Abstract: The present invention is directed to modified siRNA which are significantly impaired in their ability to support cleavage of mRNA when incorporated into a RISC complex. Such modified siRNA may be useful as therapeutic agents, e.g., in the treatment of various cancer forms. More particularly, the modified siRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand contains a modified RNA nucleotide in at least one of positions 8-14, calculated from the 5?-end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel double-stranded short interfering (siRNA) analogues comprising locked nucleic acid (LNA) monomers. Such compounds induces sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing in many organisms by a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds disclosed herein has improved properties compared to non-modified siRNAs and may, accordingly, be useful as therapeutic agents, e.g., in the treatment of various cancer forms. More particularly, the present invention is directed to siRNA analogues comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein each strand comprises 12-35 nucleotides and wherein the siRNA analogues comprise at least one locked nucleic acid (LNA) monomer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for controlling expression of TNF receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) and of other receptors in the TNFR superfamily using compounds that modulate splicing of pre-mRNA encoding these receptors. More specifically these compounds cause the removal of the transmembrane domains of these receptors and produce soluble forms of the receptor which act as an antagonist to reduce TNF-? activity or activity of the relevant ligand. Reducing TNF-? activity provides a method of treating or ameliorating inflammatory diseases or conditions associated with TNF-? activity. Similarly, diseases associated with other ligands can be treated in like manner. In particular, the compounds of the invention are splice-splice switching oligomers (SSOs) which are small molecules that are stable in vivo, hybridize to the RNA in a sequence specific manner and, in conjunction with their target, are not degraded by RNAse H.

Abstract: A method for the detection of point mutation and polymorphisms in nucleic acids or for sequencing of unknown nucleic acids by a simple procedure using arrays uses nucleic acid analoges as sequence discriminators. This procedure simplifies the working mode in complex problematic cases.

Abstract: Method for the detection of a nucleic acid comprising the production of a plurality of amplificates of a section of this nucleic acid with the aid of two primers, one of which can bind to a binding sequence A of the nucleic acid and the other can bind to a binding sequence C? which is complementary to a sequence C which is located in the 3? direction from A and does not overlap with A, contacting the amplificates with a probe having a binding sequence D which can bind to a sequence B which is located between the sequences A and C or to the complement thereof, and detecting the formation of a hybrid of the amplificate and probe where the sequence located between the binding sequences A and C contains no nucleotides that do not belong to the binding sequence D of the probe or its complement D?.

Abstract: A safety-box is provided that can be attached to a hard-to-move object and used for safe and convenient storage of personal valuables in public places such as on beaches, on camping grounds, at festivals, etc. Also provided is a device, termed a safety-anchor, which can function as a hard-to-move object for securing a safety-box. Finally, the invention provides safety-fasteners that can be used to efficiently and conveniently secure a diversity of indoor and outdoor objects and items against theft and unauthorised removal.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved oligomeric compound, in particular oligonucleotide compounds, and methods for modulating the expression of the Bcl-2 gene in humans. In particular, this invention relates to oligomeric compounds of 10-30 nucleobases in length which comprise a target binding domain that is specifically hybridizable to a region ranging from base position No. 1459 (5?) to No. 1476 (3?) of the human Bcl-2 mRNA, said target binding domain having the formula: 5?-[(DNA/RNA)0-1-(LNA/LNA*)2-7-(DNA/RNA/LNA*)4-14-(LNA/LNA*)2-7-(DNA/RNA)0-1]-3 and said target binding domain comprising at least two LNA nucleotides or LNA analogue nucleotides linked by a phosphorothioate group (—O—P(O,S)—O—). In particular the oligo is predominantly or fully thiolated. The invention also provides the use of such oligomers or conjugates or chimera for the treatment of various diseases associated with the expression of the Bcl-2 gene, such as cancer.

Abstract: Method for the detection of a nucleic acid comprising the production of a plurality of amplificates of a section of this nucleic acid with the aid of two primers, one of which can bind to a binding sequence A of the nucleic acid and the other can bind to a binding sequence C′ which is complementary to a sequence C which is located in the 3′ direction from A and does not overlap with A, contacting the amplificates with a probe having a binding sequence D which can bind to a sequence B which is located between the sequences A and C or to the complement thereof, and detecting the formation of a hybrid of the amplificate and probe where the sequence located between the binding sequences A and C contains no nucleotides that do not belong to the binding sequence D of the probe or its complement D′.

