WO2007134161A2 - Compositions and methods for inhibiting expression of the pcsk9 gene - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene (PCSK9 gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of the PCSK9 gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by PCSK9 gene expression and the expression of the PCSK9 gene using the pharmaceutical composition; and

Description

COMPOSITIONS AND METBOBS FOR IMfIEITING EXPRESSION

OF THE PCSK9 GENE

£g>g^BefegIP^{e 1}^o ^ebted AppIIcitfoiis

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/709,458, filed May I I , 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/8] 7,203, filed June 27, 2006; U.S. Provisions! Application No. 60/840,089, filed August 25, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No, 60/829,914, filed October ! 8, 2006; and U.S. Provisional .Application No. 60/901,134, filed February 13, 2007. The contents of all of these provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

This invention relates ι.o double- stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA). and its use m mediating R.NA interference to inhibit the expression of the PCSKV gene and the use of the dsRNA to treat pathological processes which can ^"be mediated by down regulating PCSK9, such as hyperlipidemia.

Background of She iiiveisikm

Proproieiπ coπvertase sublilisi.0 kexhi 9 (PCSK9) is a member of the subtslisiπ serine protease faπniy, The other sight mammaϋan sυbuiisin proteases, PCSK i -PCSKS (also called PCl/3, PC2, ibria, PC4, PC5/6. PACE4, PC7, and S1 P/SKM ) are proproteirj converiases ihat process a wide variety of proteins m the secretory pathway and play roles in diverse biological processes (Bergeron, F. (2000) ,/. MoL EmiochnoL 24, 1-22, GensKerg, K., ( Ϊ99B i Sendn, CeIi Dev. Bioi % 1 1-ϊ 7, Seidah, N. G. ( 1999) Brain Res. 848, 45-62, Taylor, N. A., (2003) FASEBJ, 17, 1215-1227, and Zhou, A., (1999) J. BhL Chem, 274, 20745-20748). FCSK9 has been proposed io play a rale in cholesterol metabolism. PC¹SK 9 mRNA expression is down-regulated by dietary cholesterol feeding m mice (Maxwell, K. N., {2003} / Lund Res. 44, 2109-21 19), up- regulated by statins in HepG2 cells (Dubuc, G.« (2004) Arteήoscier. Thromb. Vase. Biol. 24, 1454- 1459), and up-regulated iu sterol regulator/ element binding protein (SREBP) transgenic mice (Morton, J. D., (2003) Proc. Natl Acad, Sd. USA 190, 12027- 12032), similar to the cholesterol biosyntheiic enzymes and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Furthermore, PCSR9 raissense mutations have been found to be associated with a form of autosomal dominant h>perchcsiesterolemia (Hchoiaj) (Abi&del, M, ei uL (2003) NaL Genei. 34, 154-LS6, Timms, K. M, (2⁽104) Hum. Genet 114, 349-353, Lerεn, T. P. (2004) C/iw. GeneL 65, 419-4221, PCSK9 may also play a role in determining LDL cholesterol levels in the genera! population, because sirjgle-nuclaoiids polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with cholesterol levels in a Japanese population {Shioji, &., 12004) J. Hum. Genei. 4% 10*5- 1 14).

Autosomal dominant, hypercholesterolemias (ADMs) are monogenic diseases in which patients exhibit elsvaled total and LDL cholesterol levels, tendon xanthomas, and premature atherosclerosis {Rader, D. ]., (2003) ./: CHn. Invest, Hl, 1795-I803K The pathogenesis of AD Ms and a recessive form, autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia (ARH) (Cohen, J. C, (2003) Curr. Opin. Lipkioi. .14, 121-127), is due to defects in LDL uptake by the Hver, ΛDIf may be caused by LDLR mutations, which prevent .LDL uptake, or by mutations in the protein on U)L, apoiipoprotdn B, which binds to the LDLR. ARH is caused by mutations in the ARH protein that are necessary for endocytosis of the LDLR -LDL complex via its interaction with claihπn, Therefore, if PCSK9 mutations are causative in Hchoϊa3 families, n seems ii.kt?!y that PCSK9 plays a role in receptor-mediated LDL uptake.

Overexpression studies point to a role for PCSKS in controiihig LDLR levels ami hence,

LDL aptfike by the liver {Maxwell K, N. (2004) /Vm\ Nail. Acad. Sa. USA 101, 7 U)O- 7105, Serφmnet, S,, & a!. (2004) J. BwL Chew. 21% 4S865-48S75, Park, S. W., 0004} ./ BioL Chem. 279, 50630-5063Sji. Adenovirai-mediated overexpres&ion of αiouae or hunum PCSK9 for 3 or 4 days m mice results \n elevaieα $oια! and LDL choϊe&terϋi levels; this effect is not seen in LDLR knockout animals (Maxwell K. R (2004) Proc. Nail. Acad, ScL USA 161, 71 Q0--71O5,

Benjannet, S., et a!, (2004) ,/ Biol. Chem. 279, 48865-48875, Park, S. W., (2004) ./ Biol. Chem. 279, 50630-50638}- fa addition, PCSK9 overexpression results m a severe reciuciion in hepatic LDLR. protein, without affecting LDLR raRNA levels, SR.EBP protein levels, or SREBP protein nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio. These results indicate that PCSKv, cither direcϊiy or indirectly, reduces LDLR protein levels by a posttranseπpuonai mechanism

!..oss of function mutations in PCSK.9 have been designed in mouse models (Rashki eta!., (2005) PM4S, 102, 5374-S379., and identified in human individuals Cohen εt a!., (2005), Nature Genetics,, 37, 161 -165, In both cases loss of PCSK.9 function lead to lowering of tola! and LDLc cholesterol. In a retrospective outcome study over 15 years, loss of one copy of PCSK9 was shown to shift LDLc lower and to lead \o an increased risk-benefit protection from developing cardiovascular heart disease (Cohen et.al., 2006 N. Engl. J. Med, 354, 1264-1272.). Clearly the evidence to date indicates that lowering of PCSK9 levels will lower LDLc.

Recently, double-stranded RMA molecules {dsRNA) !u;ve beers sliowrs to block gene expression in a highly conserved regulatory mechanism known as RNA interference (RNAi), WO 99/32619 {Firs et al.) discloses the use of a dsRNA cf at least 25 nucleotides in length Co iαhibit the expression of genes in C elegαns. dxRNA has also been shown to degrade target RNA in other organisms, including plams (see, e.g., WO 99/53050, Waterhouse et a].; and WO 99/61631 , Heil«tz et aJ.), DrøiOj?ή/7β {see, e.g., Yang, D., et a!., Curr. BioL (2000) 10: 1 191- 120O)₅ and mammals (see WO 00/44895, Liππner; and DE 101 00 586,5, Kreutzer et al.}. This natural mechanism has now become the focus for the development of a new class of phiirmaceutϊcαi agents tor treating disorders that are caused by the aberrant or unwanted regulation of a gene,

Despite significant advances in the field of RNAi and advances in the treatment of pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating PCSK9 gene expression, there remains a need for agems that can inhibit PCSK9 gene expression and that can treat diseases associated with PCSK9 gene expression such as Iiypcdipidemia,

The irjveπtion provides a solution to the problem of treating diseases that can be modulated by down regulating the proprotem converl&se subtilisin kexiπ 9 (FCSK9) by using double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) to silence PCSK9 expression. The invention provides double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), as well as compositions and methods for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK.9 gene w a cell or mamma! using such dsRNA. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating pathological conditions that can modulated by down regulating the expression of the PCSIC9 gene, such as hyperhpklerrha. The dsRNA of the invention comprises an RNA strand (the anlisense strand) having a region, which is less than 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, and is substantially complementary to at least part of an m-RNA transcript of uie PCSK9 gene.

In one embodiment, the mventi on provides double-stranded ribonucleic ycid fdsRNA) molecules for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene. The dsRNA comprises ai least two sequences that are complementary to each other. The slsRJNA comprises a sense strand comprising a first sequence and an antise-use strand comprising a second sequence. The antiseme strand comprises a nucleotide sequence which is substantially complementary to at least part, of an KiRN A encoding PCSK9, and the region of complementarity is less than 30 nucleotides in length, generally ! S -24 nucleotides to length. The dsRNA, upon contacting with a cell expressing the PCSK9, inhibits the expression of the PCSK9 gene by at least 40%.

For example, the dsRNA molecules of the invention can be comprised of a first sequence of the dsRNA that is selected from the group consisting oft.be sense sequences of Table 1 &nά Table 2 the second sequence is selected from the group consisting of the antisense sequences of Tables 1 and Table 2. The dsRNA molecules of the invention, can he comprised of naturally occurring nucleotides or cars be comprised of at least one modified nucleotide, such as a .2'-O- methyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a S'-phαsphorothioate group, and a terminal nucleotide linked to a ehoiesteryl derivative. Aitemaiively, the modified nucleotide may he chosen from the group of: a 2^!-cieoxy-2^!~fsικ>rø modified nucleotide, a 2^;-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, 2'-ami.no-modified nucleotide, 2'-alkyl- modified nucleotide, morpholmo nucleotide, a phosptsoramidate. and a non-natural base comprising nucleotide. Generally, such modified sequence will be based on a first sequence of said dsRNA selected from the group consisting of the sense sequences of Tables I and Table 2 and a second sequence selected from the group consisting of the antisense sequences of Tables I, and Table 2,

Sm another embodiment, the invention, provides a eel! comprising one of the dsRNAs of the invention. The ceil is- ' ό &e^vnerailv a mammalian ceil, such as a human cell.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene in an organism,, generally a human subject, comprising one or more of the dsRNΛ of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or delivery vehicle,

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for inhibiting the expression of the POSK.9 gene m a cell, comprising the following steps;

(a) introducing into the eel; a double- stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRN A), wherein the dsRN A comprises at least, two sequences that are complementary to each other. The dsRNA comprises a sense strand comprising a first sequence and an antisense strand comprising a second sequence. The amiseαse strand comprises a region of complementarity which Ls substantially complementary to at least a part of a raRNA encoding PCSK9, and wherein the region of complementarity is leas than 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, and wherein the dsRNA, upon contact with a cell expressing the PCSKO, inhibits expression of the PCSK9 gene by at least 40%; and

(fo) maintaining the cell produced in step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the niRNA transcript of the PCSK9 gene, thereby mhibήing expression of the PCSK9 gene in the ceil

b another embodiment, the invention provides methods for treating preventing or managing pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating FCSK9 gene expression, e.g. hyperiipidemia, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment, prevention or management a therapeutically or prophylacticaily effective amount of one or more of the ds^'RNAs of the invention. In another embodiment, the invention provides vectors for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene in a cell, comprising a regulatory sequence operably linked io a nucleotide sequence that encodes at føast one strand of one of the dsRNA of the invention.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a cell comprising a vector for inhibiting 5 the expression of the PCSK9 gene in a cell The vector comprises a regulatory sequence operably linked to a nucleotide sequence that encodes at least one strand of one of the dsRNA of the invention.

B iief Descr jptstm of the Figures

Fig. I shows lhe structure of the ND-9S lipid.

1.0 Fig, 2 shows the results of the in vivo screen of 16 mouse specific (AL-DP-9327 through

AL-DP-9342) PCSK9 siRNAs directed against diflereot ORf regions of PCSK9 mRNA (having ihe ilrst nucleotide coiresponding to the ORF position indicated on the graph) in C57/BL6 mice (5 animals/group). The ratio of PCSK9 mRNA to CsAPDH mRNA in liver lysates was averaged over each treatment group and compared to a eorstroi group treated with !⁵BS or a control group

15 treated with an unrelated siRNA (blood coagulation .(actor VO).

Fig. 3 shows the results of the in vivo screen of 16 humasv'rooase/rat crossreactive (AL- DP-931 ! through ΛL-DP-9326) PC^{^}SK9 SiRNAs directed against different DRF regions of PCSK9 niRNA (having the first nucleotide coπxsspondύig to the ORF position indicated on the graph) in C57/BL6 mice (5

1^"he ratio of PCSK9 mRNA to GAPDH niRN A in 20 liver lysates was averaged over each treatment group and compared to a control group treated with PBS or a control group treated with an unrelated siRNA (blood coagulation factor VU),

Silencin ¹Sg of PCSK9 mRNA resulted in lowering total serum cholesterol levels.

The most efficacious in terms of knocking down PSCX9 message siRNAs showed the most pronounced cholesterol lowering effect (around 20-30%).

25 Fig. 4 shows the results of the in vivo screen of 16 mouse specific {AL-DP-9327 through

AL-DP-9342) PCSK9 siRNAs in C57/BL6 mice (5 aniraais/group). Total serum cholesterol levels were averaged over each treatment group and compared to a control group treated with PBS or a conirol group treated with an unrelated siRRA (bkxxi coagulation factor VII).

Fsg. 5 shows the results of the in vivo screen of } 6 hurrs&n/motis&'rat crosss'caetive (AL- DP-931 1 through AL-OP-9326) PCSK.9 si RNAs in C57/BL6 mice (5 animais/groυp}. Total ^erum cholesterol levels were averaged over each treatment group and compared to a control group treated with PBS or a control gtoop treated with an unrelated si RNA (blood coagulation factor VO).

