Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Idera lands patents for synthetic DNA

Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc. has won five patents worldwide related to its so-called immune modulatory oligonucleotides, which are synthetic DNA-based compounds intended to treat diseases.

The patents expand the Cambridge-based biotech firm's claims on the use of the DNA-based compounds to target Toll-like receptors, a family of proteins linked to immune responses in the body, company officials said. Included where two U.S. patents, two European patents, and one Australian patent.

Idera (Nasdaq: IDRA) said it has more than 220 issued or pending patients worldwide to cover compounds that target Toll-like receptors. With 38 employees, the firm reported a 2007 net loss of $13.2 million on revenue of $7.98 million.