Alnylam and Isis form Regulus Thera JV

RNAi therapeutics specialist Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and fellow USA-based firm Isis Pharmaceuticals have announced the launch of a new joint venture, Regulus Therapeutics. The enterprise, which will be operated as an independent firm with a separate management board, will focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of microRNA-based therapeutics.

The firms explained that, because miRNAs regulate whole gene networks involved in discrete disease pathways, they offer a novel approach and potentially powerful new mechanism for targeting a wide range of illnesses.

Under the terms of the JV, both firms will grant Regulus exclusive licenses to intellectual property and technology, including the Tuschl III patent that is key for the development of miRNA-based techniques. Alnylam will make an initial investment of $10.0 million to balance ownership of the new entity, with funding thereafter being split equally.