About Regulus
Regulus Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company leading the discovery and development of a new class of high-impact medicines based on microRNAs.
The discovery of microRNA in humans is one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs in the last decade. microRNAs are small RNA molecules, typically 20 to 25 nucleotides in length, that do not encode proteins but instead regulate gene expression. More than 700 microRNAs have been identified in the human genome, and more than one-third of all human genes are believed to be regulated by microRNAs.
As a single microRNA can regulate entire networks of genes, these molecules are considered the master regulators of the genome. Targeting microRNAs opens the possibility of a novel class of therapeutics and a unique approach to treating disease by modulating entire biological pathways.
Regulus is advancing microRNA therapeutics in several areas including hepatitis C infection, cardiovascular disease, fibrosis, oncology, immuno-inflammatory diseases, and metabolic diseases.
Regulus was established in September of 2007 by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ALNY) and Isis Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ISIS) and benefits substantially from their collective RNA therapeutic drug expertise, unique and established oligonucleotide-based technologies, and a broad and dominant intellectual property estate specific to microRNA-based therapeutics. Regulus' patent estate includes discoveries specific to microRNA sequences, therapeutic uses and drug designs, as well as over 600 patents and more than 300 pending patent applications pertaining primarily to chemical modifications of oligonucleotides targeting microRNA for therapeutic applications. In April 2008, Regulus formed an alliance with GlaxoSmithKline to explore microRNA therapeutics for immuno-inflammatory diseases. In February 2010, GSK and Regulus Therapeutics announced a new collaboration to develop and commercialize microRNA therapeutics targeting microRNA-122 for the treatment of Hepatitis C Infection. In June 2010, sanofi-aventis and Regulus Therapeutics entered into the largest-to-date strategic alliance on microRNA therapeutics.
Regulus is located in Torrey Pines, California and has a seasoned executive team experienced in corporate management, business, science, and drug discovery and development. Regulus' scientific advisory board consists of world-class scientists and some of the foremost authorities in the field of microRNA research.
