Stratagene Acquires Rights to microRNA Sequences

Stratagene Corporation has announced that it has obtained the last of the four co-exclusive licenses to more than 150 microRNA sequences available from Max Planck Innovation, the technology transfer agency of the Max Planck Society.

Under the terms of the agreement, Stratagene will have the right to use the microRNA sequences for the development, manufacture and sale of molecular diagnostic kits.

MicroRNAs are naturally occurring, small RNAs that act to regulate messenger RNA, or mRNA, expression in humans. Currently there are in excess of 300 microRNA’s identified and research in this field is likely to push this number much higher.

MicroRNAs are believed to regulate many genes, and thus are thought to be good indicators for biomarkers that are associated with many diseases. Of particular interest to Stratagene is the association of microRNAs with cancer.

"We are very excited to move into the microRNA area. The potential of these sequences, when paired with our proprietary FullVelocity technology, should allow us to develop important detection tests for the molecular diagnostics marketplace," said Joseph A. Sorge, MD, Chairman and CEO of Stratagene.

“This relationship with Max Planck Innovation supports our initiatives to develop molecular detection technologies, diagnostics tests and instruments for the molecular diagnostics market.”