WO2017015175A1 - Compositions and agents against hepatitis b virus and uses thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention encompasses compounds and compositions useful in methods for medical therapy, in general, for inhibiting Hepatitis B virus in a subject. The compounds have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands being 19-29 monomers in length, the monomers comprising UNA monomers and nucleic acid monomers, and the compounds are targeted to a sequence of an HBV genome.

Description

COMPOSITIONS AND AGENTS AGAINST HEPATITIS B VIRUS

AND USES THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of biopharmaceuticals and therapeutics composed of oligomers for gene silencing. More particularly, this invention relates to structures, compositions and methods for therapeutic oligomers directed against Hepatitis B virus.

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0002] This application includes a Sequence Listing submitted electronically as an ASCII file named ARC1410WO_SL.txt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Hepatitis B is a liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Its severity can be from a mild illness lasting a few weeks, to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis B can be either acute or chronic. Acute Hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that may lead to chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that can result in long-term health problems, such as cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, and death.

[0004] Hepatitis B is usually spread through transfer of a body fluid by sexual contact with an infected person, or through sharing needles for drug-injection. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth. In endemic areas, Hepatitis B is most often spread from mother to child at birth, or by exposure to infected blood, especially from an infected child to an uninfected child during the first 5 years of life.

[0005] According to the latest WHO estimates, as many as 240 million people are chronically infected with Hepatitis B, defined as Hepatitis B surface antigen positive for at least 6 months. Approximately 780,000 persons die each year from Hepatitis B infection. [0006] There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B infection can be treated with drugs, including oral antiviral agents. WHO recommends the use of oral treatments such as tenofovir or entecavir. In most people, the treatment suppresses replication of the virus, but does not cure hepatitis B infection. Liver cancer progresses rapidly, and treatment options are limited. Surgery and chemotherapy, or liver transplantation can prolong life for up to a few years.

[0007] Laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis B infection can be done by detecting the hepatitis B surface antigen HBsAg. Acute hepatitis B virus infection is characterized by the presence of HBsAg and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to the core antigen, HBcAg. During the initial phase of infection, patients are also seropositive for hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg). HBeAg is usually a marker of high levels of replication of the virus. The presence of HBeAg indicates that the blood and body fluids of the infected individual are highly contagious. Chronic infection is characterized by the persistence of HBsAg for at least 6 months, with or without concurrent HBeAg. Persistence of HBsAg is the principal marker of risk for developing chronic liver disease and liver cancer later in life.

[0008] HBV is a member of the hepadnavirus family. The virus particles, which can infect liver cells, are 30-42 nm in diameter and have an outer envelope and an icosahedral nucleocapsid core. The nucleocapsid encloses the viral DNA, and a DNA polymerase that can have reverse transcriptase activity. The outer envelope contains proteins that can be involved in viral binding and entry into cells.

[0009] In general, HBV has four identified genes, C, P, S, and X. Gene C codes for a core protein, HBcAg. An extracellular protein HBeAg is processed from a pre-core protein. A DNA polymerase is encoded by gene P. Gene S codes for the small surface antigen HBsAg, which is one of three polypeptide surface proteins: large, middle, and small. Gene X may be associated with development of liver cancer.

[0010] HBV is a pararetrovirus, which is a non-retrovirus that uses reverse transcription in the replication process. The virus can enter the cell and multiply using RNA made by a host process. The viral genomic DNA can be transferred to the cell nucleus, acted upon by viral polymerase, and provide transcription of four viral mRNAs by host RNA polymerase. A large viral mRNA is used to make the new copies of the genome by reverse transcription, and to make the core protein and the viral DNA polymerase. The viral mRNAs are further processed to form new virus particles.

[0011] HBV can be described by four major serotypes based on epitopes presented by envelope proteins: adr, adw, ayr, ayw. HBV has been identified with eight genotypes, A-H, as well as subgenotypes. The genotypes can have distinct geographical distribution, and are used in tracking evolution and transmission of the virus.

[0012] What is needed are compositions and methods for treatment of Hepatitis B.

[0013] There is an urgent need for new methods and compositions for ameliorating or treating Hepatitis B infection.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0014] This invention provides novel molecules to be used as therapeutic agents against Hepatitis B infection. The molecules of this invention can be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients in compositions for ameliorating, preventing or treating Hepatitis B infection.

[0015] Molecules of this invention for treating Hepatitis B infection may act against any of the replication, maturation, growth, or transmission modalities of the Hepatitis B virus. By preventing the Hepatitis B virus from carrying out any one or more of its processes, the molecules of this invention can be used for ameliorating or treating Hepatitis B infection.

[0016] Embodiments of this invention can provide molecules having one or more properties that advantageously provide enhanced effectiveness against HBV, as well as compositions or formulations for therapeutic agents against Hepatitis B infection, which can provide clinical agents. The properties of the molecules of this invention arise according to their structure, and the molecular structure in its entirety, as a whole, can provide significant benefits and properties. [0017] The active agents of this invention include oligomeric molecules that can inhibit expression of an HBV genome. Oligomers of this invention can provide potent action against HBV infection in a subject by silencing expression of an HBV genome.

[0018] In some embodiments, a wide range of novel molecules are provided, which can incorporate one or more linker groups. The linker groups can be attached in a chain in the molecule. Each linker group can also be attached to a nucleobase.

[0019] In some aspects, a linker group can be a monomer. Monomers can be attached to form a chain molecule. In a chain molecule of this invention, a linker group monomer can be attached at any point in the chain.

[0020] In certain aspects, linker group monomers can be attached in a chain molecule of this invention so that the linker group monomers reside near the ends of the chain. The ends of the chain molecule can be formed by linker group monomers.

[0021] In further aspects, the linker groups of a chain molecule can each be attached to a nucleobase. The presence of nucleobases in the chain molecule can provide a sequence of nucleobases.

[0022] In certain embodiments, this invention provides oligomer molecules having chain structures that incorporate novel combinations of the linker group monomers, along with certain natural nucleotides, or non-natural nucleotides, or modified nucleotides, or chemically-modified nucleotides.

[0023] The oligomer molecules of this invention can display a sequence of nucleobases that is targeted to a component of the HBV genome.

[0024] In additional aspects, this invention provides therapeutics for preventing, ameliorating, or treating a disease caused by Hepatitis B infection. An active compound or molecule of this invention may be used in the prevention or treatment of a viral infection caused by Hepatitis B virus.

[0025] This invention provides structures, methods and compositions for oligomeric agents that incorporate the linker group monomers. The oligomeric molecules of this invention can be used as active agents in formulations for gene silencing therapeutics targeted to HBV. [0026] Embodiments of this invention include the following:

[0027] A compound comprising a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands being 19-29 monomers in length, the monomers comprising UNA monomers and nucleic acid monomers, wherein the compound has a duplex region of from 14 to 29 contiguous monomers in length, wherein the first strand is a passenger strand for RNA interference and the second strand is a guide strand for RNA interference, and wherein the compound comprises a sequence of bases targeted to inhibit expression of an HBV genome. The compound may contain from one to seven UNA monomers.

[0028] In some embodiments, the compound may contain a UNA monomer at the

1-end (5' end for non-UNA) of the first strand, a UNA monomer at the 3 -end (3' end for non-UNA) of the first strand, and a UNA monomer at the second position from the 5' end of the second strand. A compound can contain a UNA monomer at any one or more of positions 2 to 8 from the 5' end of the second strand.

[0029] In certain embodiments, a compound may have a 3' overhang with one or more UNA monomers, natural nucleotides, non-natural nucleotides, modified

nucleotides, or chemically-modified nucleotides, or combinations thereof. The 3' overhang can have one or more deoxythymidine nucleotides, 2'-0-methyl nucleotides, inverted abasic monomers, inverted thymidine monomers, L-thymidine monomers, or glyceryl nucleotides.

[0030] In some aspects, a compound may have one or more nucleic acid monomers that is a non-natural nucleotide, a modified nucleotide, or a chemically- modified nucleotide. A compound may have one or more monomers connected by a phosphorothioate, a chiral phosphorothioate, or a phosphorodithioate linkage.

[0031] In further aspects, a compound may be conjugated to a delivery moiety, such as, for example, a moiety that binds to a glycoprotein receptor, a galactose, a galactosamine, a N-acetylgalactosamine, a GalNAc group, or a cholesterol delivery moiety. A compound may be conjugated to a delivery moiety and have increased uptake in the liver as compared to an unconjugated compound. [0032] This invention includes lipid nanoparticle-oligomer compounds, in which one or more compounds are attached to a lipid nanoparticle.

[0033] A composition of this disclosure can include one or more compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The carrier may be lipid nanoparticles or liposomes.

[0034] A composition of this disclosure may contain a first compound targeted to a conserved region of HBV transcripts for genes X, C, P and S, a second compound targeted to inhibit HBsAg, a third compound targeted to a conserved region of HBV transcripts for genes X, C and S, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0035] Embodiments of this invention include compositions containing one or more compounds having reference positions from any of positions 1525 to 1582, 374 to 414, 1776 to 1782, 244 to 256, and 1818 to 1866. In certain embodiments, a composition may include a compound having a reference position from 1525 to 1582, a compound having a reference position from 374 to 414, and a compound having a reference position from 1776 to 1782.

[0036] Embodiments of this invention further contemplate methods for preventing, ameliorating or treating a disease or condition associated with HBV infection in a subject in need, by administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition above. The administration of the composition can reduce HBV viral titer in the subject. A subject may have been diagnosed with a disease associated with Hepatitis B virus infection, for example, a liver disease.

[0037] This invention includes methods for inhibiting the replication, maturation, growth, or transmission of a Hepatitis B virus in a subject in need, by administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition above. The composition may reduce serum concentration of HBsAg in the subject. In some embodiments, the administration of the composition may reduce serum concentration of HBsAg in the subject by 2-logio-fold, or by 2-logio-fold for at least 7 days. In certain embodiments, the administration of the composition can reduce HBeAg in the subject, or HBV DNA in the subject. [0038] This invention also contemplates methods for inhibiting expression of a

Hepatitis B virus polynucleotide in a subject in need, by administering to the subject a composition above, as well as the use of a composition above for preventing,

ameliorating or treating a disease or condition associated with Hepatitis B infection in a subject in need.

[0039] In some aspects, this disclosure includes compositions for use in medical therapy, or for use in the treatment of the human or animal body. In certain aspects, this invention includes the use of a composition for preparing or manufacturing a medicament for preventing, ameliorating or treating a disease or condition associated with Hepatitis B infection in a subject in need.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIG. 1 : Fig. 1 shows a map of HBV protein coding regions and selected transcripts for a reference genome. Nucleotide position 1/3221 is designated at the top. Further designations are as follows: pre-Sl, large HBsAg; pre-S2, medium HBsAg; S, HBsAg; P, polymerase; X, HBx protein; pre-C, pre-core/HBeAg; C, HB core Ag. The 2.4kb, 2. lkb, and 0.7kb transcripts coding for the pre-Sl/pre-S2/S, as well as the transcript coding the X protein are shown. The pre-Core/HBeAg protein is generated from a long, 3.5kb transcript (not shown) originating at position -1700, while the core and polymerase proteins and the pre-genomic RNA used as a template for viral replication are generated from a -200 nt shorter transcript. The ranges of reference positions for certain UNA oligomers, designated UNA oligomer 1, UNA oligomer 2, and UNA oligomer 3, are shown.

[0041] FIG. 2: Fig. 2 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulations, -1 and -2, and an ascending dose was used. The UNA oligomers were formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into HBV-infected Phoenix Bio (PXB) mice containing human hepatocytes (70%). Treatment with both UNA oligomer 1576 and a UNA oligomer triad composition (1576, 380, 177) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg.

[0042] FIG. 3 : Fig. 3 shows FIBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of FIBV infection. Treatment with UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg. The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition. The study used an ascending dose in which mice were administered every 4 days, up to day 40, and viral endpoints were monitored every 4 days through day 44.

[0043] FIG. 4: Fig. 4 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. Treatment with UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg. The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition. The study used an ascending dose in which mice were administered every 4 days, up to day 40, and viral endpoints were monitored every 4 days through day 44.

[0044] FIG. 5: Fig. 5 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. Treatment with UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA. The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition. The study used an ascending dose in which mice were administered every 4 days, up to day 40, and viral endpoints were monitored every 4 days through day 44.

[0045] FIG. 6: Fig. 6 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. Treatment with UNA oligomers 1777, 380 and 1578 caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg.

[0046] FIG. 7: Fig. 7 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. Treatment with UNA oligomers 1777, 380 and 1578 caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg.

[0047] FIG. 8: Fig. 8 shows FIBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of FIBV infection. Treatment with UNA oligomers 1777, 380 and 1578 caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA.

[0048] FIG. 9: Fig. 9 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. Treatment with a UNA oligomer triad composition (1578, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg. The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a

pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition.

[0049] FIG. 10: Fig. 10 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. Treatment with a UNA oligomer triad composition (1578, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg. The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a

pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition.

[0050] FIG. 11 : Fig. 11 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. Treatment with a UNA oligomer triad composition (1578, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA. The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition.

[0051] FIG. 12: Fig. 12 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In general, the AAV-HBV mouse model is a robust model for investigating HBV infection. The UNA oligomers were formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver. The study used an ascending dose, and serum viral endpoints were monitored 15 days before, and at least 22 days after treatment. Treatment with each of UNA oligomers 380, 1777, and 1576 caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg.

[0052] FIG. 13 : Fig. 13 shows FIB V inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers were formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver. Treatment with each of UNA oligomers 380, 1777, and 1576, as well as the UNA oligomer triad composition of the same compounds (1576, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg. This head-to-head comparison shows that the triad composition provided surprisingly increased potency throughout the duration of the effect, relative to the individual oligomers.

[0053] FIG. 14: Fig. 14 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers were formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver. Treatment with each of UNA oligomers 380, 1777, and 1576 caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA.

[0054] FIG. 15: Fig. 15 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers were formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver. The study was an ascending dose design in which mice were treated with 3 mg/kg on day 0, then 5 mg/kg on day 4, then 10 mg/kg on day 8, and serum viral endpoints were monitored up to day 12 after treatment. Treatment with the UNA oligomer triad composition (1777, 380, 1578) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg. The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a

pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition.

[0055] FIG. 16: Fig. 16 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers were formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver. Treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1578 and 1575 caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg.

[0056] FIG. 17: Fig. 17 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers were formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver. Treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1578 and 1575 caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg.

[0057] FIG. 18: Fig. 18 shows HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers, observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers were formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver. Treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1578 and 1575 caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] This invention provides a range of novel agents and compositions to be used as therapeutics against Hepatitis B infection. Molecules of this invention can be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients in compositions for ameliorating, preventing or treating Hepatitis B infection.

[0059] The galenic molecules of this invention can prevent Hepatitis B virus from carrying out one or more of its processes. Molecules of this invention can be used for ameliorating or treating Hepatitis B infection, and may act against any of the replication, maturation, growth, or transmission modes of the Hepatitis B virus.

[0060] Novel agents of this invention include oligomeric molecules that inhibit expression of an HBV genome.

[0061] Embodiments of this invention can provide extraordinary and surprisingly enhanced efficacy against HBV infection in a subject by attacking all portions of the HBV genome. More particularly, agents and compositions of this invention can simultaneously inhibit all identified genes of HBV: C, P, S, and X. Thus, the compounds and compositions of this disclosure can inhibit the small surface antigen HBsAg, as well as the extracellular protein HBeAg, in addition to X protein and viral polymerase.

[0062] The properties of the compounds of this invention arise according to their molecular structure, and the structure of the molecule in its entirety, as a whole, can provide significant benefits based on those properties. Embodiments of this invention can provide molecules having one or more properties that advantageously provide enhanced effectiveness against HBV, as well as compositions or formulations for therapeutic agents against Hepatitis B infection, which can provide clinical agents.

[0063] A wide range of novel molecules are provided, each of which can incorporate specialized linker groups. The linker groups can be attached in a chain in the molecule. Each linker group can also be attached to a nucleobase.

[0064] In some aspects, a linker group can be a monomer. Monomers can be attached to form a chain molecule. In a chain molecule of this invention, a linker group monomer can be attached at any point in the chain.

[0065] In certain aspects, linker group monomers can be attached in a chain molecule of this invention so that the linker group monomers reside near the ends of the chain. The ends of the chain molecule can be formed by linker group monomers.

[0066] As used herein, a chain molecule can also be referred to as an oligomer.

[0067] In further aspects, the linker groups of a chain molecule can each be attached to a nucleobase. The presence of nucleobases in the chain molecule can provide a sequence of nucleobases.

[0068] In certain embodiments, this invention provides oligomer molecules having chain structures that incorporate novel combinations of the linker group monomers, along with certain natural nucleotides, or non-natural nucleotides, or modified nucleotides, or chemically-modified nucleotides.

[0069] The oligomer molecules of this invention can display a sequence of nucleobases that is targeted to a component of an HBV genome. In some embodiments, an oligomer can be targeted to a portion of the HBV genome that is conserved, or highly conserved, among a number of known HBV genomic sequences.

[0070] In some aspects, this invention provides active oligomer molecules that correspond to, or are complementary to at least a fragment of an HBV nucleic acid molecule, and that decrease expression of at least such a fragment present in a cell. In some embodiments, the active oligomer molecule can be double-stranded.

