Biogen, Regulus in microRNA Biomarker Pact

Regulus Therapeutics has entered into a collaboration with Biogen Idec to identify microRNAs as biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS). Biogen will make an investment in Regulus as well as upfront and milestone payments. The collaboration aims to identify microRNA biomarkers in the blood of patients with MS. Regulus believes that microRNA biomarkers can be used to select optimal patient segments in clinical trials to develop companion diagnostics and monitor disease progression. 
 
“Utilizing innovative technology such as biomarkers can help us make more informed decisions earlier in clinical development and is key to our overall company strategy to enhance early-stage discovery efforts,” said Steven Holtzman, executive vice president, corporate development of Biogen Idec. “We’re excited to collaborate with Regulus to seek to identify biomarkers in MS patients, and are hopeful it can speed the work we’re doing to bring new, effective treatments to market for patients with MS.”
 
Said Garry E. Menzel, Ph.D., chief operating officer and executive vice president of finance at Regulus Therapeutics, “This collaboration allows us to further explore our proprietary microRNA biomarker platform with Biogen Idec’s additional resources and expertise.  We believe that identification of microRNAs as biomarkers for multiple sclerosis may advance the treatment of this devastating disease.”