Collaboration to advance small activating RNA therapeutics for central nervous system
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A London-based biotech firm has announced a collaboration and licensing agreement with a Japanese pharmaceutical firm for discovery, development and commercialization of small activating RNA therapeutics for rare neurodegenerative diseases.
According to a release from MiNA Therapeutics Ltd., terms of the agreement stipulate that MiNA will utilize its proprietary small activating RNA (RNAa) algorithm and technology platform to identify and characterize RNAa molecules to target rare genetic diseases of the central nervous system.
Concurrently, Nippon Shinyaku will hold the option to exercise an exclusive license to further research, develop and commercialize these candidates based on early-stage preclinical outcomes.
MiNA’s RNAa platform, which has been clinically validated in more than 120 patients to date, may potentially address the root causes of defective genes and allow the body to self-correct. In working at the gene level, RNAa medicines can restore a cell’s own biology, per the release.
"We are proud and excited to announce this collaboration with Nippon Shinyaku, who have prioritized rare genetic diseases as part of their impressive research and development capabilities,’’ MiNA CEO Robert Habib said in the release. “Our RNAa therapeutic platform has delivered unique and differentiated clinical benefits in previous studies, demonstrating its potential to have significant benefits over other genetic medicine approaches.’’