Sanofi signs microRNA therapy deal
pharmafile | June 23, 2010 | News story | Research and Development | RNA, Regulus, Sanofi-Aventis
Sanofi-Aventis has entered into a global strategic alliance with US-based therapeutics firm Regulus to develop and commercialise microRNA therapeutics.
Regulus will receive a $25 million upfront fee and a future $10 million equity investment subject to mutual agreement on company valuation. The alliance could be valued at over $750 million if all upfront and milestone payments are met.
Sanofi and Regulus will collaborate on microRNA (micro-RiboNucleic Acid) drug discovery and pre-clinical development for up to four microRNA targets, including Regulus’ lead fibrosis programme targeting microRNA-21.
Sanofi also received an option that provides access to the technology to develop and commercialise other micro-RNA based therapeutics, beyond the first four targets.
Marc Cluzel, executive VP of research & development at Sanofi-Aventis, said: “This new partnership continues to illustrate Sanofi-Aventis’ commitment to develop innovative therapies.
“MicroRNAs are believed to be extremely important in human development and physiology. Together with Regulus we will develop therapeutics which could potentially open a new paradigm in the treatment of major diseases and could offer an attractive new therapeutic approach for patients.”
MicroRNAs are a new class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by interfering with the translation or stability of target messenger RNA transcripts. Endogenous microRNAs regulate the expression of over one-third of all human genes.
The association of microRNA dysfunction with disease phenotypes has given rise to a new class of pharmaceutically relevant targets.
Regulus is currently developing microRNA therapeutics in several areas that include hepatitis C infection, cardiovascular disease, oncology, immuno-inflammatory diseases and metabolic diseases.
Kleanthis Xanthopoulos, president and chief executive of Regulus, said: “The significant support from Sanofi-Aventis in this new alliance will strengthen our efforts as we continue to build the leading micro-RNA therapeutics company based on a commitment to scientific excellence and advancement of a pipeline of innovative new medicines.
“Indeed, we are confident that this new alliance will significantly extend our capabilities and resources to lead the discovery and development of micro-RNA therapeutics.”
The deal with Sanofi is not Regulus’ first tie-up with big pharma. In April 2008 the company formed an alliance with GlaxoSmithKline to explore microRNA therapeutics for immuno-inflammatory diseases.
Regulus was formed as an independent company by its joint owners Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Isis Pharmaceuticals in 2007.
Regulus’ patents include discoveries specific to microRNA sequences, therapeutic uses and drug designs, and number around 600 with300 pending applications linked primarily to chemical modifications of oligonucleotides targeting microRNA for therapeutic applications.
Ben Adams
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