Silence Therapeutics to collaborate with Mirna
To evaluate delivery of new microRNA therapeutics
Silence Therapeutics, a specialist in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics headquartered in London, UK, has entered into an agreement with Mirna Therapeutics to assess the delivery capabilities of Silence's proprietary AtuPLEX and DBTC delivery systems for Mirna's novel microRNAs.
Under the terms of the agreement, Austin, Texas-based Mirna will provide Silence with specific miRNA sequences, which Silence will formulate with its AtuPLEX and DBTC delivery systems to develop multiple candidate drugs.
Mirna will carry out in vitro and in vivo studies of the candidate drugs developed under the agreement and select lead candidates for further evaluation. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Thomas Christely, chief executive of Silence Therapeutics, said: ‘This is our second collaboration exploring the use of Silence's delivery technologies to deliver microRNAs.
‘However, it is Silence's first collaboration involving our new DBTC liver delivery system. Whilst internally we remain focused on the delivery of our siRNA therapies, we continue to look to broaden the potential value of our delivery systems by partnering them with other companies for use in multiple applications.’
Paul Lammers, chief executive of miRNA Therapeutics, added: ‘Silence has clearly been shown to be at the forefront of efficient and safe delivery of siRNAs and miRNAs.
‘Mirna has developed a strong intellectual property position in the therapeutic use of miRNAs in cancer, and has established a broad pipeline of key tumour suppressor miRNAs as potential new targeted therapeutic candidates against both solid and haematological cancers.
‘An efficient delivery technology that provides for systemic delivery of therapeutically effective dose-levels of these miRNAs to their intended targets is a key element in their potential success in the clinic.’
Silence's AtuPLEX technology has demonstrated broad systemic delivery to the vascular endothelium. Formulations generated with the AtuPLEX technology can be lyophilised (freeze dried), which significantly improves stability, shipping and handling.
Silence is currently conducting a Phase I trial with Atu027, which is based on AtuPLEX in patients with advanced solid cancer.
DBTC is Silence’s latest delivery system and allows functional targeted delivery to the liver.