Fig, 6 shows a comparison of the in vitro and m vivo results for silencing PCSK9.

Fig, 7A and fig, 7B show /« vitro results for silencing PCSK.9 using monkey pmrs&ry hepatocytεs.

Fig, 8 shows in vivo sciivity of LNP-OI foniiuiiUed siRNAs to pcsk-9.

Fig. 9 shows in vivo activity of LNP-OI Fonmdated chemically modified 9314 and 10792 parent molecules at different times, Oeariy modified versions of 10792 display if? vivo silencing activity.

Detatied Descnptioiϊ of Use I^'avcjϊtloa

The iϊvvaπtioϊi provides a solution to the problem of treating diseases thai can be modulated by the down regulation of the PCSK9 gene, by using doubie-straπdαl ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) to silence the PCSK9 gene thus providing treatment for diseases such as hyperlipidemia.

The invention provides double-stranded ribonucleic acid (UsRNA), as well as compositions and methods lor inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene in a cell or mamma: using the dsRNA. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating pathological conditions and diseases that can be modulated by down regulating the expression of the PCSK.9 gene. dsRNA directs the sequence- specs Hc degradation of πiRN.A through a process knowrs as RNA mterfersncε (RNAi). ^'The dsRNA of the invention comprises an RNA sirand (the antisense strand) having a region which is less than 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-24 nueleotiάes in length, and is substantially complementary to at least part of an .O)RNA transcript of the PCSK9 gene. The use of these dsRNAs enables the targeted degradation of an, mRNA that is involved in sodium 5 transport. Using cell-based and animal assays, the present inventors have demonstrated that very low dosages of these dsRNA can specifically and efficiently mediate RNAi, resulting in significant inhibition of expression of the P€SK.9 gerse. Thus, the methods and compositions of the invention comprising these dsRNAs are useful for treating pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating PCSK.9, such as in the treatment oOiyperhpkknna,

IO The following detailed description discloses how to make and use the dsRNA and compositions containing dsRNA to inhibit tbe expression of the target PCSK9 gene, as well as compositions and methods for treating diseases that can be modulated by down regulating the expression of PCSK9, such as hyperlipidemia. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise a dsRNA having an antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity

I S which is less than 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, and is substantially complementary to at least part of an RNA transcript of the PCSK⁵) gene, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Accordingly, certain aspects of the invention provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising the dsRNA of the invention together with a pharmaceutically seceptahle carrier, 20 methods of using the compositions to inhibit expression of the FCSK⁵) gene, and methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions Io ireat diseases that can he modulated by down remdathiE the ex -ip'ression of P€SK.9.

L Defmitlpns

For convenience, the meaning of certain terms and phrases used in the specification, 25 examples, and appended claims, are provided helow. If there is an apparent discrepancy between the usage of a term in other parts of this specification and its definition provided in this section, the definition in this section shaii prevail "G," ^''¹C " "A" and. ^!!ϋ" each generally stand for a nucleotide that contains guanine, cytokine, adenine, and uracil as a bass, respectively. However, it will be understood that s.he term "ribonucleotide" or

can also refer to a modified nucleotide, as further detailed below, or a surrogate replacement moiety. The skilled person is well aware that guanine. eytosme, adenine, and uracil may be replaced by other moieties without substantially altering the base pairing properties of an oligonucleotide comprising a nucleotide bearing such replacement moiety. For example, without limitation, a nucleotide comprising irsαsine as its base may base parr with nucleotides containing adenine, eytosinε, or uracil. Hence, nucleotides containing uracil, guanine, or adenine may be replaced in the nucleotide sequences of the invention by a nucleotide containing, for example, inosme. Sequences comprising such replacement moieties are embodiments of the invention.

As used herein, "PCSK9" refers to the proproteiπ eonvertase subtiϊism kexin 9 gene or protein (also knowsi as FH3» HCHGLA3, NARC-I , NARC I )- mRNA sequences to PCSK.9 are provided as human; NM J 74936; mouse: NM 153565. and rat: NM_^ 199253.

As used herein, ^NVt&rget sequence'¹ refers to a contiguous portion of the nucleotide sequence of as mRNA molecule formed durum the transcnmiou of die PCSK9 uene. uicludins?. mRNA that is a product of RNA processing of a primary transcription product.

As used herein, the term "strand comprising a sequence" refers to aα oligonucleotide comprising a chain of nucleotides that is described by the sequence referred k> using the standard nucleotide nomenclature.

Aa used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the term "complementary," when used to describe a first nucleotide sequence in rehnion to a second nucleotide sequence, refers to the ability of an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the first nucleotide sequence to hybridize and fomi a duplex structure under certain conditions with an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the second nucleotide sequence, as will be understood by the skilled person. Such conditions can, for example, be stringent conditions, where stringent conditions oiay include: 400 mM NaCl, 40 IBM PIPES pϊ-3 ό A i rnM EIJ[ A, 5QX: or 7CfC for 12-16 hours followed by washing. Other conditions, sucli as physiologically relevant conditions as

be encountered inside an organism, can apply. The skilled person will he able to determine the set of conditions most appropriate for a test of complementarity of two sequences in accordance- with the ultimate application of the hybridized nucleotides.

This includes base-pairing of the oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the first nucleotide sequence to the oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the second nucleotide sequence over the entire length of the first and second nucleotide sequence. Such sequences ears be referred to as "fully complementary" with respect to each olher herein. However, where a first sequence is referred to as "substantially complementary" with respect to a second sequence herein, the two sequences can he fully complementary, or they may form one or more, but generally not more than 4, 3 or 2 mismatched base pairs upon hybridization, while retaining the ability to hybridize under the conditions most relevant \o their ultimate application. However, where two oligonucleotides are designed to form, upon hybridization, one or more single stranded overhangs, such overhangs shall not he regarded as mismatches whli regard to the determination of corapiementaruy. for example, a dsRNA comprising one oligonucleotide 21 nucleotides in length and another oligonucleotide 23 nucleotides in length, wherein the longer oligonucleotide comprises a aequen.ee of 2! nucleotides that is MIy complementary to the shorter oligonucleotide, may yet be referred to as "fully complementary" for fee purposes of the invention,

"Complementary⁰ sequences, as used herein, may also include, or he formed entirely from, fion-Watsoii-€rick base pairs and/or base pairs termed from non-natural and modi 0 eel nucleotides, in as far as the above requirements with respect to their ability to bybridixe are fulfilled.

^'The terms "complementary^"',, "fully complementary" and "substantially complementary^'* herein may he used with respect to the base matching between the sense strand and the and sense strand of a ds&KlA, or between the anύsensc strand of a dsRNA and a target sequence, as will be understood from the context ol their use.

As used herein, a polynucleotide which is "substantially complementary to at least part of a messenger RNA (mRNAj refers to a polynucleotide which is substantially complementary to a contiguous portion of the raRNA of interest (e.g., encoding PCSK9). For example, a polynucleotide is complementary to at least a part of a PCSK9 raRNA if the sequence is substantially complementary to a ruπi-iπterrupted portion of a mRN A encoding PCSK9.

The terπi "double-stranded RNA" or ~"d$RN,V\ as used herein, refers to a complex of ribonucleic acid molecules, having Ά duplex structure comprising two aaii-parallei and substantially complementary, as deimed above, nucleic acid strands. The two strands forming the duplex structure may be different portions of one larger RNA molecule, or they may be separate RNA molecules. Where separate RNA molecules, such cisRNA art oiten referred to in me literature as si RN A ("short interfering RNA"). Where the two strands are part of one larger molecule, wiά therefore are connected by an uninterrupted chain of nucleotides between the 3^'- eud of one strand and the S'end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure, the connecting RNA chain is referred to as a "hairpin loop", "short, haiφin RNA" or "shRKLAΛ Where the two strands are connected covalently by means other than an uninterrupted chain of nucleotides between the 3 '-end of one strand and the 5 'end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure, the connecting structure is referred to as a ^>s!inker^*\ The RNA strands may have the same or a different number of nucleotides. The maximum number of base pairs is the number of nucleotides hi the shortest strand of the cisRNA minus any overhangs that are present in the duplex. In addition to the duplex structure, a dsRN. A may comprise one or more nucleotide overhangs, hi addition, as used in this specification, "dsRN A" may include chemical modifications to ribonucleotides, including substantial modifications at multiple nucleotides and including all types of modifications disclosed herein or known in the art. Any such modifications, as used irs an siRNΛ type molecule, are encompassed by ⁵ⁱdsRNΛ^vl for the purposes of this specification and claims.

As used herein, a "nucleotide overhang" refers to die impaired nucleotide or nucleotides that protrude from She duplex structure of a dsRNA when a 3'-end of one strand of the dsRNA extends beyond the 5'-εnd of ihe other straiui. or vice versa, "Blunt" or "blunt end" means that there are BO unpaired nucleotides at ihat end of the dsRNA, i.e.. no nucleotide overhang, A "blunt ended" dsRNA is a dsRNA that is double- stranded over its entire length, i.e., no nucleotide overhung at either end of the molecule. For clarity, chemical caps or non-rsucieotide

I i chemical moieties conjugated to the 3' end or 5' end of an si RNA are not considered in determining whether an si^'RNA has an overhang or is blunt ended.

The term "antisense strand" refers to the strand of a dsRNA which includes a region that is substantially complementary to a target sequence. As used herein, ihe term, "region of cxnnplemeufanLy" refers to the region on Ihe antisense strand thai is substantially complementary to a sequence, tor example a target sequence, as defined herein. Where the region of complementarity is not fully complementary to the target sequence, the mismaSe&es are most tolerated in ihe terminal regions and, if present, are generally in a ierrnimd region or regions,, e.g., within 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 nucleotides of the 5' and/or 3' terminus.

The term "sense .strand,"' as used herein, refers io the strand of a dsRNA thai includes a region that is substantially complementary to a region of ihe anϋseπse strand.

"Introducing into a ceil", when referring to a dsRNA, mearss facilitating uptake or absorption into ihe ceil as is understood by those skilled in the an. Absorption or uptake of dsRNA can occur through unaided diffusive or active cellular processes, or by auxiliary agents or devices. The meaning of this ierrn Is not limited to cells in vtiro; a oLsRMA. may also be "introduced into a cell"., wherein the cell is part of a living organism. In such instance, introduction into the cell will include the delivery to ihe organism. For example, for /?? vivo delivery, dsRNA can be injected into a tissue site or administered systemicaliy. In vitro introduction into a cell includes methods known in the art such as eleetropαration and lipøfeciiem.

The terms "silence" and 'inhibit the expression of, in as far as they refer to the PCSK^ gene, heroin refer to the at least partial suppression of the expression of ihe FCSK9 gene, as manifested by a reduction of the amount of mRNA transcribed from the PCSKf) gene wbich may be isolated from a first cell or group of cells in whkh the PCSK-) gens ss transcribed and which has or have been treated such thai the expression of ihe FC¹SKv gene is inhibited, as compared to a second ceil or group of cells substantially identical to the first cell or group of cells but which has or have not been so treated (control cells). The degree of inhibition is usually expressed in terms of (πiRNA in control cells) ~ (rnRN A in treated cells?

• 100% imRNA in control cells)

Alternatively, the degree of inhibition may be given m terms of a reduction of a parameter thai is functionally linked to PCSK9 gene transcription, e.g. the amount of protein encoded by the PCSfs.9 gene which is secreted by a cell, or the number of cell's displaying a certain phenotype, e.g apoptosis. In. principle, PCSK9 gene silencing may be determined in any ceil expressing the target, either eoostitutiveiy or by genomic engineering, and by any appropriate assay. However, when a reference is needed in order to determine whether a given dsRNA inhibits the expression of the PCSK9 gene by a certain degree and therefore is encompassed by the hisi&αt invention, the assay provided in the Examples below shall serve as such reference.

For example, in certain instances, expression of the PCSK 9 gene is suppressed by st least about 20%, 25%, 35%, or 50% by administration ofihε double-stranded oligonucleotide of the invention, fa some embodiment., ihe PCSK.9 gene is suppressed by at least about 60%. 70%, or 80% by administration of the double-stranded oligonucleotide of the invention. In some embodiments, the PCSK.9 gene is suppressed by at least about 85%, 90%, or 95% by administration of ihe double-stranded oligonucleotide of the invention. Tables l_s 2, provides a wide range of values for inhibition of expression obtained in an it! vitro assay using various PCSK9 dsRNA molecules at various concentrations.

As used herein w the context of PC¹SK*) expression, the terms "treat", "treatment", and the like, κS&- to relief from or alleviation of pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating PCSK9 gene. In the context of the present invention insofar as it relates to any of the other conditions recited herein below (other than pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating the PCSK9 gene), the terms "treat", "treatment"^', and the like mean to relieve or alleviate aϊ least one symptom associated with such condition, or to slow or reverse the progression of sucli condition, for example, in the context of liyperiipidemia. treatment will involve a decrease in serum lipid levels,

As oscd herein, the phrases "therapeutically effective amount" and "prophyiaciicaliy effective amovmt" refer io an amount that provides a therapeutic benefit in the treatment, prevention, or management of pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating the PCSKO gent^; on or an overt symptom of pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating the PCSK9 gene. The specific amount that is therapeutically effective can be readily determined by ordinary medical practitioner, and may vary depending on factors known in the art, such as, e.g. the type of patho logical processes which can be mediated by down regulating the PCSK9 gene, the patient's history and age, the stage of pathological processes which can. be mediated by down regulating PCSK9 gene expression, and the administration of other anti-pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating PCSK9 gene expression.

