Regulus Therapeutics Exclusively Licenses Intellectual Property from Stanford University

Regulus Therapeutics LLC and Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. formed to discover, develop, and commercialize microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics, announced that it has obtained exclusive rights from Stanford University to worldwide patent applications covering methods and compositions for antagonizing miR-181a to regulate immune responses.

Changes in miR-181a levels have been shown to modify the response of immune cells such as T lymphocytes to specific stimuli and its antagonism could lead to a new way to treat inflammatory diseases.

“We are excited about obtaining exclusive rights to this intellectual property, as it is another step in Regulus’ overall strategy to build a broad and leading platform of technology and intellectual property for the development of miRNA therapeutics, and adds to our already dominant patent position,” said Kleanthis G. Xanthopoulos, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Regulus.

“At Regulus, we are aggressively exploring a variety of therapeutic areas including viral, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. Access to this intellectual property allows us to apply our expertise in the biology and potential therapeutic uses of miRNAs to develop novel treatments for inflammatory diseases.”