[0071] Without wishing to be bound by any one particular theory, it is believed that a cellular pathway may use active oligomers of this invention to be sequence-specific regulators in an RNA interference pathway. The active oligomers may bind to the RNA- induced silencing complex (RISC complex), where a sense strand, also referred to as the passenger strand, and an antisense strand, also referred to as the guide strand, can be unwound, and the antisense strand complexed in the RISC complex. The guide strand can bind to a complementary sequence to which it was targeted, for example, a target sequence in an mRNA, which can be subsequently cleaved, resulting in inactivation of the nucleic acid molecule containing the target sequence. As a result, the expression of mRNA containing the target sequence can be reduced.

[0072] In some embodiments, an oligomeric molecule may be attached to a delivery moiety. Examples of delivery moieties include glycoprotein receptors, galactoses, galactosamines, N-acetylgalactosamines, GalNAc groups, cholesterols, sterols, phytosterols, steroids, zoosterols, lanosterols, stigmastanols, dihydrolanosterols, zymosterols, zymostenols, desmosterols, and 7-dehydrocholesterols.

[0073] In additional aspects, this invention provides therapeutics for preventing, ameliorating, or treating a disease caused by Hepatitis B infection. An active compound or molecule of this invention may be used in the prevention or treatment of a viral infection caused by Hepatitis B virus.

[0074] This invention provides structures, methods and compositions for oligomeric agents that incorporate the linker group monomers. The oligomeric molecules of this invention can be used as active agents in formulations for gene silencing therapeutics targeted to HBV. [0075] This invention provides a range of molecules that are useful for providing therapeutic effects because of their activity in regulating expression of a gene. The molecules of this invention are structured to provide gene regulating or silencing activity in vitro and in vivo.

[0076] Embodiments of this invention can provide molecules for use as therapeutic agents against Hepatitis B infection. The molecules can be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients in compositions for ameliorating, preventing or treating Hepatitis B infection.

[0077] In certain embodiments, an active molecule can be structured as an oligomer composed of monomers. The oligomeric structures of this invention may contain one or more linker group monomers, along with certain nucleotides.

[0078] Modalities of action

[0079] Molecules of this invention for treating Hepatitis B infection may act against any of the replication, maturation, growth, or transmission modalities of the Hepatitis B virus. By preventing the Hepatitis B virus from carrying out any one or more of its normal processes, the molecules of this invention can be used for ameliorating or treating Hepatitis B infection.

[0080] This invention can provide unexpectedly advantageous efficacy against HBV infection in a subject by simultaneously modulating all portions of the HBV genome.

[0081] In some embodiments, inventive UNA oligomeric agents and

compositions of this disclosure can inhibit expression of each of the HBV genes C, P, S, and X.

[0082] In some aspects, inventive UNA oligomeric agents and compositions of this disclosure can simultaneously inhibit expression of all genes of HBV, including genes C, P, S, and X.

[0083] In particular aspects, inventive UNA oligomeric compositions of this disclosure can simultaneously inhibit expression of multiple genes of HBV, such as genes P and C, or P and S, or P and X. [0084] In further aspects, inventive UNA oligomeric compositions of this disclosure can simultaneously inhibit expression of multiple genes of HBV, such as genes P, S and C, or P, X and S, or P, C and X.

[0085] In certain aspects, the compounds of this invention can inhibit the small surface antigen HBsAg in vivo, regardless of the genomic source of HBsAg in the subject.

[0086] In further aspects, compounds and compositions of this invention can inhibit the HBV extracellular protein HBeAg, the X protein, and HBV viral polymerase.

[0087] In some aspects, a therapeutic molecule of this invention can be active in preventing or inhibiting a step of the replication cycle of hepatitis B virus.

[0088] Viral components of HBV can include a nucleocapsid, fully or partially double stranded DNA (relaxed circular, rcDNA), a polymerase, surface antigens, core proteins, a regulatory X-protein, and secreted proteins.

[0089] In some embodiments, a therapeutic molecule of this invention can be active in preventing or inhibiting attachment of viral components to cell-associated proteoglycans.

[0090] Certain embodiments of this invention provide a therapeutic molecule that can be active in preventing or inhibiting binding of a viral component to a hepatocyte receptor.

[0091] In further embodiments, a therapeutic molecule of this invention can be active in preventing or inhibiting entry of a viral component into a cell by endocytosis, or fusion of a viral component to a cell membrane.

[0092] A therapeutic molecule of this invention may be active in preventing or inhibiting release of a viral component into the cytoplasm of a cell.

[0093] In additional embodiments, a therapeutic molecule of this invention can be active in preventing or inhibiting internal cell transport of an HBV nucleocapsid.

[0094] Aspects of this disclosure can provide a therapeutic molecule, which can be active in preventing or inhibiting release of HBV rcDNA in a cell. [0095] In some embodiments, a therapeutic molecule of this invention can be active in preventing or inhibiting operation of the viral polymerase.

[0096] Certain embodiments may provide a therapeutic molecule that can be active in preventing or inhibiting development of an HBV genomic DNA in a cell.

[0097] In further embodiments, a therapeutic molecule of this invention can be active in preventing or inhibiting production of a viral RNA in a cell.

[0098] A therapeutic molecule of this invention may be active in preventing or inhibiting viral replication in a cell.

[0099] In additional embodiments, a therapeutic molecule may be active in preventing or inhibiting an HBV regulatory X-protein in a cell.

[00100] Further aspects of this disclosure can provide a therapeutic molecule that be active in preventing or inhibiting translation or reverse transcription of a viral RNA in a cell.

[00101] In some embodiments, a therapeutic molecule of this invention can be active in preventing or inhibiting maturation of a viral nucleocapsid in a cell.

[00102] UNA monomers

In some embodiments, linker group monomers can be unlocked nucleomonomers (UNA monomers), which are small organic molecules based on a propane- 1,2,3 -tri-yl- trisoxy structure as shown below:

UNA MONOMER where R¹ and R² are H, and R¹ and R² can be phosphodiester linkages, Base can be a nucleobase, and R³ is a functional group described below.

[00103] In another view, the UNA monomer main atoms can be drawn in IUPAC notation as follows:

UNA monomer unit

chain direction where the direction of progress of the oligomer chain is from the 1-end to the 3 -end of the propane residue.

[00104] Examples of a nucleobase include uracil, thymine, cytosine, 5- methylcytosine, adenine, guanine, inosine, and natural and non-natural nucleobase analogues.

[00105] In general, because the UNA monomers are not nucleotides, they can exhibit at least four forms in an oligomer. First, a UNA monomer can be an internal monomer in an oligomer, where the UNA monomer is flanked by other monomers on both sides. In this form, the UNA monomer can participate in base pairing when the oligomer is a duplex, for example, and there are other monomers with nucleobases in the duplex.

[00106] Examples of UNA monomer as internal monomers flanked at both the propane-l-yl position and the propane-3-yl position, where R³ is -OH, are shown below.

UNA-A UNA-U

UNA-C UNA-G

[00107] Second, a UNA monomer can be a monomer in an overhang of an oligomer duplex, where the UNA monomer is flanked by other monomers on both sides. In this form, the UNA monomer does not participate in base pairing. Because the UNA monomers are flexible organic structures, unlike nucleotides, the overhang containing a UNA monomer will be a flexible terminator for the oligomer.

[00108] A UNA monomer can be a terminal monomer in an overhang of an oligomer, where the UNA monomer is attached to only one monomer at either the propane-l-yl position or the propane-3-yl position. In this form, the UNA monomer does not participate in base pairing. Because the UNA monomers are flexible organic structures, unlike nucleotides, the overhang containing a UNA monomer can be a flexible terminator for the oligomer.

[00109] Examples of a UNA monomer as a terminal monomer attached at the propane-3-yl position are shown below.

terminal UNA-A terminal UNA-U

terminal UNA-C terminal UNA-G

[00110] Because a UNA monomer can be a flexible molecule, a UNA monomer as a terminal monomer can assume widely differing conformations. An example of an energy minimized UNA monomer conformation as a terminal monomer attached at the propane-3-yl position is shown below.

UNA-A terminal forms: the dashed bond shows the propane-3-yl attachment

Thus, UNA oligomers having a terminal UNA monomer are significantly different in structure from conventional nucleic acid agents, such as siRNAs. For example, siRNAs may require that terminal monomers or overhangs in a duplex be stabilized. In contrast, the conformability of a terminal UNA monomer can provide UNA oligomers with different properties.

[00111] Among other things, the structure of the UNA monomer allows it to be attached to naturally-occurring nucleotides. A UNA oligomer can be a chain composed of UNA monomers, as well as various nucleotides that may be based on naturally- occurring nucleosides.

[00112] In some embodiments, the functional group R³ of a UNA monomer can be —OR⁴,— SR⁴,— NR⁴2,— NH(C=0)R⁴, morpholino, morpholin-l-yl, piperazin-l-yl, or 4-alkanoyl-piperazin-l-yl, where R⁴ is the same or different for each occurrence, and can be H, alkyl, a cholesterol, a lipid molecule, a polyamine, an amino acid, or a polypeptide.

[00113] The UNA monomers are organic molecules. UNA monomers are not nucleic acid monomers or nucleotides, nor are they naturally-occurring nucleosides or modified naturally-occurring nucleosides.

[00114] A UNA oligomer of this invention is a synthetic chain molecule. A UNA oligomer of this invention is not a nucleic acid, nor an oligonucleotide. [00115] In some embodiments, as shown above, a UNA monomer can be UNA-A (designated A), UNA-U (designated U), UNA-C (designated C), and UNA-G (designated G).

[00116] Designations that may be used herein include mA, mG, mC, and mU, which refer to the 2'-0-Methyl modified ribonucleotides.

[00117] Designations that may be used herein include lower case c and u, which refer to the 2'-0-methyl modified ribonucleotides.

[00118] Designations that may be used herein include dT, which refers to a 2'- deoxy T nucleotide.

[00119] Additional monomers for oligomeric agents

[00120] As used herein, in the context of oligomer sequences, the symbol X represents a UNA monomer.

[00121] As used herein, in the context of oligomer sequences, the symbol N represents any natural nucleotide monomer, or a modified nucleotide monomer.

[00122] As used herein, in the context of oligomer sequences, the symbol Q represents a non-natural, modified, or chemically-modified nucleotide monomer. When a Q monomer appears in one strand of the oligomer, and is unpaired with the other strand, the monomer can have any base attached. When a Q monomer appears in one strand of the oligomer, and is paired with a monomer in the other strand, the Q monomer can have any base attached that would be complementary to the monomer in the corresponding paired position in the other strand.

[00123] Examples of nucleic acid monomers include non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotides, including any such nucleotides known in the art.

[00124] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include any such nucleotides known in the art, for example, 2'-0-methyl ribonucleotides, 2'-0-methyl purine nucleotides, 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro ribonucleotides, 2'- deoxy-2'-fluoro pyrimidine nucleotides, 2'-deoxy ribonucleotides, 2'-deoxy purine nucleotides, universal base nucleotides, 5-C-methyl-nucleotides, and inverted

deoxyabasic monomer residues. [00125] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include 3 '-end stabilized nucleotides, 3 '-glyceryl nucleotides, 3 '-inverted abasic nucleotides, 3'-inverted thymidine, and L-thymidine.

[00126] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include locked nucleic acid nucleotides, 2'-0,4'-C-methylene-(D- ribofuranosyl) nucleotides, 2'-methoxyethoxy (MOE) nucleotides, 2'-methyl-thio-ethyl, 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, and 2'-0-methyl nucleotides.

[00127] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include 2'-amino nucleotides, 2'-0-amino nucleotides, 2'-C-allyl nucleotides, and 2'-0-allyl nucleotides.

[00128] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include N⁶-methyladenosine nucleotides.

[00129] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include nucleotide monomers with modified bases 5-(3-amino)propyluridine, 5-(2-mercapto)ethyluridine, 5-bromouridine; 8-bromoguanosine, or 7-deazaadenosine.

[00130] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include 2'-0-aminopropyl substituted nucleotides.

[00131] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include 2'-0-guanidinopropyl substituted nucleotides.

[00132] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include Pseudouridines.

[00133] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include replacing the 2'-OH group of a nucleotide with a 2'-R, a 2'-OR, a 2'- halogen, a 2'-SR, or a 2'-amino, 2'-azido, where R can be H, alkyl, fluorine-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl.

[00134] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include replacing the 2'-OH group of a nucleotide with a 2'-R or 2'-OR, where R can be CN, CF₃, alkylamino, or aralkyl. [00135] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include nucleotides with a modified sugar such as an F-HNA, an HNA, a CeNA, a bicyclic sugar, or an LNA.

[00136] Examples of non-natural, modified, and chemically-modified nucleotide monomers include 2'-oxa-3'-aza-4'a-carbanucleoside monomers, 3-hydroxymethyl-5- (lH-l,2,3-triazol)-isoxazolidine monomers, and 5'-triazolyl-2'-oxa-3'-aza-4'a- carbanucleoside monomers.

[00137] Some examples of modified nucleotides are given in Saenger, Principles of Nucleic Acid Structure, Springer- Verlag, 1984.

[00138] Oligomeric compounds containing UNA monomers

[00139] Aspects of this invention can provide structures and compositions for UNA-containing oligomeric compounds. The oligomeric agents may incorporate one or more UNA monomers. Oligomeric molecules of this invention can be used as active agents in formulations for gene regulating or gene silencing therapeutics.

[00140] In some embodiments, this invention provides oligomeric compounds having a structure that incorporates novel combinations of UNA monomers with certain natural nucleotides, non-natural nucleotides, modified nucleotides, or chemically- modified nucleotides.

[00141] In further aspects, the oligomeric compounds can be pharmacologically active molecules. UNA oligomers of this invention can be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients for regulating gene expression, and in RNA interference methods, as well as antisense, RNA blocking, and micro-RNA strategies.

A UNA oligomer of this invention can have the structure of Formula I

Formula I wherein L¹ is a linkage, n is from 19 to 29, and for each occurrence L² is a UNA linker group having the formula -C¹-C²-C³-, where R is attached to C² and has the formula -OCH(CH₂R )R⁵, where R³ is—OR⁴,— SR⁴,— NR⁴ ₂,— NH(C=0)R⁴, morpholino, morpholin-l-yl, piperazin-l-yl, or 4-alkanoyl-piperazin-l-yl, where R⁴ is the same or different for each occurrence and is H, alkyl, a cholesterol, a lipid molecule, a polyamine, an amino acid, or a polypeptide, and where R⁵ is a nucleobase, or L²(R) is a sugar such as a ribose and R is a nucleobase, or L² is a modified sugar such as a modified ribose and R is a nucleobase. In certain embodiments, a nucleobase can be a modified nucleobase. L¹ can be a phosphodiester linkage.

[00142] A UNA oligomer of this invention can be a short chain molecule. A UNA oligomer can be a duplex pair. Thus, a UNA oligomer can have a first strand of the duplex and a second strand of the duplex, which is complementary to the first strand with respect to the nucleobases, although up to three mismatches can occur. A UNA oligomer duplex can have overhangs.

[00143] Some UNA oligomers are discussed in US Patent No. 8,314,227, as well as US Patent Publication No. 20110313020 Al .

[00144] The target of a UNA oligomer can be a target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the target can be any mRNA of a subject. A UNA oligomer can be active for gene silencing in RNA interference.

[00145] A UNA oligomer may comprise two strands that together provide a duplex. The duplex may be composed of a first strand, which may also be referred to as a passenger strand or sense strand, and a second strand, which may also be referred to as a guide strand or antisense strand.

[00146] In some aspects, a UNA oligomer of this invention can have any number of phosphorothioate intermonomer linkages in any position in any strand, or in both strands of a duplex structure.

[00147] In some embodiments, any one or more of the intermonomer linkages of a UNA oligomer can be a phosphodiester, a phosphorothioate including dithioates, a chiral phosphorothioate, and other chemically modified forms. [00148] Examples of UNA oligomers of this invention include duplex pairs, which are in general complementary. Thus, for example, SEQ ID NO: 1 can represent a first strand of a duplex and SEQ ID NO:2 can represent a second strand of the duplex, which is complementary to the first strand.

[00149] For example, the symbol "N" in the first strand can represent any nucleotide that is complementary to the monomer in the corresponding position in the second strand. Example UNA oligomers of this disclosure are shown with 2-monomer length overhangs, although overhangs of from 1 to 8 monomers, or longer, can be used.

[00150] The symbol "X" in a strand or oligomer represents a UNA monomer. When a UNA monomer appears in one strand of the oligomer, and is unpaired with the other strand, the monomer can have any base attached. When a UNA monomer appears in one strand of the oligomer, and is paired with a monomer in the other strand, the UNA monomer can have any base attached that would be complementary to the monomer in the corresponding paired position in the other strand.

[00151] Further, when the oligomer terminates in a UNA monomer, the terminal position has a 1-end, according to the positional numbering shown above, instead of a 5'- end as for a nucleotide, or the terminal position has a 3 -end, according to the positional numbering shown above, instead of a 3 '-end as for a nucleotide. For example, the UNA oligomer

SEQ ID NO: 1

1— X N N N N N N N N N - N N N N N N N N N N -X X— 3 3— X -X Ν ·Ν ·Ν · Ν · Ν Ν Ν Ν ·Ν - Ν Ν ·Χ Χ Χ ·Χ ·Χ Χ Χ N -5 '

SEQ ID NO:2 has a UNA monomer 1-end on the first strand, a UNA monomer 3 -end on the first strand, a UNA monomer 3 -end on the second strand, and a nucleotide 5 '-end on the second strand.

