UPDATE 1-Silence Therapeutics gets human trial approval

* Receives approval in Germany to test lead drug on humans

* Will test gene drug on patients with malignant tumours

* Uses gene silencing technology

* Is given as an infusion, marking a major step forward (Adds details)

LONDON, June 3 (Reuters) - British gene silencing specialist Silence Therapeutics (SLN.L) has been given the go-ahead to test its lead drug on humans.

The company said on Wednesday that officials in Germany have given the green light for it to start the Phase I tests of Atu027 on patients with advanced solid malignant tumours.

Gene silencing allows scientists to turn off the genes that can cause diseases, allowing the targeting of conditions such as heart disease and arthritis.

The green light to start the Phase I trials for Atu027 is important for Silence because it is the first time that its technology for getting the drug to the treatment area has been allowed for use in humans.

The technology means that it can be given as an infusion rather than placed directly onto the treatment area.

"The big challenge in this area is to deliver (the drug)," said Chief Executive Iain Ross.

"This is a systemically delivered product, given by infusion, this is a major step forward."

The company's products are already being used in human trials as part of partnerships with Pfizer (PFE.N) and AstraZeneca (AZN.L), but are put directly onto the treatment site.

(Reporting by Ben Deighton, editing by Elaine Hardcastle)