RHONE-POULENC-RORER - A TALE OF 2 STRATEGIES FOR DNA PATENTING - GENE-THERAPY AND TRANSGENIC PLANTS

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer has a significant portfolio of DNA-based patents. These can be separated into three categories: those for gene therapy ( including patents on adenovirus-based vectors and sequences encoding t hymidine kinase, acidic fibroblast growth factor, brain-derived neurot rophic factor, glial maturation factor, Src-homology domain 3, glutath ione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase); those claiming recombinant therapeutic proteins, which are concentrated around promoter and regul atory sequences for expression systems in yeast, as well as the struct ural gene for human serum albumin (HSA); and these in plant biotechnol ogy, comprising gene patents for regulatory sequences (such as promote rs and terminators for herbicide-tolerant plants) and a gene encoding sulfonamide resistance. Such a focused strategy is commendable, althou gh it remains to be seen in which therapeutic areas (if any) adenovira l-based gene delivery systems will be effective. Whether recombinant H SA can compete in the marketplace with natural products is yet to be s hown. In Rhone-Poulenc's agricultural sector, there is a heavy relianc e on herbicide-resistant plants; the Company appears to have a relativ ely small number of patents in this area.