{
  "patent_number": "US 5210015",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How an Enzyme Helps Find Specific DNA in a Sample",
  "original_title": "Homogeneous assay system using the nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase",
  "summary": "This patent describes a method for detecting a specific DNA sequence in a sample by using a labeled DNA probe and an enzyme that cuts the probe, releasing detectable fragments.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a process for finding a specific target nucleic acid (like DNA) in a sample. First, the sample is mixed with two short DNA pieces, called oligonucleotides. One oligonucleotide binds to a specific part of the target DNA, and a second, labeled oligonucleotide binds to another nearby part of the same target DNA strand (Claim 1a). Then, an enzyme called a template-dependent nucleic acid polymerase, which has a special ability to cut DNA from its 5' end (5' to 3' nuclease activity), is added (Claim 1b). This enzyme cuts the labeled oligonucleotide, releasing its detectable fragments. Finally, these released labeled fragments are detected and/or measured (Claim 1c). For example, this process can be used to detect a specific viral DNA sequence in a patient sample.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover detection methods that do not use a labeled oligonucleotide.",
    "Does not cover systems where the nucleic acid polymerase lacks 5' to 3' nuclease activity.",
    "Does not cover methods where the first oligonucleotide's 3' end is not upstream of the labeled oligonucleotide's 5' end.",
    "Does not cover detection without the release of labeled fragments.",
    "Does not cover methods using only a single oligonucleotide probe for detection.",
    "Does not cover detection methods that rely solely on nucleic acid polymerization without nuclease activity."
  ],
  "filed": "1990-08-06",
  "granted": "1993-05-11",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Hoffmann La Roche Inc",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/hoffmann-la-roche-inc",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Randall K. Saiki",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/randall-k-saiki"
    },
    {
      "name": "David H. Gelfand",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/david-h-gelfand"
    },
    {
      "name": "Robert M. Watson",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/robert-m-watson"
    },
    {
      "name": "Pamela M. Holland",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/pamela-m-holland"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 1183,
  "tags": [
    "biotech",
    "pharmaceutical",
    "diagnostics",
    "medical_devices",
    "life_sciences"
  ],
  "abstract": "The present invention is directed to a process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides. This process uses the 5' to 3' nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5210015/hcv-pcr-detection",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5210015/hcv-pcr-detection/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US5210015",
  "relatedPatents": []
}