MDRNA, Inc. Demonstrates the Potential for Greater Efficacy in Cancer with an UsiRNA Combination Approach
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MDRNA, Inc. has announced enhanced efficacy for tumor reduction when two UsiRNA were combined within a single formulation. The UsiRNAs targeted two proteins survivin, a protein involved in cell division and inhibition of apoptosis, and PLK1 (Polo-like Kinase 1), a protein involved in cell mitosis and tumor progression.
Both UsiRNA were encapsulated in the Company's proprietary DiLA2-based formulation, and delivered directly to the bladder (intravesical) in an orthotopic cancer model. At an equivalent total dose, tumor bioluminescence with a combination approach was significantly lower (~30%), when compared to a single UsiRNA. Additionally, the Company also announced another early collaborative effort with a major international pharmaceutical company bringing the total number of early collaborative efforts to three.
"Oncology drug products that simultaneously target multiple disease genes provide a greater potential therapeutic impact for a variety of cancers," stated Barry Polisky, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at MDRNA, Inc. "These studies demonstrate the versatility of our DiLA2 platform to readily formulate two UsiRNAs into a single formulation and to efficiently deliver these UsiRNAs to target cells. We believe that a multi-target approach is likely to be required for treatment of many cancers and thus plays a central role in MDRNA's oncology pipeline."
The early collaborative effort with AstraZeneca Investment (China) Company, Ltd. will utilize the broad capabilities of MDRNA's proprietary discovery engine for RNAi therapeutics and its world-class research team. This latest collaboration will focus on MDRNA's proprietary delivery system for systemic delivery in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed.
Both UsiRNA were encapsulated in the Company's proprietary DiLA2-based formulation, and delivered directly to the bladder (intravesical) in an orthotopic cancer model. At an equivalent total dose, tumor bioluminescence with a combination approach was significantly lower (~30%), when compared to a single UsiRNA. Additionally, the Company also announced another early collaborative effort with a major international pharmaceutical company bringing the total number of early collaborative efforts to three.
"Oncology drug products that simultaneously target multiple disease genes provide a greater potential therapeutic impact for a variety of cancers," stated Barry Polisky, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at MDRNA, Inc. "These studies demonstrate the versatility of our DiLA2 platform to readily formulate two UsiRNAs into a single formulation and to efficiently deliver these UsiRNAs to target cells. We believe that a multi-target approach is likely to be required for treatment of many cancers and thus plays a central role in MDRNA's oncology pipeline."
The early collaborative effort with AstraZeneca Investment (China) Company, Ltd. will utilize the broad capabilities of MDRNA's proprietary discovery engine for RNAi therapeutics and its world-class research team. This latest collaboration will focus on MDRNA's proprietary delivery system for systemic delivery in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed.
