QIAGEN has Licensed a Novel Algorithm Developed by Novartis for the Selection of siRNA Sequences for Gene Silencing Applications

16-12-2003: QIAGEN N.V. announced that it has licensed from Novartis Pharma AG a novel algorithm for the selection of highly functional target sequences for RNA interference applications. More than 3000 randomly designed synthetic siRNA duplexes, against 34 targets were analyzed for functionality. Based on this large data set, an automated siRNA sequence selection algorithm was developed. Extensive evaluation of the new algorithm has demonstrated a significant performance improvement over existing design methods.

Under the terms of this collaboration QIAGEN obtained a fully paid-up license from Novartis for the worldwide use of this prediction algorithm. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"We are very happy that Novartis has made this new resource available to QIAGEN", said Patrick A. Weiss, QIAGEN's Vice President of Gene Silencing and co-inventor of the TOM RNA chemistry. "This powerful tool complements QIAGEN's state of the art synthesis technology, combining biological functionality with high quality siRNA. This means that researchers can focus on their experiments and not on developing functional gene targeting reagents."