Marina Biotech Publishes Pre-Clinical Research on RNAi-Based Therapeutics Targeting Survivin and PLK1 in Bladder Cancer

Marina Biotech, Inc. has announced publication of data, from their pre-clinical bladder cancer program, in Molecular Therapy, a Nature publication. The manuscript, titled 'RNAi based therapeutics targeting survivin and PLK1 UsiRNAs for treatment of bladder cancer' (Seth et al. Molecular Therapy advance online publication 1 March 2011 doi: 10.1038/mt.2011.21; http://www.nature.com/mt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/mt201121a.html) describes original research regarding the therapeutic utility of formulating a survivin or PLK1 UsiRNA with Marina Biotech's proprietary DiLA2 liposomes for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Marina Biotech recently entered an exclusive agreement with Debiopharm Group for the development and commercialization of the Company's bladder cancer program.

Up to 90% inhibition of survivin or PLK1 mRNA was observed in human cancer cell-derived bladder tumors when delivered locally via intravesical administration. The mRNA knock-down correlated well with a dose-dependent decrease (~20 to 60-fold) in tumor volume that was sustained over a 3-week period. Investigation on the mechanism of action confirmed that the silencing of survivin and PLK1 mRNA occurred via a RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) -mediated pathway.

"We're pleased to be able to publish these exciting results," stated Barry Polisky, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Marina Biotech Inc. "The publication of this preclinical data is a validation of our broad capabilities in identifying highly active UsiRNAs targeting cancer-specific genes and providing pre-clinical, in vivo proof-of-concept demonstrating safe and efficient delivery of those UsiRNAs with our DiLA2 delivery technology."