Patents & Applications
Under the leadership of our Founding Director, Dr. Howard Y. Chang, the Stanford RNA Medicine Program has developed a strategic patent portfolio in RNA therapeutics—especially in the area of circular RNA technologies designed to enhance protein expression and fine-tune immune responses. This includes foundational patents such as U.S. Patent No. 11,814,627 and a growing number of filings from 2022 and onward, all supporting the program’s mission to accelerate translation of RNA discoveries into real-world clinical impact.
Genetic elements driving circular RNA translation and methods of use
US 11,560,567 B2
Provided herein are recombinant circular RNA (circRNA) molecules comprising an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) operably linked to a protein-coding nucleic acid sequence. The IRES includes at least one RNA secondary structure element; and a sequence region that is complementary to an 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Methods of producing a protein in a cell using the recombinant circRNA molecules are also provided.
Circular rnas and their use in immunomodulation
US 11,814,627 B2
Compositions and methods of modulating an innate immune response with circular RN As are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods for modifying an RNA by circularization and the use of circular RNAs generated with exogenous intrans to stimulate an innate immune response or circular RNAs generated with endogenous intrans to prevent immune recognition of foreign RNA.
Circular rna modification and methods of use
US 2022/0288176 Al
Provided herein are methods of generating a recombinant circular RNA molecule that comprises at least one N6-methyladenosine (m6A) . The m6A-modified circRNA may be used to deliver a substance to a cell and to sequester an RNA-binding protein in a cell. Methods for modulating the immunogenicity of a circular RNA also are provided.
Compositions and methods for improved protein translation from recombinant circular rnas
WO 2022/271965 A2
Provided herein are recombinant circular RNA (circRNA) molecules comprising an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) operably linked to a protein-coding nucleic acid sequence. The IRES may be, for example, a Type I IRES, such as a viral IRES. In some embodiments, the IRES is a synthetic IRES, such as an IRES comprising an aptamer. Methods of producing a protein in vitro or in vivo using the recombinant circRNA molecules are also provided.