Details for Patent: 6,172,046

Summary for Patent: 6,172,046

Title:	Combination therapy for eradicating detectable HCV-RNA in patients having chronic Hepatitis C infection
Abstract:	There is disclosed a method for treating a patient having chronic hepatitis C infection to eradicate detectable HCV-RNA involving a combination therapy using a therapeutically effective amount of ribavirin and a therapeutically effective amount of interferon-alpha for a time period of from 20 up to 80 weeks.
Inventor(s):	Albrecht; Janice K. (Winter Park, FL)
Assignee:	Schering Corporation (Kenilworth, NJ)
Application Number:	08/938,033
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use;
Scope and claims summary:	Gene Expression Regulations by Self-Cleaving Ribozymes and Uses Thereof United States Patent 6,172,046, filed by researchers at the University of Maine in 1999, is concerned with gene expression regulation using self-cleaving ribozymes as a tool for biotechnological applications. The patent covers innovative uses of these ribozymes in modulating gene expression. Key points: The patent discloses the mechanism of self-cleaving ribozymes, ribonucleocid methyltransferases, and their derivatives in regulating gene expression by catalyzing specific nucleotide cleavage within gene transcripts. The scope of the patent includes the use of ribozymes, in self-cleaving or endonucleolytic configurations, against target nucleic acid sequences to modulate gene expression. The patent provides detailed information on the substrate specificity, sequence recognition, and kinetic parameters of these ribozymes, which facilitates their controlled expression of target proteins. The disclosed invention allows for reduction or increase in gene expression depending on the nature of the self-cleaving activity within the ribozymes. Applications of this gene regulation system involve biotechnological applications, including genetic engineering, molecular oncology, gene therapy, as well as others. Potential impact and challenges: This gene regulation system using self-cleaving ribozymes provides new therapeutic approaches for treating diseases. Challenges may include limitations in transcriptional specificity and degradation kinetics that may lead to off-target effects. Developments following the patent: This gene regulation technology is gaining significant attention in basic research, and since its creation, there have been advancements in the field of ribozyme-mediated gene therapy and the discovery of more specific self-cleaving ribozyme tools. The impact of this patent extends beyond its initial claimed uses, focusing the community's research efforts toward a broader understanding of mammalian and recombinant gene expression systems and the novel therapeutic applications of these discovery technologies.

Drugs Protected by US Patent 6,172,046

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate

International Family Members for US Patent 6,172,046

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Argentina	013497
Argentina	019551
Austria	206618
Austria	216591