Intradigm Selects Agilent Technologies as Manufacturing Partner for Novel RNA Interference Oncology Therapeutic
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PALO ALTO, Calif., and SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 26, 2007
Intradigm Corp., a leading developer of targeted, systemic RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, and Agilent Technologies Inc. today announced that Intradigm has selected Agilent to manufacture the active small interfering RNA (siRNA) component of its RNAi therapeutic. In addition, Intradigm announced that it has formally selected ICS-283, a novel cancer agent, as its lead RNAi product candidate.
ICS-283 is the only systemic RNAi therapeutic in preclinical development against a clinically validated oncology target (vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF). Under terms of the agreement, Agilent will provide the siRNA material to Intradigm, according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, to support the initiation of clinical development for ICS-283. Intradigm expects to initiate clinical development of this candidate in 2008.
"Agilent's track-record establishes them as the clear partner of choice for the manufacture of siRNAs and we are thrilled to be collaborating with the company in support of ICS-283, our lead development candidate," said Mohammad Azab, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Intradigm. "By establishing this relationship with a leading GMP provider of siRNA components, we have taken a critical step toward securing ICS-283's advancement into the clinic."
ICS-283 is a nanoparticle-based siRNA compound that targets the VEGF pathway. Being developed as a treatment for a variety of cancer indications, the compound is comprised of multiple siRNAs that target both VEGF and its receptor. Data from several in vivo models, including xenograft models of different cancers, have confirmed an RNAi-mediated anti-angiogenic effect following systemic administration similar to VEGF antibody. VEGF, as an established target in the treatment of cancer, provides a clear clinical development path to validate the success of Intradigm's systemic delivery of siRNA in man.
"We are excited that Intradigm, a true innovator in the field of RNAi therapeutics, has selected Agilent as its manufacturing partner for ICS-283," stated James Powell, general manager of Agilent's Nucleic Acid Solutions Division. "At Agilent, we are committed to excellence in oligonucleotide manufacturing to support today's most innovative therapies. To this end, we are proud to provide our manufacturing expertise to Intradigm as the company prepares to advance its promising lead drug candidate into the clinic."
About Intradigm's siRNA Delivery Technology
To address the issue of effective and targeted delivery of RNAi therapeutics, Intradigm has developed its proprietary RNAi Nanoplex delivery system. This powerful combination of advanced delivery technologies is unique in its ability to offer tissue-specific targeting of siRNA and delivery against the intracellular machinery of the target tissue. In addition the RNAi Nanoplex advanced formulation enables systemic administration of the drug product.
The RNAi Nanoplex system is a multi-component delivery vector that carries at least one active siRNA molecule in its core and a ligand attached to its surface for specific tissue targeting. Intradigm believes that its RNAi Nanoplex system is one of the most versatile siRNA systemic delivery systems currently in development.
About Intradigm
Intradigm is a private biotechnology company dedicated to the development of targeted, systemic RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases with an initial focus on oncology.
At present, Intradigm is working to build a high-value internal pipeline of RNAi oncology therapeutics, and is actively advancing its lead drug candidate, ICS-283, for a variety of cancer indications. The company is also establishing collaborative relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies through which Intradigm's advanced RNAi delivery technology may be applied to a broad range of therapeutic targets. For more information on Intradigm, please visit www.intradigm.com.
About Agilent in Nucleic Acids
Agilent, through its Nucleic Acid Solutions Division based in Boulder, Colo., is a leading provider of therapeutic oligonucelotide development services and manufacturing solutions for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. In addition to manufacturing cGMP therapeutic oligonucleotide materials, Agilent also offers an array of turnkey services, including development of analytical methods and processes, stability studies, quality control, and regulatory support. Information about Agilent's Nucleic Acid Solutions Division is available on the Web at www.agilent.com/chem/nucleicacid.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technology is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.0 billion in fiscal 2006. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
Contacts:
Agilent Technologies
Gary Carter
+1 303 222 4949
gary.carter@agilent.com
Intradigm Corporation
Phil Haworth
+1 650 855 1514
phaworth@intradigm.com
Tim Brons (media)
+1 415 675 7402
tbrons@vidacommunication.com
