Executive Summary
Silence Therapeutics plc (AIM: SLN) is a leading European RNAi focused biotechnology company. Silence Therapeutics has developed a platform of novel short interfering RNA ('siRNA') molecules, AtuRNAi, which provide a number of advantages over conventional siRNA molecules, including increased stability against nuclease degradation. In addition, the Company has developed a proprietary systemic delivery platform, AtuPLEX. This platform enables the functional delivery of siRNA molecules to targeted diseased tissues and cells, while increasing their bioavailability and intracellular uptake. Following the granting of its patents in Europe, Australia and the USA, Silence Therapeutics is one of only two companies worldwide with a proprietary position on composition of matter for siRNA therapeutics. Silence's lead internal product, Atu027, is a proprietary AtuRNAi molecule in preclinical development for systemic cancer indications. Atu027 has successfully completed single and repeat dose toxicology and geno-toxicology studies, as well as a 28-day toxicology study using multiple dosing regimens. Silence plans a regulatory filing in 2008 to commence clinical trials for Atu027. Silence Therapeutics is based in London, UK, and Berlin, Germany, and is listed on AIM.
Company History
- Formed in October 1994 to act as a publicly traded holding company for Stanford Rook Ltd, a drug development company spun out from University College London.
- The Group came to its current form and focus in July 2005 when it acquired Atugen AG (now Silence Therapeutics AG), a company specialising in RNAi technology. Silence Therapeutics AG was set up in 1999 primarily as a target validation business, but using its experience in RNAi formulation and delivery, by 2005 it was transforming itself into a true therapeutic development business.
- During 2005 and 2006 the Group raised approximately £13m in cash (after all costs) from two equity placings.
Current Events
In March 2008, Silence Therapeutics announced a collaboration with AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) focused on the development of a range of novel delivery approaches for siRNA molecules. Under the terms of the agreement both Silence Therapeutics and AstraZeneca will be allowed to commercialize the truly novel delivery systems that the two partners develop together.
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Silence Therapeutics has granted a licence to AstraZeneca to develop novel AtuRNAi therapeutics against five specific targets, including those in respiratory indications. This collaboration was the first industry validation of the potential application of Silence Therapeutics' proprietary AtuRNAi molecules and solidified the Company's leadership position in…