Abstract: The invention relates to therapeutic applications of LNA-modified oligonucleotides. In particular, the invention provides methods for treatment of infectious diseases and disorders caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa or fungi. Preferably, administration of an LNA-modified oligonucleotide modulates expression of a targeted gene associated with the replication or infectivity of a virus, virulence genes, host immune modulating genes and the like. That is, preferred use of LNA-modified oligonucleotide provides an antisense-type therapy with selective modulation of gene expression of predetermined targets.

Abstract: A method for the detection of point mutation and polymorphisms in nucleic acids or for sequencing of unknown nucleic acids by a simple procedure using arrays uses nucleic acid analoges as sequence discriminators. This procedure simplifies the working mode in complex problematic cases.

Abstract: A method for the detection of point mutation and polymorphisms in nucleic acids or for sequencing of unknown nucleic acids by a simple procedure using arrays uses nucleic acid analoges as sequence discriminators. This procedure simplifies the working mode in complex problematic cases.

Abstract: The invention relates to therapeutic applications of LNA-modified oligonucleotides. In particular, the invention provides methods for treatment of undesired cell growth as well as treatment of inflammatory related diseases and disorders. Preferably, administration of an LNA-modified oligonucleotide modulates expression of a targeted gene associated with the undesired cell growth or an inflammatory related disease or disorder.

Abstract: A nucleic acid analog comprising a polymeric strand which includes a sequence of ligands bound to a backbone made up of linked backbone moieties, which analog is capable of hybridization to a nucleic acid of complementary sequence, further comprising a chelating moiety capable of binding at least one metal ion by chelation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for generating multiple double stranded nucleic acids by (a) elongating a primer molecule comprising a nucleobase sequence B′ by using one or more nucleotide(s) and a target nucleic acid T that acts as a template for the elongation of said primer such that the elongation product E formed is capable of acting as a template for the elongation of a further primer molecule containing the nucleobase sequence B′; (b) separating the target nucleic acid T from said elongation product E; (c) using said elongation product E as a template for the elongation of a further primer molecule yielding an elongation product E′; and (d) repeating the steps of elongating primer molecules and of separating said elongation products a sufficient number of times to achieve the desired amount of double stranded nucleic acid.

Abstract: A nucleic acid analog comprising a polymeric strand which includes a sequence of ligands bound to a backbone made up of linked backbone moieties, which analog is capable of hybridization to a nucleic acid of complementary sequence, further comprising a chelating moiety capable of binding at least one metal ion by chelation.

Abstract: A method for the detection of point mutation and polymorphisms in nucleic acids or for sequencing of unknown nucleic acids by a simple procedure using arrays uses nucleic acid analoges as sequence discriminators. This procedure simplifies the working mode in complex problematic cases.

Abstract: New electron transfer moiety labeled nucleic acid analogue probes are provided that can be used in methods for determining nucleic acids in a sample. The new probes can be prepared using novel monomer subunits in a chemical synthesis route. The nucleic acids can be determined by binding the probe molecules to the nucleic acid and inducing electron transfer within the complex formed. The occurrence of the electron transfer is determined as a measure of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: New electron transfer moiety labeled nucleic acid analogue probes are provided that can be used in methods for determining nucleic acids in a sample. The new probes can be prepared using novel monomer subunits in a chemical synthesis route. The nucleic acids can be determined by binding the probe molecules to the nucleic acid and inducing electron transfer within the complex formed. The occurrence of the electron transfer is determined as a measure of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: A selected region of a nucleic acid is protected from attach by nuclease by completing to the nucleic acid a nucleic acid analogue of the PNA type. The surviving sequence may be detected in an assay, optionally after amplification. A PCR reaction may be sterilized and its product assayed by protecting a characterizing region of the product by PNA hybridization followed by nuclease degradation of unprotected nucleic acid.

Abstract: A nucleic acid analog comprising a polymeric strand which includes a sequence of ligands bounds to a backbone made up of linked backbone moieties, which analog is capable of hybridization to a nucleic acid of complementary sequence, further comprising a chelating moiety capable of binding at least one metal ion by chelation.