Exiqon Licenses Micro-RNAs for Diagnostic use from Max Plank Society

Exiqon A/S has announced that it has secured the rights to use over 200 human and viral microRNA sequences in diagnostic applications, through two separate co-exclusive license agreements with Garching Innovation, the technology transfer agency of the Max Planck Society, and The Rockefeller University. 

The licenses enable Exiqon to expand into the development of diagnostic products.

MicroRNAs play a central role in cancer biology. The published data shows that microRNA profiling of tumors can characterize and classify cancers very distinctly and strongly supports the idea that microRNAs could be used in the diagnosis and theranostics of cancer.

Exiqon plans to build on its experience of creating high-affinity detection assays for small RNA targets like microRNAs using locked nucleic acids (LNA™s), which display unprecedented hybridization affinity towards complementary DNA and RNA.

The diagnostic tools will measure the presence and abundance of individual or groups of microRNAs, providing information on key diseases indicators, including a tumor’s progression state or its response or sensitivity to therapy.

Lars Kongsbak, President and CEO of Exiqon, said, "Our LNA-based microRNA detection products are emerging as the preferred technology for detection platforms."

"Expanding our focus to probe the diagnostic potential of microRNAs is a key interest for the Company."

"These licensing agreements, which include a significant proportion of the microRNAs discovered by siRNA/microRNA pioneer, Professor Tom Tuschl, put Exiqon in the privileged position of being one of only four companies in the world with the right to use these microRNA sequences for diagnostic purposes."

Soren M. Echwald, VP, Business Development said, "Securing these licensing agreements provides us with an excellent opportunity to move our LNA technology into diagnostics."

"By collaborating with a number of academic partners, Exiqon will further increase its efforts to expand its diagnostic development program."