As used herein, a "pharmaceutical com position" comprises a pharmacologically effective amoiπu of a dsRNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, "pharmacologically effective amount,"' "therapeutically effective amount" or simply "effective amount" refers to that amount of an RNA effective to produce the intended pharmacological, therapeutic or preventive result For example, if a given clinical treatment is considered effective when there is at least a 25'HJ reduction in a measurable parameter associated, with a disease or disorder, a therapeutically effective amount of a drag for the treatment of thai disease or disorder is ihe amount necessary to effect at least a 25% reduction in that parameter.

The term "pharmaceutically acceptable earner" refers to a carrier for aάπruύstration of a therapeutic agent Such carriers include, but are not. limited to, saline, buffered saline, dextrose. water, glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof and are described, in more detail below. The teπtt specifically excludes cell culture medium.

As used herein, a '"transformed cell" is a cell into which a vector has been, introduced from which, a dsRNA molecule may be expressed.

In one embodiment, the invention provides double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) molecules tor inhibiting tiie expression of the FCSK9 gene in a cell or mammal wherein the dsRNΛ comprises an antssense strand comprising a region of complementarity which is complementary Io at least a part of an niRNA formed in the expression of the PCSK9 gene, and wherein the region of complementarity is less than 30 nucleotides m length, generally 19-24 nucleotides irs length, arsd wherein said dsRNA, upon contact with a cell exnressma; said PCSK9 gene, inhibits the expression, of said P€SK.9 gene by at least 40%. The dsRNΛ comprises two RNA strands thai are sufficiently complementary to hybridise to form a duplex structure.. One strand of the dsRNA {the anti sense strand) comprises a region of complementarity that is substantially complementary, and generally fully complementary, to a large! sequence, derived from the sequence of an mRNA formed during the expression of the PCSK.9 gene, the other strand (the sense strand) comprises a region which is complementary to the aπtisense strand, such that the two strands hybridize and form a duplex structure when combined under suitable conditions. Generally, the duplex structure is between 15 and 30, more generally between 1.8 and 25, yet more generally between ! 9 and 24, and most generally between ! 9 and 21 base pairs in length. Similarly, the region of complementarity to the target sequence is between ! 5 and 3ϋ, more generally between I S and 25, yet snore generally between 19 and 24, and most generally between 19 and 21 nucleotides in length. The dsRNA of the invention may further comprise one or more single-stranded nucleotide overhang*^' s). The dsRNΛ can be synthesized by standard methods known in the art as further discussed below, e.g., by use of an automated DNA synthesizer, such as are commercially available from, for example, Biosearch, Applied Biosystems, Inc. In a preferred embodiment the PCSKO gene is the human PCSO gene. In specific embodiments, the antisense strand of the dsRNA comprises a strand selected from the sense sequences of Tables 1 and 2, and a second sequence selected irom the group consisting of the ami sense sequences of Tables 1 and 2. Alternative ^nusense agents that target elsewhere in the target sequence provided in Tables 1 uτιά 2, can readily he determined using the target sequence and the flanking PCSK9 sequence.

in further embodiments, the dsRNA comprises at least one nucleotide sequence selected from the groups of sequences provided in Tables 1 and 2. Lu other embodiments, the dsRNA comprises at least t^o sequences selected from this group, wherein one of the at least t^vo sequences is complementary to another of the at least two sequences, nx\ά one of the at least two sequences is substantially complementary to a sequence of an uiR.NA generated irs the expression of the PCSK9 gene. Generally, the dsRNA comprises two oligonucleotides, wherein one oligonucleotide is described as the sense .strand in Tables 1 and 2 and the second oligonucleotide is described as the anliserise strand in Tables 1 and 2

The skilled person is wcli aware that dsRNAs comprising a duplex structure of between 20 and 23, biu specifically 21 , base pairs have been hailed as particularly effective in inducing S RNA interference (Eibashir et ah, EMBO 2(.HlI , 20;6877-68§8). However, others have found Uiat shorter or longer dsRNAs can be effective as well. In the embodiments described above, by virtue of the nature of the oligonucleotide sequences provided in Tables 1 and 2, .he dsRNAs of the invention can comprise at least, one strand of a length of minimally 2 int.. Ii can be reasonably expected thai shorter dsRNAs comprising one of the sequences of Tables 1 and 2 minus only a

I O few nucleotides cm one or both ends may he similarly eSleetive as compared Lo ihe dsRNAs described above. Hεnce, dsRNAs comprising a partial sequence of a*, least ! 5, l<x 17, I S, 19, 20, or more contiguous nucleotides from one of the sequences of Tables 1 and 2, and dulering in their ability to inhibit the expression of Hie PCSK.9 gene in a FACS assay as described herein beiow by not more than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 , or 30 % inhibition from a dsRNA comprising the full

\ 5 sequence, are contemplated by die invention. Further dsRNAs that cleave within the target sequence provided in. Tables 1 and 2 can readily be made using ihe PCSK9 sequence and the target sequence provided.

In addition., ihe RNAi agents provided m ^'fables 1 and 2 identify a site m the PCSK9 mRNA that is susceptible to RNAi based cleavage. As such the present invention further 0 includes RNAi agents that target within the sequence targeted by one of the agents of the present invention, As used herein a second RNAi agent is said to target within the sequence of a first RNAi agent if the second RNAi agent cleaves the message anywhere within the niRNA that is complementary to the tmtiseπse strand of the first RNAi agent. Such tx second agent will generally consist of at least 15 contiguous nucleotides lfom one of the sequences provided in

25 Tables I and 2 eotφled to additional nucleotide sequences taken from the region contiguous to the selected sequence in the PCSK9 gene. For example, the last 15 nucleotides of SEQ ID NQ:! (minus the added AA sequences) combined with the next 6 nucleotides from the target PCSK9 gene produces a single strand agent of 21 nucleotides that is based on one of the sequences OTOvided in Tables 1 and 2. The dsRNA of the invention can contain one or more mismatches to the iarget sequence. Irs u preferred embodiment, the dsRN A of the invention contains no snore than 3 mismatches. If the arstisense strand of the ύsRNA contains mismatches to a target, sequence, it is preferable that fee area of mismatch not be located in the center of the region of complementarity. If the arsdseose sirand of the dsRNA contains mismatches to the target sequence, u is preferable that the rsmmatch be restricted to 5 nucleotides .from either end. for example 5. 4, 3. 2, or 1 nucleotide from either the 5 ' or 3 ^s eml of the region of complementarity. For example, for a 23 nucleotide dsRKA. strand which is complementary to a region of the PCSK9 gene, the άsRNA generally does not contain any mismatch within the central 13 nucleotides. The methods described within the invention can be used to determine whether a dsRNA containing a mismatch to a target sequence is effective in inhibiting die expression of the PCSK9 gene. Consideration of the efficacy of dsilNAs with mismatches in inhibiting expression of the PCSK9 gene is important, especially if the particular region of complementarity in the PCSK9 gene is known to have polymorphic sequence variation within the population.

In one embodiment, at least one end of the dsRN A has a single-stranded nucleotide overhang of 1 to 4, generally 1 or 2 nucleotides, dsRNAs having at least one nucleotide overhang have unexpectedly superior inhibitory properties ihan their bUwtf-ended counterparts. Moreover, the present inventors have discovered thai the presence of only one nucleotide overhang strengthens the interference activity of ihe dsRNA, wnhoui affecting its overall slahihly. dsRNA having orJy one overhang has proven particularly stable and effective in vivo, as well as m a variety of cells, cell culture mediums, blood, and scrum. Generally, the single- siranded overhang is located at the 3^f-terxnin_ιl end of ihe andsease strand or, alternatively, at the .V-iermina! end of the sense strand. The dsRNA may also have a blunt end, generally located at the 5 '-end of the ami sense strand. Such tlsRNAs have improved stability and inhibitory activity, thus allowing administration at low dosages, Le,, less than 5 nig/kg body weight of the recipient per day. Generally, tns antisense strand of the dsRNA has a nucleotide overhang at the 3 "-end, and the 5 '-end is biunt. In another embodiment, one or more of the nucleotides in the overhang is replaced with a nucleoside thiophosphate. hi yei another embodiment, the dsRNA is chemically modified to enhance siabiϋiy. The nucleic acids of the invention may be synthesized and'Or modified by methods well established in the art, such as lhose described in ''Cu item protocols in nucleic acid chemistry", Beauoage, S,L. el al. fEάrs.}, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, USA, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Chemica! modifications may include, but are not limited to 2^! modifications, modifications at other sites of the sugar or base of _<m oligonucleotide, introduction of non-natural bases into the oligonucleotide chain, covaient attachment to a ligand or chemical moiety, and replacement of intemncleotick phosphate Linkages with alternate linkages such as tm^'αphαsphates. More than one such modification maybe employed.

Chemical linking of the two separate dsRNA strands may be achieved by any of a variety of well-known techniques, for example by introducing eovajent, ionic or hydrogen bonds; hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals or stacking interactions; by means of raetai-ion coordination, or through use of purine analogues, Generally; the chemical groups that car? he used to modify the dsRNA include, without iimitaiiors, methylene blue; bifunctiona) groups. generally his-(2-chk)roethyl)arnme; N-acetyl-N4p-gIyαxyihen?x>yl)cyst&mine; 4~thiσuraeif; and psoralen, In one embodiment, the linker is a hexa-ethyieπe glycol linker, hi this cass, the dsRNA are produced by solid phase synthesis and the hexa-ethyiene glycol linker is incorporated according to standard methods (e.g., Williams, DX, and K.S. HaH, Biochem. ( 1996) 35: 14665- 14670). Jn a particular embodiment, the 5'-eπd of the anti&ense strand and the 3^!~end of the sense strand are chemically linked via a hexaeOiyleπe glycol linker. In another embodiment at least one nucleotide of t.be dsRNA comprises a pbosphorothioate or phosphorodithioate groups. The chemical bond at the ends of the dsRNA is generally formed by triple-helix bonds. Tables 1 tmύ 2 provides examples of oκx1ified RNAi aaenta of the inversion.

In yet another embodiinent, lhe nucleotides at one or both of the two single strands may be modified to prevent or inhibit the degradation activities of cellular enzymes, such as, for example, without limitation, certain nucleases. Techniques for inhibiting the degradation activity of cellular enzymes against nucleic acids am known m the ar! including, hut nol limited to, 2'- amino mαtiifications, 2 '-amino sugar modifications, 2"-P sugar modifications, 2^%-F modifications, 2'-alkyl sugar modifications, uncharged backbone modifications, mαipholmo modifications, 2'--O-rnethy1 modifications, and phøsphøramidate (see, e.g., Wagner, NaL Med, (1995) 1 :1 116-8). Thus, at least one 2'4rydroxyl group of the nucleotides on a dsRNA is replaced by a chemical group, generally by a I'-amiπo or a 2^*-methyi group. Also, at least one rmdeotide may be modified to form a locked nucleotide. Sue!) locked nucleotide contains a methylene bridge thai connects the 2 '-oxygen of ribnse with the ^-carbon of riboβε. Oligonucleotides containing the locked nucleotide are described in Kosbkin, A. A., et aL Tetrahedron ( 1998), 54: 3607-3630} and Obika, S, et a!.. Tetrahedron LvU. ( 199S), 39; 5401 - 5404), Introduction of a locked nucleotide into an oligonucleotide improves live affinity for complementary sequences and increases the melting temperature, by several degrees (Braasch, D,A. and D. R, Corey, Chem. Bioi. (2001 }, 8:1-7).

Conjugating a ligand to a dsRNA can enhance its cellular absorption as well as targeting io a particular tissue or uptake by specific types of cells such as. liver cells, in certain instances, a hydrophobic ligand is conjugated to the dsRNA to facilitate direct permeation of the cellular membrane and or uptake across the Hver cells. Alternatively, the ligand conjugated to the άsRNA is a substrate for receptor-mediated eπdαcytosis. These approaches have been used to facilitate eel! permeation of&ntisεnse oligonucleotides as well as dsRNA agents. For example, cholesterol has been conjugated to various amisai$e oligonucleotides resulting in compounds thai are substantially more active compared to their non-conjugated analogs. See M. MaBoharai? Λπiisense & Nuckic Λad Drug Development 2002, /2, 103, Other lipophilic compounds thai have been conjugated to oligonucleotides include l.-pyτene butyric acid, 1 ,3-bb-O-

(hexade'csi)glyeeroi, and menthol One example of a ligand for receptor-mediated endocvtosis is folic acid. Folk acid enters the cell by folέue-recepior-niediated endαeylαsis. ds.RNA com pounds bearing folic acid would be efficiently transported into the cell via the folate- receptor-mediated ersdocyiosis. Li and coworkers report that attachment of folic acJd to the T- terminus of an oligonucleotide resulted in an S~fb;d Increase in cellular uptake of the oligonucleotide. IJ, S-; Dεshmukh, H. M.; Huang, L Pharm. Res. 1998, /5, 1540. Other Ijgands that have been conjugated to oligonucleotides include polyethylene glycols, carbohydrate clusters, cross-iiαking agents, porphyrin conjugates, delivery peptides and hpids such as cholesterol. In certain instances, conjugation of a eatiome ligand to oligonucleotides results in improved resistance to nucleases. Representative examples or^'eationsc hgaiids arc propylammoninrπ ami dimeihylpropyhimnioniitm. Interestingly, amiseπse oligonucleotides were reported to retain their high binding affinity to mRNA when the cationic iigand was dispersed t throughoiH the oligonucleotide. See M. Manoharan Antisense ά Nucleic Acid Drug Development 2902, 12, 103 »ncl references therein.