[00152] Complementarity of strands can involve mismatches. In certain embodiments, complementarity of strands can include one to three, or more, mismatches. [00153] In some embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention can have one or more UNA monomers at the 1-end of the first strand, and one or more UNA monomers at the 3 -end of the first strand.

[00154] In further embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention can have one or more UNA monomers at the 3 -end of the second strand.

[00155] In certain embodiments, a duplex UNA oligomer of this invention can have one or more UNA monomers at the 1 -end of the first strand, one or more UNA monomers at the 3 -end of the first strand, and one or more UNA monomers at the 3 -end of the second strand.

[00156] A UNA oligomer of this invention the oligomer may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length.

[00157] In certain embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention may have a first strand that is 19-23 monomers in length.

[00158] In certain embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention may have a duplex region that is 19-21 monomers in length.

[00159] In further embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention may have a second strand that is 19-23 monomers in length.

[00160] In certain embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention may have a first strand that is 19 monomers in length, and a second strand that is 21 monomers in length.

[00161] In certain embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention may have a first strand that is 20 monomers in length, and a second strand that is 21 monomers in length.

[00162] In certain embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention may have a first strand that is 21 monomers in length, and a second strand that is 21 monomers in length. [00163] In certain embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention may have a first strand that is 22 monomers in length, and a second strand that is 21 monomers in length.

[00164] A UNA oligomer of this invention for inhibiting gene expression can have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands being 19-29 monomers in length. The monomers can be UNA monomers and nucleic acid nucleoside monomers. The oligomer can have a duplex structure of from 14 to 29 monomers in length. The UNA oligomer can be targeted to a target gene and can exhibit reduced off-target effects as compared to a conventional siRNA. In some embodiments, a UNA oligomer of this invention can have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands being 19-23 monomers in length.

[00165] In another aspect, the UNA oligomer may have a blunt end, or may have one or more overhangs. In some embodiments, the first and second strands may be connected with a connecting oligomer in between the strands, and form a duplex region with a connecting loop at one end.

[00166] In certain embodiments, an overhang can be one or two monomers in length.

[00167] Examples of an overhang can contain one or more UNA monomers, natural nucleotides, non-natural nucleotides, modified nucleotides, or chemically- modified nucleotides, and combinations thereof.

[00168] Examples of an overhang can contain one or more deoxythymidine nucleotides, 2'-0-methyl nucleotides, inverted abasic monomers, inverted thymidine monomers, L-thymidine monomers, or glyceryl nucleotides.

[00169] A UNA oligomer can mediate cleavage of a target nucleic acid in a cell. In some processes, the second strand of the UNA oligomer, at least a portion of which can be complementary to the target nucleic acid, can act as a guide strand that can hybridize to the target nucleic acid.

[00170] The second strand can be incorporated into an RNA Induced Silencing Complex (RISC). [00171] A UNA oligomer of this disclosure may comprise naturally-occurring nucleic acid nucleotides, and modifications thereof that are compatible with gene silencing activity.

[00172] In some aspects, a UNA oligomer is a double stranded construct molecule that is able to inhibit gene expression.

[00173] As used herein, the term strand refers to a single, contiguous chain of monomers, the chain having any number of internal monomers and two end monomers, where each end monomer is attached to one internal monomer on one side, and is not attached to a monomer on the other side, so that it ends the chain.

[00174] The monomers of a UNA oligomer may be attached via phosphodiester linkages, phosphorothioate linkages, gapped linkages, and other variations.

[00175] In some embodiments, a UNA oligomer can include mismatches in complementarity between the first and second strands. In other embodiments, a UNA oligomer may have 1, or 2, or 3 mismatches. The mismatches may occur at any position in the duplex region.

[00176] The target of a UNA oligomer can be a target nucleic acid of a target gene.

[00177] A UNA oligomer may have one or two overhangs outside the duplex region. The overhangs can be an unpaired portion at the end of the first strand or second strand. The lengths of the overhang portions of the first and second strands can be the same or different.

[00178] A UNA oligomer may have at least one blunt end. A blunt end does not have an overhang portion, and the duplex region at a blunt end terminates at the same position for both the first and second strands.

[00179] A UNA oligomer can be RISC length, which means that it has a duplex length of less than 25 base pairs.

[00180] In certain embodiments, a UNA oligomer can be a single strand that folds upon itself and hybridizes to itself to form a double stranded region having a connecting loop at the end of the double stranded region. [00181] Examples of UNA oligomers containing five UNA monomers, and which contain one or more Q monomers are shown in Table 1.

[00182]

Table 1 : Oligomeric compounds containing five UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

SEQ ID NO: OLIGOMER

17 X-Q N N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N Q N Q N-X-X

18 X-X Q N-Q N-Q N-N-N-N-N N N N N-N-N-Q N-Q

19 X Q'N'N'Q'N'N'N'N'N'N-N'N'N'N'N'Q N'Q'N'X-X

20 X-X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

21 X-Q N N N N N N N N N-N N N N N Q N Q N-X-X

22 X-X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

23 X Q N N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N Q N-X-X

24 X-X Q N-Q'N N-N-N-N-N-N N N N N-N-N-Q N-Q

25 X-Q N-N N N N N N-N N-N-N N N N N N-Q N-X-X

26 X-X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

27 X-Q N N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N Q N-X-X

28 X-X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-Q

29 X-Q N N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-X-X

30 X-X Q N N N N-N-N-N-N-N N N N N-N-N-N-N-Q

[00183] Examples of UNA oligomers containing four UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Oligomeric compounds containing four UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

SEQ ID NO: OLIGOMER

47 X Q N N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N Q N Q N-X-Q

48 X'X'Q'N'Q'N'N'N'N'N'N-N'N'N'N'N'N'N'Q'N'Q

49 XQ N-N N N N N N-N N-N-N N N N-Q N-Q N-X-Q

50 X-X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

51 X Q N N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N Q N-X-Q

52 X-X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

53 X-Q N N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N Q N-X-Q

54 X-X Q N N N N-N-N-N-N-N N N N N-N-N-Q N-Q

55 X Q N-N N N N N N-N N-N-N N N N N N-Q N-X-Q

56 X-X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-Q

57 X Q N N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-X-Q

58 X-X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-Q

[00184] Examples of UNA oligomers containing four UNA Monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 3. Table 3 : Oligomeric compounds containing four UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

SEQ ID NO: OLIGOMER

75 X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N Q N Q N-X-X

76 Q-X Q N-Q N N-N-N-N-N-N N N N N-N-N-Q N-Q

77 X Q N N N N N N-N N-N-N N N N-Q N-Q N-X-X

78 Q-X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

79 X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N Q N-X-X

80 Q-X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

81 X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N Q N-X-X

82 Q-X Q N N N N-N-N-N-N-N N N N N-N-N-Q N-Q

83 X Q N N N N N N-N N-N-N N N N N N-Q N-X-X

84 Q-X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-Q

85 X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-X-X

86 Q-X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-Q

[00185] Examples of UNA oligomers containing three UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 4. ζ £

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103 X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N Q N Q N-X-Q

104 Q-X Q N-Q N N-N-N-N-N-N N N N N-N-N-Q N-Q

105 X Q N N N N N N-N N-N-N N N N-Q N-Q N-X-Q

106 Q-X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

107 X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N Q N-X-Q

108 Q-X Q N Q N N N N N N-N N N N N N N-Q N-Q

109 X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N Q N-X-Q

110 Q-X Q N N N N-N-N-N-N-N N N N N-N-N-Q N-Q

111 X Q N N N N N N-N N-N-N N N N N N-Q N-X-Q

112 Q-X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-Q

113 X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-X-Q

114 Q-X Q N N N N N N N N-N N N N N N N N N-Q

[00186] Examples of UNA oligomers containing six UNA Monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 5. Table 5 : Oligomeric compounds containing six UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00187] Examples of UNA oligomers containing seven UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 6. Table 6: Oligomeric compounds containing seven UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00188] Examples of UNA oligomers containing five UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 7.

Table 7: Oligomeric compounds containing five UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00189] Examples of UNA oligomers containing six UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 8.

Table 8: Oligomeric compounds containing six UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00190] Examples of UNA oligomers containing five UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 9.

Table 9: Oligomeric compounds containing five UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00191] Examples of UNA oligomers containing six UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 10.

Table 10: Oligomeric compounds containing six UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00192] Examples of UNA oligomers containing four UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 1 1.

Table 1 1 : Oligomeric compounds containing four UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00193] Examples of UNA oligomers containing five UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 12.

Table 12: Oligomeric compounds containing five UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00194] Examples of UNA oligomers containing seven or more UNA monomers and additional Q monomers are shown in Table 13.

Table 13 : Oligomeric compounds containing seven or more UNA monomers and additional Q monomers

[00195] An oligomeric compound of this invention may have any one of the structures shown in Tables 1 to 13.

[00196] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer. [00197] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer, and where the number of Q monomers is less than twenty.

[00198] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer, and where the number of Q monomers is less than twelve.

[00199] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer, and where the number of Q monomers is less than ten.

[00200] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer, and where the number of Q monomers is less than eight.

[00201] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer, and where the number of Q monomers is from 1 to 20.

[00202] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer, and where the number of Q monomers is from 1 to 15.

[00203] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer, and where the number of Q monomers is from 1 to 9. [00204] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a 2'-0- Methyl modified ribonucleotide.

[00205] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a 2'-0- Methyl modified ribonucleotide, and where the number of 2'-0-Methyl modified ribonucleotides is less than twenty.

[00206] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a 2'-0- Methyl modified ribonucleotide, and where the number of 2'-0-Methyl modified ribonucleotides is less than twelve.

[00207] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a 2'-0- Methyl modified ribonucleotide, and where the number of 2'-0-Methyl modified ribonucleotides is less than ten.

[00208] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a 2'-0- Methyl modified ribonucleotide, and where the number of 2'-0-Methyl modified ribonucleotides is less than eight. [00209] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a 2'-0- Methyl modified ribonucleotide, and where the number of 2'-0-Methyl modified ribonucleotides is from 1 to 20.

[00210] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a 2'-0- Methyl modified ribonucleotide, and where the number of 2'-0-Methyl modified ribonucleotides is from 1 to 15.

[00211] In some embodiments, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a 2'-0- Methyl modified ribonucleotide, and where the number of 2'-0-Methyl modified ribonucleotides is from 1 to 9.

[00212] In further aspects, an oligomeric compound of this invention may have a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands independently being 19-23 monomers in length, where any monomer that is not a UNA monomer can be a Q monomer, and where the oligomeric compound does not contain fluorine.

[00213] Embodiments of this invention advantageously provide oligomeric compounds, which are active agents against HBV and do not contain fluorine.

[00214] Methods of this invention include the treatment and/or prevention of HBV disease in a subject. A subject can be a mammalian subject, including a human subject.

[00215] HBV component target sequences

[00216] As used herein, "Ref Pos" refers to reference position, which is the numerical position of a reference nucleotide in an HBV genome. The reference position is the position that corresponds target-wise to the 5' end of the sense strand of the oligomeric compound of this invention. The reference positions are numerical nucleotide positions based on a reference genome, which as used herein is HBV Genotype A2, Accession No. HE974376. Thus, a reference position number by itself refers to one sequence from the reference genome, and each sequence can be used in an oligomeric compound of this invention. Table 14 shows genomic positions for the HBV reference genome.

Table 14: HBV genomic positions

[00217] In Fig. 1 is shown a map of HBV protein coding regions and selected transcripts for the reference genome HE974376. Nucleotide position 1/3221 is designated at the top. Further designations are as follows: pre-Sl, large HBsAg; pre-S2, medium HBsAg; S, HBsAg; P, polymerase; X, HBx protein; pre-C, pre-core/HBeAg; C, HB core Ag. The 2.4kb, 2.1kb, and 0.7kb transcripts coding for the pre-Sl/pre-S2/S, as well as the transcript coding the X protein are shown. The pre-Core/HBeAg protein is generated from a long, 3.5kb transcript (not shown) originating at position -1700, while the core and polymerase proteins and the pre-genomic RNA used as a template for viral replication are generated from a -200 nt shorter transcript.

[00218] The ranges of reference positions for certain UNA oligomers, designated UNA oligomer 1, UNA oligomer 2, and UNA oligomer 3, are shown in Fig. 1.

[00219] In some aspects, the inventive oligomers of this disclosure may target the long transcript coding for HBV core and polymerase proteins.

[00220] UNA oligomers targeting HBV

[00221] Examples of base sequences of this invention targeted to an HBV component are shown in Table 15. [00222] An oligomeric compound of this invention can be formed having a first strand and a second strand each being 21 monomers in length. The first strand can have 19 contiguous monomers with a sequence of attached bases shown in Table 15 (sense), and two additional overhang monomers on the 3' end. The second strand can have 19 contiguous monomers with a sequence of attached bases shown in Table 15 (antisense), and two additional overhang monomers on the 3' end. The overhang monomers can be any of NN, QQ, XX, NX, NQ, XN, XQ, QN, and QX. For example, XQ can be UNA- U/mU, or UNA-U/*/dT.

[00223] gomeric compound of this invention can be composed of monomers. The monomers can have attached bases. An oligomeric compound of this invention can have a sequence of attached bases. The sequences of bases shown in Table 15 do not indicate to which monomer each of the bases in the sequence is attached. Thus, each sequence shown in Table 15 refers to a large number of small molecules, each of which is composed of UNA monomers, as well as nucleic acid monomers.

[00224] In some aspects, an oligomeric compound of this invention can be described by a sequence of attached bases, for example as shown in Table 15, and being substituted forms thereof. As used herein, substituted forms include differently substituted UNA monomers, as well as differently substituted or modified nucleic acid monomers, as are further described herein.

[00225] In some embodiments, one or more of three monomers at each end of each strand can be connected by a phosphorothioate, a chiral phosphorothioate, or a phosphorodithioate linkage.

[00226] For example, a compound may have one phosphorothioate linkage between two monomers at the 5' end of the first strand, one phosphorothioate linkage between two monomers at the 3' end of the first strand, one phosphorothioate linkage between monomers at the second and third positions from the 3' end of the first strand, and one phosphorothioate linkage between two monomers at the 3' end of the second strand.

[00227] In certain embodiments, a compound may have two or three

phosphorothioate linkages at the 5' end of the first strand, two or three phosphorothioate linkages at the 3' end of the first strand, and one phosphorothioate linkage at the 3' end of the second strand.

[00228] In additional embodiments, a compound may have one to three

phosphorothioate linkages at the 5' end of the first strand, two or three phosphorothioate linkages at the 3' end of the first strand, two phosphorothioate linkages at the 5' end of the second strand, and two phosphorothioate linkages at the 3' end of the second strand.

[00229] In some examples, a compound may have a deoxythymidine nucleotide at the 3' end of the first strand, at the 3' end of the second strand, or at both the 3' end of the first strand and the 3' end of the second strand.

[00230] In some aspects, a compound may contain one to five UNA monomers.

[00231] In certain aspects, a compound may contain three UNA monomers.

[00232] In some embodiments, a compound may contain a UNA monomer at the 1-end of the first strand (5' end), a UNA monomer at the 3 -end of the first strand (3' end), and a UNA monomer at the second position from the 3' end of the second strand.

[00233] In certain embodiments, a compound may contain a UNA monomer at any one or more of positions 2 to 8 from the 5' end of the second strand (seed region).

