AstraZeneca and Regulus announce microRNA collaboration

AstraZeneca has announced a new collaboration with Regulus Therapeutics to create innovative new microRNA therapeutics.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will discover, develop and commercialise microRNA therapeutics for three exclusive targets currently in preclinical development, focusing on oncology and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

AstraZeneca will pay $28 million (17.82 million pounds) through this new deal, which includes an equity investment and an upfront payment to Regulus, while the arrangement also includes milestone-based fees.

Regulus will lead preclinical development of the new compounds, while AstraZeneca will spearhead and fund the clinical development and commercialisation of any resulting products.

Gunnar Olsson, vice-president and head of AstraZeneca's cardiovascular and gastrointestinal innovative medicines unit, said: "MicroRNA therapeutics have the potential to open up innovative and important treatment options for patients and AstraZeneca is pleased to collaborate with Regulus in this new and exciting area."

Last month, AstraZeneca paid $3.2 billion to expand its diabetes-focused partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb, following the latter company's takeover of Amylin Pharmaceuticals.