The new licenses enable Exiqon, which says it already has a leading position in microRNA research tools, to expand into the development of diagnostic products
Exiqon has secured the rights to use over 200 human and viral microRNA sequences in diagnostic applications, through two separate co-exclusive license agreements with Garching Innovation, the technology transfer agency of the Max Planck Society, and The Rockefeller University.
MicroRNAs play a central role in cancer biology.
The published data shows that microRNA profiling of tumours can characterise and classify cancers very distinctly, and strongly supports the idea that microRNAs could successfully be used in the diagnosis and theranostics of cancer.
Exiqon plans to build on its experience of creating high-affinity detection assays for small RNA targets like microRNAs using locked nucleic acids (LNAs), which display unprecedented hybridisation affinity towards complementary DNA and RNA.
The diagnostic tools will measure the presence and abundance of individual or groups of microRNAs, providing information on key disease indicators, including a tumor's progression state or its response or sensitivity to therapy.
Lars Kongsbak, president and CEO of Exiqon, said: "Our LNA-based microRNA detection products are emerging as the preferred technology for detection platforms.
"Expanding our focus to probe the diagnostic potential of microRNAs is a key interest for the company.
"These licensing agreements, which include a significant proportion of the microRNAs discovered by siRNA/microRNA pioneer, professor Tom Tuschl, put Exiqon in the privileged position of being one of only four companies in the world with the right to use these microRNA sequences for diagnostic purposes."