Table 15: HBV sense and antisense sequences

REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1863 246 UUCAAGCCUCCAAGCUGUG 558 CACAGCUUGGAGGCUUGAA

1864 247 UCAAGCCUCCAAGCUGUGC 559 GCACAGCUUGGAGGCUUGA

1865 248 CAAGCCUCCAAGCUGUGCC 560 GGCACAGCUUGGAGGCUUG

1866 249 AAGCCUCCAAGCUGUGCCU 561 AGGCACAGCUUGGAGGCUU

247 250 UCUAGACUCGUGGUGGACU 562 AGUCCACCACGAGUCUAGA

248 251 CUAGACUCGUGGUGGACUU 563 AAGUCCACCACGAGUCUAG

249 252 UAGACUCGUGGUGGACUUC 564 GAAGUCCACCACGAGUCUA

250 253 AGACUCGUGGUGGACUUCU 565 AGAAGUCCACCACGAGUCU

376 254 GAUGUGUCUGCGGCGUUUU 566 AAAACGCCGCAGACACAUC

378 255 UGUGUCUGCGGCGUUUUAU 567 AUAAAACGCCGCAGACACA

380 256 UGUCUGCGGCGUUUUAUCA 568 UGAUAAAACGCCGCAGACA

1776 257 GGAGGCUGUAGGCAUAAAU 569 AUUUAUGCCUACAGCCUCC

1777 258 GAGGCUGUAGGCAUAAAUU 570 AAUUUAUGCCUACAGCCUC

1779 259 GGCUGUAGGCAUAAAUUGG 571 CCAAUUUAUGCCUACAGCC

1780 260 GCUGUAGGCAUAAAUUGGU 572 ACCAAUUUAUGCCUACAGC

1818 261 AACUUUUUCACCUCUGCCU 573 AGGCAGAGGUGAAAAAGUU

244 262 GAGUCUAGACUCGUGGUGG 574 CCACCACGAGUCUAGACUC

245 263 AGUCUAGACUCGUGGUGGA 575 UCCACCACGAGUCUAGACU

246 264 GUCUAGACUCGUGGUGGAC 576 GUCCACCACGAGUCUAGAC

409 265 CAUCCUGCUGCUAUGCCUC 577 GAGGCAUAGCAGCAGGAUG

411 266 UCCUGCUGCUAUGCCUCAU 578 AUGAGGCAUAGCAGCAGGA

412 267 CCUGCUGCUAUGCCUCAUC 579 GAUGAGGCAUAGCAGCAGG

413 268 CUGCUGCUAUGCCUCAUCU 580 AGAUGAGGCAUAGCAGCAG

414 269 UGCUGCUAUGCCUCAUCUU 581 AAGAUGAGGCAUAGCAGCA

1781 270 CUGUAGGCAUAAAUUGGUC 582 GACCAAUUUAUGCCUACAG

1782 271 UGUAGGCAUAAAUUGGUCU 583 AGACCAAUUUAUGCCUACA

252 272 ACUCGUGGUGGACUUCUCU 584 AGAGAAGUCCACCACGAGU

253 273 CUCGUGGUGGACUUCUCUC 585 GAGAGAAGUCCACCACGAG REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1576 274 CGUGUGCACUUCGCUUCAC 586 GUGAAGCGAAGUGCACACG

1580 275 UGCACUUCGCUUCACCUCU 587 AGAGGUGAAGCGAAGUGCA

1582 276 CACUUCGCUUCACCUCUGC 588 GCAGAGGUGAAGCGAAGUG

1583 277 ACUUCGCUUCACCUCUGCA 589 UGCAGAGGUGAAGCGAAGU

1867 278 AGCCUCCAAGCUGUGCCUU 590 AAGGCACAGCUUGGAGGCU

1868 279 GCCUCCAAGCUGUGCCUUG 591 CAAGGCACAGCUUGGAGGC

2382 280 GAACUCCCUCGCCUCGCAG 592 CUGCGAGGCGAGGGAGUUC

2383 281 AACUCCCUCGCCUCGCAGA 593 UCUGCGAGGCGAGGGAGUU

2384 282 ACUCCCUCGCCUCGCAGAC 594 GUCUGCGAGGCGAGGGAGU

2385 283 CUCCCUCGCCUCGCAGACG 595 CGUCUGCGAGGCGAGGGAG

56 284 CCUGCUGGUGGCUCCAGUU 596 AACUGGAGCCACCAGCAGG

57 285 CUGCUGGUGGCUCCAGUUC 597 GAACUGGAGCCACCAGCAG

375 286 GGAUGUGUCUGCGGCGUUU 598 AAACGCCGCAGACACAUCC

377 287 AUGUGUCUGCGGCGUUUUA 599 UAAAACGCCGCAGACACAU

379 288 GUGUCUGCGGCGUUUUAUC 600 GAUAAAACGCCGCAGACAC

381 289 GUCUGCGGCGUUUUAUCAU 601 AUGAUAAAACGCCGCAGAC

637 290 CCUAUGGGAGUGGGCCUCA 602 UGAGGCCCACUCCCAUAGG

638 291 CUAUGGGAGUGGGCCUCAG 603 CUGAGGCCCACUCCCAUAG

1584 292 CUUCGCUUCACCUCUGCAC 604 GUGCAGAGGUGAAGCGAAG

1585 293 UUCGCUUCACCUCUGCACG 605 CGUGCAGAGGUGAAGCGAA

1586 294 UCGCUUCACCUCUGCACGU 606 ACGUGCAGAGGUGAAGCGA

1778 295 AGGCUGUAGGCAUAAAUUG 607 CAAUUUAUGCCUACAGCCU

1819 296 ACUUUUUCACCUCUGCCUA 608 UAGGCAGAGGUGAAAAAGU

410 297 AUCCUGCUGCUAUGCCUCA 609 UGAGGCAUAGCAGCAGGAU

415 298 GCUGCUAUGCCUCAUCUUC 610 GAAGAUGAGGCAUAGCAGC

416 299 CUGCUAUGCCUCAUCUUCU 611 AGAAGAUGAGGCAUAGCAG

417 300 UGCUAUGCCUCAUCUUCUU 612 AAGAAGAUGAGGCAUAGCA

1783 301 GUAGGCAUAAAUUGGUCUG 613 CAGACCAAUUUAUGCCUAC REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1869 302 CCUCCAAGCUGUGCCUUGG 614 CCAAGGCACAGCUUGGAGG

255 303 CGUGGUGGACUUCUCUCAA 615 UUGAGAGAAGUCCACCACG

256 304 GUGGUGGACUUCUCUCAAU 616 AUUGAGAGAAGUCCACCAC

257 305 UGGUGGACUUCUCUCAAUU 617 AAUUGAGAGAAGUCCACCA

258 306 GGUGGACUUCUCUCAAUUU 618 AAAUUGAGAGAAGUCCACC

259 307 GUGGACUUCUCUCAAUUUU 619 AAAAUUGAGAGAAGUCCAC

260 308 UGGACUUCUCUCAAUUUUC 620 GAAAAUUGAGAGAAGUCCA

262 309 GACUUCUCUCAAUUUUCUA 621 UAGAAAAUUGAGAGAAGUC

263 310 ACUUCUCUCAAUUUUCUAG 622 CUAGAAAAUUGAGAGAAGU

264 311 CUUCUCUCAAUUUUCUAGG 623 CCUAGAAAAUUGAGAGAAG

265 312 UUCUCUCAAUUUUCUAGGG 624 CCCUAGAAAAUUGAGAGAA

266 313 UCUCUCAAUUUUCUAGGGG 625 CCCCUAGAAAAUUGAGAGA

1264 314 AUCCAUACUGCGGAACUCC 626 GGAGUUCCGCAGUAUGGAU

1265 315 UCCAUACUGCGGAACUCCU 627 AGGAGUUCCGCAGUAUGGA

2376 316 GAAGAAGAACUCCCUCGCC 628 GGCGAGGGAGUUCUUCUUC

2377 317 AAGAAGAACUCCCUCGCCU 629 AGGCGAGGGAGUUCUUCUU

2378 318 AGAAGAACUCCCUCGCCUC 630 GAGGCGAGGGAGUUCUUCU

2379 319 GAAGAACUCCCUCGCCUCG 631 CGAGGCGAGGGAGUUCUUC

2380 320 AAGAACUCCCUCGCCUCGC 632 GCGAGGCGAGGGAGUUCUU

2381 321 AGAACUCCCUCGCCUCGCA 633 UGCGAGGCGAGGGAGUUCU

243 322 AGAGUCUAGACUCGUGGUG 634 CACCACGAGUCUAGACUCU

261 323 GGACUUCUCUCAAUUUUCU 635 AGAAAAUUGAGAGAAGUCC

1263 324 GAUCCAUACUGCGGAACUC 636 GAGUUCCGCAGUAUGGAUC

1815 325 UGCAACUUUUUCACCUCUG 637 CAGAGGUGAAAAAGUUGCA

1816 326 GCAACUUUUUCACCUCUGC 638 GCAGAGGUGAAAAAGUUGC

1817 327 CAACUUUUUCACCUCUGCC 639 GGCAGAGGUGAAAAAGUUG

301 328 UGGCCAAAAUUCGCAGUCC 640 GGACUGCGAAUUUUGGCCA

302 329 GGCCAAAAUUCGCAGUCCC 641 GGGACUGCGAAUUUUGGCC REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1261 330 CCGAUCCAUACUGCGGAAC 642 GUUCCGCAGUAUGGAUCGG

1262 331 CGAUCCAUACUGCGGAACU 643 AGUUCCGCAGUAUGGAUCG

1820 332 CUUUUUCACCUCUGCCUAA 644 UUAGGCAGAGGUGAAAAAG

1821 333 UUUUUCACCUCUGCCUAAU 645 AUUAGGCAGAGGUGAAAAA

1822 334 UUUUCACCUCUGCCUAAUC 646 GAUUAGGCAGAGGUGAAAA

1823 335 UUUCACCUCUGCCUAAUCA 647 UGAUUAGGCAGAGGUGAAA

1874 336 AAGCUGUGCCUUGGGUGGC 648 GCCACCCAAGGCACAGCUU

1875 337 AGCUGUGCCUUGGGUGGCU 649 AGCCACCCAAGGCACAGCU

1876 338 GCUGUGCCUUGGGUGGCUU 650 AAGCCACCCAAGGCACAGC

1877 339 CUGUGCCUUGGGUGGCUUU 651 AAAGCCACCCAAGGCACAG

2267 340 GGAGUGUGGAUUCGCACUC 652 GAGUGCGAAUCCACACUCC

2268 341 GAGUGUGGAUUCGCACUCC 653 GGAGUGCGAAUCCACACUC

242 342 CAGAGUCUAGACUCGUGGU 654 ACCACGAGUCUAGACUCUG

1654 343 AUAAGAGGACUCUUGGACU 655 AGUCCAAGAGUCCUCUUAU

1774 344 UAGGAGGCUGUAGGCAUAA 656 UUAUGCCUACAGCCUCCUA

1775 345 AGGAGGCUGUAGGCAUAAA 657 UUUAUGCCUACAGCCUCCU

1813 346 CAUGCAACUUUUUCACCUC 658 GAGGUGAAAAAGUUGCAUG

1814 347 AUGCAACUUUUUCACCUCU 659 AGAGGUGAAAAAGUUGCAU

1824 348 UUCACCUCUGCCUAAUCAU 660 AUGAUUAGGCAGAGGUGAA

1825 349 UCACCUCUGCCUAAUCAUC 661 GAUGAUUAGGCAGAGGUGA

1826 350 CACCUCUGCCUAAUCAUCU 662 AGAUGAUUAGGCAGAGGUG

1870 351 CUCCAAGCUGUGCCUUGGG 663 CCCAAGGCACAGCUUGGAG

1871 352 UCCAAGCUGUGCCUUGGGU 664 ACCCAAGGCACAGCUUGGA

1872 353 CCAAGCUGUGCCUUGGGUG 665 CACCCAAGGCACAGCUUGG

1873 354 CAAGCUGUGCCUUGGGUGG 666 CCACCCAAGGCACAGCUUG

2373 355 CUAGAAGAAGAACUCCCUC 667 GAGGGAGUUCUUCUUCUAG

2374 356 UAGAAGAAGAACUCCCUCG 668 CGAGGGAGUUCUUCUUCUA

2375 357 AGAAGAAGAACUCCCUCGC 669 GCGAGGGAGUUCUUCUUCU REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1862 358 GUUCAAGCCUCCAAGCUGU 670 ACAGCUUGGAGGCUUGAAC

2297 359 AGACCACCAAAUGCCCCUA 671 UAGGGGCAUUUGGUGGUCU

2298 360 GACCACCAAAUGCCCCUAU 672 AUAGGGGCAUUUGGUGGUC

2299 361 ACCACCAAAUGCCCCUAUC 673 GAUAGGGGCAUUUGGUGGU

599 362 UGUAUUCCCAUCCCAUCAU 674 AUGAUGGGAUGGGAAUACA

600 363 GUAUUCCCAUCCCAUCAUC 675 GAUGAUGGGAUGGGAAUAC

703 364 CGUAGGGCUUUCCCCCACU 676 AGUGGGGGAAAGCCCUACG

704 365 GUAGGGCUUUCCCCCACUG 677 CAGUGGGGGAAAGCCCUAC

705 366 UAGGGCUUUCCCCCACUGU 678 ACAGUGGGGGAAAGCCCUA

1259 367 UGCCGAUCCAUACUGCGGA 679 UCCGCAGUAUGGAUCGGCA

1260 368 GCCGAUCCAUACUGCGGAA 680 UUCCGCAGUAUGGAUCGGC

1518 369 CACGGGGCGCACCUCUCUU 681 AAGAGAGGUGCGCCCCGUG

1519 370 ACGGGGCGCACCUCUCUUU 682 AAAGAGAGGUGCGCCCCGU

1520 371 CGGGGCGCACCUCUCUUUA 683 UAAAGAGAGGUGCGCCCCG

1521 372 GGGGCGCACCUCUCUUUAC 684 GUAAAGAGAGGUGCGCCCC

1522 373 GGGCGCACCUCUCUUUACG 685 CGUAAAGAGAGGUGCGCCC

1523 374 GGCGCACCUCUCUUUACGC 686 GCGUAAAGAGAGGUGCGCC

1524 375 GCGCACCUCUCUUUACGCG 687 CGCGUAAAGAGAGGUGCGC

1859 376 ACUGUUCAAGCCUCCAAGC 688 GCUUGGAGGCUUGAACAGU

1860 377 CUGUUCAAGCCUCCAAGCU 689 AGCUUGGAGGCUUGAACAG

1861 378 UGUUCAAGCCUCCAAGCUG 690 CAGCUUGGAGGCUUGAACA

459 379 GUAUGUUGCCCGUUUGUCC 691 GGACAAACGGGCAACAUAC

460 380 UAUGUUGCCCGUUUGUCCU 692 AGGACAAACGGGCAACAUA

462 381 UGUUGCCCGUUUGUCCUCU 693 AGAGGACAAACGGGCAACA

1136 382 UGAACCUUUACCCCGUUGC 694 GCAACGGGGUAAAGGUUCA

1266 383 CCAUACUGCGGAACUCCUA 695 UAGGAGUUCCGCAGUAUGG

1267 384 CAUACUGCGGAACUCCUAG 696 CUAGGAGUUCCGCAGUAUG

1268 385 AUACUGCGGAACUCCUAGC 697 GCUAGGAGUUCCGCAGUAU REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1517 386 CCACGGGGCGCACCUCUCU 698 AGAGAGGUGCGCCCCGUGG

2371 387 CCCUAGAAGAAGAACUCCC 699 GGGAGUUCUUCUUCUAGGG

2372 388 CCUAGAAGAAGAACUCCCU 700 AGGGAGUUCUUCUUCUAGG

2380 389 UCCCUCGCCUCGCAGACGA 701 UCGUCUGCGAGGCGAGGGA

401 390 UUCCUCUUCAUCCUGCUGC 702 GCAGCAGGAUGAAGAGGAA

402 391 UCCUCUUCAUCCUGCUGCU 703 AGCAGCAGGAUGAAGAGGA

403 392 CCUCUUCAUCCUGCUGCUA 704 UAGCAGCAGGAUGAAGAGG

404 393 CUCUUCAUCCUGCUGCUAU 705 AUAGCAGCAGGAUGAAGAG

405 394 UCUUCAUCCUGCUGCUAUG 706 CAUAGCAGCAGGAUGAAGA

406 395 CUUCAUCCUGCUGCUAUGC 707 GCAUAGCAGCAGGAUGAAG

407 396 UUCAUCCUGCUGCUAUGCC 708 GGCAUAGCAGCAGGAUGAA

408 397 UCAUCCUGCUGCUAUGCCU 709 AGGCAUAGCAGCAGGAUGA

458 398 GGUAUGUUGCCCGUUUGUC 710 GACAAACGGGCAACAUACC

461 399 AUGUUGCCCGUUUGUCCUC 711 GAGGACAAACGGGCAACAU

1426 400 UACGUCCCGUCGGCGCUGA 712 UCAGCGCCGACGGGACGUA

1427 401 ACGUCCCGUCGGCGCUGAA 713 UUCAGCGCCGACGGGACGU

1428 402 CGUCCCGUCGGCGCUGAAU 714 AUUCAGCGCCGACGGGACG

1429 403 GUCCCGUCGGCGCUGAAUC 715 GAUUCAGCGCCGACGGGAC

1430 404 UCCCGUCGGCGCUGAAUCC 716 GGAUUCAGCGCCGACGGGA

2269 405 AGUGUGGAUUCGCACUCCU 717 AGGAGUGCGAAUCCACACU

2370 406 CCCCUAGAAGAAGAACUCC 718 GGAGUUCUUCUUCUAGGGG

455 407 CAAGGUAUGUUGCCCGUUU 719 AAACGGGCAACAUACCUUG

456 408 AAGGUAUGUUGCCCGUUUG 720 CAAACGGGCAACAUACCUU

457 409 AGGUAUGUUGCCCGUUUGU 721 ACAAACGGGCAACAUACCU

1513 410 CCGACCACGGGGCGCACCU 722 AGGUGCGCCCCGUGGUCGG

1514 411 CGACCACGGGGCGCACCUC 723 GAGGUGCGCCCCGUGGUCG

1515 412 GACCACGGGGCGCACCUCU 724 AGAGGUGCGCCCCGUGGUC

1516 413 ACCACGGGGCGCACCUCUC 725 GAGAGGUGCGCCCCGUGGU REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1545 414 CUCCCCGUCUGUGCCUUCU 726 AGAAGGCACAGACGGGGAG

