Regulus Therapeutics Inc. and
Biogen Idec
(
BIIB
) recently entered into a deal to identify microRNAs
(micro-RiboNucleic Acids) as biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
(MS). As per the terms of the deal, Regulus - a joint venture
between
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
(
ALNY
) and
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(
ISIS
) - will receive upfront fees and milestone payments. Biogen will
also make an investment in Regulus.
Biogen is the market leader in therapies for the treatment of
MS. The company markets several MS drugs including Avonex and
Tysabri. Biogen is working on consolidating its position in the MS
market and has an impressive late-stage pipeline of drugs including
oral MS candidate, BG-12.
Biogen believes that the use of microRNA biomarkers will enable
better assessment of early stage MS candidates. Moreover, MicroRNA
biomarkers have the potential to assist in the selection of optimal
patient segments for clinical trials, developing companion
diagnostics and monitoring disease progression or relapse.
We believe that the partnership with a big player like Biogen
will help boost the development of Regulus' microRNA therapeutics.
Regulus is evaluating microRNA therapeutics in several areas
including oncology, fibrosis, hepatitis C and metabolic
diseases.
A few days ago,
AstraZeneca
(
AZN
) and Regulus entered into an agreement to discover, develop, and
commercialize microRNA therapeutics for three pre-clinical
candidates. Regulus has collaborated with several companies
including
GlaxoSmithKline
(
GSK
) and
Sanofi
(
SNY
) for microRNA therapeutics.
Our Recommendation
We currently have an Outperform recommendation on Biogen. Biogen
carries a Zacks #1 Rank (short-term Strong Buy rating). Currently,
we have a Neutral recommendation on Isis Pharma and Outperform
recommendation on Alnylam. Both stocks carry a Zacks #3 Rank
(short-term Hold rating).
ALNYLAM PHARMA (ALNY): Free Stock Analysis
Report
ASTRAZENECA PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis
Report
BIOGEN IDEC INC (BIIB): Free Stock Analysis
Report
GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK): Free Stock Analysis
Report
ISIS PHARMACEUT (ISIS): Free Stock Analysis
Report
SANOFI-AVENTIS (SNY): Free Stock Analysis
Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment
Research