miRagen, Santaris, Servier deal

Servier exercised its right to add a third target to a 2011 deal with miRagen to develop and commercialize microRNA-targeting products for cardiovascular disease. Servier's target selection triggered the first undisclosed milestone payment to miRagen. The deal now includes the undisclosed new target and miRagen's preclinical programs targeting microRNA-208 ( miR-208) and miR-15/195. miRagen received an upfront payment in 2011 and is eligible for R&D milestones per target, plus commercial milestones and royalties. Servier will have rights outside of the U.S. and Japan, and will be responsible for funding all development, regulatory and commercialization costs of the three candidates. miRagen retains U.S. and Japanese rights and will have an option to co-sponsor Phase III trials. The companies could not be reached for details (see BioCentury, Oct. 24, 2011). ...