miRagen and Servier Research will continue preclinical research and development on multiple cardiovascular programs targeting microRNAs, including miR-208 and miR-15.
Servier will lead the global clinical development and commercialization of microRNA therapeutic product candidates developed through the collaboration in all countries except the U.S. and Japan, where miRagen has retained all rights.
"The two year extension to our research collaboration reflects both the strength of our relationship with miRagen and our shared commitment to improve the lives of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases," said Dr. Jean-Paul Vilaine, Director of Servier’s Cardiovascular Research Unit.
Dr. Emmanuel Canet, Servier’s President of Research and Development, commented that "Servier’s research efforts in cardiovascular disease are focused on delivering improved, innovative treatments. Extending our research collaboration with miRagen to discover novel cardiovascular miRNA-based therapeutics is a very important component of these efforts."
"Extending our research collaboration with Servier highlights our collective dedication to harnessing the power of microRNAs to develop transformative therapies for patients in need," said William S. Marshall, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of miRagen Therapeutics, Inc.
"We believe that our microRNA therapeutics platform combined with Servier’s extensive knowledge and commitment to cardiovascular disease will allow us to deliver breakthrough therapies that improve human health."
In October 2011, miRagen entered into a License and Collaboration Agreement with Servier with the goal of advancing microRNA-based therapies in cardiovascular disease.
The collaboration initially included two named targets (miR-208 and miR-15/195) and in May 2013 Servier exercised an option to include an additional undisclosed target to the collaboration.
Under the terms of the agreement, miRagen received an upfront payment in 2011 and an additional payment when Servier expanded the agreement to cover the additional target in 2013. miRagen may also receive additional research and development milestone payments, commercial milestone payments and royalties on the sale of products developed under the collaboration.
Servier will continue to finance the research, development, regulatory approval, and commercialization costs of product candidates under the collaboration. miRagen retains all commercialization rights in the U.S. and Japan, and the option to co-sponsor any Phase III programs if miRagen elects to seek marketing approval in the U.S. or Japan for any product developed under the collaboration.