Patent ID: 7915399
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: A61P,C12N

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a chemically modified double-stranded short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecule that directs cleavage of a target RNA via RNA interference and has reduced immunostimulatory properties compared to a corresponding siNA molecule having unmodified nucleotides, said method comprising: (a) introducing 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe) nucleotides in one or more of the nucleotide positions of the siNA molecule, wherein (b) assaying the siNA molecule of step (a) under conditions suitable for isolating an siNA molecule having reduced immunostimulatory properties compared to a corresponding siNA molecule having unmodified nucleotides wherein said reduced immunostimulatory properties comprise an abrogated or reduced induction of inflammatory or pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or an abrogated or reduced induction of Toll Like Receptors (TLRs) in response to the siNA being introduced in a cell, tissue, or organism.