The Hgand-conjugated άsRNA of the invention may be synthesized by the use of a dsRNΛ that bears a pendant reactive functionality, such as that derived irom the attachment of a linking molecule onto the dsRNA. This reactive oligonucleotide may be reacted directly with commercially-available ϊigands. ligands thai are synthesized bearing any of a variety of protecting groups, or ligands that have a linking moiety attached thereto.. The methods of the invention facilitate the synthesis of ϋgand-conjugatεd dsRNA by the use of, in some preferred, embodiments, nucleoside monomers that have been appropriately conjugated with ligands and that may further be attached to a solid-support material Such ligand-nucleoside conjugates, optionally attached to a solid-support material, are prepared according to some preferred embodiments of the methods of the invention via reaction of a selected scrum-binding Iigand with a Unking moiety located on the 5' position of a nucleoside or oligonucleotide. In certain instances, an dsRNA bearing an aralkyi Iigand attached to the 3 '-terminus of the dsRNA is prepared by first eovalently attaching a monomer building block to a controlied-pore-glass support via a long-chain arai.noalkyi group. Then, nucleotides are honcied via standard solid- phase synthesis techniques to the monomer buiiding-biock hound to the solid support. The monomer building block may he a nucleoside or other organic compound that is compatible with so iid-p base syπth asi s .

^'The dsRNA used in the conjugates of the invention rnaybs conveniently and routinely made through the weli-knowπ technique of solid-phase synthesis. Equipment for such synthesis is sold by several vendors including, for example. Applied Biαsystεms (Foster City, CA). Any other means for such synthesis known in the art may additionally or alternatively be employed. Ii is also known to use similar techniques to prepare other oligonucleotides, such as the pbosphorothioates and alkylated derivatives. Teachings regarding the synthesis of particular modified oligonucleotides may be found in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,138,045 and 5,218,105, drawn to polyamiπe conjugated oligonucleotides: U.S. Pat. No, 5.212.295, drams Lo monomers for the preparation of oligonucleotides having chiral phosph.on.5s linkages; LJ. S- Pat Nos. 5.37S.S25 ami 5,541 ,307, drawvj Io oligonucleotides having modi fled backbones; U S. Pat. No. 5386,023, drawn io backlxme-mαdiiled oligonucleotides and the preparation thereof through reductive coupling; U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,191, drawn to modified nuclεobases based on the 3-deazapurine nag system and .methods of synthesis thereof; U.S. Pat No. 5,459,255, drawn to modified nueleobases based on N-2 substituted purines; U. S, Fat. No. 5,521,302. drawn to processes for preparing oligonucleotides having ehir&l phosphorus linkages; U. S Fat. No. 5,539_s0S2. drawn to peptide nucleic acids; U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,746. drawn to oligonucleotides having pMactam backbones; U.S. Pat. No. 5.571 ,902» drawn io methods ami materials for the synthesis of oligonucleotides; U.S. Pat. No, 5,578,718» drawn to nucleosides having aikylthio groups, wherein such groups may be used as linkers to other moieties attached at any of a variety of positions of the nucleoside; U.S. Pat Nos. 5.SS7.361 and 5.599,797, drawn to oligonucleotides having phosphorothioate lin&ages of high chiral parity; U.S. Pat, ^"No. 5,506351 , drawn to processes for the preparation of 2^?-(>--alkyi gii&nosme and related compounds, including 2.ό~diatT!inopu.nπe compounds; U.S. Pat. No. 5,58?,4C>9, drawn to oligonucleotides havmg N-2 substituted purines; U.S. Pat, No. 5.587,470, drawn to oligonucleotides having 3 -de&xap urines; U, S Pat. No. 5,223,.K(S, and IKS. PaL No. 5,608,046, both drawn to conjugated 4'~desm ethyl nucleoside analogs: U.S. Pat. Nαs.

5.602.240, and 5,610,289, drawn to backbone-modified oligonucleotide analogs; U.S. Pat, Nos,

6.262.241, mύ 5,459,255, drawn to, inter aiia, methods of synthesizing 2^!-flιsorø- oli ^se»o^ nycieotides.

In lbs iigand-coπjugated dsRNA and ligand-molecuk bearing Bsqnence-ψ«cific linked nucleosides of ihe invention, the oligonucleotides and oligonudeosides may be assembled on a suitable DNA synthesizer uiilizing standard nucleotide or nucleoside precursors, or nucleotide or nucleoside conjugate precursors that already bear (he unking moiety, figand-πudeoiide or nueleoskie-eorsrαgais precursors that already bear the ligand molecule, or non-mseieoskfe ligand- bearine binldina blocks. When using nudeoiide-coπjugate precursor that already bear a linking moiety, the synthesis of the sequence-specific; linked nucleosides is typically completed, and the hgand molecule is then reacted with the linking moiety to form the ligand-corrjugsted oligonucleotide. Oligonucleotide conjugates bearing a variety of molecules such as steroids, Vitamins, lipids and reporter molecules, has previously been described (see Maπoharan et ai, PCT Application W() 93/07883). In a preferred embodiment ihe oligonucleotides or linked nucleosides of the invention are synthesized by an automated synthesizer using phosphofainidites derived from lig&nd-rmcleoside conjugates in addition to the standard pbosphoramidites and non-standard phϋspiior&msciues that are commercially available and routinely used in oligonucleotide synthesis.

The incorporation of a 2 -0-roethyL 2^!-O-etiryL 2^!-()~propyL 2'-OaIIyI, 2^;-Q-armnoalky! or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro group in nucleosides of an oligonucleotide confers enhanced hybridization properties to the oligonucleotide. Further, oligonucleotides containing phospborothioaie backbones have enhanced nuclease stability. Thus, functionanzed, linked .nucleosides of the invention can be augmented to include either or both a phosphorolhio&ie backbone or a 2'-G- meihvl 2"-0-ethy!, 2'-O-nropyi, 2^!-O-amirjoalkyl, 2'-OaIIy! or 2^!-deoxy-2^!~fϊuoro group. A stsnmiary lisϋng of some of the oligonucleotide modifications known in the art is found at for exaniple, PCT Publication WO 200370918.

In some embodiments, functionali^ed nucleoside sequences of the invention possessing an amino group at the .S'-tennmus are prepared using a DNA synthesizer, and then reacted with an active ester derivative of a selected ligand. Active ester derivatives are weii known to those skilled in the art. Representative active esters include N-hydrosucdnimide esters, tetrafluoropheπolic esters, pentatluoroplienolic esters and peritachiorophenolic esters. The reaction of the amino group and the active ester produces an oligonucleotide In which ihe selected ligand is attached to the 5^!-ρosit.ion through a linking group. Th« aπiino group at the 5^*- terminus can be prepared utilizing a S'-A.mino~lvlodi1ler CO reagent. In one embodiment, Hgand molecules may be conjugated to oligonucleotides nt. the 5'-ρosition by the use of a Hgand- iuicleoside phosphorasnidite wherein the ligand is linked to the S'-hydroxy gronp directly or indirectly via a linker. Such ligand-πucleoside phosphoramidites are typically used at the end of

11 an automated synthesis procedure to provide a iigaπd-eoπjugated oligonucleotide bearing the Hgand at the S^!~termious,

Examples of modified iruernucisoskie linkages or backbones include, for example, phosphoroihioat.es, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphoroditJhioaies, phosphoiriesters, aminoaikylphospbotriesters, methyl and other alkyl phosphorates including S'-aikyiene phosphonates and dikai phosphorsates, phosphinates, phosphoramidates including 3'-aimno phosp^'horamkiaie and aminoalkyipααsphoraraidates, thionopbosphoramidates, ihioiioalk ylphosphorsales, .hiαnoaikylphosphotri esters, and boranophosphates having normal 3'~5^! linkages, 2'-S' linked analogs of these, and those having invested polarity wherein the adjacent pairs of nucleoside units are linked 3⁽~5^: to 5^!-3' or 2'-5" to 5'-2\ Various salts, mixed salts arid iree-aeid forms axe also included.

Representative United States Patents relating to the preparation of the above phosphorus- atom-coniaiiiing linkages inciude, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos, 3,687,808; 4,469.863; 4,4/6301; 5,023,243; 5,177J%; 5.188,897; 5,264,423; 5,276,019; 5,278,302; 5,286,7 ).?; 5,321 J 31 ; 5,399,676; 5.405,939; 5.453,496; 5.455,233; 5.466,677; 5,476,925: 5,519,126;

5,536,821; 5,541,306; 5,550,1 1 1; 5,563,253; 5,571 ,799; 5,58736 k 5,625,050; jiπd 5,6^7,248, each of which is herein, incorporated by reference.

Examples of modified internuejeoside linkages or backbones that do not include a phosphorus atora therein (i.e., oligonucieosides) have backbones that are farmed by short chain alkyl or eyeløalkyl intersugar linkages, πiixed hetcroatoπi and alky! or cyeloalkyl mters^gar Hakages, or osie or more short chain heteroalorrsie or heterocyclic intεrsugar linkages. ^'These include those liaving τπorpholiπo linkages (formed in part from tile sugar portion of a nticieoside); siloxaαe backbones; sulfide, sulfoxide and sαlfone backbones; foroiacetyl and tliiofomiacety! backbones; methylene forrøacetyt and ihioiormricetyl backbones; alkcne containing backbones; siufamate backbones; ineiliy1eneir.ni.no and πiethyleαehydrazino backbones; sulfonate and sulfonamide backbones; amide backbones; and others having mixed N, O₅ S and CH₂ component parts. Representative United Slates patents relating to the preparation of the above oUgonucleosJdcs include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,506; 5,166,315; 5,185,444; 5,214,134; 5,216,141 ; 5,235,033; 5,264,562; 5,264,564; 5,405,938; 5,434,257; 5,466,677; 5,470,967; 5,489,677; 5,541.307; 5,561 ,225; 5,596,086; 5,602,240; 5,610,289; 5,602,240; 5 5,608,046: 5.610,289; 5,618,704; 5,623,070; 5,663,312; 5,633,360; 5,6/7,437; and 5,677,439, each Oi^" wluch is herein incorporated by reference.

In certain instances, the oligonucleotide maybe modified by a noii-Hgand group. A number of non-ligarsd molecules have been conjugated to oligonucleotides m order to enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the oligonucleotide, and procedures for

H⁾ performing such conjugations are available in the scientific literature. Such nors-Ugand moieties have included lipid moieties, such as cholesterol (Letsioger et aL Proc, Natl, Acad, Sci, USA, 1989, $6:0553}.. cholic acid (Manoharan et aL Bioorg. Med. Clieπi. Lett., 5994, 4:1053}.. a thioether, e.g_{> ;} Iiexyl-S-trUyithso} (Manαharan et al, Ann. RY. Acad, Sci., 1992, 660:306; Manohararj et aL, Bborg. Mεd. C hem. Let,, 1993, 3:2765), a thiochoksterol (Oberhauser et a!,,

1 S NucL Acids Res., 1992, 20:533), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodεcandiol or undecyl residues

(Saison-Behmoaras et aL, EMBO 1, 1991, 10:1 11 ; Kabanov et a!., FEBS Lett,, 1990, 259:327; Sviπarchuk et al, Biochimie, 1993, ?5:49X a phospholipid, e,g,, di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or iriethylammonium KI-di-Ohexadecyl-rac-glycero-S-H-ph.osphon.ate (Manoharau et al._: Tetrahedron Lett,, 1995. 36:3651 ; Shea et al, NucL Acids Res._f 1990, ; S;37??κ a polyaπiine or a 0 polyethylene glycol chain {Manoharaυ ei aL, Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, i 4:969k or ad&πiantaπe acetic acid CManoharan Oi aL, Tetrahedron Lett, 1995, 36:3651), a paimityl moiety (Kiishra et aL, Biochirrs. Biophys. AcU^ 1995, 1264:229), or an octadecykπiine or hexylamino- carbouyl-oxvcholesteroi nioiety (Crooke εt a!., ,L Pharmacol. Exp. Then, 1996, 277:923), Representative United Slates patents that teach the preparation of such oligonucleotide

25 conjugates have heeα listed above. Typical conjugation protocols involve (he synthesis of oligonucleotides bearing an aπn^'nolmker at one or more positions of the sequence. Hie amino gϊx>op is then reached with the molecule being conjugated using appropriate coupling or activating reagems. The conjugation reaction may he performed either with the oligonucleotide siii! bound to ϊhε solid support or following cleavage of the oligonucleotide in solution phase. Purification of the oligonucleotide conj ugaie by HPLC typically affords the pure conjugate. The use of a cholesterol conjugate is particularly preferred since such a moiety can increase targeting liver cells cells, a site of PCSK9 expression.

