AstraZeneca aligns with Regulus for microRNA therapeutics

16 August 2012

Anglo-Swedish drug major AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) and US biotech firm Regulus Therapeutics have signed a strategic alliance for the discovery, development and commercialization of microRNA therapeutics for three exclusive targets which are currently in pre-clinical development.

AstraZeneca will make a payment of $28 million to Regulus including an equity investment and upfront payment. Regulus, which was formed in 2007 by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Isis Pharmaceuticals, is also eligible to receive contingent launch and commercial milestone payments and royalties.

Regulus and AstraZeneca will collaborate on three microRNA targets, which include Regulus’ lead cardiovascular/metabolic disease program targeting microRNA-33 for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Regulus will lead preclinical development and, if successful, could receive preclinical milestone payments. AstraZeneca will lead and fund the clinical development and commercialization of these programs.

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