Patent ID: 8883996

Claim:
A formulation comprising an isolated double stranded nucleic acid capable of reducing the expression of a target gene comprising: a first oligonucleotide strand that is 25-30 nucleotides in length and contains 1-3 DNA bases on the 3′ end of the first oligonucleotide strand; and a second oligonucleotide strand that is 25-30 nucleotides in length comprising an overhang of unmodified and/or modified nucleotides and a domain that hybridizes to the first oligonucleotide strand comprising unmodified and modified nucleotides, wherein said second oligonucleotide strand is sufficiently complementary to a target mRNA along at least 19 nucleotides of said second oligonucleotide strand length to reduce target gene expression when said double stranded nucleic acid is introduced into a mammalian cell, wherein said double stranded nucleic acid is present in said formulation in an amount effective to reduce target gene expression when said double stranded nucleic acid is introduced into a mammal or a mammalian cell.