CORRECTED - CORRECTED-UPDATE 1-Silence Therapeutics aims to take drug to cli

Thu Dec 4, 2008 8:42am EST
 
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(Corrects first bullet point to "file for clinic approval" not "take cancer therapy to clinic")

* To file for clinic approval on Atu027 cancer drug

* Says has enough cash to fund ongoing business

* In talks regarding funding of siRNA product (Adds details)

Dec 4 (Reuters) - European biopharmaceutical company Silence Therapeutics Plc (SLN.L) said on Thursday it would file for regulatory approval to take its lead cancer therapy Atu027 into the clinic before the end of this month, adding that it had enough cash to fund its business.

The company said the decision followed a review of progress with Atu027 and, in particular, recent talks with BfArM, the German regulator for drugs and medical devices.

Atu027 is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule that is being developed for the treatment of solid tumours.

The company also confirmed that it was in talks with several third parties regarding the funding and development of its siRNA product, target and technology platforms.

"By managing our cash reserves prudently the company will have sufficient cash to fund its business regardless of whether the ongoing partnership discussions are concluded in 2008 or in 2009," Chairman Iain Ross said in a statement.

Shares of Silence Therapeutics closed at 17 pence on Wednesday on the London Stock Exchange. The shares have fallen by about 80 percent in the past year. (Reporting by Tresa Sherin Morera in Bangalore; Editing by Mike Miller)

 
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