Jul 22 2009
Sirnaomics, Inc. announced today that the company has received an SBIR (small business innovation research) grant from National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health (NIH), for its novel siRNA therapeutics to treat lung cancer. Sirnaomics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company founded in early 2007, is dedicated to advancing RNA interference (RNAi) Technology for novel targeted therapeutic development. The company's multi-targeted siRNA therapeutic programs utilizing its nanoparticle-enhanced delivery technologies represent a unique approach for truly realizing the advantages of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based drugs to treat various critical human diseases. Sirnaomics has successfully attracted grants from NIH and the State of Maryland.
RNAi has emerged as a fundamentally important biological phenomenon and as a versatile, powerful tool for biomedical research. RNAi plays a multifaceted role in molecular biology by silencing genes through chromatin remodeling, interfering with protein synthesis, and in its best-studied mode of action quashing gene expression by cleaving messenger RNA. Experimental applications of RNAi have spurred the exploration of gene function in basic research, drug discovery and clinical settings. The 2006 Nobel Prize for medicine and physiology and a number of corporate acquisitions and investments by Novartis, Merck, AstraZeneca, Roche and Takeda have injected billions of dollars into this novel technology and further fueled the enthusiasm for the great promise of siRNA therapeutic development. There are more than a dozen clinical trials currently ongoing for various types of therapeutic applications.
Sirnaomics' mission is to advance RNAi technology by using its proprietary multi-targeted siRNA cocktail design together with the company's nanoparticle-mediated siRNA delivery vehicles in the rapid delivery of novel therapeutics. The company's proprietary "Tri-Blocker" technology for multi-targeted siRNA cocktail design and "Snano" series of nanoparticle delivery systems enable its advanced RNAi therapeutic programs for treatment of various diseases including H1N1/H5N1 influenza A infection, scarless wound healing and several types of cancers.
"Receiving an SBIR grant again from NCI clearly demonstrates the scientific and business merits of our lung cancer therapeutic program using multi-targeted siRNA cocktails," said Dr. Patrick Y. Lu, the founder, President and CEO of the company, also the Principal Investigator of the grant proposal. "It is a successful extension of Sirnaomics product pipeline for siRNA therapeutics." Dr. Lu further emphasized that the grants from various Government agencies provided a sustainable funding resource to the company in addition to its corporate partnership deals and venture capital investments. "Funding from Government is uniquely important for an early stage company like Sirnaomics, especially in the current financial environment."