Alnylam, Nucleonics, University of California deal

Nucleonics sold its RNAi IP and remaining programs to Alnylam for an undisclosed sum. Nucleonics' most advanced candidate is NUC B1000, a DNA plasmid vector encoding short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules that target four HBV genes. It began a Phase I trial to treat HBV in January but is now on hold. Nucleonics expects to dissolve in 2009.

Alnylam said the IP, which includes over 100 patent filings covering the broad structural features of RNAi, extends the breadth of its existing RNAi assets. Alnylam's lead RNAi compound is ALN-RSV01, an siRNA specific for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that is in Phase II testing to treat RSV infection. Rodman & Renshaw LLC advised Alnylam. ...