for VLDL, an important receptor for regulating lipid levels including cholesterol in blood," said Barrie J. Carter, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Targeted Genetics.
"AAV vectors have become one of the most promising systems for gene delivery, due to AAV's many characteristics that make it broadly applicable to in vivo prevention and treatment of a number of diseases," said H. Stewart Parker, president and chief executive officer of Targeted Genetics. "Our intellectual property covers a broad range of AAV assets, and places Targeted Genetics in a leadership position in the field. We believe that our AAV technology and manufacturing expertise sets us apart and will continue to be major assets in our future product development and partnering activities."