1546 415 UCCCCGUCUGUGCCUUCUC 727 GAGAAGGCACAGACGGGGA

2417 416 CCGCGUCGCAGAAGAUCUC 728 GAGAUCUUCUGCGACGCGG

2418 417 CGCGUCGCAGAAGAUCUCA 729 UGAGAUCUUCUGCGACGCG

2419 418 GCGUCGCAGAAGAUCUCAA 730 UUGAGAUCUUCUGCGACGC

2420 419 CGUCGCAGAAGAUCUCAAU 731 AUUGAGAUCUUCUGCGACG

2421 420 GUCGCAGAAGAUCUCAAUC 732 GAUUGAGAUCUUCUGCGAC

2422 421 UCGCAGAAGAUCUCAAUCU 733 AGAUUGAGAUCUUCUGCGA

181 422 AGGACCCCUGCUCGUGUUA 734 UAACACGAGCAGGGGUCCU

182 423 GGACCCCUGCUCGUGUUAC 735 GUAACACGAGCAGGGGUCC

183 424 GACCCCUGCUCGUGUUACA 736 UGUAACACGAGCAGGGGUC

184 425 ACCCCUGCUCGUGUUACAG 737 CUGUAACACGAGCAGGGGU

185 426 CCCCUGCUCGUGUUACAGG 738 CCUGUAACACGAGCAGGGG

368 427 UAUCGCUGGAUGUGUCUGC 739 GC AGAC AC AUC C AGC GAUA

369 428 AUCGCUGGAUGUGUCUGCG 740 CGCAGACACAUCCAGCGAU

370 429 UCGCUGGAUGUGUCUGCGG 741 CCGCAGACACAUCCAGCGA

371 430 CGCUGGAUGUGUCUGCGGC 742 GCCGCAGACACAUCCAGCG

372 431 GCUGGAUGUGUCUGCGGCG 743 CGCCGCAGACACAUCCAGC

373 432 CUGGAUGUGUCUGCGGCGU 744 ACGCCGCAGACACAUCCAG

463 433 GUUGCCCGUUUGUCCUCUA 745 UAGAGGACAAACGGGCAAC

686 434 CCAUUUGUUCAGUGGUUCG 746 CGAACCACUGAACAAAUGG

800 435 UUACCAAUUUUCUUUUGUC 747 GACAAAAGAAAAUUGGUAA

1102 436 CCAACUUACAAGGCCUUUC 748 GAAAGGCCUUGUAAGUUGG

1103 437 CAACUUACAAGGCCUUUCU 749 AGAAAGGCCUUGUAAGUUG

1183 438 UUUGCUGACGCAACCCCCA 750 UGGGGGUUGCGUCAGCAAA

1184 439 UUGCUGACGCAACCCCCAC 751 GUGGGGGUUGCGUCAGCAA

1185 440 UGCUGACGCAACCCCCACU 752 AGUGGGGGUUGCGUCAGCA

1186 441 GCUGACGCAACCCCCACUG 753 CAGUGGGGGUUGCGUCAGC REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1187 442 CUGACGCAACCCCCACUGG 754 CCAGUGGGGGUUGCGUCAG

1553 443 CUGUGCCUUCUCAUCUGCC 755 GGCAGAUGAGAAGGCACAG

1554 444 UGUGCCUUCUCAUCUGCCG 756 CGGCAGAUGAGAAGGCACA

1555 445 GUGCCUUCUCAUCUGCCGG 757 CCGGCAGAUGAGAAGGCAC

1805 446 ACCAGCACCAUGCAACUUU 758 AAAGUUGCAUGGUGCUGGU

1806 447 CCAGCACCAUGCAACUUUU 759 AAAAGUUGCAUGGUGCUGG

1807 448 CAGCACCAUGCAACUUUUU 760 AAAAAGUUGCAUGGUGCUG

1808 449 AGCACCAUGCAACUUUUUC 761 GAAAAAGUUGCAUGGUGCU

1809 450 GCACCAUGCAACUUUUUCA 762 UGAAAAAGUUGCAUGGUGC

1810 451 CACCAUGCAACUUUUUCAC 763 GUGAAAAAGUUGCAUGGUG

1811 452 ACCAUGCAACUUUUUCACC 764 GGUGAAAAAGUUGCAUGGU

1812 453 CCAUGCAACUUUUUCACCU 765 AGGUGAAAAAGUUGCAUGG

2423 454 CGCAGAAGAUCUCAAUCUC 766 GAGAUUGAGAUCUUCUGCG

177 455 UCCUAGGACCCCUGCUCGU 767 ACGAGCAGGGGUCCUAGGA

178 456 CCUAGGACCCCUGCUCGUG 768 CACGAGCAGGGGUCCUAGG

179 457 CUAGGACCCCUGCUCGUGU 769 ACACGAGCAGGGGUCCUAG

180 458 UAGGACCCCUGCUCGUGUU 770 AACACGAGCAGGGGUCCUA

186 459 CCCUGCUCGUGUUACAGGC 771 GCCUGUAACACGAGCAGGG

187 460 CCUGCUCGUGUUACAGGCG 772 CGCCUGUAACACGAGCAGG

188 461 CUGCUCGUGUUACAGGCGG 773 CCGCCUGUAACACGAGCAG

685 462 GCCAUUUGUUCAGUGGUUC 774 GAACCACUGAACAAAUGGC

1099 463 UCGCCAACUUACAAGGCCU 775 AGGCCUUGUAAGUUGGCGA

1100 464 CGCCAACUUACAAGGCCUU 776 AAGGCCUUGUAAGUUGGCG

1101 465 GCCAACUUACAAGGCCUUU 777 AAAGGCCUUGUAAGUUGGC

1230 466 GCGCAUGCGUGGAACCUUU 778 AAAGGUUCCACGCAUGCGC

1258 467 CUGCCGAUCCAUACUGCGG 779 CCGCAGUAUGGAUCGGCAG

1606 468 GCAUGGAGACCACCGUGAA 780 UUCACGGUGGUCUCCAUGC

1607 469 CAUGGAGACCACCGUGAAC 781 GUUCACGGUGGUCUCCAUG REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1608 470 AUGGAGACCACCGUGAACG 782 CGUUCACGGUGGUCUCCAU

1609 471 UGGAGACCACCGUGAACGC 783 GCGUUCACGGUGGUCUCCA

1610 472 GGAGACCACCGUGAACGCC 784 GGCGUUCACGGUGGUCUCC

1611 473 GAGACCACCGUGAACGCCC 785 GGGCGUUCACGGUGGUCUC

1804 474 CACCAGCACCAUGCAACUU 786 AAGUUGCAUGGUGCUGGUG

2381 475 CCCUCGCCUCGCAGACGAA 787 UUCGUCUGCGAGGCGAGGG

3077 476 UGGGGUGGAGCCCUCAGGC 788 GCCUGAGGGCUCCACCCCA

303 477 GCCAAAAUUCGCAGUCCCC 789 GGGGACUGCGAAUUUUGGC

304 478 CCAAAAUUCGCAGUCCCCA 790 UGGGGACUGCGAAUUUUGG

305 479 CAAAAUUCGCAGUCCCCAA 791 UUGGGGACUGCGAAUUUUG

801 480 UACCAAUUUUCUUUUGUCU 792 AGACAAAAGAAAAUUGGUA

1174 481 UGCCAAGUGUUUGCUGACG 793 CGUCAGCAAACACUUGGCA

1175 482 GCCAAGUGUUUGCUGACGC 794 GCGUCAGCAAACACUUGGC

1176 483 CCAAGUGUUUGCUGACGCA 795 UGCGUCAGCAAACACUUGG

2382 484 CCUCGCCUCGCAGACGAAG 796 CUUCGUCUGCGAGGCGAGG

2408 485 UCUCAAUCGCCGCGUCGCA 797 UGCGACGCGGCGAUUGAGA

2409 486 CUCAAUCGCCGCGUCGCAG 798 CUGCGACGCGGCGAUUGAG

2410 487 UCAAUCGCCGCGUCGCAGA 799 UCUGCGACGCGGCGAUUGA

2463 488 CCUUGGACUCAUAAGGUGG 800 CCACCUUAUGAGUCCAAGG

2464 489 CUUGGACUCAUAAGGUGGG 801 CCCACCUUAUGAGUCCAAG

55 490 UCCUGCUGGUGGCUCCAGU 802 ACUGGAGCCACCAGCAGGA

668 491 UGGCUCAGUUUACUAGUGC 803 GCACUAGUAAACUGAGCCA

701 492 UUCGUAGGGCUUUCCCCCA 804 UGGGGGAAAGCCCUACGAA

1177 493 CAAGUGUUUGCUGACGCAA 805 UUGCGUCAGCAAACACUUG

1178 494 AAGUGUUUGCUGACGCAAC 806 GUUGCGUCAGCAAACACUU

1179 495 AGUGUUUGCUGACGCAACC 807 GGUUGCGUCAGCAAACACU

1180 496 GUGUUUGCUGACGCAACCC 808 GGGUUGCGUCAGCAAACAC

1181 497 UGUUUGCUGACGCAACCCC 809 GGGGUUGCGUCAGCAAACA REF SEQ Sense (5'-3') SEQ Antisense (5'-3') POS ID NO SEQ ID NOS:237 to 548 ID SEQ ID NOS:549 to 860

NO

1182 498 GUUUGCUGACGCAACCCCC 810 GGGGGUUGCGUCAGCAAAC

1680 499 AUGUCAACGACCGACCUUG 811 CAAGGUCGGUCGUUGACAU

1681 500 UGUCAACGACCGACCUUGA 812 UCAAGGUCGGUCGUUGACA

1682 501 GUCAACGACCGACCUUGAG 813 CUCAAGGUCGGUCGUUGAC

1683 502 UCAACGACCGACCUUGAGG 814 CCUCAAGGUCGGUCGUUGA

1684 503 CAACGACCGACCUUGAGGC 815 GCCUCAAGGUCGGUCGUUG

2411 504 CAAUCGCCGCGUCGCAGAA 816 UUCUGCGACGCGGCGAUUG

2412 505 AAUCGCCGCGUCGCAGAAG 817 CUUCUGCGACGCGGCGAUU

2413 506 AUCGCCGCGUCGCAGAAGA 818 UCUUCUGCGACGCGGCGAU

2414 507 UCGCCGCGUCGCAGAAGAU 819 AUCUUCUGCGACGCGGCGA

2415 508 CGCCGCGUCGCAGAAGAUC 820 GAUCUUCUGCGACGCGGCG

2416 509 GCCGCGUCGCAGAAGAUCU 821 AGAUCUUCUGCGACGCGGC

54 510 UUCCUGCUGGUGGCUCCAG 822 CUGGAGCCACCAGCAGGAA

700 511 GUUCGUAGGGCUUUCCCCC 823 GGGGGAAAGCCCUACGAAC

702 512 UCGUAGGGCUUUCCCCCAC 824 GUGGGGGAAAGCCCUACGA

1253 513 CUCCUCUGCCGAUCCAUAC 825 GUAUGGAUCGGCAGAGGAG

1254 514 UCCUCUGCCGAUCCAUACU 826 AGUAUGGAUCGGCAGAGGA

1255 515 CCUCUGCCGAUCCAUACUG 827 CAGUAUGGAUCGGCAGAGG

1439 516 CGCUGAAUCCCGCGGACGA 828 UCGUCCGCGGGAUUCAGCG

1547 517 CCCCGUCUGUGCCUUCUCA 829 UGAGAAGGCACAGACGGGG

1548 518 CCCGUCUGUGCCUUCUCAU 830 AUGAGAAGGCACAGACGGG

1549 519 CCGUCUGUGCCUUCUCAUC 831 GAUGAGAAGGCACAGACGG

1550 520 CGUCUGUGCCUUCUCAUCU 832 AGAUGAGAAGGCACAGACG

1653 521 CAUAAGAGGACUCUUGGAC 833 GUCCAAGAGUCCUCUUAUG

1910 522 GACCCUUAUAAAGAAUUUG 834 CAAAUUCUUUAUAAGGGUC

2270 523 GUGUGGAUUCGCACUCCUC 835 GAGGAGUGCGAAUCCACAC

2361 524 GAGGCAGGUCCCCUAGAAG 836 CUUCUAGGGGACCUGCCUC

2362 525 AGGCAGGUCCCCUAGAAGA 837 UCUUCUAGGGGACCUGCCU

[00234] UNA oligomers targeting HBV

[00235] Examples of base sequences of this invention targeted to an HBV component are shown in Table 16. [00236] An oligomeric compound of this invention can be formed having a first strand and a second strand each being 21 monomers in length. The first strand can have 19 contiguous monomers with a sequence of attached bases shown in Table 16 (sense), and two additional overhang monomers on the 3' end. The second strand can have 19 contiguous monomers with a sequence of attached bases shown in Table 16 (antisense), and two additional overhang monomers on the 3' end. The overhang monomers can be any of NN, QQ, XX, NX, NQ, XN, XQ, QN, and QX. For example, XQ can be UNA- U/mU, or UNA-U/*/dT.

Table 16: FIBV sense and antisense sequences

[00237] UNA oligomers targeting HBV

[00238] Embodiments of this invention can provide oligomeric molecules that are active agents targeted to HBV. [00239] Examples of UNA oligomers of this invention that are targeted to an HBV component are shown in Table 17. Table 17 shows "sense" and "antisense" pairs.

Table 17: UNA oligomers targeted to HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

REF SEQ S / AS HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

POS ID

(5'-3')

NO

374 968 AS mAAmCGmC CmGCmAGmAmCmACmAUmCCmA / U A- U / mU

376 969 S UNA- G /mAUmGUmGUmCUGCmGGmCGmUUmUU / UNA-U /mU

376 970 AS mAAmAAmC GmCCmGCmAmGmACmACmAUmC / UNA- U / mU

378 971 S UNA-U/mGUmGUmCUmGCGGmCGmUUmUUmAU/UNA-U/mU

378 972 AS mAUmAAmAAmCGmC CmGmCmAGmACmACmA / UNA- U / mU

380 973 S UNA-U/mGUmCUmGCmGGCGmUUmUUmAUmCA/UNA-U/mU

380 974 AS mU Gm AUmA Am AAmC GmCmCmGCmAGmACmA / UNA- U / mU

409 975 S UNA-C /mAUmCCmUGmCUGCmUAmUGmCCmUC/UNA-U/mU

409 976 AS mGAmGGmC AmUAmGCmAmGmCAmGGmAUmG / UNA- U /mU

411 977 S UNA-U/mCCmUGmCUmGCUAmUGmCCmUCmAU/UNA-U/mU

411 978 AS mAUmGAmGGmC AmU AmGmCmAGmC AmGGmA / UNA- U / mU

412 979 S UNA-C /mCUmGCmUGmCUAUmGCmCUmCAmUC/UNA-U/mU

412 980 AS mG AmUGmAGmGCmAUmAmGmC AmGCmAGmG / UNA- U / mU

413 981 S UNA-C /mUGmCUmGCmUAUGmCCmUCmAUmCU/UNA-U/mU

413 982 AS iaAGmAUmG AmGGmC AmUmAmGCmAGmC AmG / UNA- U / mU

414 983 S UNA-U/mGCmUGmCUmAUGCmCUmCAmUCmUU/UNA-U/mU

414 984 AS iaAAmGAmUGmAGmGCmAmUmAGmC AmGCmA / UNA- U /mU

1525 985 S UNA- C /mGCmACmCUmCUCUmUUitiACmGCmGG / UNA-U /mU

1525 986 AS mC CmGCmGUmAAmAGmAmGmAGmGUmGCmG / UNA- U / mU

1575 987 S UNA-C /mCGmUGmUGmCACUmUCmGCmUUmCA/UNA-U/mU

1575 988 AS mUGmAAmGCmGAmAGmUmGmCAmC AmCGmG / UNA- U /mU

1576 989 S UNA-C /mGUmGUmGCmACUUmCGmCUmUCitiAC /UNA-U /mU

1576 990 AS mGUmGAiaAGmCGmAAmGmUmGCmACmACmG / UNA- U / mU

1577 991 S UNA- G /mUGmUGmCAmCUUCmGCmUUmCAmCC / UNA-U /mU

1577 992 AS mGGmUGmAAmGCmG AmAmGmUGmC AmC AmC / UNA- U / mU

1578 993 S UNA-U/mGUmGCmACmUUCGmCUmUCmACmCU/UNA-U/mU

1578 994 AS iaAGmGUmG AmAGmC GmAmAmGUmGCmACmA / UNA- U / mU

1579 995 S UNA- G /mUGmC AmCUmUCGCmUUmC AmCCmUC / UNA-U /mU

1579 996 AS mGAmGGmUGmAAmGCmGmAmAGmUGmCAmC / UNA- U /mU

1580 997 S UNA-U/mGCmACmUUmCGCUmUCmACmCUmCU/UNA-U/mU REF SEQ S / AS HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

POS ID

(5'-3')

NO

1580 998 AS iriAGmAGmGUmGAiriAGmCmGmAAmGUmGCmA / U A- U / mU

1581 999 S UNA-G/mCAmCUmUCmGCUUmCAmCCmUCmUG/UNA-U/mU

1581 1000 AS mC AmGAmGGmUGmAAmGmCmGAmAGmUGmC / UNA- U / mU

1582 1001 S UNA-C /mACmUUmCGmCUUCmACmCUmCUmGC/UNA-U/mU

1582 1002 AS mGCmAGiaAGmGUmGAmAmGmCGmAAmGUmG / UNA- U /mU

1776 1003 S UNA- G /mGAmGGmCUmGUAGmGCmAUmAAitiAU / UNA-U /mU

1776 1004 AS itiAUmUUmAUmGCmCUmAmCmAGmC CmUCmC / UNA- U / mU

1777 1005 S UNA- G / mAGmGCmUGmUAGGmCAmUAmAAmUU / UNA-U / mU

1777 1006 AS itiAAmUUmU AmUGmC CmUmAmC AmGCmCUmC / UNA- U / mU

1779 1007 S UNA- G /mGCmUGmUAmGGC AmUAmAAmUUmGG / UNA-U /mU

1779 1008 AS mC CmAAmUUmUAmUGmCmCmUAmC AmGCmC / UNA- U / mU

1780 1009 S UNA- G / mCUmGUmAGmGCAUmAAmAUmUGmGU / UNA-U /mU

1780 1010 AS itiACmC AmAUmUUmAUmGmCmCUmACmAGmC / UNA- U / mU

1781 101 1 S UNA- C / mUGmUAmGGmC AUAmAAmUUmGGmUC / UNA-U / mU

1781 1012 AS mGAmCCmAAmUUmUAmUmGmCCmUAmCAmG / UNA- U /mU

1782 1013 S UNA-U/mGUmAGmGCmAUAAmAUmUGmGUmCU/UNA-U/mU

1782 1014 AS itiAGmACmC AmAUmUUmAmUmGCmCUmACmA / UNA- U / mU

1818 1015 S UNA-A/mACmUUmUUmUCACmCUmCUmGCmCU/UNA-U/mU

1818 1016 AS iriAGmGCiriAGmAGmGUmGmAmAAiriAAmGUmU / UNA- U / mU

1863 1017 S UNA-U/mUCmAAmGCmCUCCmAAmGCmUGmUG/UNA-U/mU

1863 1018 AS mC AmCAmGCmUUmGGmAmGmGCmUUmGAmA / UNA- U /mU

1864 1019 S UNA-U /mCAitiAGmCCmUCC AmAGmCUmGUmGC / UNA-U /mU

1864 1020 AS mGCmACmAGmCUmUGmGmAmGGmCUmUGmA / UNA- U /mU

1865 102 1 S UNA-C / mAAmGCmCUmCCAAmGCmUGmUGmCC / UNA-U / mU

1865 1022 AS mGGmCAmC AmGCmUUmGmGmAGmGCmUUmG / UNA- U /mU

1866 1023 S UNA- A / mAGmCCmUCmC AAGmCUmGUmGCmCU / UNA-U /mU

1866 1024 AS iriAGmGCiriACmAGmCUmUmGmGAmGGmCUmU / UNA- U /mU [00240] UNA oligomers targeting HBV

[00241] Embodiments of this invention can provide oligomeric molecules that are active agents targeted to HBV.

