Key Developments For MDRNA, Inc.
MDRNA, Inc. (MRNA.O) (Consolidated Issue listed on NASDAQ Global Market)
MDRNA, Inc. Expands RNAi Bladder Cancer Program With Vancouver Prostate Centre
MDRNA, Inc. announced the extension and expansion of its collaboration with the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), covering the discovery and development of RNAi-based therapeutics for the treatment of bladder cancer. Research conducted by scientists and surgeons from both institutions demonstrated that MDRNA's UsiRNA targeting human survivin and delivered via DiLA2 liposomes achieved up to 90% target knockdown in a mouse model of orthotopic bladder cancer. The effects of UsiRNA persisted for the duration of the three week study, and the level of survivin mRNA knockdown was associated with a significant reduction in tumor growth as measured by fluorescence from luciferase-expressing tumor cells.
MDRNA, Inc. Announces UsiRNA Reduces Tumor Growth In Vivo
MDRNA, Inc. announced that it has presented new in vivo data demonstrating continued progress in the advancement of its oncology program. MDRNA's UsiRNAs, delivered by its DiLA2 platform, down regulated a previously non-druggable target with subsequent reductions in tumor growth in models of liver and bladder cancer via both systemic and local delivery. MDRNA has demonstrated successful delivery of a UsiRNA targeting survivin, a protein involved in mitotic progression and inhibition of apoptosis, via intravenous administration using its DiLA2 liposome formulation in two liver cancer models. Knockdown ( > 60%) of survivin mRNA in a rodent orthotopic model was noted as early as 24 hours after a second (of six) dose and this was associated with an approximate 65% decrease in tumor weight at study termination; this decrease was comparable to tumor weight reduction with Avastin (bevacizumab)-treated mice as a positive control. A similar level of survivin mRNA knockdown was noted in subcutaneously implanted liver tumors following intravenous administration of the UsiRNA/DiLA2 liposomes. Data from an orthotopic bladder cancer model were also presented, in which localized application (intravesical dosing) of the survivin UsiRNA to a bladder tumor was performed using a DiLA2 liposome formulation. Again, the UsiRNA was highly active in providing gene silencing, demonstrating > 90% inhibition of survivin mRNA which was dose-dependent and sustained over at least a three week period.
MDRNA, Inc. Announces Patent Allowance Covering An siRNA With Therapeutic Potential For Oncology And Other Indications
MDRNA, Inc. announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a Notice of Allowance for patent application U.S. 11/624,630 covering an siRNA directed against a junctional adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1) gene. The siRNA of the allowed claim has a broad array of potential applications, most notably as a therapeutic for the treatment of certain cancers, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, strokes, and hypertension; and enhances the delivery of drugs across the skin and the blood-brain barrier.
MDRNA, Inc. Reports Positive Data On Its USIRNA Technology
MDRNA, Inc. announced the positive data on its UsiRNA technology, demonstrating that its UsiRNAs are highly potent against metabolic disease and cancer targets in rodent models. Further, the data establish that the knockdown of these targets is achieved via an RNAi-mediated process. Of particular importance is that the data demonstrate that strategic placement of UNA (unlocked nucleobase analogs) results in the ability to manipulate, either increasing or decreasing, strand-specific activity thus minimizing off-target activity and providing the ability to impart improved drug-like characteristics to the UsiRNAs.
MDRNA, Inc. Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
MDRNA, Inc. announced the appointment of Peter S. Garcia as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.
