Sangamo Biosciences Inc., of Richmond, Calif., was granted U.S. Patent No. 6,453,242 titled "Selection of Sites for Targeting by Zinc Finger Proteins and Methods of Designing Zinc Finger Proteins to Bind to Preselected Sites."

Transgene SA, of Strasbourg, France, was awarded three U.S. patents with respect to nonviral vectors: No. 6,335,199 covering lipid compounds and compositions, No. 6,346,414 covering a transposition assembly for gene transfer in eukaryotes, and No. 6,407,178 covering the use of polyamines for direct injection of genetic material into target cells in gene therapy. The company also was awarded three U.S. patents related to its viral vectors: No. 6,344,194 covering a method of preparing a viral aerosol for use in gene therapy, No. 6,350,575 covering helper viruses for use in the preparation of recombinant viral vectors, and No. 6,399,587 covering recombinant adenoviral vectors comprising a splicing cassette.

Transmolecular Inc., of Birmingham, Ala., was awarded U.S. Patent Nos. 6,319,891 and 6,429,187 that permit the company to retain all rights to chlorotoxin and its use in treating cancer in humans.

Unigene Laboratories Inc., of Fairfield, N.J., was awarded U.S. Patent No. 6,440,392 for its formulation of nasally administered calcitonin and covering the use of specific ingredients that improve stability and the efficiency of absorption into the bloodstream.

VION Pharmaceuticals Inc., of New Haven, Conn., was issued U.S. Patent No. 6,447,784 titled "Genetically Modified Tumor-Targeted Bacteria With Reduced Virulence."

YM Biosciences Inc., of Mississauga, Ontario, was awarded a U.S. patent for TheraCIM h-R3, a monoclonal antibody therapy undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers.

Zila Inc., of Phoenix, received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office indicating that it will issue Zila a patent for use of any mineral ascorbate, including the company's Ester-C vitamin product, in cancer treatment.