MDRNA Inc: Key Developments

MDRNA, Inc. Announces UsiRNA Reduces Tumor Growth In Vivo
October 12, 2009
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
September 29, 2009
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
August 3, 2009
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
July 14, 2009
MDRNA, Inc. announced the appointment of Peter S. Garcia as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.
MDRNA, Inc. Announces Closing of $10.5 Million Registered Direct Financing
June 12, 2009
MDRNA, Inc. announced that it has closed its previously announced sale of 5.25 million shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase 5.25 million shares of its common stock for gross proceeds of $10.5 million. MDRNA sold the shares for $2.00 per share. The exercise price of the warrants is $2.38 per share. The warrants, with a five and a half year term, will be exercisable six months from June 12, 2009. MDRNA plans to use the proceeds from this financing for general corporate purposes as more fully described in the financing documents. Canaccord Adams Inc. served as sole placement agent in the transaction.
advertisement

Page generated 11/25/2009 5:49 AM Eastern Time

MSN Money
Search MSN Money
Message Boards
Site Status