Vector encoded RNAi agents

5 The dsRNA of the invention can also be expressed irons recombinant viral vectors intraceUuiarly in vivo. The recombinant viral vectors of the invention comprise sequences encoding the dsRNA of lfse invention and any suitable promoter for expressing the dsRNA sequences. Suitable promoters include, far example, the Ij6 or H 1 RNA pol IH promoter sequences and the cytomegalovirus promoter. Selection of other suitable promoters is within the I O ski Il in the art The recombinant viral vectors of the invention can also comprise inducible or regolatable promoters for expression of the dsRNA in a particular tissue or in a particular intracellular environment. The use of recombinant viral vectors to deliver dsRNA of the invention to cells in vivo IH discussed in more detail below.

dsR-NA of the inventsors can be expressed from a recombinant viral vector either as two 1 S separate, complementary RNA molecules, or as a. single RNA molecule with two complementary regions.

Any viral vector capable of accepting the coding sequences for the dsRNA moi.eeidefs) to be expressed can be used, tor example vectors derived from adenovirus ( AV); aderso-associated virus (AAV); retroviruses (e.g.. Ienti viruses ^LVl, Rhahdovimses, .murine leukemia virus); herpes 20 virus, and the like. The ϊropisjn of viral vectors can be modified by pseudotyping lhe vectors with envelope proteins or other surface antigens from other viruses, or by substituting different viral eapsiti proteins, as appropriate.

For example, lenϋviral vectors of the invention can be pseuαotyped with surface proteins from vesicular stomatitis virus (YSY 5, rabies. Ebola, Mokola, and Uw like, AAV vectors of the 25 invention can be made to target different ceils by engineering die vectors to express different capskl protein serotypes. For example, an AAY vector expressing a serotype 2 capaid on a

7 S serotype 2 genome is called AAV 2/2. This serotype 2 capsid gene is the AAV 2/2 vector can be replaced by a serotype 5 capsid gene to produce an AAV 2/5 vector. Techniques for constructing AAV vectors which express different capsid protein serotypes are within the skill in the art; see, e.g., RabinowUz ^j E at al (2002), I Virol 76:791 -8(Ji, the antim disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

Selection of recombinant viral vectors suitable for use in the invention, methods for inserting nucleic acid sequences for expressing the dsRNA into the vector, and methods of delivering the viral vector to the cells of interest are within the skill m the art. See, for example. Dornbiirg R (1995), Gεne Therap. 2: 301 -310; Eglitis M A (1988}. Biolechniqueκ 6: 608-614; Miller A D (1990), Hum Gene Therap. 1 : 5-14; Anderson W F ( 1998), Nature 392: 25-30; and Rubisison D A εt. aL, Nat, Genet. 33; 40!. -406, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Preferred viral vectors are those derived from AV and AAV. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dsRNA of the invention is expressed as two separate, complementary single- stranded RNA molecules from a recombinant AAV vector comprising, for example, either the IJ6 or H i RNA promoters, or the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter.

A suitable AV vector for expressing the dsRNA of the invention, a method for constructing the recombinant AV vector, and a method for delivering the vector into target cells, ar ^■e described in Xia B et al. (2002), Nat. Biotech. 20: 1006-1010.

Suitable AAV vectors lor expressing the dsRN A of the invention, methods for constructing the recombinant AV vector, and methods tor delivering the vectors into target cells arc described in Sarnaiski R et al. S 1987), j. Viroi. 6! : 3096-3101 ; Fisher K J ct aL U 996), j, ViroL ^"0: 520-532; Sarmilski R el ai. ( 1989), J, ViroL 63: 3822-3826; U.S. Pat. No, 5,252,479; U.S. Pat. No. 5J 39,941 ; international Patent Application No. WO 94/13788; and international Patent Application No. WO 93/24641, the entire disclosures of which are herem incorporated by reference.

^r? fi III. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising dsRNA

In one embodiment, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a dsRNA, as described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutics! composition comprising the dsRNA is useful for treating a disease or disorder associated with the expression or activity of the PCSK9 gene, such as pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating PCSK9 gene expression, sucxh as hypεrlipidrøύa. Such pharmaceutical compositions are formulated based on the mode of delivery. One example is compositions that are formulated tor delivery Lo the liver via parenteral delivery.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention arc administered irs dosages sufficient to inhibit expression of the PCSK9 gene. The present inventors have found that, because of their improved efficiency, compositions comprising the dsRNA of the invention can be administered at surprisingly low dosages, A dosage of 5 nig dsRNA per kilogram body weight of recipient par clay is siύϊicieni to inhibit or suppress expression of the FCSKS¹ gene and may he administered sysiernically to the patient.

In general a suitable dose of dsRNA will be in the range of 0.01 to 5.0 milligrams per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day, generally in the range of ! microgram to 1 mg per kilogram body weight per day. The pharmaceutical composition may be administered on.ee daily, or the dsRN A may be administered as two, three, or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day or even using continuous infusion or delivery through a controlled release formulation, ϊxi that case, the dsRNA contained in each sαh-dose mast be correspondingly smaller m order to achieve the total daily dosage. The dosage unit can also be compounded for delivery over several days, e.g., using a conventional sustained release formulation which provides sustained release of the dsRNA over a several day period. Sustained release formulations are -well known in the art.

The skilled artisan will appreciate thai certain lactors may influence the dosage and timing required to effectively treat a subject including but not limited So the severity of the disea.se or disorder, previous treatments, the general health and/or age of the subject, and other diseases present. Moreover, treatment of a subject with a therapeutically effective amount of a

\> 7 composition can include a single treatment or a series of treatments. Estimates of effective dosages and in vivo half-livss for the individual dsRNAs encompassed by the invention can be made using conventional methodologies or on the basis Q Ϊ in vivo testing using an appropriate animal mode⁾, as described elsewhere herein.

Advances in mouse genetics have generated a number of mouse models for the study of various human diseases, such as pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating PCSK9 gene expression. Such models are used .for hi vivo testing of dsRNΛ, as well as for determining a therapeutically effective dose.

Any method can be used to administer a dsRNA of the present invention to a mammal. For example, administration can be direct; oral; or parenteral (e.g., by subcutaneous, intraventricular, intramuscular, or intraperitoneal injection, or by intravenous drip). Administration can be rapid {e.g., by injecϋon), or can occur over a period of time (e.g., by slow Infusion or administration of slow release formulations).

Typically, when treating a mammal with hyperlipldemia, the dsRNA .molecules are administered systemically via parental means. For example, dxRNAs, conjugated or unconjugate or lbnmdated with or without liposomes, can be administered intravenously Io a patient. For such, a άsRNA molecule can be formulated into compositions such as sterile and non-sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solutions in common solvents such as alcohols, or solutions ifs liquid or solid oil bases. Such solutions also can contain buffers, diluents, and other suitable additives. For parenteral, intrathecal, or intraventricular administration, a dsRNA molecule can be formulated into compositions such as sierile aqueous solutions, which also can contain bulϊers. diluents, and other suitable additives (e.g., penetration enhancers, carrier compounds, and other pharmaceutically acceptable earners).

in addition, dsRNA molecules can be administered to a mammal as biologic or abiologic means as described in, for example, US. PaL No. 6,271 ,359. Abiofogic delivery can be accomplished by a variety of methods including, without limitation, (I) loading liposomes with a dsRNA acid molecule provided herein and (2) eonjplexing a dsRNA molecule with lipids or liposomes Io form nucleic acid- lipid or nucleic acld-iiposome complexes. The liposome can be composed of cationie and neutral Upkis commonly used to traπsfect cells />.' vitro. Catsonic lipids can complex (e.g., charge-associatei with negatively charged nucleic acids to form liposomes. Examples of catώπic liposomes include, without limitation, lipolectin, lipofεctamine, hpofeetaee, and DOTAP. Procedures for forming liposomes are well known in the art. Liposome compositions can be formed-, for example, from phosphatidylcholine, dimyristαyl phosphatidylcholine, dipalmiioy) phosphatidylcholine, dirπyristoyl phosphatiάylglycerol or eUokoyi phosphatldylethanolaπuπe. Numerous lipophilic agents arc commercial iy available, including Lipαfecun.RTM. (Invitrogen/tife Technologies, Carlsbad, CaIiD and Efreeterie.TM. (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif), In addition, systemic delivery methods can be optimized using commercially available cation ic lipids such as DDAB or DOTAP₅ each of which can be mixed with a neutral lipid such as DOPE or cholesterol, fa some cases, liposomes such as those described by Tempteton. et at {^'Nature Biotechnology, 15: 647-652 (1997)) can be used. In other embodiments, polycatiorss such as poiyethyleneimine can be used to achieve delivery m vivo and ex vivo (Boletta et a!.. J. Airs Soc, Nephrol. 7: 1728 ( 19%)}. Additional information regarding the use of liposomes to deliver nucleic acids can he (bund in U.S. Pat. No. 6.271.359, PCT Publication WO 96/40964 and Morrissey, D. et al. 2005. Nat Bioiechnol. 23(8): 1002-7.

Biologic delivery can be accomplished by a variety of methods including, without lii>ύtaϋoτi, the use of viral vectors. For example, viral vectors (e.g.. adenovirus and herpesvirus vectors) can be used to deliver dsENA molecules io liver cells. Standard molecular biology techniques can be used to introduce one or more of the dsRNAs provided herein into one of the maxsy different viral vectors previously developed io deliver nucleic acid to cells. These resulting viral vectors ear; be used to deliver she one or more dsRN As to cells by, for example, infection,

dsRNAs of the present invention can be formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent A "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" (also referred to herein as an "excipient") is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, suspending agent, or any other pharmacologically inert vehicle. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be liquid or solid, and can be selected with the planned manner of administration in rnind so as to provide for the desired bulk; consistency, and other pertinent transport and chemical properties. Typical pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, by way of example and not limitation; water; saline solution; binding agents (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone or irydroxypropyl niethyicelJuiose); tilt ere (eg,, lactose and other sugars, geialin, or calcium sulfate); lubricants (e.g., starch, polyethylene glycol, or sodiu.ni acetate); disintegrates le.g., search or sodium starch glycolate); and wetting agents (e.g., sodium iaury] sulfate),

In addition, dsRNA that target the PCSK9 gene can be formulated into compositions containing the dsRNA admixed, encapsulated, conjugated, or otherwise associated with other molecules, molecular structures, or mixtures of nucleic acids- For example, a composition containing one or snore dsRNA agents that target the PCSK9 gene can contain other therapeutic agents such as othr lipid lowering agents (e.g., statins).

PCSK9

The methods and compositions described herein can he used to treat diseases and conditions that can be modulated by down regulating PCSK9 gene expression. Far example, the compositions described herein can be used to treat hyperhpidemia and other forms σfiipid inhafance such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia mά the pathological conditions associated with tiuese disorders such as heart and circulatory diseases.

Methods for inhibiring expression of the PCSK9 gene

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK*⁾ gene in a mammal. The method comprises administering a composition of the invention to the mammal such that expression of the target P€SK.9 gene is silenced. Because of their high specificity, the dsRNAs of the invention specifically target RNAs (primary or processed) of the target PCSKc⁾ gens. Compositions and methods for inhibiting the expression of these PCSK9 genes using dsRNAs can be performed as described elsewhere herein.

In one embodiment, the method comprises administering a composition comprising a dsRN A, wherein the dsRNA comprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to at least a pan of an RNA transcript of the PCSK.9 gene of the mammal to be treated, When the orgarsisrrs to be treated is a mammal such as a human, the composition may be administered by arty means known in the art including,, but not Limited to oral or parenteral routes, including intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, transdermal, airway (aerosol) administration, In preferred embodiments, the compositions are administered by intravenous miusioo or injection.

Uniess otherwise defined, ail technical and scientific teπns used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one- of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below, AU publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. ID case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control, In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to b& limning

EXAMPLES

Gene Walking of the PCSK9 gene

siRNA design was carried out to identify m two separate selections

a) siRNAs targeting PCSK9 human and either mouse or rat niRN A and

5 b) all human reactive siRNAs with predicted specificity to the target gene FOSK.9.

roRNA sequences to human, mouse and rat. PCSK9 were used; Human sequence NM J.74936.2 was used as reference sequence during the complete siRNA selection procedure,

19 m er stretches conserved in humars and mouse, axsd human and rat PCSO JΠRNA sequences were identified i.n the first step, resulting in the selection of siRNAs crossrεactjvε to ^■ 0 human and mouse, and siRNAs crossreactive to human and rat targets

SiRNAs specifically targeting human PCSK9 were identified in a second selection. AH potential ! 9mer sequences ofhuman PCSK9 were extracted and defined as candidate target sequences. Sequences cross-reactive to human, monkey, and those cross-reactive to mouse, rai, human and monkey are all listed in Tables 1 and 2. Chemically modified versions of those IS sequences and their activity m both ?>? vitro tmά in vivo assays are also listed in tables 1 and 2 and examples given in Figures 2-8.

In order to rank candidate target sequences and their corresponding siRNAs and select appropriate ones, their predicted potential for interacting with irrelevant targets (off-target potential) was taken as a ranking parameter. siRNAs with low off-target potential were defined 0 as preferable and assumed to be more specific in vivo.

