BioTech IP Review

Assignee: Avidity Biosciences, Inc.
Patent Number: 12,365,704 B2
Filed: December 19, 2019
Issued: July 22, 2025 (“Patent Issued … on July 22”)
Inventors: Venkata Ramana Doppalapudi, Michael Caramian Cochran, David Sai‑Ho Chu, Joel Daniel Arias, Rob Burke

What This Patent Covers

This patent protects novel conjugate compositions and pharmaceutical formulations that comprise a binding moiety linked to a modified polynucleic acid molecule and a polymer — essentially molecules where a binding component (e.g., an antibody or similar targeting moiety) is chemically conjugated to a nucleic acid payload via a polymer linkage.

Key technical features include:

• Conjugated biotherapeutic constructs: Compositions in which a binding moiety (such as an antibody or targeting peptide) is linked to a modified polynucleic acid molecule and a polymer to create a therapeutic conjugate.
• Pharmaceutical formulations: These conjugates are formulated into pharmaceutical compositions meant for delivery into subjects for treatment.
• Methods of use: The patent also encompasses methods of treatment using these conjugates, including compositions that may be applied to disease conditions such as cancer, by administering the formulation that includes the binding–nucleic acid conjugate.

In simpler terms, the patent covers complex molecules where an antibody‑like targeting moiety is connected to an RNA or DNA‑based therapeutic payload via a polymer — a structural core idea behind Avidity’s Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugate (AOC) platform used to deliver RNA therapeutics to specific tissues.

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Why This Patent Is Important

• Supports core platform: The patented compositions reflect the foundation of Avidity’s AOC technology, which is central to its drug programs targeting rare genetic neuromuscular diseases and potentially other disorders requiring targeted delivery of oligonucleotide therapy.
• Broad therapeutic scope: By covering both the conjugate structure and its therapeutic use, it blocks competitors from making similar targeted RNA delivery constructs for multiple disease areas, extending beyond a single drug candidate.
• High commercial value: Because this platform is likely a key motivator behind Novartis’s ~$12 billion acquisition of Avidity in 2025 (reflecting belief in the underlying IP and pipeline), a foundational patent like this underpins major future revenue potential.