Patents by Inventor Andreas Thess

Andreas Thess has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12109275
    Abstract: The present application describes a coding nucleic acid sequence, particularly a messenger RNA (mRNA), comprising or coding for a histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal and the use thereof for increasing the expression of an encoded protein. It also discloses its use for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine e.g. for the use in the treatment of tumours and cancer diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases or genetic diseases, or in gene therapy. The present invention further describes an in vitro transcription method, in vitro methods for increasing the expression of a protein using the nucleic acid comprising or coding for a histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal and an ex vivo and in vivo method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: CureVac SE
    Inventors: Andreas Thess, Thomas Schlake, Jochen Probst
  • Publication number: 20240102065
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing the immunostimulatory properties of an in vitro transcribed RNA by producing the in vitro transcribed RNA comprising a 3? terminal A nucleotide. Hereby, the circular DNA template used to generate the in vitro transcribed RNA has been linearized using a type IIS endonuclease. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the vitro transcribed RNA comprising a 3? terminal A nucleotide according to the invention for use in therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: CureVac SE
    Inventors: Moritz THRAN, Andreas THESS, Fabian EBER, Dipankar BHANDARI
  • Publication number: 20240101608
    Abstract: The present invention provides optimized nucleic acid molecules, methods for optimization of nucleic acid molecules and uses of optimized nucleic acid molecules. A modular design principle is provided that is suitable to generate a nucleic acid, particularly mRNA, which is tailored for a respective application. The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be obtained by the versatile combination of multiple modules on nucleic acid level. Such nucleic acid, e.g. mRNA, can be tailored by combining one or more modules, comprising (i) a nucleic acid moiety encoding a polypeptide of interest (e.g. a protein potentially producing a therapeutic outcome) and (ii) at least one further coding or non-coding nucleic acid moiety, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: CureVac SE
    Inventors: Patrick BAUMHOF, Susanne RAUCH, Aleksandra KOWALCZYK, Johannes LUTZ, Edith JASNY, Benjamin PETSCH, Andreas THESS, Thomas SCHLAKE, Mariola FOTIN-MLECZEK, Regina HEIDENREICH, Sandra LAZZARO, Fatma FUNKNER, Wolfgang GROSSE
  • Publication number: 20230313207
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. The invention further relates to a vector comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal, to a cell comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector and to a kit comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule, the vector and/or the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also relates to a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule and to the use of a 3?-UTR for a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: CureVac SE
    Inventors: Andreas THESS, Thomas SCHLAKE, Stefanie GRUND
  • Patent number: 11761009
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule or a vector comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least two poly(A) sequences. The invention also relates to a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule and to the use of a 3?-UTR for a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule. Moreover, the invention concerns the use of the artificial nucleic acid molecule, the vector, the kit or the pharmaceutical composition as a medicament, as a vaccine or in gene therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: CureVac SE
    Inventors: Andreas Thess, Thomas Schlake, Stefanie Grund
  • Publication number: 20230227881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an immobilized capping enzyme, preferably an immobilized Vaccinia virus capping enzyme. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an immobilized cap-specific nucleoside 2?-O-methyltransferase, preferably an immobilized Vaccinia virus cap-specific nucleoside 2?-O-methyltransferase. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for immobilizing said enzymes and to a method of using said enzymes for the addition of a 5?-cap structure to RNAs. Moreover, the present invention relates to an enzyme reactor for performing the capping reaction using said immobilized enzymes and the subsequent separation of the 5?-capped RNA product. In addition, the present invention relates to a kit comprising the capping enzyme and/or the cap-specific nucleoside 2?-O-methyltransferase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: CureVac SE
    Inventors: Tilmann ROOS, Benyamin YAZDAN PANAH, Markus CONZELMANN, Andreas THESS, Dominik BUOB, Martin KUNZE, Veronika WAGNER
  • Patent number: 11608513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an immobilized capping enzyme, preferably an immobilized Vaccinia virus capping enzyme. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an immobilized cap-specific nucleoside 2?-O-methyltransferase, preferably an immobilized Vaccinia virus cap-specific nucleoside 2?-O-methyltransferase. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for immobilizing said enzymes and to a method of using said enzymes for the addition of a 5?-cap structure to RNAs. Moreover, the present invention relates to an enzyme reactor for performing the capping reaction using said immobilized enzymes and the subsequent separation of the 5?-capped RNA product. In addition, the present invention relates to a kit comprising the capping enzyme and/or the cap-specific nucleoside 2?-O-methyltransferase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: CureVac SE
    Inventors: Tilmann Roos, Benyamin Yazdan Panah, Markus Conzelmann, Andreas Thess, Dominik Buob, Martin Kunze, Veronika Wagner
  • Publication number: 20220307040
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. The invention further relates to a vector comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal, to a cell comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector and to a kit comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule, the vector and/or the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also relates to a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule and to the use of a 3?-UTR for a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas THESS, Thomas SCHLAKE, Stefanie GRUND
  • Publication number: 20220296628
    Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a combination comprising (i) a first component comprising at least one therapeutic RNA and (ii) a second component comprising at least one antagonist of at least one RNA sensing pattern recognition receptor. Further provided are compositions comprising at least one therapeutic RNA and at least one antagonist of at least one RNA sensing pattern recognition receptor. The combination of the two components is able to reduce immunostimulatory properties of the first component as well as promote expression after administration. Additionally, first and second medical uses, and methods of treating or preventing diseases, disorders or conditions are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas THESS, Frédéric CHEVESSIER-TÜNNESEN, Johannes LUTZ, Thomas SCHLAKE
  • Publication number: 20220233568