For predicting siRN A-spedfic off-target potential the following assumptions were made;

1 ) positions 2 to ^c> (counting S' to 3") of a strand (seed regions may contribute more to off-target potential than rest of sequence (αoτi-seed imd cleavage site region)

10 2} posi.tio.ns IO and .1 1 (counting 5^! to 3') of a strand (cleavage site region) may contribute more to off-target potential than non-seed region

3} positions i and 19 of each strand are not relevant for off-target interactions

4) an off-target score cars bo calculated for each gene and each strand, based on 5 complementarity of siRNA strand sequence to the gene's sequence arid position o C^" mismatches

5} number of predicted off-targets as well as highest off-target score must be considered for oil-target potential

6) off-target scores are to be considered more relevant tor off-target potential than numbers of off-targets

I O ?) assuming potential abortion of sense strand activity by interna! modifications introduced, only off-target potential of antise.ose strand will be relevant

To identify potential off-target genes, 19mer candidate sequences were subjected to a homology search against publically available human mRNA sequences.

The following off-target properties for each 19mer input sequence were extracted for caes IS off-target gene to calculate the off-rarget score:

Number σf mismatches in non-seed region

Number of mismatches in seed region

Number of mismatches in cleavage site region

The off-target score was calculated for considering assumption Uo 3 as follows:

20 Off-target score ^:::: number of seed mismatches ⁵MO

^■'^• mxiϊiber of cleavage Site mismatches * ! .2

÷ number of non-seed mismatches * 1 The most relevant off-target gene for each siR^'NA corresponding to the input 19nier sequence was defined as the gene with the lowest off-target score. Accordingly, the lowest off- target score was defmed as the relevant off -target score for each si UNA.

Source of reagents

Where the source of a reagent Ls not specifically given herein, such reagent maybe obtained from any supplier of reagents tor molecular biology at a qualhy/pusity standard for application in molecular biology.

sJEISA. synthesis

Single-stranded RNAs were produced by solid phase synthesis on a scale of ! μmole using an Expedite 8909 synthesizer (Applied Biosysvenis, Appbra Deutsdiland €irnb-Bu Darmstadt, Germany) and controlled pore glass (CPG, 500A, ProHgo Bbcheniie GmbH, Hamburg. Cjerrπasy) as solid support. RNA and RNA containing 2 -ϋ~methyi nucleotides were generated by solid phase synthesis employing the corresponding phosphoraroidiies ami 2 -0- methyl phosphorarnidit.es, respectively (Proligo Bioehemie GmbH., Hamburg, Germany). These building blocks were incorporated at selected sites within the sequence of the oligoribonuciεoπde chain using standard .nucleoside phαsphoramidite chemistry such as described in Current protocols in nucleic acid chemistry, Beaucage, SJ.,, et a!. CEdrs.k John Wiley & Sons, inc., New York, NY, USA. Phosphorothioate linkages ware introduced by replacement of the iodine oxidizer solution with a solution of the Beaucage reagent {Chruachern Ltd, Glasgow, IiK) in aeetonitri Ie ( 1 %). Further ancillary reagents were obtained from MalHsickrodt Baker (Grieshcim, Germany),

Deprotecπon and purification of the catde oligortbαnucieotides by anion exchange HPLC wesre carried out according to established procedures. Yields and concentration?; were determined by IiV absorption of a solution of die respective RNA at a wavelength of 260 am using a spectral photometer (DU 640B, Beekman Coulter GmbH, ϋnterschleiBheϊm, Germany). Double stranded

RNA was generated by mixing an cquimoJar solution of complementary strands in annealing buffer (20 raM sodium phosphate, pH 6,8; 100 m^'M. sodium chloride), heated in a water bath at 85 - 90^cC for 3 rmrsuies and cooled to room temperature over a period of 3 - 4 hours, The annealed RNA solution was stored at -20 ^':'C until use.

For the synthesis of 3^'-cholesterol-conjUgaied siRNΛs (herein referred to aβ -ChOkV), an appropriately modified solid support was used for RNA synthesis. The modified solid support was prepared as follows:

Diεlhvl-2-azabutane-h4-diearboχγIate AA

A 4.7 M aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (50 mi) was added into a stirred, ice- cooled solution of ethyl glycinate hydrochloride (32.19 g, 0.23 mole) in water (50 ml.}. Then, ethyl acrylate (23.1 g, 0.23 mole) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature until completion of the reaction was ascertained by TIX, After I θ h the solution was partitioned with clicbSoroniethϋnε (3 x 100 snL). The organic layer was dried with anhydrous sotliisra stsifate, filtered and evaporated. The residue was distilled Io aftbrd AA (28,8 g, 61%).

3- (EllK>xycarbonylmeihyl-[6-(^<)H-fluoren-9-ylniethoxycarbony!-aniino}--bexai.ioy!}-' amino ^ -propionic acid ethyl ester AB

AS

Fnioc-6-amino-hexanoic acid (9,12 g, 25,83 nimol} was dissolved in dichloromcthaπe (50 mL) and cooled with ice. Diisopropylcarbodiimde (3,25 g, 3,9^s) niL. 25. S3 mmol) was added to the soUuion at if 'C. h was fhssi followed hv the addition of Dieihyl-azabotane-! ,4-dicarboxylate (5 g. 24.ό rørooO and dimethylamioα pyridine (0,305 g, 2,5 mmol}. The solution was brought to room temperature and stirred foπher for 6 h. Completion of the reaction was ascertained by TLC. The reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum and ethyl acetate was added io precipitate diisopropyi urea. The suspension was filtered. The filtrate was washed with 5% aqueous 5 hydrochloric acid, 5% sodium bicarbonate and water. The combined organic layer was dried over sodium siU fate and concentrated to give the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (50 % EtQAOHexanes) to yield 1 1 ,8? » (SS%) of AB.

3~[{6-Amino-hexaiioy1}~cthoxycarhonylmethyl-affiiπoj-prαpioαic acid ethyl ester AC:

J O

3- ^Ethoxycarboiiylπieth>1-[ό~{yH-πuoren-^-ylmethoxycarbony(arnino)-hcxaπoy[]- amino I -propionic acid ethyl ester AB (1 1.5 g, 21.3 mmol) was dissolved in 20% piperidine \n dmiethylfoπnamide at ϋ"^JC, The solution was continued stirring lor ! h. The reaction mixture was concentrated ursder vacuum, water was added to the residue, and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude product was purified by conversion into its hydrochloride salt.

34^⁽>-[17^ 1 , 5-Dimethyl-bexy1)-10J 3-dimethyi-2_>3Λ^'?_I8,9α0_!.l 1 ,12,n,I4,15,l 6.1 7- tetrsdecahydro-^] ϊ-l-cyclopenta[a]phenaπtiiren-3~yioxycarbonylamino]- hsxano^γ]H-tlioxycarbonyimet!ryi-amino}-propioπie acid ethyl ester Al>

20 AB The hydrochloride salt of 3~[(6-Λmmo-ht^sxanoyl}~ethoxycarboτiyimethyl-asrimo^'|- propioπie acid eihyi ester AC (4.7 g, 14.8 srmiol) was taken up in dichlαrømethaae. The suspension, was cooled to 0°€ on ice. To the suspension diisopropylsthyiamine (3.8? g, 5,2 raL, 30 mnioi) was added, To fhc resulting solution cholesteryϊ chlotoibrrrsate {6.675 g. 14.8 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichlorornethane and washed with 10% hydrochloric acid. The product was purified by flash chromatography ( 10.3 g, 92%).

ϊ

i 0.ϊ3-<IJmethyl-2,3Λ7,S.f⁾J0,l L] 2,! 3j4,I5α6.17- ietradecahydro~lH~cydopentafa| phenaBthrcii-?-y!oxycarbQnylami«o|-hexaHay! |~4-oxo- ρyrroHdiαe-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester AE

AE

Potassium t-butox.ide { 1. i g, ⁽>.S nuτrøl) was slurried in 30 raL of dry toluene. The mixture was cooled io 0''C- on ice and 5 g (6,6 mmol} ot^'diester AD was added slowly with stirring within 20 rains. The temperature was kepi below S⁰C during the addition. The stirring was con tinned tor 30 rains ai {}"C and 1 ml, of glacial acetk acid was added, irjimediateiy followed by 4 g of NaI-IsPO₄-I-LO ITS 40 ml.- of water The restutaui mixture was extracted twice with 100 ml, of diciiiorornethane each and the combined organic exiraets were washed twice with 10 mL of phosphate buffer each, dried, and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 60 nil, of toluene, cooled to (PC and extracted with three 50 IYΪL portions of cold pH 9.5 carbonate butler. The aqueous extracts were adjusted to pϊ-i 3 with phosphoric acki, and extracted with five 40 mL portions of chloroform which were combined, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography using 25% eihyiaeetate/hexane to afford 1.9 g of b-keioester (39%).

[⁽>-(3-^Iv^roxy-4-hydroxymsihyl-pyττolidit1-i-yl}~0~oxo-hexy1]^■■cαrbail^■)ic■ acid 17-0 ,5- dimethyl-hexylVlOJ 3-dimtfhyi-23,4J,S,9,l OJ 1 J2J 3..R] 5 J 6J 7-ιεtradβcahydrα-I H- cyclopeπta[ajphenaϊithreπ-3-yl ester AF

Methanol (2 m.t) was added dropwis€ over a period of i h to a refluxing mixture of b- ketoester AE (L5 g, 2.2 πmiol) and sαdhtrs horobydride (0.226 g, (> mmol) in tetrabydro&ran OO TΠL). Stirring Λvas continued at reflux temperature for 1 h. After cooling to room temperature, 1 N HQ (12.5 nil.) was added, the mixture was extracted with ethylacetatε (3 x 4ϋ mL). The combined sthylaceiate layer was dried aver anhydrous sodiαπi sulfate and concentrated under vacuum to yield the product whicb was purified by column chromatography (10% MeOH/CHCϊϊ) (89%).

{6- i3-[Bis-{4-n>ethoxy~phenyl)-phenyl-me{hoxymethyl]-4-h>^jdroxy~pyrroHdin-] ~yl|-~6~ oxo-hexyu-carb&rruc acid !?■■( U5-difnethy1-hexyl)~10.13-dimethy1~

2:3 A J SS, I OJ 1 , 12Λ 3, 14 J 5,16 J 7-tεiradecahydro ■ I H-cycloρema|a jpheπanthren-3-yl ester AG

AG

Di o ! AF (1 ,25 gm 1,994 m«io!) vvas dried by evaporating with pyridine (2 x 5 jtiL) m ixifuch Anhydrous pyridine (H) πiL) and

13 rnmo!) were added with stirrmg. The reaction w;is carried out at room teπvperaiure overnight. Trie reaction was quetiched by the addition of methanol. The reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum and to the residue dichloroπiethane {50 xnh) was added. The organic layer was washed with IM aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The residual pyridine was removed by evaporating "with toluene. The crude product was puπOed by column chromatography (2% MeOR'Chioroform. Rf ^::: 0,5 in. 5% MeOH/CHCiO s l.75 z_* 95%),

Succinic acid moπo-{4-[bis~(4-rnetlioxy-pheτiyi}-pheπyl~metboxyιiiε1i>yrhl -K>-[l^*'-{l,5 \_ dimeihyl-hexyj}-iϋj3-climetliy! 2,3,4J₅S^JO₅11,12 J 3,14,15 J όJ 7-tetradecahydrø-lH cyclopcϊita[a]pb&naathren-3-yiox>'<;arboπylaτnij"5.o]-hexaπoyl |-pyτro1Idm~3-yl} ester AM

AH

Compound AG { 1 ,0 g, I .05 mmol) was mixed with succinic anhydride (0, 1 SO g, 1 ,5 mmα!) and DMAP (0.073 g, 0.6 mmol) and dried m a vacuuπi at 40°C ovemiglu. The mixture was dissolved in anhydrous dichloroethaiie (3 oil.), triethylanime (0.3 ! S g, 0.440 ml.., 3, LS mmol) was added ami ihe solution was stirred at room iemperature under argon atmosphere for 16 h. Il was then diluted with dichtoromothaae (40 ml) and washed wύh ice cold aqueous citric acid (5 wt%, 30 mL) and water (2 X 20 nit). The organic phase was dried over anhydrous sodsuπi sulfate and cojκeπtra(ed to dryness. The residue was used as such for s.he next step.

Cholesterol derivatised CPC r .

AI Succinate AH (0,254 g, 0.242 rnmol) was dissolved m a mixture of dichlorome-ihane/acfiJomtrHe s 3:2, 3 mi). To thai solution DMAP ((10296 g, 0.242 rranøt) in accioiύfxile (1.25 ml), 2,2"-Dithio-bIs(5-αitrop>τidiϊie} (0,075 g, 0.242 mmo!) in aceiotύtriie/diehloroethaαe (3: 1 , 1 ,25 ml.) were added successively. To the resulting solution iφheuyiphαsphrnε {0.064 g, 0,242 mrnol) in acetoiiitrile (0.6 nil} was added. The reaction mixture turned bright orange in color. ^'The solution was agitated briefly using a wrist-acϋon shaker (S πiins}. Long chain aikyl amme--€PG (LCAA-CPG) i 1.5 g, (;1 -is Kf) was added, 'The suspension was agslated for 2 h. The CPG was iϋtered ihmugh a sintered tunnel and washed with ac≤tonitrile, dichbromeihane and ether successively. Unreaαeα amino groups were masked using acetic anhydride/pyridϊne. The achieved loading of the CPG was measured by taking UV measurement (37 mM/g).

