Ambion Inc., of Austin, Texas, said it received U.S. Patent No. 6,204,375 titled ¿Methods and Reagents for Preserving RNA in Cell and Tissue Samples.¿ It covers compositions used in the product RNAlater.

Antex Biologics Inc., of Gaithersburg, Md., said it received a U.S. patent covering a Moraxella catarrhalis protein.

Avigen Inc., of Alameda, Calif., said it received U.S. Patent No. 6,218,180. It covers adenoviral-associated vectors containing cytokines, tumor suppressors and suicide genes.

Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., of South San Francisco, said it received U.S. Patent No. 6,180,343 titled ¿Green Fluorescent Protein Fusions with Random Peptides.¿ It covers assay technologies.

Targeted Genetics Corp., of Seattle, said it received U.S. Patent No. 6,197,754 titled ¿Suppression of Tumor Growth by a Mini-E1A Gene,¿ through an exclusive license from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. It covers a use of the E1A gene in cancer therapy.

The Immune Response Corp., of Carlsbad, Calif., said it received U.S. Patent No. 6,207,645. It expands coverage of its immune-based therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, RAVAX.