Marina Biotech Announces Significant Knockdown of a Cancer Target in a Rodent Model of Malignant Ascites
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Marina Biotech, Inc. has reported data demonstrating significant knockdown of target mRNA in an orthotopic model of malignant ascites with its proprietary UsiRNA construct and DiLA2-based delivery system. The data were presented by Michael V. Templin, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Preclinical Development at Marina Biotech, Inc., at Asia TIDES Oligonucleotides and Peptides® Research Technology and Product Development March 2 - 4, 2011 in Tokyo, Japan.
Malignant ascites, also known as malignancy-related ascites, is a condition in which fluid collects in the abdomen as a result of cancer. Ovarian and gastrointestinal cancers are the most common causes and patients with this condition have poor survival prognosis and limited treatment options.
Local (intraperitoneal) administration of a Marina Biotech UsiRNA targeting polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) formulated in a DiLA2-based delivery system resulted in up to 90% knockdown of PLK1 mRNA in ovarian cancer-derived tumor tissue demonstrating effective delivery to tumors within the abdominal cavity. The mechanism of action was confirmed to be mediated by RNA interference.
"These results further demonstrate the utility of our DiLA2 delivery technology for local administration," stated Barry Polisky, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Marina Biotech, Inc. "As we look to expand our preclinical and clinical pipeline, malignant-related ascites is an ideal pipeline opportunity for us. This indication represents a significant patient population with very few therapeutic alternatives. We believe we can rapidly develop clinical candidates for IND-enabling studies should our preclinical efforts continue to demonstrate positive results."
