Patent news

DNA purification technique. DNA Research Innovations (www.dri-dna.co.uk) has been granted a European patent covering charge switch technology (CST), a nucleic acid technique that allows DNA purification without the use of ethanol or chaotropes. CST purifies DNA without precipitation, heating, drying, or the risk of contaminating downstream processes. The technology can be used to lay down a switchable positive charge on a wide range of solid phases. DNA binds to the positive charge and with the addition of a Tris buffer, the charge is switched off, and pure DNA is eluted.

Kinase drug discovery platform. Cellular Genomics (www.cel lulargenomics.com) has been awarded a patent covering engineered protein kinases that use modified substrates. The technology generates mutations in the active site of the kinase enzyme. The modified kinases (ASKAs) retain the function of native kinases, but can be modulated by proprietary analog inhibitors and nucleotide triphosphate analogs for pathway-based drug target identification, cell-based and in vivo target validation, and high-content DNA array-- based drug screens. The company is implementing the platform across all stages of the drug discovery process.

Cloning system.

BD Biosciences (www.bdbio sciences.com) has been granted a patent for their BD Creator gene cloning and expression system. BD Creator allows rapid generation of gene clones to help scientists gain a better understanding of gene function, which could benefit drug discovery efforts. The system uses recombinant-based technology that enables directional, single-step, fast, and precise transfer of genes from a donor vector into a suitably adapted expression vector to study protein-protein interactions, protein localization, specific gene expression patterns, and gene functions. It allows researchers to study hundreds of genes at a time using a variety of host organisms and different assay systems. The cloning system is designed to use PCR fragments created by the company's BD In-Fusion directional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning system.

Small molecule patent. Kosan Biosciences (www.kosan. com) has been issued a U.S. patent claiming the recombinant microorganism used to produce Epothilone D (KOS862), its anticancer product candidate currently in phase 1 clinical trials. "Kosan is the first company to initiate clinical trials with a small molecule drug produced by genetic engineering and to express a heterologous gene cluster this large," said Daniel V. Santi, Kosan's chairman and CEO. The company produces novel polyketides (acetate-related compounds), and metabolites, which include many antibiotics and mycotoxins.