MDRNA, Inc. Reports Positive Results for Its Proprietary siRNA Delivery Technology
Data Demonstrates the Potential for Long-Term Stability of Drug Products
BOTHELL, WA--(Marketwire - February 8, 2010) - MDRNA, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA), a leading
RNAi-based drug discovery and development company, today announced that its
lead delivery system formulation demonstrated exceptional stability over a
one year period under a variety of conditions. The DiLA2 formulation
maintained in vivo knockdown activity with no observed loss in potency over
the course of the year-long study when stored under conditions ranging from
-80 oC to 4 oC. In addition, neither change in particle characteristics such
as size or charge nor loss in siRNA integrity was observed. The Company's
proprietary UsiRNA constructs in the DiLA2 formulations have demonstrated
superior activity for delivery to hepatocytes in rodent and non-human
primates. In addition, these compounds have demonstrated inhibition of
mRNA via RNAi and subsequent reduction in tumor burden in the Company's
oncology programs in liver and bladder cancer. Long-term stability of the
DiLA2 formulation/UsiRNA cargo is an integral part of the development of the
Company's drug products and represents further progress in these programs.
"The ability of our novel DiLA2 formulation to be stored frozen or at
refrigerated conditions is unique," stated Barry Polisky, Ph.D., Chief
Scientific Officer at MDRNA, Inc. "We have the flexibility to tailor
storage conditions to meet the needs of our internal programs, pharma
partners and ultimately the commercial requirements of a marketed
RNAi-based therapeutic."
DiLA2 delivery platform is MDRNA's proprietary platform for creating novel
liposomal delivery systems based on di-alkylated amino acids (DiLA2). The
DiLA2 platform enables MDRNA to tailor the charge, linker length, and acyl
chain characteristics to improve delivery of the liposomes to target tissue
of interest. In vivo studies have demonstrated effective delivery in
models of metabolic disorders, cancer, and other diseases. DiLA2 based
liposomes are well tolerated for repeat dose, and systemic and local
administration. MDRNA is also utilizing condensing peptides to form
peptide-siRNA nanoparticles to further increase the delivery efficiency of
its DiLA2 delivery systems.
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.