Hybridon announced the issuance of a U.S. patent that contains broad claims covering ribozymes with 2'-O-methyl modifications. Ribozymes claimed in this patent are currently under preclinical and clinical evaluations by other companies for treatment of cancer and viral diseases. These ribozymes are also broadly used for gene target validation and functional genomics.

"This important patent is the outcome of pioneering work by Hybridon scientists in modifying ribozymes to improve their properties as drugs and in other applications," said Dr. James B. Wyngaarden, Chairman of Hybridon. "We are pleased that Hybridon's investment in DNA chemistry over the last decade has resulted in the issuance of another key patent, which provides significant new commercial opportunities for the company, and further adds to our patent estate."

U.S. Patent No. 6,204,027, "Ribozymes Having 2'-O-substituted Nucleotides in the Flanking Sequences," owned by the University of Massachusetts and exclusively licensed to Hybridon, contains claims covering hammerhead and hairpin ribozymes comprising one or more 2'-O-methyl-substituted nucleotides in one or both of the ribozyme's flanking regions.