Patents by Inventor Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft

Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft 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).

  • Publication number: 20240189340
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel lipids that can be used in combination with other lipid components, such as helper lipids, structural lipids, and cholesterols, to form lipid nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic agents, such as nucleic acids (e.g., circular polynucleotides), both in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: Orna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen T. HORHOTA, Junghoon YANG, Kevin J. KAUFFMAN, Thomas BARNES, Robert Alexander WESSELHOEFT, Amy M. BECKER, Gregory MOTZ
  • Publication number: 20240190808
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel lipids that can be used in combination with other lipid components, such as helper lipids, structural lipids, and cholesterols, to form lipid nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic agents, such as nucleic acids (e.g., circular polynucleotides), both in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: Orna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen T. HORHOTA, Junghoon YANG, Kevin J. KAUFFMAN, Thomas BARNES, Robert Alexander WESSELHOEFT, Amy M. BECKER, Gregory MOTZ
  • Publication number: 20240158336
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel lipids that can be used in combination with other lipid components, such as helper lipids, structural lipids, and cholesterols, to form lipid nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic agents, such as nucleic acids (e.g., circular polynucleotides), both in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Orna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen T. HORHOTA, Junghoon YANG, Kevin J. KAUFFMAN, Thomas BARNES, Robert Alexander WESSELHOEFT, Amy M. BECKER, Gregory MOTZ
  • Publication number: 20240158807
    Abstract: Circular RNA and methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the circular RNA includes the following elements arranged in the following sequence: a) a 3? Group I self-splicing intron fragment, b) an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), c) a protein coding region or noncoding region, and d) a 5? Group I self-splicing intron fragment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Piotr S. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 11981909
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA Disclosed is a vector for making circular RNA, said vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a) a 5? homology arm, b) a 3? group I intron fragment containing a 3? splice site dinucleotide, c) an optional 5? spacer sequence, d) a protein coding or noncoding region, e) an optional 3? spacer sequence, f) a 5? Group I intron fragment containing a 5? splice site dinucleotide, and g) a 3? homology arm. This vector allows production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. In one embodiment, the vector can comprise the 5? spacer sequence, but not the 3? spacer sequence. In yet another embodiment, the vector can also comprise the 3? spacer sequence, but not the 5? spacer sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Piotr S. Kowalski
  • Publication number: 20240131049
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are circular RNAs and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods of treatment. The circular RNAs can comprise group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and/or an expression sequence, thereby having the features of improved expression, functional stability, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or extended half-life compared to linear RNA. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such circular RNAs and transfer vehicles are particularly suitable for efficient protein expression in immune cells in vivo. Also disclosed are precursor RNAs and materials useful in producing the precursor or circular RNAs, which have improved circularization efficiency and/or are compatible with effective circular RNA purification methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Brian Goodman, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Allen T. Horhota, Junghoon Yang
  • Publication number: 20240116852
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel lipids that can be used in combination with other lipid components, such as helper lipids, structural lipids, and cholesterols, to form lipid nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic agents, such as nucleic acids (e.g., circular polynucleotides), both in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: Orna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen T. HORHOTA, Junghoon YANG, Kevin J. KAUFFMAN, Thomas BARNES, Robert Alexander WESSELHOEFT, Amy M. BECKER, Gregory MOTZ
  • Patent number: 11845950
    Abstract: Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5? homology arm, b.) a 3? group I intron fragment containing a 3? splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5? spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3? spacer sequence, f) a 5? Group I intron fragment containing a 5? splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3? homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Piotr S. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 11802144
    Abstract: Circular RNA and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods are described herein. In some embodiments, the inventive circular RNA comprises group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and an expression sequence. In some embodiments, the expression sequence encodes a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, circular RNA of the invention has improved expression, functional stability, immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or half-life when compared to linear RNA. In some embodiments, inventive methods and constructs result in improved circularization efficiency, splicing efficiency, and/or purity when compared to existing RNA circularization approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Orna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Daniel G. Anderson, Shinichiro Fuse, Brian Goodman, Allen T. Horhota, Raffaella Squilloni
  • Publication number: 20230331806
    Abstract: Circular RNA and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods are described herein. In some embodiments, the inventive circular RNA comprises group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and an expression sequence. In some embodiments, the expression sequence encodes a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, circular RNA of the invention has improved expression, functional stability, immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or half-life when compared to linear RNA. In some embodiments, inventive methods and constructs result in improved circularization efficiency, splicing efficiency, and/or purity when compared to existing RNA circularization approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Daniel G. Anderson, Shinichiro Fuse, Brian Goodman, Allen T. Horhota, Raffaella Squilloni
  • Patent number: 11771715
