SiRNAsense chooses Polyplus-transfection's delivery system

Norwegian biotech company SiRNAsense has found a transfection system that can effectively deliver benefits in the treatment of melanoma metastasis.

SiRNAsense's drug candidate - "siRNA targeting Tissue Factor" is a synthetic siRNA that interferes with metastasis of melanoma, primarily by inhibiting circulating cancer cells' ability to attach to other cell membranes. For the drug to be efficient, it must be formulated in a vehicle, which ensures delivery to the cancer cells.

SiRNAsense selected the The Polyplus-transfection "in vivo-jetPEI" delivery system Polyplus' delivery system after experimental validation of several potential delivery systems.

"We have chosen the Polyplus delivery system because we found it to be well suited for systemic delivery of our drug candidate against melanoma metastasis. This is a very important step for siRNAsense. Following encouraging efficacy data in a mouse model of metastasis, we are now proceeding with preclinical studies in mice and primates to further develop our drug candidate using Polyplus' delivery system', said Hanne Mette Kristensen, ceo of siRNAsense.

siRNA is short for "small interfering RNA" and represents a major breakthrough in biology, whose potential therapeutic impact was recognised by the award of the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2006.

"We are delighted that siRNAsense has chosen our delivery system. We look forward to future collaboration with siRNAsense," said Joelle Bloch, ceo of Polyplus-transfection. "It is an advantage for our 'in vivo-jetPEI' to be used as delivery reagent for a new therapeutic target: the treatment of melanoma metastasis."

Polyplus-transfection based in Strasbourg, France is focused on developing innovative solutions for delivery of biomolecules. Both companies will be present at BIO 2008 in San Diego, USA, 16-20 June