Fiscal Year:
2008
Title:
New Reagents for Synthesizing Nuclease-resistant siRNA
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
1R43GM084552-01
Award Amount:
$199,202.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The siRNA molecule needs better protection from nuclease degradation before it can be effectively used as a therapeutic. AM Biotechnologies (AM) will address this critical issue by developing ribonucleoside thiophospho
ramidite (ABz, CBz, GIbu and U) reagents that will enable synthesis of phosphorodithioate siRNA (PS2-siRNA). This synthesized PS2-siRNA will significantly increase siRNA nuclease resistance; lower Tm, which could help the activated RISC unwind siRNA; and e
nhance the pharmacokinetic properties of siRNA. The PS2-siRNA will also be achiral at phosphorus, which will eliminate the variable biochemical, biophysical, and biological properties of diastereomeric phosphoromonothioate substituted siRNAs (PS-siRNAs). I
n this Phase I SBIR project, AM will: 1) develop the chemistry and optimize the conditions to produce four ribonucleoside thiophosphoramidites (ABz, CBz, GIbu and U); 2) demonstrate high coupling yield (gt97%) in the synthesis of PS2-siRNAs; and 3) evaluat
e PS2-siRNA gene silencing effect in vitro. In Phase II, AM will perform the research required to (a) scale reagent production up to commercial quantities and purity; (b) optimize a robust protocol for synthesis of PS2-siRNA; (c) systematically evaluate th
e positional effect of PS2 modification on siRNA activity in mammalian cells; (d) examine the bio-distribution of PS2-siRNA; and (e) fully characterize the pharmacokinetic properties of PS2-siRNA. AM in Phase II may also offer for sale limited quantities o
f research-grade reagents for market beta testing. Upon successful completion of Phase II, AM will work with its industry partners to commercialize the ribonucleoside thiophosphoramidites (R-thioamidites) and enable the entire life science community to ben
efit from the use of these unique reagents.
Small Business Information at Submission:
AM BIOTECHNOLOGIES, LLC
AM BIOTECHNOLOGIES, LLC 12521 Gulf Freeway Houston, TX 77034
EIN/Tax ID:
205252359
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No