[00242] Examples of UNA oligomers of this invention that are targeted to an HBV component are shown in Table 18. Table 18 shows "sense" and "antisense" pairs.

Table 18: UNA oligomers targeted to HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

REF SEQ S / HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

POS ID AS

(5'-3')

NO

1578 1047 S UNA-U*/mG*rU*mGrCmArCmUrUrCrGmCrUmUrCmArCmC*rU*/UNA-U*/mU

1578 1048 AS mArGmGrU/UNA-G/rAmArGmCrGmAmAmGrUmGrCmArCmA/UNA-U*/mU

1578 1049 S UNA-U*/mG*rU*mGrCmArCmUrUrCrGmCrUmUrCmArCmC*rU*/UNA-U*/mU

1578 1050 AS mArGmGrUmG/UNA-A/mArGmCrGmAmAmGrUmGrCmArCmA/UNA-U*/mU

1578 1051 S UNA-U*/mG*rU*mGrCmArCmUrUrCrGmCrUmUrCmArCmC*rU*/UNA-U*/mU

1578 1052 AS mArGmGrUmGrAmA/UNA-G/mCrGmAmAmGrUmGrCmArCmA/UNA-U*/mU

1818 1053 S UNA-A/mArCmUrUmUrUmUrCrArCmCrUmCrUmGrCmCrU/UNA-U/mU

1818 1054 AS mArGmGrC/UNA-A/rGmArGmGrUmGmAmArAmArAmGrUmU/UNA-U/mU

1818 1055 S UNA-A/mArCmUrUmUrUmUrCrArCmCrUmCrUmGrCmCrU/UNA-U/mU

1818 1056 AS mArGmGrCmA/UNA-G/mArGmGrUmGmAmArAmArAmGrUmU/UNA-U/mU

1818 1057 S UNA-A/mArCmUrUmUrUmUrCrArCmCrUmCrUmGrCmCrU/UNA-U/mU

1818 1058 AS mArGmGrCmArG/UNA-A/rGmGrUmGmAmArAmArAmGrUmU/UNA-U/mU

245 1059 S UNA-A/mGrUmCrUmArGmArCrUrCmGrUmGrGmUrGmGrA/UNA-U/mU

245 1060 AS mUrCmCrAmCrC/-UNA-A/rCmGrAmGmUmCrUmArGmArCmU/UNA-U/mU

1580 1061 S UNA-U/mGrCmArCmUrUmCrGrCrUmUrCmArCmCrUmCrU/UNA-U/mU

1580 1062 AS mArGmArG/UNA-G/rUmGrAmArGmCmGmArAmGrUmGrCmA/UNA-U/mU

1580 1063 S UNA-U/mGrCmArCmUrUmCrGrCrUmUrCmArCmCrUmCrU/UNA-U/mU

1580 1064 AS mArGmArGmG/UNA-U/mGrAmArGmCmGmArAmGrUmGrCmA/UNA-U/mU

1580 1065 S UNA-U/mGrCmArCmUrUmCrGrCrUmUrCmArCmCrUmCrU/UNA-U/mU

1580 1066 AS mArGmArGmGrU/UNA-G/rAmArGmCmGmArAmGrUmGrCmA/UNA-U/mU

1580 1067 S UNA-U/mGrCmArCmUrUmCrGrCrUmUrCmArCmCrUmCrU/UNA-U/mU

1580 1068 AS mArGmArGmGrUmG/UNA-A/mArGmCmGmArAmGrUmGrCmA/UNA-U/mU

[00243] UNA oligomers targeting HBV

[00244] Embodiments of this invention can provide oligomeric molecules that are active agents targeted to HBV.

[00245] Examples of UNA oligomers of this invention that are targeted to an HBV component are shown in Table 19. Table 19 shows "sense" and "antisense" pairs. Table 19: UNA oligomers targeted to HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

REF SEQ s / HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

POS ID AS

(5'-3')

NO

1578 1098 AS mA*rG*mGrUmGrAmArGmCrGmAmAmGrUmGrCmArCmA*/UNA-U*/mU

1578 1099 S UNA-U*/mG*rU*mGrCmArCmUrUrCrGmCrUmUrCmArCmC*rU*/UNA-U*/mU

1578 1100 AS mA*rG*mGrUmGrAmArGmCrGmAmAmGrUmGrCmArCmA*/UNA-U*/mU

1777 1101 S UNA-G*/mArGmGrCmUrGmUrArGrGmCrAmUrAmArAmUrU*/UNA-U*/mU

1777 1102 AS mArAmUrUmUrAmUrGmCrCmUmAmCrAmGrCmCrUmC/UNA-U*/mU

1777 1103 S UNA-G*/mA*rGmGrCmUrGmUrArGrGmCrAmUrAmArAmUrU*/UNA-U*/mU

1777 1104 AS mArAmUrUmUrAmUrGmCrCmUmAmCrAmGrCmCrUmC*/UNA-U*/mU

1777 1105 S UNA-G*/mA*rG*mGrCmUrGmUrArGrGmCrAmUrAmArAmUrU*/UNA-U*/mU

1777 1106 AS mArAmUrUmUrAmUrGmCrCmUmAmCrAmGrCmCrU*mC*/UNA-U*/mU

380 1107 S UNA-U*/mGrUmCrUmGrCmGrGrCrGmUrUmUrUmArUmCrA*/UNA-U*/mU

380 1108 AS mUrGmArUmArAmArAmCrGmCmCmGrCmArGmArCmA/UNA-U*/mU

380 1109 S UNA-U*/mG*rUmCrUmGrCmGrGrCrGmUrUmUrUmArUmCrA*/UNA-U*/mU

380 1110 AS mUrGmArUmArAmArAmCrGmCmCmGrCmArGmArCmA/UNA-U*/mU

380 1111 S UNA-U*/mGrUmCrUmGrCmGrGrCrGmUrUmUrUmArUmCrA*/UNA-U*/mU

380 1112 AS mU*rGmArUmArAmArAmCrGmCmCmGrCmArGmArCmA/UNA-U*/mU

380 1113 S UNA-U*/mG*rU*mCrUmGrCmGrGrCrGmUrUmUrUmArUmC*rA*/UNA-U*/mU

380 1114 AS mU*rGmArUmArAmArAmCrGmCmCmGrCmArGmArCmA/UNA-U*/mU

1576 1115 S UNA-C*/mGrUmGrUmGrCmArCrUrUmCrGmCrUmUrCmArC*/UNA-U*/mU

1576 1116 AS mGrUmGrAmArGmCrGmArAmGmUmGrCmArCmArCmG/UNA-U*/mU

1575 1117 S UNA-C*/mC*rGmUrGmUrGmCrArCrUmUrCmGrCmUrUmCrA*/UNA-U*/mU

1575 1118 AS mUrGmArAmGrCmGrAmArGmUmGmCrAmCrAmCrGmG/UNA-U*/mU

1580 1119 S UNA-U*/mG*rC*mArCmUrUmCrGrCrUmUrCmArCmCrUmCrU*/UNA-U*/mU

1580 1120 AS mArGmArGmGrUmGrAmArGmCmGmArAmGrUmGrCmA*/UNA-U*/mU

[00246] UNA oligomers targeting HBV

[00247] Embodiments of this invention can provide oligomeric molecules that are active agents targeted to HBV.

[00248] Examples of UNA oligomers of this invention that are targeted to an HBV component are shown in Table 20. Table 20 shows "sense" and "antisense" pairs. Table 20: UNA oligomers targeted to HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

[00249] In Tables herein, rN refers to N, which is a ribonucleotide, mN refers to a chemically-modified 2'-OMe ribonucleotide, an asterisk * between characters refers to a phosphorothioate linkage, dN refers to a deoxyribonucleotide, f refers to a 2'-deoxy-2'- fluoro ribonucleotide.

[00250] Additional compounds of this invention are shown in Table 21.

Table 21 : UNA oligomers targeted to HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

REF SEQ S / HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS)) POS ID AS

(5'-3')

NO

1781 1168 AS

mGAmC CmAAmUUmUAmUmGmC CmUAmC AmG / U A- U / * dT

1782 1169 S

UNA-U/ *mGUmAGmGCmAUAAmAUmUGmGUmCU/ *UNA-U/ *dT

1782 1170 AS

mAGmACmCAitiAUmUUmAmUmGCmCUmACmA/ UNA- U / * dT

[00251] Compositions for use against HBV

[00252] Embodiments of this invention can provide compositions of oligomeric molecules that are active agents targeted to HBV.

[00253] A composition for use against HBV viral infection can provide targeting for suppressing multiple viral gene products.

[00254] Without wishing to be bound by any one particular theory, certain open reading frames (ORF) encoding the P, S, C, and X genes of HBV can overlap.

[00255] In some embodiments, a composition of this invention may contain an oligomeric compound targeted to an HBV genomic transcript or ORF for HBsAg. For example, these embodiments can inhibit expression of HBsAg, regardless of the location of the HBV genomic DNA.

[00256] In additional embodiments, a composition may contain an oligomeric compound targeted to an HBV genomic transcript or ORF for HBeAg.

[00257] In further embodiments, a composition may contain an oligomeric compound targeted to an HBV genomic transcript or ORF for X protein.

[00258] In further embodiments, a composition may contain an oligomeric compound targeted to an HBV genomic transcript or ORF for DNA polymerase (P).

[00259] In certain embodiments, a composition may contain an oligomeric compound targeted to a conserved HBV genomic region of the transcripts or open reading frames from genes X, S, and C. [00260] In certain embodiments, a composition may contain an oligomeric compound targeted to a conserved HB V genomic region of the transcripts or open reading frames from genes X, S, C and P.

[00261] In some aspects, a composition of this invention includes a dyad of oligomeric compounds as the active agents targeted to HBV.

[00262] Examples of dyad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 1403 to 1623, and a compound with a reference position in the range 155 to 550.

[00263] Examples of dyad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 1575 to 1581, and a compound with a reference position in the range 245 to 414.

[00264] Examples of dyad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 1525 to 1604, and a compound with a reference position in the range 374 to 414.

[00265] Examples of dyad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 1525 to 1604, and a compound with a reference position in the range 1776 to 1818.

[00266] Examples of dyad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 374 to 414, and a compound with a reference position in the range 1776 to 1782.

[00267] Examples of dyad compositions include a composition containing a compound with the reference position 1578 and a compound with the reference position 380. Examples of dyad compositions include a composition containing a compound with the reference position 1578 and a compound with the reference position 376 or 411.

[00268] Examples of dyad compositions include compositions containing compounds with the reference positions 1575 and 376, 1575 and 380, 1575 and 511, 1581 and 376, 1581 and 380, as well as 1581 and 411. [00269] Examples of dyad compositions include compositions containing a compound with the reference position 1578 and a compound with the reference position 1777.

[00270] Examples of dyad compositions include compositions containing compounds with the reference positions 1578 and 1780, or 1578 and 1782, or 1575 and 1777, or 1575 and 1780, or 1575 and 1782, or 1581 and 1777, or 1581 and 1780, or 1581 and 1782, or 1576 and 1777, or 1576 and 1780, or 1576 and 1782.

[00271] For example, a dyad composition may contain the compounds 1578 and 380 shown in Table 22.

Table 22: Dyad composition of UNA oligomers

targeted to HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

[00272] UNA oligomer triad compositions for HBV

[00273] In some aspects, a composition of this invention includes triads of oligomeric compounds as the active agents targeted to HBV.

[00274] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 1403 to 1623, a compound with a reference position in the range 155 to 550, and a compound with a reference position in the range 1624 to 1930.

[00275] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 1525 to 1582, a compound with a reference position in the range 245 to 414, and a compound with a reference position in the range 1777 to 1818. [00276] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 1525 to 1604, a compound with a reference position in the range 374 to 414, and a compound with a reference position in the range 1776 to 1782.

[00277] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with a reference position in the range 1525 to 1582, a compound with a reference position in the range 374 to 414, and a compound with a reference position in the range 1776 to 1782.

[00278] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with the reference position 1578, a compound with the reference position 380, and a compound with the reference position 1777.

[00279] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with the reference position 1576, a compound with the reference position 380, and a compound with the reference position 1777.

[00280] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with the reference position 1575, a compound with the reference position 380, and a compound with the reference position 1777.

[00281] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with the reference position 1578, a compound with the reference position 1777, and a compound with the reference position 376 or 411.

[00282] Examples of triad compositions include a composition containing a compound with the reference position 1578, a compound with the reference position 1780 or 1782, and a compound with the reference position 376 or 411.

[00283] Examples of triad compositions include compositions containing compounds with the reference positions:

1578, 1777 and 376; 1578, 1777 and 380; 1578, 1777 and 411; 1578, 1780 and 376; 1578, 1780 and 380; 1578, 1780 and 411; 1578, 1782 and 376; 1578, 1782 and 380; 1578, 1782 and 411; 1575, 1777 and 376; 1575, 1777 and 380; 1575, 1777 and 411; 1575, 1780 and 376; 1575, 1780 and 380; 1575, 1780 and 411; 1575, 1782 and 376; 1575, 1782 and 380;

1575, 1782 and 411;

1581, 1777 and 376; 1581, 1777 and 380; 1581, 1777 and 411; 1581, 1780 and 376; 1581, 1780 and 380; 1581, 1780 and 411; 1581, 1782 and 376; 1581, 1782 and 380; 1581, 1782 and 411;

1576, 1777 and 376; 1576, 1777 and 380; 1576, 1777 and 411; 1576, 1780 and 376; 1576, 1780 and 380; 1576, 1780 and 411; 1576, 1782 and 376; 1576, 1782 and 380; 1576, 1782 and 411;

1578, 1818 and 376; 1578, 1818 and 380; 1578, 1818 and 411; 1575, 1818 and 376; 1575, 1818 and 380; 1575, 1818 and 411.

[00284] For example, a triad composition may contain the compounds 1578, 380 and 1777 shown in Table 23.

Table 23 : Triad composition of UNA oligomers

targeted to HBV (Sense (S)-Antisense (AS))

[00285] In Tables herein, rN refers to N, which is a ribonucleotide, mN refers to a chemically-modified 2'-OMe ribonucleotide, an * between characters refers to a phosphorothioate linkage, and dN refers to a deoxyribonucleotide.

[00286] HBV Sequences

[00287] Some examples of known sequences for HBV are shown in Table 24.

