siRNA represents a new approach to selectively 'silence' or inactivate genes that play a role in disease. AstraZeneca’s first potential targets for siRNA therapy are respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Under today’s agreement, Silence Therapeutics and AstraZeneca will work together to develop new and improved approaches for the delivery of siRNA molecules; a critical step toward realising the full potential of siRNA to treat a broad range of diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, both Silence Therapeutics and AstraZeneca will be allowed to commercialize the novel delivery systems they develop together. Silence Therapeutics will retain the right to sign further delivery deals to capture value from its AtuPLEX delivery technology as well as any improvements to this technology that it generates either independently or as part of this collaboration.
This new deal to develop siRNA delivery systems is independent of the parties’ three-year collaboration signed in July 2007 to develop novel siRNA therapeutics against specific targets exclusive to AstraZeneca.
Claude Bertrand, Global VP, Discovery Respiratory & Inflammation, at AstraZeneca said: “This collaboration is designed to generate the innovative delivery approaches that are needed to advance an exciting class of novel drugs. Based on Silence Therapeutics’ significant expertise in siRNA delivery, we are confident that we have found a strong partner to achieve our ambitions in this area. “Although both preclinical and clinical development of this novel technology are challenging, we have the potential to create novel therapies that are highly specific, potent, and provide long-lasting effects.”
Jeff Vick, Chief Executive Officer of Silence Therapeutics, said: “We are delighted to enter this new collaboration with AstraZeneca for the development of novel approaches for the delivery of siRNA molecules. This agreement highlights the significant progress we have made with our AtuPLEX platform, and the importance of delivery to the development of successful ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) therapeutics. This deal also reflects the strong working relationship we have developed with AstraZeneca and the progress of our ongoing collaboration to develop siRNA molecules against a number of their targets.”
For further information:
Media Enquiries:
Neil McCrae, +44 207 304 5045 (24 hours)
Steve Brown, +44 207 304 5033 (24 hours)
Chris Sampson, +44 207 304 5130 (24 hours)
Investor Enquiries:
Jonathan Hunt, +44 207 304 5087
Ed Seage, +1 302 886 4065
Karl Hard, +44 207 304 5322
Jorgen Winroth, +1 212 579 0506
Mina Blair, +44 20 7304 5084
Peter Vozzo, (MedImmune) +1 301 398 4358
Silence Therapeutics plc
+44(0)20 7307 1620
Jeff Vick, Chief Executive Officer
Melvyn Davies, Finance Director & Company Secretary
Silence Therapeutics European Contacts:
Citigate Dewe Rogerson, +44(0)20 7638 9571
David Dible
Heather Keohane
Silence Therapeutics U.S. Contacts:
LaVoie Group, +1 - 978.745.4200
Bryan Murphy x 105
Tim Allison x 102