AstraZeneca Likes Sound Of Silence's Science

UK Biotech Gets $80m Upfront

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.

RNA
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 as developing new delivery approaches to target the heart, lung and kidney

More from Business

Takeda Plans US Investment But Sees Little Impact From Tariffs

 

The Japanese drug maker is on track for three pivotal Phase III readouts and two regulatory submissions in 2025.

Q1 S&E In Brief: Tracking New Launches And Catalysts In Biopharma

 

Neurocrine, Madrigal and Vanda updated investors on new drug launches, while Cytokinetics talked to investors about an FDA extension for aficamten.

Which Firms Are Most Exposed To Prasad’s Possible Accelerated Approvals Clampdown?

 

Vaccine and accelerated approvals are expected to face greater scrutiny under new CBER leader Vinay Prasad, but he has promised “no light switch change” to policy, giving some reassurance to companies whose share prices have been battered.

Building Up US Biopharma Manufacturing Will Require Investments In Talent

 

Workforce development will be essential to meeting president Trump’s goal to return biopharma manufacturing to the US.

More from Scrip

Finance Watch: Deerfield Closes $600m-Plus VC Fund; Gates Speeds Up Health Investments

 
• By 

Private Company Edition: Deerfield’s third innovations fund will back therapeutics and other opportunities, the Gates Foundation – a sometimes funder of biotech firms – will spend $200bn over the next 20 years, and NewLimit raised a $130m series B round, among other financings.

Pipeline Watch: Six Approvals And Thirteen Phase III Readouts

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.

Pharma Left Hanging After US/UK Trade Pact

 
• By 

An ‘historic economic prosperity deal’ does not include the sector.