Zylem Biosciences, Inc.

CHICAGO , Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zylem Biosciences, a company specializing in cancer and cardiovascular therapeutics, announced that Northwestern University has filed a lawsuit against Moderna, alleging infringement of key patents related to mRNA vaccine technologies. The lawsuit, filed on October 16, 2024 , in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware , asserts that Moderna has unlawfully utilized patented Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) technologies developed at Northwestern University . These technologies have been critical to the success of mRNA vaccines, including those used in combating COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to the claim, Moderna’s use of these LNP technologies infringes on multiple patents owned by Northwestern University and licensed to Zylem Biosciences. The lawsuit seeks damages to prevent further unauthorized use of the patented innovations but does not seek any injunctive relief. Northwestern University is a world-renowned research institution that fosters and creates important progress in biomedical research and medicine. Each year, Northwestern is ranked as one of the most innovative universities in the world. The patented technologies in question include breakthroughs in synthetic LNP technology, which overcame challenges in delivering mRNA to cellular targets. For decades, mRNA was considered too prone to degradation and its functional delivery impractical. Given these challenges, the turning point for the COVID-19 vaccine technology was not the modified mRNA itself but the critical LNP vehicle needed to deliver that mRNA into cells. The LNP technologies that overcame these challenges were invented at Northwestern University by researchers including Drs. C. Shad Thaxton and Kaylin McMahon , who are also co-founders of Zylem Biosciences. Moderna understood the need for a vehicle that could deliver mRNA into a cell and lauded LNP technology. Giuseppe Ciaramella , Moderna’s head of infectious diseases from 2014-18, publicly stated that LNPs are “the unsung hero of the whole thing.” It was Drs. Thaxton, McMahon, and the other Northwestern inventors who first identified the key characteristics of LNPs that allowed for the profound benefits that led to the success of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines. In 2009, Dr. Thaxton was recognized as Researcher of the Year by Bioscience Technology and by the MIT Technology Review as one of the world’s top innovators under the age of 35 (“TR35 Award”). In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Dr. Thaxton with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (“PECASE”), the highest honor given by the United States government to outstanding, early-stage scientific researchers. “We are proud that our LNP technology has had widespread impact on human health and welfare, which was always our goal,” said Dr. Thaxton. “However, it is important to protect our inventions, which are the result of years of dedication from our talented scientific colleagues.” The lawsuit also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding intellectual property in the biotech industry, where cutting-edge research is a significant driver of progress. “Intellectual property rights are the backbone of the biotech sector, driving innovation and ensuring that companies like ours can continue to develop therapies that improve patient outcomes,” added Philip Bligh , CEO of Zylem. About Zylem Biosciences: Zylem is a leader in the use of LNPs and other lipid constructs to develop therapies for cancer, cardiovascular disease, aging, and skin conditions among other maladies. Founded in 2018, it has licensed a broad patent portfolio which it continues to develop. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Zylem Biosciences

BALTIMORE, Dec. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elixirgen Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of therapies using its controllable self-replicating RNA (c-srRNA) platform, today announced the appointment of Jeffrey L. Cleland, Ph.D., to the Board of Directors to support the advancement of its technology in developing therapies for a broad spectrum of diseases including rare diseases, aging-related disorders and cancer. "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Cleland to our Board as we continue to design next-generation RNA therapeutics with our proprietary technologies. His decades of expertise across the scientific and financial aspects of the industry will be invaluable to our clinical and business development strategies," said Akihiro Ko, chief executive officer of Elixirgen Therapeutics. "We look forward to working with Dr. Cleland as we continue to advance the EXG-34217 program in telomere biology disorders with bone marrow failure and explore other ways our technology can be harnessed to develop therapies for patients in need.” Dr. Cleland has 30 years of industry experience and currently serves as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ashvattha Therapeutics. He also serves on the boards of BIO, Exicure and Zylem, and holds advisory roles with small emerging biotechnology companies. Previously, Dr. Cleland worked at Genentech, Inc. for more than a decade, where he served in product development and manufacturing roles. He has also served as CEO of Versartis and Graybug Vision. He has held executive management positions at several companies and brings to the team experience in drug development and late-stage research, including the successful approval of two drugs, Herceptin® and Nutropin Depot®, as well as early work on Lucentis®, Avastin® and Kadcyla®. He has authored more than 100 articles and four books and holds several issued patents. Dr. Cleland earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Cleland added, "I’m eager to join the Board as Elixirgen Therapeutics continues to demonstrate how their novel technology has the potential to be a key player in the rapidly-evolving RNA space. Designed with safety in mind and with several key benefits including better control of gene expression, the platform has the versatility to be used across multiple therapeutic areas. I look forward to working with the Elixirgen Therapeutics team at this pivotal time in the Company’s growth." About Elixirgen Therapeutics, Inc. Elixirgen Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of therapies using its controllable self-replicating RNA (c-srRNA) platform. The company has two products in Phase 1/2 clinical trials (NCT04211714 and NCT04863131). For more information, visit ElixirgenTherapeutics.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking" statements. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in pharmaceutical research and development. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and Elixirgen Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements in the future, even if new information becomes available. Contact Media Relations: Slavena Salve Nissan, M.D. LifeSci Communications snissan@lifescicomms.com 718-483-4440