Idera announces issuance of patents for synthetic immune modulatory oligonucleotides targeted to TLRs

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA) today announced the issuance of patents covering compositions and methods of using its synthetic immune modulatory oligonucleotides targeted to Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The Company's intellectual property portfolio currently contains over 500 patents and patent applications worldwide and includes claims for TLR-targeted compounds, second-generation antisense chemistry, and oral delivery of certain oligonucleotides.

“Modulation of Immunostimulatory Properties by Small Oligonucleotide-Based Compounds.”

"We are pleased to have had five new U.S. patents issued that expand the protection of our novel TLR-targeted compounds and their use in generating an immune response," commented Steve Ritter, Ph.D., J.D., Vice President of Intellectual Property and Contracts. "The claims of these recently issued patents are the result of our expertise in making novel chemical modifications to oligonucleotide-based compounds that lead to specific changes in the immune modulatory activity of such compounds."

The recently issued U.S. patents for immune modulatory oligonucleotides include:

• US 7,749,975, entitled "Modulation of Immunostimulatory Properties of Oligonucleotide-Based Compounds by Optimal Presentation of 5'-ends."
• US 7,632,833, entitled "Modulation of Immunostimulatory Properties of Oligonucleotide-Based Compounds by Utilizing Modified Immunostimulatory Dinucleotides."
• US 7,700,570, entitled "Oligonucleotide Mediated Specific Cytokine Induction and Prophylaxis and Treatment of Viral Infection in a Mammal."
• US 7,709,617, entitled "Synergistic Stimulation of the Immune System Using Immunostimulatory Oligonucleotides and/or Immunomer Compounds in Conjunction with Cytokines and/or Chemotherapeutic Agents or Radiation Therapy."
• US 7,713,535, entitled "Modulation of Immunostimulatory Properties by Small Oligonucleotide-Based Compounds."

In addition to the patents for immune modulatory oligonucleotides, the following U.S. patent for antisense oligonucleotides also was recently issued:

• US 7,671,035, entitled "Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antisense Oligonucleotides."

In addition to the recently issued U.S. patents, the Company was granted: AU 2004241093, corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 7,569,554, entitled "Synergistic Treatment of Cancer Using Immunomers in Conjunction with Therapeutic Agents;" AU 2005222909, corresponding to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/078,654, entitled "Enhanced Activity of HIV Vaccine Using a Second Generation Immunomodulatory Oligonucleotide;" JP 4443810, corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 6,815,429, entitled "Modulation of Oligonucleotide CpG-Mediated Immune Stimulation by Positional Modification of Nucleosides;" and MK 903127, corresponding to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/153,054, entitled "Immunostimulatory Oligonucleotide Multimers."