Servier and MiNA partner to develop neurological disorder treatments

pharmafile | January 22, 2021 | News story | Medical Communications MiNA, Servier 

Independent pharmaceutical group Servier and RNA activation-focused MiNA Therapeutics have entered a research partnership to identify and develop small activating RNA (saRNA) therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders.

As part of the collaboration, MiNA Therapeutics will use its saRNA platform to identify new potential treatments to restore normal cell function in neurological disorders. Servier will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development of lead candidates, and will have the rights for the commercialisation of any products resulting from the collaboration.

Under the agreement, MiNA Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment and an exclusivity fee on certain neurological targets of interest, and will be entitled to R&D, regulatory and commercial milestones and royalties.

Ross Jeggo, Head of the Servier Neurology and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, said: “MiNA’s innovative approach to activate gene expression through small activating RNAs is an exciting opportunity to unlock potential for the treatment of genetically defined neurodegenerative diseases, for which there are currently limited treatment options.

“We are delighted to welcome the MiNA team and to combine their unique approach to restoring cellular function with Servier’s focus on treating neurological diseases.”

Robert Habib, CEO of MiNA, also commented: “Working together with Servier, an established pharmaceutical leader in the treatment of central nervous system disorders, will enable us to expand the evaluation of our platform beyond our current liver-focused indications in an area of great unmet medical need.

“Following our first clinical proof-of-concept in cancer, this partnership in neurodegenerative disorders further demonstrates the potential of saRNAs as a promising treatment modality providing a new path to address previously undruggable targets.”

Darcy Jimenez

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