AstraZeneca Likes Sound Of Silence's Science

UK Biotech Gets $80m Upfront

25 Mar 2020

The UK major is getting access to Silence's small interfering RNA (siRNA) platform while the London-based biotech is getting further validation of its technology and a considerable pile of cash.

AstraZeneca enters field of small interfering RNA • Source: Shutterstock

AstraZeneca PLC has inked a collaboration with Silence Therapeutics PLC to develop gene-silencing drugs for cardiovascular, renal, metabolic and respiratory diseases, a deal that will transform the UK biotech's clinical and financial future.

Silence will be responsible for designing small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules against gene targets initially against liver-based targets, as well...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

Start your 7-day free trial
Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
Access comprehensive global coverage
Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

Merck & Co.’s Enlicitide Poised To Be First Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor To Market

09 Jun 2025

• By Jessica Merrill

The company announced positive data from two Phase III trials testing the cholesterol-lowering medicine.

Sanofi Cements RSV Dominance As Merck & Co Rival Awaits FDA D-Day

09 Jun 2025

• By Kevin Grogan

The French company will start shipping its blockbuster shortly to meet expected strong demand in the 2025–26 RSV season.

Quick Listen: Scrip’s Five Must-Know Things

09 Jun 2025

• By Ian Haydock

In this week's episode: Sanofi’s Blueprint buy; AstraZeneca’s breast cancer resistance results at ASCO; BMS and BioNTech’s big bispecific deal; Kymera’s Dupixent in a pill; and Degron’s CEO on pipeline and strategy.

Chinese Biotech VC/PE Fundings Rise But Still Modest

08 Jun 2025

• By Dexter Jie Yan

LTZ Therapeutics and Beijing Sungen Biomedical are among the Chinese biotechs raising new funding, of around $40m each, based on their clinical assets with novel mechanisms of action. While fundings have risen, they remain moderate however.