Lorus Therapeutics Inc announced that the United States Patent Office has allowed a patent, which protects the antimicrobial component of the company's antisense drug development program. The patent titled, 'Antisense Oligonucleotide Sequences As Inhibitors of Microorganisms,' protects Lorus' technology on the design and use of unique antisense, antimicrobial agents that target specific gene sequences.

The patent covers the gene targets, SecA and Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which are necessary for growth and viability of microorganisms. SecA is an important component of a process required for secretion of bacterial proteins, which is an essential event in the life cycle of pathogenic organisms. RNR is a central enzyme in the formation of components required for DNA synthesis and proliferation. Since the functions of these gene products are needed for survival they are ideal targets for drug development strategies.

"An increasing concern over the appearance of drug resistant microorganisms has led to an increased interest in the development of novel antimicrobial therapeutics," said Dr. Jim A. Wright, chief executive officer, Lorus. "This patent and the one recently allowed in Canada and announced on April 9, 2003, provides protection in North America for an antisense antimicrobial discovery program. It is clear that novel therapeutic agents are required to develop new approaches to deal with life threatening infections that resist conventional treatments."