Halo-Bio RNAi Therapeutics Issued U.S. Patent For New Class Of RNAi Trigger

Halo-Bio RNAi Therapeutics, Inc., an early-stage biotechnology company focused on therapeutic applications of RNA interference (RNAi), announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued US Patent 9,200,276 covering polynucleotides that target multiple genes for suppression via RNAi. These multiple target regions may be complementary to a single gene at more than one distinct nucleotide site, or to more than one target gene or target sequence.

The newly issued patent broadly covers multivalent interfering RNA, or "MV-RNA," a new and novel trigger for RNAi. MV-RNA is unique in its ability to suppress multiple genes simultaneously as a single molecule, with precise specificity for each. These MV-RNA may be constituted from the hybridizing of three separate polynucleotides, or formed from a single-stranded transcript that self-hybridizes to form the unique MV-RNA molecular structure. “MV-RNA represent an entirely new RNAi technology for use against cancer, infection diseases and other disorders where multiple genes are responsible for the disease,” said Todd Hauser, Halo-Bio CEO and inventor of the MV-RNA molecule. “This patent issuance strengthens our efforts to develop innovative RNAi-based therapeutics and expand Halo-Bio's platform for multivalent-pathway-based medicine."

RNA interference, or RNAi, is one of the most promising and rapidly advancing approaches to drug discovery and development. Its discovery was heralded as "a major scientific breakthrough that happens once every decade or so," and earned its discoverers the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. However, many problems persist in the development of effective RNAi therapeutics. Traditional RNAi triggers like small interfering RNA (siRNA) have proven to result in significant off-target suppression due to off-target suppression and problems with stability in vivo.

In addition, the use of non-naturally occurring nucleotides and modifications precludes the ability to express the antisense or siRNA sequences in vivo, thereby requiring them to be synthesized and administered afterwards. Additionally, the siRNA duplex exhibits primary efficacy to a single gene and off-target to a secondary gene.

Halo-Bio’s newly-patented MV-RNA technology, however, surmounts these roadblocks through its unique design characteristics and the ability to custom-tailor each molecule to specific gene, cell and tissue targets. Other improvements include better delivery, stability, activation, duration and efficacy. "We expect continued issuances internationally and the advancement of other patent applications,” said Hauser. “This is just the beginning of our long-term effort to innovate the emerging oligonucleotide therapeutics market.”

About Halo-Bio RNAi Therapeutics:

Halo-Bio RNAi Therapeutics, Inc. is a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company developing novel RNAi therapeutics based on its proprietary multivalent RNA (MV-RNA) technology. Halo-Bio has expertise in the design and use of novel multi-targeting (multivalent) activators of RNAi and the development of nanoparticles as a new class of innovative medicines with a core focus pathway-based medicines, including pre-clinical studies for several indications it seeks to enter the clinic. The company’ current programs are directed toward genetically defined targets for the treatment of life-threatening diseases with limited treatment options or a record of poor outcomes. An overview of the Halo-Bio intellectual property, as well as its various applications applications, are provided at the company’s website, www.halo-bio.com ### Media Contact: David Hensel / Innovisory Group email: david@innovisory.com Tel: +1-206-499-2712

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