NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Regulus Therapeutics, a developer of microRNA-based therapeutics, announced after the close of the market Wednesday that it has signed a deal with Biogen Idec to identify blood-borne miRNA biomarkers for multiple sclerosis.
In exchange for its miRNA know how, Regulus will receive undisclosed upfront and milestone payments. Biogen Idec will also make an undisclosed investment in Regulus, which was formed in 2007 as a joint venture between RNAi firm Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and antisense drug developer Isis Pharmaceuticals.
Biogen Idec, which markets the multiple sclerosis drugs Tysabri, Avonex, and Fampyra, aims to use the biomarkers to select "optimal patient segments in clinical trials, to develop companion diagnostics, and to monitor disease progression or relapse," Regulus said.
Further terms of the alliance were not disclosed.