The newly granted patent includes 32 claims broadly covering compositions and methods, including pharmaceutical compositions, for small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), the molecules that mediate RNAi. The claims cover siRNA molecules of any length that contain ‘overhang’ and ‘blunt end’ design features, including siRNAs containing chemical modifications and certain novel motifs.
Barry Greene, president and COO of Alnylam, said: “With this progress, we are extending the scope of our comprehensive ‘first-mover’ consolidation of early filed RNAi fundamental patents and patent applications.”