ProQR Therapeutics announces Japanese Axiomer patent upheld

ProQR Therapeutics announced it has successfully defended against an opposition filed in Japan against a patent directed to its ADAR-mediated RNA editing platform Axiomer. The opposition was filed in September 2023 with the Japanese Patent Office by a strawman against ProQR’s granted patent JP 7244922. The Japanese Patent Office rejected the strawman’s opposition and indicated that all claims were to be maintained as granted to ProQR. “Our patents have been consistently upheld when challenged by multiple parties in various jurisdictions, further supporting the strength of our leading IP position in the field of RNA editing using oligonucleotides and endogenous ADAR,” said Rene Beukema, Chief Corporate Development Officer and General Counsel. “The decision by the Japanese Patent Office shows that our granted claims are considered novel, inventive, and the patent remains in force. We believe safeguarding our intellectual assets is pivotal to our long-term success and intend to continue to defend against challenges through our leading IP position.”