Dainippon expands RNAi delivery deal with Silence Therapeutics

30-Mar-2010 - Last updated on 31-Mar-2010 at 11:10 GMT

Related tags Rna

Silence Therapeutics says extension of RNAi drug delivery collaboration by Dainippon Sumitomo is evidence of technology’s potential.

According to UK-based Silence the expansion adds more therapeutic delivery targets to those the firms have been working on since beginning their collaboration in August last year and is testament to the work done so far.

CEO Philip Haworth said it “provides clear evidence that both Silence and Dainippon Sumitomo are not only pleased with the progress already achieved through this partnership but also with its future potential.”

“While we at Silence have long believed in the significant value and potential of our proprietary technologies, it is gratifying to have a partner support our activities with a rapid expansion of this key collaboration.”

Silence’s work with Dainippon has, so far, focused on its AtuRNAi technology, which is used to produce RNA molecules that have improved stability and half-lives, and its AtuPLEX uptake-boosting system.

However, Dainippon’s decision to extend the collaboration may also indicate interest in RNAi delivery technology developed by US specialist Intradigm which merged with Silence earlier this year.

In a statement issued at the time, Silence said the merger would “facilitate more deals of greater value” and offer “potential partners a choice of technologies to deliver RNAi molecules.”