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, Inc. Presents to International Webinar Audience on Innovations in Oncology Drug Discovery, Development & Delivery
Presentation Highlights Versatility and Breadth of Its Proprietary siRNA Drug Discovery and Delivery Platform
| Source: MDRNA, Inc.
BOTHELL, WA--(Marketwire - December 1, 2009) - MDRNA, Inc. (NASDAQ : MRNA ), a leading
RNAi-based drug discovery and development company, today announced a
webinar presentation related to its RNAi oncology programs at the
Innovations in Oncology Drug Discovery, Development and Delivery Webinar
Series to be presented on December 1, at 1:00 pm EST. Roger Adami, Ph.D.,
Director, Molecular Pharmaceutics at MDRNA will present preclinical data
demonstrating anti-tumor activity in an orthotopic model of liver cancer
and an orthotopic model of bladder cancer.
The presentation by Dr. Adami titled, "Versatile Platform for siRNA
Delivery Using Novel Amino Acid Derivatives," describes MDRNA's siRNA
delivery systems, based on the DiLA2 amino acid platform and its
proprietary siRNA construct, termed UsiRNA. Dr. Adami will present data on
MRNA-046, a UsiRNA targeting human survivin formulated in the DiLA2
delivery system. MRNA-046 demonstrated a 65% decrease in tumor weight in a
rodent model of liver cancer compared to negative controls. This decrease
in tumor weight was similar to Avastin treated mice which served as the
positive control. The same compound, MRNA-046, achieved up to a 90% mRNA
target knockdown in a mouse model of bladder cancer. The effects of
MRNA-046 persisted for the duration of the three week study, and the level
of survivin mRNA knockdown was associated with a significant reduction in
tumor growth as measured by fluorescence from the luciferase-expressing
tumor cells.
For additional information regarding the Webinar please go to:
http://www.nextlevelpharma.com/events/view/innovations_in_oncology_drug_discovery_
development_delivery
About UsiRNAs and Unlocked Nucleobase Analogs
A UsiRNA is a duplex siRNA containing at least one Unlocked Nucleobase
Analog (UNA). In a UsiRNA, UNAs are non-nucleotide monomers and
synthesized much like RNA in the construction of a double-stranded
oligonucelotide for use as an RNAi-based therapeutic. In the case of the
UsiRNA, UNA is substituted for specific nucleotides in both the guide and
passenger strands. UsiRNAs are fully recognized by the cellular RNAi
machinery, as demonstrated by their potent activity. MDRNA has also shown
that substitution of UNA for specific RNA increases stability to nucleases,
substantially reduces cytokine induction, and reduces passenger and guide
strand-mediated offtarget effects. The high potency, and improved drug-like
properties, associated with UsiRNAs provide the potential to greatly
enhance RNAi-based therapeutics.
About the DiLA2 Delivery Platform
The 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
tissues of interest. In vivo studies have demonstrated effective delivery
in models of metabolic disease, 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. In addition, the platform is designed to permit
attachment of peptides and other targeting molecules for delivery to a
variety of tissues, and thus provide for a diverse therapeutic portfolio.
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.