The s^ynthesis of si RNAa bearing a SM 2-dodecaπoie acid bisdecylamide- group (herein reierred to as "5^!-C32-"} or a S'-ehαlesteτyl derivative group (herein referred to as "5^!-Chol-"} v/as pcrfoππed as described ITΪ WO 2004/065601, except that, tor ihe ehoksiery! derivative, the oxidation step was performed using the Baaocage reagent in order IQ introduce a phosphorothioate linkage at the 5 '-end of the nucleic acid oligomer.

Nucleic acid sequences are represented beiow using standard nomenclature, and specifically the abbreviations of Table 1-2.

Table 1-2: Abbreviations of aucleotide ino»ORiers used m nucleic acid sequence representation. It will bs? understood that these monomers, whe» present m mi oligonucleotide, are aiatuaHy linked by S'-3'-ρhosphodiester bonds.

A 1

PCSK9 siRlMA screening in HuH7 , HepG2, Mela and Primary Monkey Hepafeocytes Discovers BHglϊiy Active S«q«e«ces

HuH-ZGeHs wefe obiained from JCRB CsH Bank {Japanese Collection of Research

Bioresources) (Shinjuku, lapas, cat. No.; JCRB041B) Ceils wes'e cultured in Dulbecco's MEM (Biochroπi AG, Berlin, Germany, cat No. P 0435) suppkmiemed to contain 10% feiaf calf serum (PCS) (Biochrorn AG, Berlin, Germany, cat. No. SOl 15), Penicillin 100 U/røi, Streptomycin 100 μg/m! CBioehrom ACK Berlin, Germany, cat. No. A2213) and 2mM L-Glmmm (Biochrom AG, Berlin, Germatiy, cat. No K02S2) at 37⁰C in an atmosphere with 5% CCh m a humidifietf incubator (fieraeus HERAcclL fCendro Laboratory Produ.«s, !.,απgeriselboid, Germany). Hcp(}2 and HeIa cells were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (Rockviϋe, MD, cai. No, HB-SOo^'5) and cultured in MEM ((5sbco Invitrogers, Karlsruhe, Germany, cat. No. 21090-022} supplemenled iα contain 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) (Biochrom AG, Berlin, Germany, cai. No, SOU S), Penicillin 100 U/ml_> Streptomycin K)O μg/ml (Biochrom AG, Berlin, Germany, cat. No. A2213), I x Non Essential Amino Acids (Biochrom AG, Berlin. Germany, cat. No, K-0293), and 1Λ' ϊhi Sodium Pyruvate (Biochrom AG, Berlin, Germany, cat. No. 1,-0473 j at 3?^:''C in an atmosphere with 5% CO.; m a humidified incubator {{-fcraeus jHERAceiL Kemiro Laboratory? Products. Lsngenseϊbokl Germany).

For transfeetiors with si RNA, HuH7, HepG2, or HeIa cells were seeded at a density of 2.0 x KT ceils/well in 96-svdI plates ami transfeeted directly. Transfeciion of siRNA (3OnM. for single dose screen) was carried oui with hpofeαamme 2iK)0 (ϊnvitrogen GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany, cat. No. 11668-019} as described by the manimcturer.

24 hours after traπsieelbn HuH 7 and HepG2 ceils were jysed and PCSK9 mRNA levels were quantified with the Quantigeπe Explore Kit (Gsniαspreetra, Dumbarton Circle Fremotn, USA, cat No. QG-000-02) according to the protocol. PCSK9 mRNA levels were normalised io GAP-DH mRNA. For each siRNA eight individual datapoints were coHeeied, siRNA duplexes unrelated to PCSK9 gene were used as control. The activity of a given PCSK9 specific siRNA duplex was expressed us percent PCSK9 mRNA conceτuration iu treated ceils relative to F*ζ-SK9 mRNA concentration in cells «-eatεd with f.he control siRNA duplex.

Frimsr/ cyiiomoigus monkey hepatocytes (cryopreseπ'ed) were obtained from In vitro Technologies, Inc. (Baltimore, Maryland, USA, cat No M0030S) and cultured io InVitroGRO CP Medioin {cat No Z99029) at 3?°C in an atmosphere with 5% CO_> in a iiumkϋfkd incubator.

For transection with siRNA, primaiy ey.nomolgys iBOiikey ceils were seeded on Collagen coated plates (Fisher Scientific, cat. Mo. OS-774-5) a^ a density of 3.5 x Uf ceHs/weH in 96-weH plates and trasisleeted directly. Transfection of siRNA (eight 2-lbld dikuion series starting (Vo«5 3OrM ) in duplicates was carried out with iipofectamine 2000 (ϊπvitvogcπ GmbH, Karismhe, Geπiiany, cat. No. 11668-019} as described by the manufacturer.

16 hours afler transfeottoD niediimi was changed to fresh InVϋroGRG C? Medium wkh ^'Torpedo Antibiotic Mix (In vitro Technologies, ϊnc, cat. No Z99000) added.

24 hours after medium change primary cyoomolgus jrrønk^'ey cells were Iyaed and PCSKS⁾ mRNA levels were quantified with the Quaniigerse Eixpiore KiI (Geπosprectra, Dumbarton Circle Fremont, USA₇ cat. No. Q€ -000-02) according to the protocol PCSK9 mRNA levels were normalized to GAPDH niRNA. Normalized PC'S KWGAFDH ratios were then compared to PCSK.9/GAPDH ratio of iipα fee Uu nine 2000 only control.

Tables 1-2 ⁽and Figure (^■>) summarize the results and provides examples of m vitro screens in different ceil lines at different doses. Silencing of POSK.9 transenpi was expressed as percentage of remaining transcript at a given dose. Highly active sequences are those with less than 70% transcript remaining post treatment with a given siRN A at a dose less than or equal to ^} Oϋnrπ. Very active secμicnces are those thai have less than hϋ% of transcript remaining after treatment wiih a doseJess than or eqaa! Lo 1 DOnM Active sequences are those that have less man &5% transcript remaining after treatment wύ h a high dose { 10OnM ). Examples of active siRRVs were also screened in viw in mouse in lipidoid formulations as deseπbed below. Active sequences in vitro were also generally active m viva (See figure Figure 6 example}.

In ^ήvo Effleaey Sereeo of PC SK.9 siRNAs

Forrøuiadon Procedure

15 The iipidoid

PEG-Ceramide CIh (Avanϋ Polar Lipids) were used to prepare lipid-siRNA naτκiparticks Stock solutions of each in ethanol were prepared: LNP-Ol , \ 33 nig/mi.; Cholesterol, 25 rng/mL, PEG- Ceramide CIt\ !00 mg/'niL. LNP-OL Cholesteroi, and PEG-Ceramide Cl 6 stock solutions were then combined hi a 42:48:10 molar ratio. Combined lipid solution was rnixeα rapidly with

2.0 aqueous si RNA (in sodium ateintc pH 5} such that the final ethanol concentration was 35-45% and the final soάiurrs acciate concentration was 100-300 rsM, Upsci-siRNA naBoparticIes foππeϋ spontaneously upon mixing. Depending on the desired particle size distribution, the rosuliam ntmopanicle mixture was in sonic cases exirtidcd through a polycarbonate membrane (KKi nm cnt-ofi) using a iherniobarre! extruder (Lipex Extruder, Northern Lipids, Iπe). In other cases, the

25 extrusion step was omitted, Ethsnol removal and simnUaneous buffer excbas^ge was accomplished by either dialysis or tangential flow Duration. Bu Her was exchanged to phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7,2. Qsaracterkatloss of ioruralsUons

Formulations prepared by cither the standard or extrusion-free method are characterized m a similar marker Formulations are first characterized by visual inspection. They should be S whitish translucent sohuions free from aggregates or sediment. Particle size and particle size distribution of hpid-rsanopsnides are measured by dynamic light scattering using a Maiveπi Zetasαer Nana ZS (Marvem, USA), Panicles should be 20-300 nmu and ideally, 40-100 nai in size. The particle size distribution should be unimodal. The total siRNA concentration in the .Cbπniύatωn, as well as ibe entrapped fraction, is estimated using a dye exclusion assay, A sample 0 of the formulated si RNA is incubated w-th the RNA~binding dye Ribogreen (Molecular Probes) in the presence or absence of a formulation disrupting surfactant, 0.5% Tr? ton- XI 00. The total siRNA ui the formulation is determined by die signal from the sample containing the surfactant, relative io a standard curve. The entrapped fraction is determined by subtracting the "free" siRNA content (as measured by the signal m the absence of surfactant) from the total siRNA 5 content. Percent entrapped si RNA i s typically >B 5 %.

Boles dosmg

BoI as dosing of formulated si RNAs in C57/BL6 mice f 5/group, 8~ 10 weeks old, Charles River Laboratories, IvIA) was pεrfbvrøed by iail vem iryecdon using a 27 Q needie. SiRNAs were formula led in LNP-O) (and then dialyzed against PBS) aL 0.5 mg/nii concentration allowing the 0 delivery of ihe 5mg/kg dose in 10 μl/g body weight. Mice were kept under an iπfraxed lamp for approximately 3 mhi prior to dosing to ease injection,

48 hour posi dosing mice were sacrificed by COj-aBphyxsutior!, 0.2 m\ blood was eoileαed by retro-orbital bleed ing and the lives- was harvested and frozen in liquid nitrogers. Serum and livers were stored at - SO⁰C".

5 Frozen livers were gnnded using 6850 Freezer/Mill Cryogenic Grinder (SPEX

CentriPrep, inc) and powders stored at -SO⁰C until analysis. POSK.9 mRNA levels were defected using the branched-DNΛ technology based kit from Quantiϋene Reagent System (Gesiospectra) according to the protocol. 10-2ϋrag of frozen liver powders was iysed m 600 u) of 0.16 αg/rnl Proteinase K (Epicentre, #MFRK092) in Tissue and Cell Lysis Solution (Epicentre. #MΪC0%.H} at 6ST for 3 hours. Then 10 ul of the iysates were added to 90ul of Lysis Working Reagent (1 volume of stock Lysis Mixture in two volumes of water) and incubated at 52"C overnight on Genospectra capture plates with probe sets specific to mouse PCSKi⁾ and mouse GAFDH or cyclophϋin B. Nucleic acid sequences lor Capture Extender (CE), Label Extender (LE) and blocking (BL) probes were selected from the nucleic acid sequences of PCSK9. GAPDH and cyclophilϊn B with the help of the QuaπtiGene ProbeDesigπer Software 2.0 (Genospectra, Fremont, CA, USA, cat. No. QG-002-02). Chemo luminescence was read on a V*ctor2-Light (Perkin. Elmer) as Relative light units. The ratio of PCSK¹⁾ m RN A to GAPDH or cyclophilin B mRNA in liver lysates was averaged over each treatment group and compared to a control group treated with PBS or a control grøiφ treated with an unrelated siRNA (hiood coagulation factor VII)₁

Total seru.rn cholesterol in mouse serum was measured using the SumBki Cholesterol LiquiColor kit (StanBio Laboratoriy, Boeme, Texas, USA) according to manufacturer's instructions. Measurements were taken on a Victor2 1420 Multi label Counter {Perkin Elmer) at

495 nm.

Exao;i|?les

32 PCSK.9 siRNAs formulated in LNP-01 liposomes were tested in vivo m a mouse model. The experiment was performed at 3mg/kg siRNA dose and at least 10 PGSK9 siRNAs showed more than. 40% PCSK9 mRNA knock down compared to a control group treated with FBS, while control group treated with an unrelated siRNA (blood coagulation factor VlI) had no eii^'ect (Figures 2-5), Silencing of PCSK9 transcript also eoorelated with a lowering of cholesterol in these animals (Figures 4-5). In addition ihers? was a strong coorslatson between those molecules that were active in vitro mid those active in vivo (Figure 6). Sequences containing different chemical modsfieaiions were also screened in vitro (Tables I and 2) and m vivo. As an example, less modified sequences 9314 and 9318, and a more modified versions of that sequence 9314-(10792_^ 10793, and 10796); 93 IS-(10794, 10795. 10797} were tested both in vitro (in primary monkey hepaiocytes) or in vivo (9314 and 10792} formulated is* LNP-O! _> Figure 7 (also see Tables 1 and2) shows that the parent molecules 9314 aαd 93 IS and the modified versions arc all active in vitro. Figure 8 as an example shows that both the parent 9314 and the more highly modified 1.0792 sequences are active m vivo displaying 50-60% silencing of endogenous PCSK9 m -mice. Figure 9 furthur exemplifies; that activity of other chemically modified versions of the parents 9314 and 10792.

dsRNA expression vectors

In another aspect of the invention. PCS&9 specific dsRNA molecules thai modulate PCSK9 gene expression activity are expressed from transc.ript.ion units inserted into DMA or RNA vectors (see, e.g.. Couture, A, et al., TIG. (19%), 12:5-10; Skiiiern, A., ei si,. International PCT Publication No. WO 00/221 13, Conrad, international PCT Publication No. WO 00/221 R and Conrad, US Pat. No. 6.054,299). These transgenes can be introduced as a linear construct, a circular p lasπi id, or tx viral vector, which can be incorporated and inherited as a tnmsgerse miegrated irsio the host genome. The trsosgeue crø a^BO bs constructed to permit it to be inherited as an extracbromosomal plasmid (Gassmann, et al.,

NutL Acad, Sd. USA (S V95_.I 92: 1292 K

The individual strands of a dsRNA can be transcribed by promoters on two separate expression vectors and εo-tπmsfbcted into a target ceil. Alternatively each individual strand of ihe dsRKA cars bs transcribed by promoters both of which are located on the same expression plasπiid. In a preferred embodiment, a dsRNA is expressed as an inverted repeat joined by a linker polynucleotide sequence such thai the dsRNA has a stem and loop structure.

