Regulus Therapeutics reports new microRNA research

Regulus Therapeutics, a joint venture between Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Isis Pharmaceutics, has announced the publication of new research on the role of microRNAs in regulating pathways for viral infection.

Published in the Journal of Virology, the findings build on existing research showing that certain viral microRNAs, by regulating host gene expression, play a role in the viral life cycle.

The research suggests that microRNA therapeutics which target specific viral microRNAs could provide an innovative approach for anti-viral medicines.

Juergen Soutschek, senior director of scientific development for Regulus, described the research as an “important step” in understanding the role of viral microRNAs in viral infection.

“The publication of these new results is representative of Regulus’ strategy to collaborate with leading academic groups in the area of microRNA biology, and this research is another example of the role microRNA therapeutics may play in treating disease,” he added.

The research was performed in collaboration with the Max von Pettenkofer Institute for Virology in Munich and the National Centre for Scientific Research in Strasbourg.

Regulus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company created to discover, develop and commercialise microRNA therapeutics