Thermo Fisher Scientific to collaborate on siRNA therapeutics development

Thermo Fisher Scientific is to work on novel technology to enable the development of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics.

Genentech will be collaborating with the serving science company to develop novel siRNA therapeutic technologies, which could lead to a new class of gene-regulating drugs.

Ian Jardine, vice president of global R&D for Thermo Fisher Scientific, said: "By combining Genentech’s expertise in the development of biological therapeutics with Thermo Fisher’s capabilities in RNAi [RNA interference] and RNA chemistry, we hope to greatly advance this promising therapeutic class."

He added the work would focus on developments which would allow in vivo target validation and possible human therapeutic applications of RNAi technologies.

The collaboration will involve Thermo Fisher Scientific supplying siRNA design, delivery, stabilisation and related RNAi technologies which have been developed at the company’s Colorado RNAi Discovery and Therapeutic Services laboratory.

Last month, Thermo Fisher reported record third quarter results from its continuing operations, those in scientific sales jobs may be interested to know.