Ryogen obtains two new patents on human genes

The two new patents cover isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2, vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments and methods of using these fragments to obtain the coded proteins and to diagnose, treat, prevent or ameliorate a pathological disorder.

James Ryan, chief scientist of Ryogen, said: “The claimed genes are directed to proteins, which are thought to play important roles in serious human diseases. Human lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 is one of the enzymes that can initiate synthesis of proinflammatory mediators. The enzyme appears to play a central role in the development of atherosclerosis and is regarded as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.”

Valeria Poltorak, Ryogen’s executive vice president, said: “We are planning to license the newly issued patents and make these genes widely available for research to promote the development of new methods of genetic diagnostics and treatment.”