Pfizer signs RNAi research deal with Mirus Bio

RNA interference, or RNAi, is an emerging field of biotechnology that involves blocking production of disease causing proteins. The studies will utilize Mirus Bio’s nucleic acid delivery platforms to target and suppress the expression of genes of interest to Pfizer.

Russell Smestad, Mirus Bio’s president, said: “We are excited that this agreement will enable us to accelerate the development of our platform technologies. This agreement further enhances our position as one of the industry leaders in providing enabling nucleic acid delivery solutions.”

Mirus Bio has two distinct delivery platforms. The first is “hydrodynamic intravascular injection,” a method to deliver nucleic acids through the bloodstream to surrounding cells and tissues. The second delivery platform involves formulating small interfering RNA (siRNA) into nanoparticles.

The collaboration with Mirus Bio follows Pfizer’s recent deal with Sigma-Aldrich for the nonexclusive license to its RNAi technology for drug research. No terms were disclosed.