BOTHELL, WA--(Marketwire - March 3, 2011) - Marina Biotech, Inc. (
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."
About Marina Biotech, Inc.
Marina Biotech is a biotechnology company, focused on the development and commercialization of RNA interference -- (RNAi) and RNA-based therapeutics. The Marina Biotech pipeline currently includes a clinical program in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (a precancerous syndrome) and two preclinical programs -- in hepatocellular carcinoma and bladder cancer. Marina Biotech has recently entered an exclusive agreement with Debiopharm Group for the development and commercialization of the bladder cancer program. Marina Biotech's goal is to improve human health through the development of RNAi and RNA-based compounds and drug delivery technologies that together provide superior therapeutic options for patients. Additional information about Marina Biotech is available at http://www.marinabio.com.
About Debiopharm Group™
Debiopharm Group™ (Debiopharm) is a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical group of companies with a focus on the development of prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs. The group in-licenses, develops and/or co-develops promising biological and small molecule drug candidates having reached clinical development phases I, II or III. Debiopharm is also prepared to consider earlier stage candidates. It develops its products for global registration and maximum commercial potential. The products are out-licensed to pharmaceutical partners for sales and marketing. Besides drug development, Debiopharm Group has recently embarked in the field of companion diagnostics with a view to progressing in the area of personalised medicine. Debiopharm independently funds the worldwide development of all of its products while providing expertise in pre-clinical and clinical trials, manufacturing, drug delivery and formulation, and regulatory affairs. For more information on Debiopharm Group™, please visit: www.debiopharm.com.
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 Marina Biotech to obtain additional funding; (ii) the ability of Marina Biotech to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, research, development and commercialization partners; (iii) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to successfully complete product research and development, including preclinical and clinical studies and commercialization; (iv) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to obtain required governmental approvals; and (v) the ability of Marina Biotech 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 Marina Biotech's most recent periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Marina Biotech assumes no obligation to update and supplement forward-looking statements because of subsequent events.
Contact Information:
Marina Biotech, Inc. Contact:
Marina Biotech, Inc.
Pete Garcia
Chief Financial Officer
(425) 908-3603