Biotechnology company Circio Holding ASA (OSE:CRNA) announced on Thursday that it has filed a patent application with the European Patent Office covering a novel genetic element designed to enhance the performance of its circVec circular RNA platform for gene and cell therapy.

The company said the innovation improves intracellular circRNA generation by increasing circularisation efficiency by approximately fourfold compared with circVec vectors lacking the new element.

According to Circio, the technology significantly enhances gene expression from AAV vectors, addressing a key challenge associated with conventional gene therapy approaches.

The patent application covers critical features required for efficient circular RNA biogenesis and protein production from DNA and viral vectors, expanding the company's existing circVec intellectual property portfolio. This invention strengthens Circio's position in circular RNA-based gene expression systems and supports both research and therapeutic applications.

Preclinical in vitro and in vivo data showed incorporation of the novel genetic element into circVec substantially increased circRNA output compared with conventional expression constructs, Circio said.

The company plans to expand the filing through a subsequent global Patent Cooperation Treaty application to further extend protection for its circular RNA-based gene and cell therapy technologies.