Table 24: Sequences for HBV

ACC # Genotype Description

genome, clone: pJDW233

AB540582.1 B HBV genotype B DNA, complete genome, strain: B0901189(NT15)

AB554017.1 B HBV genotype B DNA, complete genome, isolate: NMB09010

AB602818.1 B HBV genotype B DNA, complete genome, isolate: AH-2

AB644287.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NAB52

AB644286.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NAB47

AB644284.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NAB32

AB644283.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NAB28

AB644281.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NAB9

AB644280.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NAB1

AB560662.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: 60PU

AB560661.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: 58PU

AB554025.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: MRK89073

AB554022.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: GRS08325

AB554021.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: GRS08298

AB554020.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NMB09124

AB554019.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NMB09122

AB554018.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: NMB09075

AB554015.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: TRF08111

AB554014.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, isolate: TRF08029

AB540585.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, strain: C0901192(NT18)

AB540584.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, strain: C0901190(NT16)

AB540583.1 C HBV genotype C DNA, complete genome, strain: C0901177(NT3)

HE974382.1 D HBV genotype D4 complete genome, isolate Mart-B70

HE974379.1 D HBV genotype D3 complete genome, isolate Mart-B58

HE974378.1 D HBV genotype D4 complete genome, isolate Mart-B50

HE974377.1 D HBV genotype D3 complete genome, isolate Mart-B47

HE974373.1 D HBV genotype D4 complete genome, isolate Mart-B37 ACC # Genotype Description

HE974372.1 D HBV genotype D4 complete genome, isolate Mart-B36

HE815465.1 D HBV genotype D, serotype ayw3, complete genome

AB554024.1 D HBV genotype D DNA, complete genome, isolate: GRS08538

AB554023.1 D HBV genotype D DNA, complete genome, isolate: GRS08457

AB554016.1 D HBV genotype D DNA, complete genome, isolate: TRF08226

AB267090.1 D Hepatitis B vims ayw/Japan/Ehime 22-HS/2005 DNA, complete genome

HE974384.1 E HBV genotype E complete genome, isolate Mart-B84

HE974380.1 E HBV genotype E complete genome, isolate Mart-B63

AP007262.1 E HBV genotype E DNA, complete genome, isolate: HB-JI411F

HE974369.1 F HBV genotype F2 complete genome, isolate Mart-B26

HE974368.1 F HBV genotype F4 complete genome, isolate Mart-B24

HE974366.1 F HBV genotype F2 complete genome, isolate Mart-B18

AB625343.1 G HBV genotype G DNA, complete genome, isolate: MEX921M

AB625342.1 G HBV genotype G DNA, complete genome, isolate: MEX918M

AP007264.1 G HBV genotype G DNA, complete genome, isolate: HB-JI444GF

AB846650.1 H HBV genotype H DNA, complete genome, isolate: B-MHJ9014

AB516395.1 H HBV genotype H DNA, complete genome, isolate: MEX914M

AB516394.1 H HBV genotype H DNA, complete genome, isolate: MEX912M

AB516393.1 H HBV genotype H DNA, complete genome, isolate: 904MEXM

AP007261.1 H HBV genotype H DNA, complete genome, isolate: HB-JI260F

AB298362.1 H HBV genotype H DNA, complete genome, isolate: HBV ST0404

AB246338.1 Ae Hepatitis B vims DNA, complete genome, clone: Ae JPN

AB246341.1 Bj Hepatitis B vims DNA, complete genome, clone: Bj_JPN35

AB246345.1 C Hepatitis B vims DNA, complete genome, clone: C JPNAT

AB246347.1 D Hepatitis B vims DNA, complete genome, clone: D IND60 [00288] Methods for treating HBV disease

[00289] Methods of this invention include the treatment and prevention of various diseases in mammalian subjects. A subject can be a human or mammal.

[00290] In the methods of this invention, a subject in need of treatment or prevention can be administered an effective amount of an oligomeric compound of this invention.

[00291] An effective amount of an oligomeric compound of this invention can be a dose ranging from 0.001 mg/kg to 50.0 mg/kg.

[00292] In the methods of this invention, target mRNA expression can be reduced in a subject for at least 5 days. In certain embodiments, target mRNA expression can be reduced in a subject for at least 10 days, or 15 days.

[00293] In the methods of this disclosure, the administration of an oligomeric compound may not result in an inflammatory response.

[00294] In further embodiments, this invention includes methods for inhibiting expression of a target gene in a cell, by treating the cell with an oligomeric compound of this invention.

[00295] In additional embodiments, this invention includes methods for inhibiting expression of a target gene in a mammal, by administering to the mammal a composition containing an oligomeric compound of this invention.

[00296] Pharmaceutical compositions

[00297] In some aspects, this invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing an oligomeric compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[00298] A pharmaceutical composition can be capable of local or systemic administration. In some aspects, a pharmaceutical composition can be capable of any modality of administration. In certain aspects, the administration can be intravenous, subcutaneous, pulmonary, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, dermal, oral, or nasal administration. [00299] Embodiments of this invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing an oligomeric compound in a lipid formulation.

[00300] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more lipids selected from cationic lipids, anionic lipids, sterols, pegylated lipids, and any combination of the foregoing.

[00301] In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition can be

substantially free of liposomes.

[00302] In further embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition can include liposomes or nanoparticles.

[00303] Some examples of lipids and lipid compositions for delivery of an active molecule of this invention are given in WO/2015/074085, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[00304] In additional embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition can contain an oligomeric compound within a viral or bacterial vector.

[00305] A pharmaceutical composition of this disclosure may include carriers, diluents or excipients as are known in the art. Examples of pharmaceutical compositions are described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co. (A.R. Gennaro ed. 1985).

[00306] Examples of excipients for a pharmaceutical composition include antioxidants, suspending agents, dispersing agents, preservatives, buffering agents, tonicity agents, and surfactants.

EXAMPLES

[00307] Example 1 : Luciferase Reporter assay.

[00308] Luciferase-based reporter plasmid was constructed based on

psiCHECK™2 vector (Promega, Madison, WI). Reporter p(l-20) was generated with oligonucleotides containing the sequence from position 1 through 2500 relative to Eco RI digestion site cloned into the multiple cloning region downstream of the stop codon of the SV40 promoted Renilla luciferase gene in psiCHECK™2, which made the expression of Renitta luciferase gene under the regulation of the artificial 3'UTR sequence. Renilla luciferase activity was then used as an indicator of the effect of the artificial 3'UTR on transcript stability and translation efficiency. The psiCHECK™-2 Vector also contained a constitutively expressed Firefly luciferase gene, which served as an internal control to normalize transfection efficiency.

[00309] A total of 5,000 HepB3 cells (American Type Culture Collection) were plated onto a well of 96-well plate one day before the transfectrion. The cells were incubated at 37°C in 100 μΐ of DMEM (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA) supplemented with 0.1 mM nonessential amino acids and 10% FBS (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA). The culture medium was changed to 90 μΐ of fresh medium just before the transfection. The reporter plasmid and UNA Oligomer were co-transfected with transfection reagent, Lipofectamine™ 3000 (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA) was used to transfect reporter plasmid (lOOng) and a various amount of UNA Oligomer together with P3000 into the cells according to manufacturer's instruction.

[00310] Dual -Luciferase Reporter Assay System (DLR assay system, Promega, Madison, WI) was used to perform dual-reporter assays on psiCHECK2 based reporter systems. Twenty -four hours after transfection, the cells were washed gently with phosphate buffered saline once. A 50 μΐ well of Passive Lysis Buffer (Promega, Madison, WI) was added to the cells and incubated with gentle rocking for 20min at room temperature. Luciferase activities were measured using Cytation 3 imaging reader (BioTek, Winooski, VT) and the effect of the UNA Oligomer on reporter expression was calculated based on ratio of Renilla/Firefly to normalize cell number and transfection efficiency.

[00311] Example 2: The HBV inhibitory effect of UNA oligomers was observed with a psiCHECK2 assay. At 1 nM concentration for 6 days, the percent inhibition of target expression for each of the UNA oligomeric compounds in Table 19 designated as having Reference Position 1578 was determined to be from 77% to 97%. Thus, all of the UNA oligomeric compounds in Table 19 having Reference Position 1578 were operable for silencing target expression. [00312] Example 3: The HBV inhibitory effect of UNA oligomers was observed with a psiCHECK2 assay. At 1 nM concentration for 6 days, the percent inhibition of target expression for each of the UNA oligomeric compounds in Table 19 designated as having Reference Position 1777 was determined to be from 77% to 92%. Thus, all of the UNA oligomeric compounds in Table 19 having Reference Position 1777 were operable for silencing target expression.

[00313] Example 4: The HBV inhibitory effect of UNA oligomers was observed with a psiCHECK2 assay. At 1 nM concentration for 6 days, the percent inhibition of target expression for each of the UNA oligomeric compounds in Table 19 designated as having Reference Position 380 was determined to be from 87% to 94%. Thus, all of the UNA oligomeric compounds in Table 19 having Reference Position 380 were operable for silencing target expression.

[00314] Example 5: The HBV inhibitory effect of UNA oligomers was observed with a psiCHECK2 assay. At 1 nM concentration for 6 days, the percent inhibition of target expression for the UNA oligomeric compound in Table 19 designated as having Reference Position 1576 was determined to be 93%. Thus, UNA oligomeric compounds having Reference Position 1576 were operable for modulating target expression.

[00315] Example 6: The HBV inhibitory effect of UNA oligomers was observed with a psiCHECK2 assay. At 1 nM concentration for 6 days, the percent inhibition of target expression for the UNA oligomeric compound in Table 19 designated as having Reference Position 1575 was determined to be 90%. Thus, UNA oligomeric compounds having Reference Position 1575 were operable for modulating target expression.

[00316] Example 7: The HBV inhibitory effect of UNA oligomers was observed with a psiCHECK2 assay. At 1 nM concentration for 6 days, the percent inhibition of target expression for the UNA oligomeric compound in Table 19 designated as having Reference Position 1580 was determined to be 95%. Thus, UNA oligomeric compounds having Reference Position 1580 were operable for modulating target expression.

[00317] Example 8: The HBV inhibitory effect of UNA oligomers was observed with a psiCHECK2 assay. UNA oligomers of this invention in Table 17 were found to exhibit IC50 for inhibiting target expression as shown in Table 25. Table 25: IC50 of UNA oligomers targeted to HBV

[00318] Thus, UNA oligomeric compounds of this invention were operable for modulating HBV target expression. The UNA oligomeric compounds of this invention exhibited picomolar activity in vitro for inhibiting target expression. In some embodiments, the UNA oligomenc compounds of this invention exhibited surprisingly high activity in vitro of about IC50 < 200 pM for inhibiting target expression.

[00319] Example 9: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in a humanized PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulations, -1 and -2.

[00320] The UNA oligomers were formulated or co-formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into HBV-infected Phoenix Bio (PXB) mice. The mice were Genotype: cDNA-uPA^wild/+/SCID [cDNA-uPA^wild/+: B6; 129SvEv-Plau, SCID: C.B-17/Icr-scid Iscid Jcl] containing human hepatocytes with an estimated replacement index of 70% or more.

[00321] The study used an ascending dose in which mice were treated with 3 mg/kg on day 0, then 5 mg/kg on day 4, then 10 mg/kg on day 8.

[00322] As shown in Fig. 2, treatment with both UNA oligomer 1576 and UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 177) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00323] As shown in Table 26, treatment with both UNA oligomer 1576 and UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 177) caused a sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

Table 26: Serum HBeAg viral endpoint

[00324] As shown in Table 27, treatment with both UNA oligomer 1576 and UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 177) caused a sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

Table 27: Serum HBV DNA viral endpoint

[00325] The compositions in Fig. 2 and Tables 26 and 27 were UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1576 (SEQ ID NO:989 and 990)).

[00326] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo. For all viral endpoints, HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA, the treatment with UNA oligomer triad composition (1576, 380, 177) was significantly superior to UNA oligomer 1576.

[00327] Example 10: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in a PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation.

[00328] The UNA oligomers were co-formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into HBV-infected Phoenix Bio (PXB) mice. The mice were Genotype: cDNA-uPA^wild/+/SCID [cDNA-uPA^wild/+: B6; 129SvEv-Plau, SCID: C.B- n/Icr-scid Iscid Jcl] containing human hepatocytes with an estimated replacement index of 70% or more.

[00329] The study used an ascending dose in which mice were administered every 4 days, up to day 40, and viral endpoints were monitored every 4 days through day 44. [00330] As shown in Fig. 3, treatment with UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM). The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition. The composition in Fig. 3 was UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1576 (SEQ ID NO:989 and 990)).

[00331] As shown in Fig. 4, treatment with UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM). The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition. The composition in Fig. 4 was UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1576 (SEQ ID NO:989 and 990)).

[00332] As shown in Fig. 5, treatment with UNA oligomer triad (1576, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM). The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition. The composition in Fig. 5 was UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1576 (SEQ ID NO:989 and 990)).

[00333] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo.

[00334] Example 11: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in a PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation.

[00335] The UNA oligomers were formulated or co-formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into HBV-infected Phoenix Bio (PXB) mice. The mice were Genotype: cDNA-uPA^wild/+/SCID [cDNA-uPA^wild/+: B6; 129SvEv-Plau, SCID: C. -17/Icr-scid Iscid Jcl] containing human hepatocytes with an estimated replacement index of 70% or more. [00336] Serum viral endpoints were monitored up to 15 days after the single injection.

[00337] As shown in Fig. 6, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1179 and 1180), 380 (SEQ ID NO: 1173 and 1174) and 1578 (SEQ ID NO: 1175 and 1176) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00338] As shown in Fig. 7, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1179 and 1180), 380 (SEQ ID NO: 1173 and 1174) and 1578 (SEQ ID NO: 1175 and 1176) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00339] As shown in Fig. 8, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1179 and 1180), 380 (SEQ ID NO: 1173 and 1174) and 1578 (SEQ ID NO: 1175 and 1176) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00340] As shown in Fig. 9, treatment with UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1179 and 1180), 380 (SEQ ID NO: 1173 and 1174), 1578 (SEQ ID NO: 1175 and 1176)) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM). The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition.

[00341] As shown in Fig. 10, treatment with UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1179 and 1180), 380 (SEQ ID NO: 1173 and 1174), 1578 (SEQ ID NO: 1175 and 1176)) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM). The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition.

[00342] As shown in Fig. 11, treatment with UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1179 and 1180), 380 (SEQ ID NO: 1173 and 1174), 1578 (SEQ ID NO: 1175 and 1176)) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM). The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition. [00343] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo.

[00344] Example 12: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In general, the AAV-HBV mouse model is a robust model for investigating HBV infection, and can provide direct clinical pertinence for drug efficacy and potency. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation.

[00345] The UNA oligomers were formulated or co-formulated in lipid

nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver.

[00346] The study was an ascending dose design in which mice were treated with 3 mg/kg on day 0, then 5 mg/kg on day 4, then 10 mg/kg on day 8.

[00347] Serum viral endpoints were monitored 15 days before, and at least 22 days after treatment.

[00348] As shown in Fig. 12, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), and 1576 (SEQ ID NO: 1003 and 1004) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00349] As shown in Fig. 13, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), and 1576 (SEQ ID NO: 1003 and 1004), as well as the UNA oligomer triad composition of the same compounds (1576, 380, 1777) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM). This head-to-head comparison shows that the triad composition provided surprisingly increased potency throughout the duration of the effect, relative to the individual oligomers.

[00350] As shown in Fig. 14, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), and 1576 (SEQ ID NO: 1003 and 1004) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00351] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo.

[00352] Example 13: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation.

[00353] The UNA oligomers were co-formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV- mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver.

[00354] The study was an ascending dose design in which mice were treated with 3 mg/kg on day 0, then 5 mg/kg on day 4, then 10 mg/kg on day 8.

[00355] Serum viral endpoints were monitored up to day 12 after treatment.

[00356] As shown in Fig. 15, treatment with the UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1179 and 1180), 380 (SEQ ID NO: 1173 and 1174), 1578 (SEQ ID NO: 1175 and 1176)) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM). The dose-dependent response in vivo shows a pharmacological effect of the UNA oligomer composition.

[00357] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo.

[00358] Example 14: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in an AAV-HBV mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In general, the AAV-HBV mouse model is a robust model for investigating HBV infection, and can provide direct clinical pertinence for drug efficacy and potency. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation. [00359] The UNA oligomers were formulated or co-formulated in lipid

nanoparticles and injected intravenously into C57B1/6 mice with active HBV replication after AAV-mediated delivery of a recombinant HBV genome to the liver.

[00360] The study was an ascending dose design in which mice were treated with 3 mg/kg on day 0, then 5 mg/kg on day 4, then 10 mg/kg on day 8.

[00361] Serum viral endpoints were monitored 15 days before, and at least 22 days after treatment.

[00362] As shown in Fig. 16, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1578 (SEQ ID NO:993 and 994) and 1575 (SEQ ID NO:988 and 989) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00363] As shown in Fig. 17, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1578 (SEQ ID NO:993 and 994) and 1575 (SEQ ID NO:988 and 989) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBeAg compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00364] As shown in Fig. 18, treatment with each of UNA oligomers 1578 (SEQ ID NO:993 and 994) and 1575 (SEQ ID NO:988 and 989) caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBV DNA compared to PBS control group. (Mean ±SEM).

[00365] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo.

[00366] Example 15: The HBV inhibitory effect of UNA oligomers was observed with a psiCHECK2 assay. The percent inhibition of target expression for UNA oligomeric compounds containing one or more 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro ribonucleotides was measured.

[00367] As shown in Table 28, UNA oligomeric compounds exhibited at least 87% inhibition of target expression at 10 nM. Table 28: Activity of UNA oligomer

[00368] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention demonstrated advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vitro.

[00369] Example 16: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in a PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation.

[00370] The UNA oligomers were formulated or co-formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into HBV-infected Phoenix Bio (PXB) mice. The mice were Genotype: cDNA-uPA^wild/+/SCID [cDNA-uPA^wild/+: B6; 129SvEv-Plau, SCID: C.B-17/Icr-scid Iscid Jcl] containing human hepatocytes with an estimated replacement index of 70% or more.

[00371] As shown in Table 29, treatment with both UNA oligomers caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to a PBS control group.

Table 29: HBsAg (% control) (normalized to hAlb)

UNA oligomer % Inhibition % Inhibition % Inhibition % Inhibition Ref. Pos. Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20

3.3 nM 3.3 nM 3.3 nM 3.3 nM

380 (SEQ ID

62.0 55.0 33.0 30.5 NO: 973 and 974)

1576 (SEQ ID

42.0 48.0 44.0 38.2 NO: 989 and 990)

1777 (SEQ ID

65.0 43.0 21.0 12.7 NO: 1005 and 1006)

1782 (SEQ ID

65.0 43.0 25.0 20.4 NO: 1013 and 1014)

1581 (SEQ ID

50.0 42.0 28.0 11.7 NO: 999 and 1000)

[00372] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo.

[00373] Example 17: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in a PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation.

