Marina Biotech this week announced that a microRNA inhibitor modified with the company's proprietary conformationally restricted nucleotide technology could trigger dose-dependent, in vivo de-repression of target genes.
Separately, the company said that it has signed a deal securing up to $15 million in equity capital from an institutional investor.
The CRN technology essentially comprises nucleotide analogs to which the C2' and C4' carbon bonds of the ribose ring are linked.
According to Marina, CRN-modified miRNA antagonists and miR-122 were administered to rodents for up to three consecutive days at doses up to 50 mg/kg. The treatment resulted in an up to five-fold increase in AldoA, a downstream target gene regulated by the miRNA.
Downstream targets glycogen synthase I and solute carrier family 7 member 1 were also elevated, the company added.
Meantime, Marina said it has also signed a purchase agreement with Chicago-based Lincoln Park Capital Fund, which will invest up to $15 million in the RNA drug firm at its “sole option.”
"LPC has participated in the past as an institutional investor in Marina and we look forward to working with them as a financial partner," Marina President and CEO Michael French said in a statement.