Regulus Earns GSK Milestone

Regulus Therapeutics, Inc. achieved the initial milestone in its worldwide strategic alliance with GlaxoSmithKline to discover, develop and market novel microRNA-based therapeutics to treat inflammatory diseases. The two companies are working to identify drugs directed at four different microRNA targets related to inflammatory disease. Regulus received an undisclosed payment for the first demonstration of pharmacological effect in immune cells by specific microRNA inhibition.

“This milestone is further evidence that microRNAs represent disease targets whose therapeutic modulation could revolutionize the way we treat immune diseases,” said Peter S. Linsley, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Regulus. “We believe that we are the leaders in microRNA and are delighted to have such a good partner as GSK supporting the translation of our groundbreaking research into therapeutic opportunities. We are particularly pleased that this has been achieved in the first year of the collaboration.”

The alliance, which has a potential value of nearly $600 million, was established in April 2008. Regulus is responsible for the development of antagonists to four microRNA targets from discovery through completion of clinical proof of concept. GSK has an exclusive license for worldwide development and commercialization of drugs developed by Regulus under each program for the relevant microRNA.