MDRNA leaps on new bladder and liver anti-tumor drug data and collaborative partner

Shares of US biotechnology firm MDRNA rose more than 60% to $1.52 in early trading yesterday, after the company revealed positive in vivo data for bladder and liver cancer demonstrating further advancement of its oncology programs.

The Washington State firm reported a reduction in tumor growth in both liver and bladder cancers by targeting genes key to tumor progression, via both systemic and local delivery with its proprietary UsiRNAs delivered by its novel DiLA2 platform. In addition, MDRNA disclosed the establishment of an early collaborative effort with a major, unnamed international pharmaceutical company, its second such effort.

In a presentation at the 2010 OneMedForum in San Francisco, Michael French, president and chief executive of MDRNA, stated that the Company has demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity with a UsiRNA targeting PLK1 (Polo-like Kinase 1), a protein involved in cell mitosis and tumor progression. Data from local (intravesical) application of a PLK1 UsiRNA in a DiLA2 liposome formulation in a mouse orthotopic bladder cancer model demonstrated a PLK1 UsiRNA dose-dependent decrease in bioluminescence in a mouse model of orthotopic bladder cancer, with greater than 90% reduction at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Decreased bioluminescence is generally considered to be a clear indication of reduced tumor growth. This study was conducted in conjunction with the company's collaborators at Canada's Vancouver Prostate Centre, in a deal announced last November.