C9orf72 iRNA Agent Compositions and Methods of Use

ChangeBridge: EPO Bulletin - Biotech (C12N)

Published March 25th, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

The European Patent Office published patent EP4073251A1 for C9orf72 iRNA agent compositions and methods of use, filed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The invention covers RNAi-based therapeutic agents targeting the C9orf72 gene associated with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The patent provides intellectual property protection across 35 designated European member states.

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What changed

The EPO granted patent EP4073251A1 covering human C9orf72 iRNA agent compositions and their methods of use for treating C9orf72-associated neurodegenerative diseases. The patent names 13 inventors and designates 35 European states including all major EU markets. IPC classifications indicate relevance to C12N 15/113 (nucleic acid sequences), A61K 31/713 (therapeutic preparations), and A61P 25/28 (nervous system disorders).

Patent holders and licensees should ensure freedom-to-operate for any RNAi-based programs targeting C9orf72. Research and development teams pursuing ALS or FTD therapeutics should review this patent for potential licensing needs or design-around strategies. No formal compliance deadlines apply to this IP grant.

What to do next

Review patent claims for freedom-to-operate analysis if developing C9orf72 RNAi therapeutics
Evaluate licensing opportunities with Alnylam or Regeneron if pursuing related clinical programs
Monitor patent validation in specific European national phases if seeking national protection

Source document (simplified)

← EPO Patent Bulletin

HUMAN CHROMOSOME 9 OPEN READING FRAME 72 (C9ORF72) IRNA AGENT COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Publication EP4073251A1 Kind: A1 Mar 25, 2026

Applicants

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Inventors

FISHILEVICH, Elane, MILSTEIN, Stuart, BROWN, Kirk, ZIMMERMANN, Tracy, MCININCH, James, D., FRENDEWEY, David, CHIAO, Eric, SHARMA-KANNING, Aarti, GAGLIARDI, Anthony, DROGUETT, Gustavo, DUBOSE, Brittany, ZAMBROWICZ, Brian

IPC Classifications

C12N 15/113 20100101AFI20260217BHEP A61K 31/713 20060101ALI20260217BHEP A61P 25/28 20060101ALI20260217BHEP

Designated States

AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR

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