Contact Information: Contact: MDRNA, Inc.: Peter Garcia Chief Financial Officer (425) 908-3603 pgarcia@mdrnainc.com Westwicke Partners (Investors): Stefan Loren, Ph.D. (443) 213-0507 sloren@westwicke.com John Woolford (443) 213-0506 john.woolford@westwicke.com McKinney|Chicago (Media): Alan Zachary (312) 944-6784 x 316 or (708) 707-6834 azachary@mckinneychicago.com
MDRNA to Present Data on Tumor Reduction at Cancer Therapy Conference
Results Demonstrate Sustained Reduction in Liver and Bladder Tumor Growth via RNAi Mediated Knockdown of Survivin
| Source: MDRNA Inc.
BOTHELL, WA--(Marketwire - October 29, 2009) - MDRNA, Inc. (NASDAQ : MRNA ), a leading
RNAi-based drug discovery and development company, today announced the
presentation of data related to its RNAi oncology programs at the 24th
Annual Meeting of the International Society for Biological Therapy of
Cancer, taking place October 28-31, 2009 at the Gaylord National Hotel and
Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Shaguna Seth, Ph.D., Director of
Discovery Research and Pharmaceutical Development, will present data
detailing an emerging approach to cancer therapy by harnessing RNA
interference to silence aberrant expression of genes linked to cancer.
"Development of Novel RNAi-based Therapeutics Targeting Survivin for
Treatment of Liver and Bladder Cancer," presented by Dr. Seth, describes
anti-tumor activity of a proprietary siRNA construct, termed UsiRNA,
targeting survivin, a key protein in the progression of cancer, in an
orthotopic model of liver cancer and an orthotopic model of bladder cancer.
The UsiRNA was delivered with the Company's proprietary DiLA2 liposome
formulations via systemic (liver cancer) and local (bladder cancer)
administration.
In liver cancer, treatment with survivin UsiRNA in DiLA2 liposomes resulted
in >60% knockdown of survivin mRNA during twice weekly dosing over a
three-week period, and knockdown persisted for an additional three weeks
after the last dose. High tumor burden in the vehicle and UsiRNA scrambled
control groups prompted study termination at seven weeks, at which time
there was a 65% decrease in tumor weights in the survivin UsiRNA-treated
group, compared to negative controls. This level of difference was similar
to Avastin® (bevacizumab)-treated mice which served as the positive
control. Potent anti-cancer activity was also demonstrated for bladder
cancer. Twice weekly dosing for two weeks with survivin UsiRNA in DiLA2
liposomes demonstrated an approximately 70% reduction in survivin mRNA
during the dosing period and a duration of effect at 11 days post final
dose of up to 90% reduction in survivin mRNA. There was a dose-dependent
decrease in bioluminescence of up to 90% in UsiRNA-treated mice, indicating
significant reduction in tumor volume compared to vehicle and scrambled
UsiRNA controls. In both models, the mechanism was confirmed to be via RNA
interference, as noted by identification of specific fragments generated by
RISC cleavage of survivin mRNA.
"We continue to be encouraged by the progress of our oncology programs,"
said Dr. Barry Polisky, Chief Scientific Officer of MDRNA. "As we expand
our efforts, we expect to explore RNAi mediated knockdown of further
potential cancer targets in both disease models. In addition, we plan to
assess the impact of combination approaches such as UsiRNAs targeting two
separate gene targets as well as the combination of a UsiRNA and a
conventional therapy."
About MDRNA, Inc.
MDRNA is a biotechnology company focused on the development and
commercialization of therapeutic products based on RNA interference (RNAi).
Our goal is to improve human health through the development of RNAi-based
compounds and drug delivery technologies that together provide superior
therapeutic options for patients. Over the past decade, we have developed
substantial capabilities in molecular biology, cellular biology, lipid
chemistry, peptide chemistry, pharmacology and bioinformatics, which we are
applying to a wide range of RNAi technologies and delivery approaches.
These capabilities plus the in-licensing of key RNAi-related intellectual
property have rapidly enabled us to become a leading RNAi-based
therapeutics company with a pre-clinical pipeline in oncology. Through our
capabilities, expertise and know-how, we are incorporating multiple RNAi
technologies as well as peptide- and lipid-based delivery approaches into a
single integrated drug discovery platform that will be the engine for our
clinical pipeline as well as a versatile platform for establishing broad
therapeutic partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
We are also investing in new technologies that we expect to lead to safer
and more effective RNAi-based therapeutics while aggressively building upon
our broad and extensive intellectual property estate. By combining broad
expertise in siRNA science with proven delivery platforms and a strong IP
position, MDRNA is well positioned as a leading RNAi-based drug discovery
and development company. Additional information about MDRNA, Inc. is
available at http://www.mdrnainc.com.
MDRNA Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this news release may be forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Federal Securities laws that are subject to certain
risks and uncertainties and involve factors that may cause actual results
to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of MDRNA to
obtain additional funding; (ii) the ability of MDRNA to attract and/or
maintain manufacturing, research, development and commercialization
partners; (iii) the ability of MDRNA and/or a partner to successfully
complete product research and development, including preclinical and
clinical studies and commercialization; (iv) the ability of MDRNA and/or a
partner to obtain required governmental approvals; and (v) the ability of
MDRNA and/or a partner to develop and commercialize products that can
compete favorably with those of competitors. Additional factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested
in any forward-looking statements are contained in MDRNA's most recent
periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q that are filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. MDRNA assumes no obligation to update
and supplement forward-looking statements because of subsequent events.