The recombinant dsRNA expression vectors are generally DNA plasm ids or viral vectors. dsRNA expressing viral vectors can be constructed based on, but ml limited to, adeno- associated virus (for a review, see Mazyczka, et ai.. Cum Topics Micro. Immunol (1992} !S8:97-I29)); adenovirus (see, for example, Berkner, et al., BioTecbriiqoes (1998) 6:616), koserrfsfd et a!. { 1991 , Science 252:431 -434), and Rosenfεld et a!, (1992), Ceil 68:143-155}); or slphavirus as well as others known in the art. Retroviruses have been used to introduce a variety of genes into many different cell types, including epithelial celis. in vnro and/or m vivo (see., e.g., Egiitis, ei al.. Science ( 1983) 238; 1395~!39S; Danos and Mulligan, Prσc, NaU. Acad Sd USA (1998) 85:6460-6464; Wilson et aL, 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. CiSA $5:3014-3018; Aπneπtano et al.,

1990, Pi^χ>c. NaIi Acad. SeL USA 87;6f 416145; Ruber et ah, mL Free, NaU. Acad. Sci. USA 88:8039-8043; Perry et ai., 1991 , Proc. NaJl. Acad Sci. USA $8:8377-8381 ; Ohβwdhuiy et aL

1991, Science 254: 1802-1805; van Bcuβecbem. el HL 1992, Proc. Nad. Acad. Sci. USA 89:7640- 19 ; Kay et al., 1992, Human Gene Therapy 3:641-047; Dai ef al, 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Set USA 89: 10892-10895; Hwu ei al., 1993, 1. Immunol 150:4104-411 5; US. Patent No. 4,868,116; U.S. Patent No. 4,980,286; PCX Application WO 89/07136; PCT Application WO S9/0246S; PCT Application WO 89/05345; and PCT Application WO 92/07573). Recombinant retroviral vectors capable of transducing and expressing genes inserted into ths genome of a cell can be produced by transfecϋng the recombinant retroviral genome into suitable packaging eel! lines such as P A3! 7 and Psi-CRIF (Cometie et aL, 1991 , Hum&n Gene Therapy 2:5-10; Cone et aL, 1984, Proc. Natl. Acad, Sci. USA 81 ;6349), Recombinant adenoviral vectors can be used to infect a wide variety of cells and tissues in susceptible hosts (e.g., rat, hamster, dog, and chimpanzee) (Hsu et, aL, 1992, J, Infectious Disease, 166:769), and also have the advantage of not requiring mitoticairy active ceils for infection.

The promoter driving dsRNA expression in either a DNA pUismid or viral vector of the invention may be a eαkaryodc RNA polymerase I (e.g. rihosoraa! RKA promoter), RNA polymerase 0 (e.g. CMV early promoter or actin promoter or Ul snRN A promoter) or generally RNA polymerase III promoter {e.g. U6 snRNA or 7SK RNA promoter) or a prokaryotic promoter, for example the T7 promoter, provided the expression pl&smid also encodes T7 RNA polymerase required for transcription from a T? promoter. The promoter can also direct iransgene expression to the pancreas (see, e.g. the insulin regulatory sequence for pancreas (Bucchini et aL, 1986, Proc. Natl Acad, Sci. USA 83:251 1 -2515}}.

In addition, expression of the transgεrse can be precisely regulated, for example, by using ars inducible regulatory sequence and expression systems such as a reguhnory sequence that is sensitive to certain physiologies! regulators, e.g., circulating glucose levels, or hormones (Docherty el &L 1994, FASEB J, 8:20-24). Such inducible expression systems, suitable for the control of transgenε expression in cells or in. mammals include regulation by ecdysone, by estrogen, progesterone, tetracycline, chemical inducers of dimerizatiors. and isopropyl-beta-Dl - ihiogaiactopyranoside (H-PTCiJ). A person skilled in the art would be able to choose die appropriate regulatory/promoter sequence based on the intended use of the dsRNA transgene.

Generally, recombinant vectors capable of expressing dsRNA molecules are delivered as described beknv, and persist, in target cdls. Alternatively, viral vectors can be used that provide for transient expression of dsSlNA molecules. Such vectors can be repeatedly administered as necessary. Once expressed, the dsRNΛs bind to target RNA and modulate its function or e&pression, Delivery of dsRNA expressing vectors cars be systemic such as by intravenous or intramuscular administration, by adnivnisrration to large! cells ex-planted from the patient followed by reratroductkni into the patient, or by any other means that allows for introduction into ά - desired target cell,

dsRMA expression DNA plasnrids are typically trail steeled imo target cells as a complex with cationic lipid carriers (eg, Oiigofεetamiαe} or non-cationie lipid -based carriers (e.g. Transit- TKO ^v:), Multiple lipid transiections for dsRNA-mediated knockdowns iargeiing different regions of a single PCSK9 gene or multiple P€SK.9 genes ov«r a period of a week or more are also contemplated by the invention. Successful introduction of the vectors of the invention mio host cells can be monitored using various known methods, For example, transient irαπsfectioπ. can be signaled with a reporter, such as a fluorescent marker, such as Green Fluorescent Protein S GFP). Stable traπsfection. of ex vivo cells can be ensured using markers {bat provide the transfected cell with resistance to specific environmental factors {e.g., antibiotics and drugs), such as hygromycirs B resistance.

The PCSK9 specific- dsENA molecules can also be inserted into vectors and used as gene therapy vectors for human patients. Gene therapy vectors can be delivered to a subject by, for example, intravenous injection, local administration (see U.S. Patent 5328,470) or by stereotactic injection, (see e.g., Chen et ai. ( 1994) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 91:3054-3057). The pharmaceutical preparation of Die gene therapy vector can include rhe gene therapy vector in an acceptable dikie.nL or can comprise a slow release matrix hi which the gene delivery vehicle Is imbedded. Alternatively, where the complete gene delivery vector can be produced intact from recombinant cells, e.g., retroviral vectors, the pharmaceutical preparation can include one or more cells which produce the gene delivery system.

5 Those skilled in the art are- familiar with methods and compositions in addition to those specifically set out in. the mstarn disclosure which will allow them Io practice Qi is invention to the full scope of the claims hereinafter appended.

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86 connected by 3M>~5'-<9phosphorothiodiester groups; unless denoted by prefix "p-", oligonucleotides are devoid of a S '-phosphate group on the 5'-most nucleotide; ail oligonucleotides beat 3^* -OH on the 3 '-most nucleotide

Claims

A double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNAj for inhibiting the expression of a human PCSK^ gene in a cell wherein said dsRNA comprises at least two sequences that are covnple?ne.mary to each other and wherein a sense strand comprises a Orsi sequence and an ami sense strand comprises a second sequence comprising a region of complementarity which is substantially complementary to ai least a pan of a rnRNA encoding PCSK9, and wherein said region of complementarity is less than 30 nucleotides in length and wherein said dsRNA, upon contact with a ceil expressing said PCSK9, inhibits expression of said PCS K9 gene.

The ⁽JsRNA of claim L wherein said first sequence is selected from the group consisting of Tables i and 2 and said second sequence is selected from the group consisting of Tables 1 and 2.

, The dsRNA of claim 1 , wherein said dsRNA comprises at least one rrsoenf sed niϊc!eofκ!c.

, The dsRNA of claim 2, wherein said dsRNA comprises at least one modi ied nucleotide.

, The dsRN^'A of claim 3, wherein said modified nucleotide is chosen &om he uroiw of; 2'-O-meϋiyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a 5^!-ρhosρhoro^" moaie group, and a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholustεryi derivative or dodecanoic acid bisdeeylamidε group.

The dsRNA of claim 3, wherein said modified nucleotide is chosen from the group of; a 2^t--deoxy-2^<-fhιøro modified nucleotide, a 2¹~deo.xy~nκxlilied nucleotide, & locked nucleotide, an abaaic nucleotide, 2'-amino-modified nucleotide, ^^'-alkyi-modifted nucleotide, morpholino nucleotide, a

and a non-naturai base comprising nucleotide.

7. The dsJINA of claim 3, wherein said first sequence is selected from (he group consisting of Tables 1 ami 2 and said second sequence is selected from the group consisting of Tables 1 and 2

S. The dsRNA of claim 6, wherein said first sequence is selected from the group consisting of Tables I and 2, and said second sequence is selected from the group consisting of Tables 1 and 2.

9, A eel! comprising the dsRNA of claim 1 .

10, A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene in an organism, composing a dsRNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the dsRNA comprises at least, two sequences that are complementary to each other and wherein a sense strand comprises a first sequence and an an fi sense strand comprises a second sequence comprising a region of complementarity which is substantially complementary to at least a part of a mRNA encoding PCSK9, and wherein said region of complementarity is less ih&n 30 nucleotides in length and wherein said dsfi^'NA, upon contact wnh a cell expressing said P€SK.9, inhibits expression of said PCSK.9 gene.

1 1 , The pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, wherein said first sequence of said dsRNA is selectee! from the group consisting of Tables 1 mά 2, and said second sequence of said dsRNA is selected from the group consisting of Tables 1 and 2,

12, The pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, wherein said first sequence of said dsRNA is selected from the group consisting of Tables 1 and 2 and said second sequence of said dsRNA is selected Ik) at tire group consisting of Tables 1 and 2.

13, A method for inhibiting the expression of the FCSK9 gene m a cell, die method

"ompπsmg;

(a) introducing into the cell a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), wherein the dsRNA comprises at least two sequences that are complementary to each other and wherein a sense strand comprises a first sequence and an antisense strand comprises a second sequence comprising a region of conrpiementarity which is snbstanlisily complementary to at least a part of a mϊlNA encoding PCSK.9, and wherein said region of complementarity is less than 30 nucleotides in length and wherein said dsRNA, upon contact with a cell expressing said PCSKO, inhibits expression of said PCSK9 gens; and

(b) maintaining the eel! produced in step in) lor a lime sufficient to obtain degradation of the rnRNA transcript of the PCSK 9 gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the POSX.9 gene in the cell.

14, A method of treating, preventing or managing pathological processes which can be mediated by down regulating PCSK.9 gene expression comprising administering io a patient in need of such treatment, prevention or management a therapeutically or prαpnyiactieaily effective amount of a dsRNA, wherein the dsRNA comprises at least two sequences that are complementary io each other and wherein a. sense strand comprises a tlrst sequence and sn antisense strand comprises a second sequence comprising a region of complementarity winch is substantially complementary to at least a part of a rnRNA encoding PCSK.9, and wherein said region of complementarity is less than 30 nucleotides in length and wherein said dsRNA, upon contact with a cell expressing said PCSK9, inhibits expression of said PCSK.9 gene.

\ S. A vector tor inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene in a cell, said vector comprising a regulatory sequence operabϊy linked to a nucleotide sequence thai encodes at least one strand of a άsRNA. wherein one of the strands of sa.id άsRNA is substantially complementary to at least a pan of a niRNA encoding PCSK9 and wherein said dsRNA is less than 30 base pairs in length am! wherein said dsRNA, upon contact with a coll expressing said PCSK9\ inhibits the expression of said PCSK9 gene.

16. A cell comprising the Yector of claim 15.

17. A doubk-stxanded ribonucleic acid fdsRNΛ) for reducing the expression level of a human PCSK9 gens in a cell, wherein said dsRNA comprises at bast two sequences that are complementary to each other and wherein a sense strand comprises a first sequence and an amisense strand comprises a second sequence comprising a region of complementarity which is substantially complementary to at least a par* of a πiRNA encoding PCSK.9, and wherein said dsRNA, upon contact with a cell expressing said PCSK9, reduces the expression level of said PCSK^ gene.

. The tlsR^'NA ordain? 17, wherein said contact reduces the expression level of said PCSKS

, The dsllNA of claim 17, wherein said contact Is performed in vitro al 30 oM or less.

^, A pharmaceutical composition for reducing the expression level of the PCSK9 gene in an organise comprising the dsRNA of claim i 7 arsd a pharmaceutically acceptable CEsitier,

, A method of treating a PCSK9 associated disorder comprising administering to a patient m need of such treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRNA of claim 17.

, A method of treating a PCS K9~associated disorder

administering to a patient m natά of such treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of a dsRI^A of claim 1 7.