Vical wins new patent for gene-based interferon-omega

Interferon-omega is part of the interferon family of proteins which are naturally produced by the immune system.

This patented gene-based composition was discovered and developed by Vical scientists for a range of potential uses. With Vical’s method, a genetic sequence encoding interferon-omega is delivered into a body tissue or cavity where it enters living cells. Once inside the cells, the genetic sequence is designed to cause the cells to produce interferon-omega protein, which may help direct and control the immune system. The technologies covered by this new patent are available for licensing, the company said.

According to Vical, this patent adds to its family of patents in the US and in other key regions based on the company’s discovery that administering genetic sequences such as DNA or RNA into the body, without the use of viral delivery vehicles, may cause expression of the proteins encoded by the genetic sequences.