Asuragen launches Mirna Therapeutics

Asuragen is transferring its microRNA’s (miRNA) therapeutic intellectual property to Mirna Therapeutics and seeding the new company with $3 million in capital.

miRNAs are naturally occurring small RNAs that regulate whole networks of genes in a coordinated manner and play key roles in a variety of biological processes. miRNA levels are substantially reduced in a wide variety of cancers and Mirna scientists have found that replacement of these down regulated miRNAs with synthetic miRNAs results in a positive therapeutic response in cell culture and animal models of cancer.

Matt Winkler, CEO of Asuragen, said: “Based upon Asuragen’s unique miRNA biomarker discovery platform, the miRNA therapeutic program has progressed to a point where it deserves the funding and development expertise to focus solely on therapeutics. Therapeutic development requires an entirely different skill set and funding strategy than diagnostics. Mirna Therapeutics will operate as an independent company with its own management team and board of directors.”