    Abstract: The present invention provides artificial nucleic acid molecules comprising novel combinations of 5? and 3? untranslated region (UTR) elements. The inventive nucleic acid molecules are preferably characterized by increased expression efficacies of coding regions operably linked to said UTR elements. The artificial nucleic acids can be used for treatment or prophylaxis of various diseases. The invention further provides (pharmaceutical) compositions, vaccines and kits comprising said artificial nucleic acid molecules. Further, in vitro methods for preparing artificial nucleic acid molecules according to the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas SCHLAKE, Andreas THESS, Moritz THRAN, Frédéric CHEVESSIER-TÜNNESEN, Marion PÖNISCH
  • Patent number: 11345920
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. The invention also relates to a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule and to the use of a 3?-UTR for a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule. Moreover, the invention concerns the use of the artificial nucleic acid molecule as a medicament, as a vaccine or in gene therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas Thess, Thomas Schlake, Stefanie Grund
  • Publication number: 20220136001
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one open reading frame and at least one 3?-untranslated region element (3?-UTR) element comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3?-UTR of a ribosomal protein gene. The invention further relates to the use of such an artificial nucleic acid molecule in gene therapy and/or genetic vaccination. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a 3?-UTR element comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3?-UTR of a ribosomal protein gene for enhancing, stabilizing and/or prolonging protein expression from a nucleic acid sequence comprising such 3?-UTR element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: CureVac AG
    Inventor: Andreas THESS
  • Patent number: 11286492
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. The invention further relates to a vector comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal, to a cell comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector and to a kit comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule, the vector and/or the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also relates to a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule and to the use of a 3?-UTR for a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas Thess, Thomas Schlake, Stefanie Grund
  • Publication number: 20220090092
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. The invention further relates to a vector comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal, to a cell comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector and to a kit comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule, the vector and/or the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also relates to a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule and to the use of a 3?-UTR for a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas THESS, Thomas SCHLAKE, Stefanie GRUND
  • Patent number: 11254951
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one open reading frame and at least one 3?-untranslated region element (3?-UTR) element comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3?-UTR of a ribosomal protein gene. The invention further relates to the use of such an artificial nucleic acid molecule in gene therapy and/or genetic vaccination. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a 3?-UTR element comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3?-UTR of a ribosomal protein gene for enhancing, stabilizing and/or prolonging protein expression from a nucleic acid sequence comprising such 3?-UTR element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CureVac AG
    Inventor: Andreas Thess
  • Publication number: 20220002737
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. The invention further relates to a vector comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal, to a cell comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector and to a kit comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule, the vector and/or the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also relates to a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule and to the use of a 3?-UTR for a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas THESS, Thomas SCHLAKE, Stefanie GRUND
  • Publication number: 20210393755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence, comprising or coding for a coding region, encoding at least one peptide or protein comprising a tumour antigen or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof, at least one histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. Furthermore the present invention provides the use of the nucleic acid for increasing the expression of said encoded peptide or protein. It also discloses its use for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, e.g. for use in the treatment of cancer or tumour diseases. The present invention further describes a method for increasing the expression of a peptide or protein comprising a tumour antigen or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof, using the nucleic acid comprising or coding for a histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas THESS, Thomas SCHLAKE, Jochen PROBST
  • Patent number: 11149278
    Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. The invention further relates to a vector comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising an open reading frame and a 3?-UTR comprising at least one poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal, to a cell comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule or the vector and to a kit comprising the artificial nucleic acid molecule, the vector and/or the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also relates to a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule and to the use of a 3?-UTR for a method for increasing protein production from an artificial nucleic acid molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas Thess, Thomas Schlake, Stefanie Grund
  • Patent number: 11110156
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence, comprising or coding for a coding region, encoding at least one peptide or protein comprising a tumour antigen or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof, at least one histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. Furthermore the present invention provides the use of the nucleic acid for increasing the expression of said encoded peptide or protein. It also discloses its use for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, e.g. for use in the treatment of cancer or tumour diseases. The present invention further describes a method for increasing the expression of a peptide or protein comprising a tumour antigen or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof, using the nucleic acid comprising or coding for a histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Andreas Thess, Thomas Schlake, Jochen Probst
  • Publication number: 20210187124
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing modified mRNAs of reduced immunogenicity and/or immunostimulatory capacity for use in protein replacement therapy. The invention further provides modified mRNAs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified mRNAs according to the invention for use in protein replacement therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: CureVac AG
    Inventors: Thomas SCHLAKE, Andreas THESS