AstraZeneca has selected an undisclosed oncology target from Regulus Therapeutics as part of their strategic alliance in order to discover, develop and commercialize microRNA therapeutics.
Both the companies have entered into a strategic alliance in August 2012 and will continue to collaborate on three exclusive microRNA targets in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and oncology, which includes Regulus' program targeting microRNA-33 for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Regulus chief scientific officer Neil Gibson said in 2012, the company has made significant progress in advancing its drug discovery efforts against the portfolio of AstraZeneca targets.
"With the support of AstraZeneca's drug development expertise and commitment to the RNA therapeutics field, we continue to harness our microRNA expertise to develop innovative, first-in-class treatment options for patients in need," Gibson said.
As part of the alliance, Regulus will be responsible for preclinical development and if successful, could receive preclinical milestone payments.
The deal will see AstraZeneca lead and fund the clinical development and commercialization of these programs.
Additionally, Regulus could receive clinical milestones based on the development of microRNA therapies in each target area and is also eligible to receive significant launch and commercial milestone payments and royalties contingent on the commercialization of microRNA therapeutic products by AstraZeneca.