[00374] The UNA oligomers were formulated or co-formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into HBV-infected Phoenix Bio (PXB) mice. The mice were Genotype: cDNA-uPA^wild/+/SCID [cDNA-uPA^wild/+: B6; 129SvEv-Plau, SCID: C.B-17/Icr-scid Iscid Jcl] containing human hepatocytes with an estimated replacement index of 70% or more.

[00375] As shown in Table 30, treatment with a triad UNA oligomer composition caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to a PBS control group.

Table 30: Serum HBsAg (% control) (normalized to hAlb)

UNA oligomer % Inhibition % Inhibition % Inhibition % Inhibition composition Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Ref. Pos. 3.3 nM 3.3 nM 3.3 nM 3.3 nM

380/1777/1576 79.0 64.0 44.8 29.1

[00376] The compositions in Table 30 were:

UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1575 (SEQ ID NO:987 and 988));

UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1578 (SEQ ID NO:993 and 994)); and

UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), 380 (SEQ ID NO:973 and 974), 1576 (SEQ ID NO:989 and 990)).

[00377] Thus, the triad UNA oligomer compositions of this invention

demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo.

[00378] Example 18: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in a PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation.

[00379] The UNA oligomers were formulated or co-formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into HBV-infected Phoenix Bio (PXB) mice. The mice were Genotype: cDNA-uPA^wild/+/SCID [cDNA-uPA^wild/+: B6; 129SvEv-Plau, SCID: C. -17/Icr-scid Iscid Jcl] containing human hepatocytes with an estimated replacement index of 70% or more.

[00380] As shown in Table 31, treatment with a triad UNA oligomer composition caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to a PBS control group, for Genotypes Ae, Bj, C, and D. Table 31 : Serum HBsAg (% control) (normalized to hAlb)

[00381] The composition in Table 31 was UNA oligomer triad composition (1777 (SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006), 380 (SEQ ID NO: 973 and 974), 1578 (SEQ ID NO: 993 and 994)).

[00382] Thus, the triad UNA oligomer compositions of this invention

demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HBV inhibition efficacy in vivo over a range of genotypes.

[00383] Example 19: The HBV inhibitory effect in vivo for UNA oligomers was observed in a PXB Mouse model of HBV infection. The UNA oligomers of this invention exhibited profound reduction of HBV serum infection parameters in vivo with phosphorothioate linkages present. In this study, the UNA oligomers were contained in lipid nanoparticle formulation.

[00384] The UNA oligomers were formulated or co-formulated in lipid nanoparticles and injected intravenously into HBV-infected Phoenix Bio (PXB) mice. The mice were Genotype: cDNA-uPA^wild/+/SCID [cDNA-uPA^wild/+: B6; 129SvEv-Plau, SCID: C. -17/Icr-scid Iscid Jcl] containing human hepatocytes with an estimated replacement index of 70% or more.

[00385] As shown in Table 32, treatment with UNA oligomers caused a rapid and sustained reduction in viral endpoint serum HBsAg compared to a PBS control group. Table 32: HBsAg (% control) (normalized to hAlb)

[00386] Thus, the UNA oligomers of this invention with phosphorothioate linkages (PS) demonstrated significant and unexpectedly advantageous HB V inhibition efficacy in vivo with longer duration (Day 15 to Day 20). The phosphorothioate linkages were as follows: one phosphorothioate linkage between two monomers at the 5' end of the first strand, one phosphorothioate linkage between two monomers at the 3' end of the first strand, one phosphorothioate linkage between monomers at the second and third positions from the 3' end of the first strand, and one phosphorothioate linkage between two

monomers at the 3' end of the second strand.

[00387] Example 20: HBV reference genome HB974376 (3221bp). SEQ ID NO: 1181

1 ttccactgcc ttccaccaag ctctgcagga tcccagagtc aggggtctgt attttcctgc 61 tggtggctcc agttcaggaa cagtaaaccc tgctccgaat attgcctctc acatctcgtc 121 aatctccgcg aggactgggg accctgtgac gaacatggag aacatcacat caggattcct 181 aggacccctg ctcgtgttac aggcggggtt tttcttgttg acaagaatcc tcacaatacc 241 gcagagtcta gactcgtggt ggacttctct caattttcta gggggatcac ccgtgtgtct 301 tggccaaaat tcgcagtccc caacctccaa tcactcacca acctcctgtc ctccaatttg

361 tcctggttat cgctggatgt gtctgcggcg ttttatcata ttcctcttca tcctgctgct

421 atgcctcatc ttcttattgg ttcttctgga ttatcaaggt atgttgcccg tttgtcctct

481 aattccagga tcaacaacaa ccagtacggg accatgcaaa acctgcacga ctcctgctca

541 aggcaactct atgtttccct catgttgctg tacaaaacct acggatggaa attgcacctg

601 tattcccatc ccatcgtcct gggctttcgc aaaataccta tgggagtggg cctcagtccg

661 tttctcttgg ctcagtttac tagtgccatt tgttcagtgg ttcgtagggc tttcccccac

721 tgtttggctt tcagctatat ggatgatgtg gtattggggg ccaagtctgt acagcatcgt

781 gagtcccttt ataccgctgt taccaatttt cttttgtctc tgggtataca tttaaaccct

841 aacaaaacaa aaagatgggg ttattcccta aacttcatgg gttacataat tggaagttgg

901 ggaactttgc cacaggatca tattgtacaa aagatcaaac actgttttag aaaacttcct

961 gttaacaggc ctattgattg gaaagtatgt caaagaattg tgggtctttt gggctttgct

1021 gctccattta cacaatgtgg atatcctgcc ttaatgcctt tgtatgcatg tatacaagct

1081 aaacaggctt tcactttctc gccaacttac aaggcctttc taagtaaaca gtacatgaac

1141 ctttaccccg ttgctcggca acggcctggt ctgtgccaag tgtttgctga cgcaaccccc

1201 actggctggg gcttggccat aggccatcag cgcatgcgtg gaacctttgt ggctcctctg

1261 ccgatccata ctgcggaact cctagccgct tgttttgctc gcagccggtc tggagcaaag

1321 ctcatcggaa ctgacaattc tgtcgtcctc tcgcggaaat atacatcgtt tccatggctg

1381 ctaggctgta ctgccaactg gatccttcgc gggacgtcct ttgtttacgt cccgtcggcg

1441 ctgaatcccg cggacgaccc ctctcggggc cgcttgggac tctctcgtcc ccttctccgt

1501 ctgccgttcc agccgaccac ggggcgcacc tctctttacg cggtctcccc gtctgtgcct

1561 tctcatctgc cggtccgtgt gcacttcgct tcacctctgc acgttgcatg gagaccaccg

1621 tgaacgccca tcagatcctg cccaaggtct tacataagag gactcttgga ctcccagcaa

1681 tgtcaacgac cgaccttgag gcctacttca aagactgtgt gtttaaagac tgggaggagc

1741 tgggggagga gattaggtta aaggtctttg tattaggagg ctgtaggcat aaattggtct

1801 gcgcaccagc accatgcaac tttttcacct ctgcctaatc atctcttgta catgtcccac

1861 tgttcaagcc tccaagctgt gccttgggtg gctttggggc atggacattg acccttataa 1921 agaatttgga gctactgtgg agttactctc gtttttgcct tctgacttct ttccttccgt

1981 cagagatctc ctagacaccg cctcagctct gtatcgagaa gccttagaat ctcctgagca

2041 ttgctcacct caccatactg cactcaggca agccattctc tgctgggggg aattgatgac

2101 tctagctacc tgggtgggta ataatttgga agatccagca tccagggatc tagtagtcaa

2161 ttatgttaat actaacatgg gtttaaagat caggcaacta ttgtggtttc atatatcttg

2221 ccttactttt ggaagagaga ctgtacttga atatttggtc tctttcggag tgtggattcg

2281 cactcctcca gcctatagac caccaaatgc ccctatctta tcaacacttc cggaaactac

2341 tgttgttaga cgacgggacc gaggcaggtc ccctagaaga agaactccct cgcctcgcag

2401 acgcagatct caatcgccgc gtcgcagaag atctcaatct cgggaatctc aatgttagta

2461 ttccttggac tcataaggtg ggaaacttta cggggcttta ttcctctaca gtacctatct

2521 ttaatcctga atggcaaact ccttcctttc ctaagattca tttacaagag gacattatta

2581 ataggtgtca acaatttgtg ggccctctca ctgtaaatga aaagagaaga ttgaaattaa

2641 ttatgcctgc tagattctat cctactcaca ctaaatattt gcccttagac aaaggaatta

2701 aaccttatta tccagatcag gtagttaatc attacttcca aaccagacat tatttacata

2761 ctctttggaa ggctggtatt ctatataaga gggaaaccac acgtagcgca tcattttgtg

2821 ggtcaccata ttcttgggaa caagagctac agcatgggag gttggtcatc aaaacctcgc

2881 aaaggcatgg ggacgaatct ttctgttccc aaccctctgg gattctttcc cgatcatcag

2941 ttggaccctg cattcggagc caactcaaac aatccagatt gggacttcaa ccccatcaag

3001 gaccactggc cagcagccaa ccaggtagga gcgggagcat tcgggccagg gctcacccct

3061 ccacacggcg gtattctggg gtggagccct caggctcagg gcatattgac cacagtgtca

3121 acaattcctc ctcctgcctc caccaatcgg cagtcaggaa ggcagcctac tcccatctct

3181 ccacctctaa gagacagtca tcctcaggcc atgcagtgga a

[00388] All publications, patents and literature specifically mentioned herein are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[00389] It is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular

methodology, protocols, materials, and reagents described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be encompassed by the appended claims.

[00390] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms "comprises," "comprising", "containing," "including", and "having" can be used interchangeably.

[00391] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, based on the above description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

[00392] All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination. Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A compound comprising a first strand and a second strand, each of the strands being 19-29 monomers in length, the monomers comprising UNA monomers and nucleic acid monomers, wherein the compound has a duplex region of from 14 to 29 contiguous monomers in length, wherein the first strand is a passenger strand for RNA interference and the second strand is a guide strand for RNA interference, and wherein the compound comprises a sequence of bases targeted to inhibit expression of an HBV genome.

2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound contains one to seven UNA monomers.

3. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound contains a UNA monomer at the 1-end (5' end for non-UNA) of the first strand, a UNA monomer at the 3 -end (3' end for non-UNA) of the first strand, and a UNA monomer at the second position from the 5' end of the second strand.

4. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound contains a UNA monomer at any one or more of positions 2 to 8 from the 5' end of the second strand.

The compound of claim 1, wherein the sequence of bases is selected from the , antisense or sense-anti sense pairs of the following, and substituted forms thereof:

6. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound comprises one of the following pairs:

SEQ ID NO: 987 and 988;

SEQ ID NO: 993 and 994;

SEQ ID NO: 999 and 1000;

SEQ ID NO: 1005 and 1006;

SEQ ID NO: 1009 and 1010;

SEQ ID NO: 1011 and 1012;

SEQ ID NO: 1013 and 1014;

SEQ ID NO: 1015 and 1016;

SEQ ID NO: 969 and 970;

SEQ ID NO: 971 and 972;

SEQ ID NO: 973 and 974;

SEQ ID NO: 977 and 978;

SEQ ID NO: 981 and 982;

SEQ ID NO: 989 and 990;

SEQ ID NO:997 and 998; and

SEQ ID NO: 999 and 1000.

7. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound comprises one of the following SEQ ID NO: 1145 and 1146;

SEQ ID NO: 1175 and 1176;

SEQ ID NO: 1149 and 1150;

SEQ ID NO: 1163 and 1164;

SEQ ID NO: 1165 and 1166;

SEQ ID NO: 1167 and 1168;

SEQ ID NO: 1169 and 1170;

SEQ ID NO: 1153 and 1154;

SEQ ID NO: 1155 and 1156;

SEQ ID NO: 1157 and 1158;

SEQ ID NO: 1160 and 1161;

SEQ ID NO: 1159 and 1160;

SEQ ID NO: 1147 and 1148; and

SEQ ID NO: 1151 and 1152.

8. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has a 3' overhang comprising one or more UNA monomers, natural nucleotides, non-natural nucleotides, modified nucleotides, or chemically-modified nucleotides, and combinations thereof.

9. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has a 3' overhang comprising one or more deoxythymidine nucleotides, 2'-0-methyl nucleotides, inverted abasic monomers, inverted thymidine monomers, L-thymidine monomers, or glyceryl nucleotides.

10. The compound of claim 1, wherein one or more of the nucleic acid monomers is a non-natural nucleotide, a modified nucleotide, or a chemically-modified nucleotide.

11. The compound of claim 1, wherein each nucleic acid monomer has a 2'-0-m ethyl group.

12. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound contains from one to eight nucleic acid monomers modified with a 2'-0-methyl group in the first strand and from one to eleven nucleic acid monomers modified with a 2'-0-methyl group in the second strand.

13. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound contains one or more 2'- methoxyethoxy nucleotides.

14. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound contains one or more 2'-deoxy- 2'-fluoro ribonucleotides.

15. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound does not contain fluorine.

16. The compound of claim 1, wherein one or more of three monomers at each end of each strand is connected by a phosphorothioate, a chiral phosphorothioate, or a phosphorodithioate linkage.

17. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has one phosphorothioate linkage between two monomers at the 5' end of the first strand, one phosphorothioate linkage between two monomers at the 3' end of the first strand, one phosphorothioate linkage between monomers at the second and third positions from the 3' end of the first strand, and one phosphorothioate linkage between two monomers at the 3' end of the second strand.

18. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is conjugated to a delivery moiety.

19. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is conjugated to a delivery moiety that binds to a glycoprotein receptor.

20. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is conjugated to a delivery moiety that binds to a glycoprotein receptor, wherein the delivery moiety comprises a galactose, a galactosamine, or a N-acetylgalactosamine.

21. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is conjugated to a GalNAc delivery moiety.

22. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is conjugated to a cholesterol delivery moiety.

23. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is conjugated to a delivery moiety at an end of the compound and has increased uptake in the liver as compared to an unconjugated compound.

24. A lipid nanoparticle-oligomer compound comprising one or more compounds of any of claims 1-23 attached to the lipid nanoparticle.

25. A composition comprising one or more compounds of any of claims 1-23 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the carrier comprises lipid nanoparticles or liposomes.

27. A composition comprising a first compound of claim 1 targeted to a conserved region of HBV transcripts for genes X, C, P and S, a second compound of claim 1 targeted to inhibit HBsAg, a third compound of claim 1 targeted to a conserved region of HBV transcripts for genes X, C and S, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

28. The composition of claim 27, wherein the carrier comprises lipid nanoparticles or liposomes.

29. A composition comprising one or more compounds having reference positions from any of positions 1525 to 1582, 374 to 414, 1776 to 1782, 244 to 256, and 1818 to 1866.

30. The composition of claim 29, comprising a compound having a reference position from 1525 to 1582, a compound having a reference position from 374 to 414, and a compound having a reference position from 1776 to 1782.

31. A composition comprising a triad of compounds, wherein the triad is selected from the following: the first compound comprises SEQ ID NO:867 and 908, the second compound comprises SEQ ID NO:887 and 928, and the third compound comprises SEQ ID NO:875 and 916; the first compound comprises SEQ ID NO:899 and 940, the second compound comprises SEQ ID NO:887 and 928, and the third compound comprises SEQ ID NO:875and 916; the first compound comprises SEQ ID NO:865 and 906, the second compound comprises SEQ ID NO:887 and 928, and the third compound comprises SEQ ID NO:875 and 916; the first compound comprises SEQ ID NO:869 and 910, the second compound comprises SEQ ID NO:887 and 928, and the third compound comprises SEQ ID NO:875 and 916; the first compound comprises SEQ ID NO:867 and 908, the second compound comprises SEQ ID NO:885 and 926, and the third compound comprises SEQ ID NO:875 and 916; and the first compound comprises SEQ ID NO:867 and 908, the second compound comprises SEQ ID NO:887 and 928, and the third compound comprises SEQ ID NO:877 and 918.

32. An siRNA comprising nucleotides, wherein the siRNA is targeted to HBV and has a sequence selected from the sense, antisense or sense-antisense pairs of the following, and substituted forms thereof:

33. A method for preventing, ameliorating or treating a disease or condition associated with HBV infection in a subject in need, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition of claim 25.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the administration of the composition reduces HBV viral titer in the subject.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with a disease associated with Hepatitis B virus infection.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with liver disease.

37. A method for inhibiting the replication, maturation, growth, or transmission of a Hepatitis B virus in a subject in need, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition of claim 25.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the administration of the composition reduces serum concentration of HBsAg in the subject.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the administration of the composition reduces serum concentration of HBsAg in the subject by 2-logio-fold.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein the administration of the composition reduces serum concentration of HBsAg in the subject by 24ogio-fold for at least 7 days.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein the administration of the composition reduces HBeAg in the subject.

42. The method of claim 37, wherein the administration of the composition reduces HBV DNA in the subject.

43. A method for inhibiting expression of a Hepatitis B virus polynucleotide in a subject in need, the method comprising administering to the subject a composition of claim 25.

44. The use of a composition of claim 25 for preventing, ameliorating or treating a disease or condition associated with Hepatitis B infection in a subject in need.

45. A composition of claim 25 for use in medical therapy.

46. A composition of claim 25 for use in the treatment of the human or animal body.

47. The use of a composition of claim 25 for preparing or manufacturing a medicament for preventing, ameliorating or treating a disease or condition associated with Hepatitis B infection in a subject in need.