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are circular RNAs and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods of treatment. The circular RNAs can comprise group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and/or an expression sequence, thereby having the features of improved expression, functional stability, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or extended half-life compared to linear RNA. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such circular RNAs and transfer vehicles are particularly suitable for efficient protein expression in immune cells in vivo. Also disclosed are precursor RNAs and materials useful in producing the precursor or circular RNAs, which have improved circularization efficiency and/or are compatible with effective circular RNA purification methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Orna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen T. Horhota, Brian Goodman, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Junghoon Yang
  • Patent number: 11766449
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are circular RNA s and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods of treatment. The circular RNAs can comprise group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and/or an expression sequence, thereby having the features of improved expression, functional stability, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or extended half-life compared to linear RNA. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such circular RNAs and transfer vehicles are particularly suitable for efficient protein expression in immune cells in vivo. Also disclosed are precursor RNAs and materials useful in producing the precursor or circular RNAs, which have improved circularization efficiency and/or are compatible with effective circular RNA purification methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Orna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Goodman, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Allen T. Horhota, Junghoon Yang
  • Publication number: 20230226096
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are circular RNAs and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods of treatment. The circular RNAs can comprise group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and/or an expression sequence, thereby having the features of improved expression, functional stability, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or extended half-life compared to linear RNA. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such circular RNAs and transfer vehicles are particularly suitable for efficient protein expression in immune cells in vivo. Also disclosed are precursor RNAs and materials useful in producing the precursor or circular RNAs, which have improved circularization efficiency and/or are compatible with effective circular RNA purification methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Goodman, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Allen T. Horhota, Junghoon Yang, Kristen Ott, Thomas Barnes
  • Patent number: 11679120
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are circular RNAs and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods of treatment. The circular RNAs can comprise group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and/or an expression sequence, thereby having the features of improved expression, functional stability, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or extended half-life compared to linear RNA. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such circular RNAs and transfer vehicles are particularly suitable for efficient protein expression in immune cells in vivo. Also disclosed are precursor RNAs and materials useful in producing the precursor or circular RNAs, which have improved circularization efficiency and/or are compatible with effective circular RNA purification methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Orna Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen T. Horhota, Brian Goodman, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Junghoon Yang
  • Patent number: 11603396
    Abstract: Circular RNA and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods are described herein. In some embodiments, the inventive circular RNA comprises group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and an expression sequence. In some embodiments, the expression sequence encodes a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, circular RNA of the invention has improved expression, functional stability, immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or half-life when compared to linear RNA. In some embodiments, inventive methods and constructs result in improved circularization efficiency, splicing efficiency, and/or purity when compared to existing RNA circularization approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignees: Orna Therapeutics, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Daniel G. Anderson, Shinichiro Fuse, Brian Goodman, Allen T. Horhota, Raffaella Squilloni
  • Publication number: 20230050306
    Abstract: Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5? homology arm, b.) a 3? group I intron fragment containing a 3? splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5? spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3? spacer sequence, f) a 5? Group I intron fragment containing a 5? splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3? homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Piotr S. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 11447796
    Abstract: Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5? homology arm, b.) a 3? group I intron fragment containing a 3? splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5? spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3? spacer sequence, f) a 5? Group I intron fragment containing a 5? splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3? homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Piotr S. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 11352641
    Abstract: Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5? homology arm, b.) a 3? group I intron fragment containing a 3? splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5? spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3? spacer sequence, f) a 5? Group I intron fragment containing a 5? splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3? homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Piotr S. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 11352640
    Abstract: Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5? homology arm, b.) a 3? group I intron fragment containing a 3? splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5? spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3? spacer sequence, f.) a 5? Group I intron fragment containing a 5? splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3? homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Piotr S. Kowalski
  • Publication number: 20220025395
    Abstract: Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5? homology arm, b.) a 3? group I intron fragment containing a 3? splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5? spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3? spacer sequence, f) a 5? Group I intron fragment containing a 5? splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3? homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel G. Anderson, Robert Alexander Wesselhoeft, Piotr S. Kowalski